My wife wants to buy me a new tool. I have decided I want another rectangular based sander. I have a serious hobby shop and want a sander that will work into corners and such and do general finish sanding. I have the CT33 and also want good dust collection. Which one should I have her order for me?
which rectangular sander for me?
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leakyroof
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Lets break down your question a bit. Delta, or triangle shaped sanding pads work into corners easier than a plain, larger square or rectangular pad. Next, how large a surface area does your sander need to work, like do you sand large areas on a cabinet often, and just need corners sanded every now and then. OR, you need corners taken care of primarily, with the "field" or main surface areas handled by some other sander you own?
For corners, the Deltex sander 93E is small, works well. Larger delta sander would be the DTS 400 EQ, and if you want totally tricked out 3- mode sander, say one that just MIGHT retire some of your other sanders since it handles field AND tight spaces, the new ROTEX 90 DX model. With the RO 90 you simply swap round pads out for the Delta shaped pad in seconds with the mode button turned to the Delta mode, and you're off and running into your corners. Figure out how large you want to go, all 3 sanders are of much different weight and handling configuration. Decide which works best for you. I own both the Deltex 93 and the new RO 90. I may still get rid of the Deltex since the RO 90 has more power and a larger surface sanding area. We'll see.......................
Now back to just rec/square pad sanders. I also own the RTS 400. Nice 1/4 sheet sander, good dust collection, and not as "buzzy" as many other 1/4 sheet sanders. While I doubt you're looking for a 1/2 sheet sander, I highly love my RS 2 E. Even though it's a 1/2 sheet sander, and much larger than 1/4 sheet models, I can still work it into corners and use it one handed. Truthfully though, if you need a detail sander, you should GET a detail sander since it's what you really need, or seem to need from your post. And yeah, I own a BUNCH of Festool sanders [embarassed] [embarassed]
For corners, the Deltex sander 93E is small, works well. Larger delta sander would be the DTS 400 EQ, and if you want totally tricked out 3- mode sander, say one that just MIGHT retire some of your other sanders since it handles field AND tight spaces, the new ROTEX 90 DX model. With the RO 90 you simply swap round pads out for the Delta shaped pad in seconds with the mode button turned to the Delta mode, and you're off and running into your corners. Figure out how large you want to go, all 3 sanders are of much different weight and handling configuration. Decide which works best for you. I own both the Deltex 93 and the new RO 90. I may still get rid of the Deltex since the RO 90 has more power and a larger surface sanding area. We'll see.......................
Now back to just rec/square pad sanders. I also own the RTS 400. Nice 1/4 sheet sander, good dust collection, and not as "buzzy" as many other 1/4 sheet sanders. While I doubt you're looking for a 1/2 sheet sander, I highly love my RS 2 E. Even though it's a 1/2 sheet sander, and much larger than 1/4 sheet models, I can still work it into corners and use it one handed. Truthfully though, if you need a detail sander, you should GET a detail sander since it's what you really need, or seem to need from your post. And yeah, I own a BUNCH of Festool sanders [embarassed] [embarassed]
AlexThePalex
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I advice the DTS400 in this matter. Good for getting into corners and very suited for medium size surfaces. It's simply the best all round orbital sander and I think not owning one is just silly.
leakyroof
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Agree with Alex mostly now that we know you already own a Fein MM. The DTS has a larger Delta pad than your Fein, or the Festool Deltex 93, and will carry on with flat, main work but still work corners . The RTS has the rectangular pad you're looking for, and will work corners, but not as well as a delta. Seems like you're now down to 2 choices for a small sander. As always, you have the 30 day Festool guarantee when you've bought one of their tools, so if you aren't happy with your first choice return it for plan B. [cool]
While I can't speak for the dust collection abilities of the DTS model, I know the RTS 400 collects dust via my CT-22 very well. Your CT-33 will of course work equally well. You'll probably only need 2 types of abrasives, Rubin for bare wood, and Brilliant2 for closed coat paper. Not sure if the new Granat comes in the RTS rectangle size yet.
I'm bringing all this up since buying a sander is easy, it's the abrasives that you're "feeding" it that make all the difference. If you're used to your Fein sander NOT collecting dust that well, and maybe NOT being that good with sandpaper life, you're about to take a huge step forward with Festool sanders since the dust collection ability is a major game changer in keeping a single sheet going, and going, and going. The new Granat is taking over Rubin usage for some people since it seems to last even longer than the Rubin did, which was very good in its own right.. [cool]
While I can't speak for the dust collection abilities of the DTS model, I know the RTS 400 collects dust via my CT-22 very well. Your CT-33 will of course work equally well. You'll probably only need 2 types of abrasives, Rubin for bare wood, and Brilliant2 for closed coat paper. Not sure if the new Granat comes in the RTS rectangle size yet.
I'm bringing all this up since buying a sander is easy, it's the abrasives that you're "feeding" it that make all the difference. If you're used to your Fein sander NOT collecting dust that well, and maybe NOT being that good with sandpaper life, you're about to take a huge step forward with Festool sanders since the dust collection ability is a major game changer in keeping a single sheet going, and going, and going. The new Granat is taking over Rubin usage for some people since it seems to last even longer than the Rubin did, which was very good in its own right.. [cool]
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The RO 90 and Deltex 93 have the same size pad/paper, which is a 93mm equilateral triangle. The DTS 400 is a 100mm x 150mm delta.
