*WAS* Leaning toward RTS 400, but DTS 400 wins!!

[wow]

I know this has been discussed before, but I think my case is unique.  For sanders I currently have the RO90 and RO150. I need a smaller sander for inside cabinet type work.

I am leaning toward an RTS 400, but I keep waffling between that and the DTS 400. I think I want the RTS because of it's rectangular pad, as I already have the RO90 that can get into corners if needed. But I'm having a hard time making up my mind.

Please talk me into or out of the RTS 400?

Edited to reflect decision to go with DTS 400

 

[tiralie]

For your specific application the DTS 400 is better than the RTS.
I love my RTS but it's not great inside cabinet corners, particularly overhead.
For me, The RO 90 is too aggressive and too long to move around.

Tim

 

[oldie]

Agree with Tim.  Alex described (for some) a downside of RTS - explaining that can be a little 'tippy' when used side to side.  That's my experience.  Ergonomically the DTS is so sweet - a dream to use.  Would let a child use the DTS, whereas would expect them to find the RTS a little harder to control.  And, such a useful all round little sander.  Only downside is, do have to consider the pads as more definitely a consumable.
Richard

 

[tbellemare]

Another consideration is that the edges of the pad on the DTS are beveled and they are not on the RTS. The bevel means that when sanding against an adjacent surface, only the soft part of the pad can come in contact. It greatly reduces the chances that it will get damaged or marred.

Tom

 

[wow]

Another consideration is that the edges of the pad on the DTS are beveled and they are not on the RTS. The bevel means that when sanding against an adjacent surface, only the soft part of the pad can come in contact. It greatly reduces the chances that it will get damaged or marred.

Tom

I didn't know that Tom. That's a fairly significant consideration.

Thanks for your (always) expert response!

 

[oldie]

Thanks for making that clear Tom.  Should have said that my DTS is often 'abused;' being used in ways that are not good for pads - just because it's so easy to control.  In 'normal' use pad wear completely acceptable.
Richard.

 

[wow]

Well, Tom's comment pretty much pushed me to the DTS400. Thanks for all the comments, eveyone!

 

[tjbnwi]

DTS is the wise choice for this application.

Tom

 

[wow]

DTS is the wise choice for this application.

Tom

OK - the DTS 400 wins - by a lot!

 

[roblg3]

DTS has a larger sanding area it appears as well!

 

[Brandon]

I had an RTS and bought the parts to make it into a DTS, I like it much better as a DTS

 

[Scott B.]

DTS all day long in this case.

 

[donwon]

I had an RTS and bought the parts to make it into a DTS, I like it much better as a DTS

Just wondering if you have a list of the parts required to do this conversion?  Thanks!

 

[Ajax]

This is a good thread.

I have the RO150, RO90, and ETS150/3 sanders and have been very pleased with all of them.  They each seem to excel in different areas.  Doing some Craftsman style end tables with the RO90 made me think that either the DTS400 or RTS400 would be more useful on some of the thinner parts (i.e. legs, sides, stiles, rails, etc.) of my furniture.  I usually have a lot of narrow but long parts to sand.  While the RO90 can handle these kinds of parts, I always worry about rounding over the edges if I don't keep the round sanding pad level to the face.  But maybe I'm just rationalizing another Festool purchase.  

 

[wow]

But maybe I'm just rationalizing another Festool purchase.  

And the problem with that is ... ?

[wink]

 

[Kev]

This is a good thread.

I have the RO150, RO90, and ETS150/3 sanders and have been very pleased with all of them.  They each seem to excel in different areas.  Doing some Craftsman style end tables with the RO90 made me think that either the DTS400 or RTS400 would be more useful on some of the thinner parts (i.e. legs, sides, stiles, rails, etc.) of my furniture.  I usually have a lot of narrow but long parts to sand.  While the RO90 can handle these kinds of parts, I always worry about rounding over the edges if I don't keep the round sanding pad level to the face.  But maybe I'm just rationalizing another Festool purchase.  

What happens is ... you go though the options and logically settle on the DTS400. A little while later you get the LS130 .. then you have a flash of inspiration, realising that the abrasives you got for the LS130 are the same size as those for the RTS400. Then the next logical step is ...