Second Fiddler to my RO125...RTS or ETS?

[Flashman]

As a painter here in London I use the RTS everyday, up to 10 hours. It's got to be one of Festools best products. I had a RO90 but sold it... Too unwieldy, too small.
My current stack is
RTS400
RO125
Mirka ceros 150
Deltex
RAS115

I'm almost covered for all possible jobs but should have got the Mirka 125 not the 150 - to share abrasives with the RO125.

The RTS is the must buy of all the above. £10 for a new base too.

Paul

 

[AlexThePalex]

I'm no pro but I do a lot of paint work and I've got the RTS, but I'm not a fan of it.

I've got 9 Festool sanders right now and the RTS is the least used, on nomination to be sold. I added the RTS to my RO150 and Deltex originally, but I found out I still kept using the other two most of the time. Then I got my DTS and it quickly became my favourite. Since then I only take the RTS out if it is absolutely the only sander that fits the workpiece. 

I also find the RTS tippy and therefore making it uncomfortable. It's perfectly fine as long as you use it forward and backward, but as soon as you move it sideways it has a tendency to tip over. I feel I have to put too much effort into keeping it upright to like it.

What a difference with the DTS. Same sander, different pad, and those extra centimeters on the side make all the difference. Has a perfect balance and feels like it floats effortlessly over the workpiece. You're literally ironing, but now with a sander. Some people call it a finish sander, and that's true, because you can get the finest results with it, but slap some 60 or 40 grit on it and see the paint fly away. Here in Holland the DTS and its spitting image the Rupes LS 21A are the go to sanders of the professional paint contractor and I couldn't agree more. 

 

[skids]

I'm no pro but I do a lot of paint work and I've got the RTS, but I'm not a fan of it.

I've got 9 Festool sanders right now and the RTS is the least used, on nomination to be sold. I added the RTS to my RO150 and Deltex originally, but I found out I still kept using the other two most of the time. Then I got my DTS and it quickly became my favourite. Since then I only take the RTS out if it is absolutely the only sander that fits the workpiece. 

I also find the RTS tippy and therefore making it uncomfortable. It's perfectly fine as long as you use it forward and backward, but as soon as you move it sideways it has a tendency to tip over. I feel I have to put too much effort into keeping it upright to like it.

What a difference with the DTS. Same sander, different pad, and those extra centimeters on the side make all the difference. Has a perfect balance and feels like it floats effortlessly over the workpiece. You're literally ironing, but now with a sander. Some people call it a finish sander, and that's true, because you can get the finest results with it, but slap some 60 or 40 grit on it and see the paint fly away. Here in Holland the DTS and its spitting image the Rupes LS 21A are the go to sanders of the professional paint contractor and I couldn't agree more. 

Alex, been drilling down on my research of these two sanders a bit more, RTS and DTS..I have decided to get he DTS, hands down this will compliment better for me. After seeing it in use I can see myself using this alot, I like that you can feather in long/narrow areas with it, sand corners and sand larger areas as well. I understand the drawbacks of the triangular paper, but I think this is minor. Sold on the DTS! Now I just have to find the money for it since i am still recovering from the arse-woopin my Kapex served me.

 

[skids]

I am about convinced after seeing it in hand..Since you suggested the DTS, should I consider the RO90 then too?

I love the delta on the 90, but the only thing it really has in common with the dts is the triangular tip. Kind of apples and oranges. I mean, its never a bad idea to get an RO90 but its not going to replace the dts400 anytime soon. It will make the dx93 extinct though.

And thanks, Brice!

One major diffference between the DTS and the RO90 is the stroke, just picked up on this spec. Also the fact the RTS/DTS are Orbital and the ETS and ROs are Random Orbitals-apparently this is an important detail to consider...I think overall, the stroke is what I am after when I compare my rotex to the feel I got when I used my buddy's ETS. Am I thinking about this correctly? It felt more refined, less vibration, and nicer finish. But if this is the case why not go for the ETS and save $50, plus avoid the paper expenses for a DTS! Sheesh, analysis paralysis again. Festool always gets me...