Tom
Tom
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The biggest difference, other than the shape (delta vs. rectangular) in the RTS 400 and the DTS 400 is that the delta pad of the DTS has beveled edges. That makes it easier to ensure that there is no marring of the surface that one is sanding up to.
The RTS 400 shares abrasives with the LS 130. The DTS 400 shares abrasives with no other Festool sander AINA.
Tom
The RTS 400 shares abrasives with the LS 130. The DTS 400 shares abrasives with no other Festool sander AINA.
Tom
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You're welcome and yes, Granat is available for both the RTS and the DTS.
In fact, I've been asked to put together a Granat assortment for the DTS and I will do that today.
Tom
In fact, I've been asked to put together a Granat assortment for the DTS and I will do that today.
Tom
AlexThePalex
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Tom Bellemare said:
But the DTS400 shares abrasives with a vast number of sanders of other manufacturers since the iron shape is a commonly accepted standard. You can walk into any hardware store and find paper for it.
leakyroof
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Perhaps Alex, it's common for you and not us[USA -Imperial doomed fools?] [wink] [wink] [wink] I don't know that the DTS pad is exact in size to some of the "mouse" sanders as they're refered to here[as well as being called Detail sanders]. So maybe Europe once again agreed on a standard and we here in the States agreed to something different? I don't own any of the "other" detail/mouse sanders out there on the market, so I can't really speak to that with ANY certainty. Maybe someone who's used a Black & Decker, or other Delta sander here in the States can chime in.Alex said:
The biggest problem with them is that support and usage seems to evaporate once the tools is no longer new, or "hot" in marketing terms. So, FINDING abrasives gets to be challenging once the sander gets old, so the typical homeowner or even commerical user ditches the sander for something else that's carrying their needed sandpaper right on the shelves. Not everyone is like us here on the FOG, and is good about seeking out alternative solutions to a problem to save money or continue using an older tool. A perfect example of this is my older Porter-Cable detail sander, with its large selection of rubber profile bodies that you can peel and stick small pieces of sandpaper around to match a given profile. Not a great tool, but handy enough, with passible dust collection that I keep it anyway for weird small profile sanding since Festool only really makes a larger version of it in some tools, like my LS 130 with the various large profile pad shapes. I buy the peel and stick abrasive on-line from Klingspor, but good luck finding either the diamond shaped delta paper that it uses, or the small flat sheet abrasive that comes in small rolls anywhere locally, and in ALL the grits you want. Not trying to get Off-Topic for the original poster, but my long rambling point is that most people would have thrown the sander away by now since abrasive support for it is hard to come by.
Please Festool, add a T-loc kit for the Deltex 93 with all the crazy, small, profiles that my P-C has in it. I'll buy it, I swear......
Alex said:
So I guess the Delta head is large enough to be stable on the wood surface. The Fein head is small and I wonder if I am cutting into the wood as I sand. If the head is as big as most rectangular based sander, then I agree, the DTS400 is probably the perfect sander for me.
Kevin Stricker
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The DX93 is not a good detail finish sander. There really is not a large enough surface area to keep the pad flat on the workpiece in a consistent manner. It also has to do with the location of the pad in relation to your hands, you are always lifting to keep the nose engaged and then you end up with swirlys where it is hardest to see them until it is too late.
I'm not saying you can't do detail finish work with one, but it's not what the sander was designed to do. I know everyone is on the RO 90 bandwagon these days but I think you will find the same goes for it. If you want the best finish you need a sander that has the pad under your hand so you can always keep even pressure on in an easy manner.
Go with a DTS or RTS 400.
I'm not saying you can't do detail finish work with one, but it's not what the sander was designed to do. I know everyone is on the RO 90 bandwagon these days but I think you will find the same goes for it. If you want the best finish you need a sander that has the pad under your hand so you can always keep even pressure on in an easy manner.
Go with a DTS or RTS 400.
leakyroof
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Sounds like you've come to a decision. Enjoy your new sander if you get it. [big grin]
Since I own 2 different sanders and the hand sand block kit, all of which take the same sized paper, it's rectangles for me.. [wink]
To Kevin Stricker, the DX93 is NOT a good detail sander? Hmm, I have no trouble keeping the pad flat and getting the results I need out of it. For this application, it's working way better than my Fein MM or my older P-C detail sander, with much better dust collection too. I DO agree that it will be harder for me using the RO 90 in Delta mode to not want to tip the pad/sander at times. But that's why I'm keeping my '93 for now. Too new with the RO 90 yet to make any changes. Anyway, interesting thread on sanders. [thanks]
Since I own 2 different sanders and the hand sand block kit, all of which take the same sized paper, it's rectangles for me.. [wink]
To Kevin Stricker, the DX93 is NOT a good detail sander? Hmm, I have no trouble keeping the pad flat and getting the results I need out of it. For this application, it's working way better than my Fein MM or my older P-C detail sander, with much better dust collection too. I DO agree that it will be harder for me using the RO 90 in Delta mode to not want to tip the pad/sander at times. But that's why I'm keeping my '93 for now. Too new with the RO 90 yet to make any changes. Anyway, interesting thread on sanders. [thanks]
GaryLaroff
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I too am a serious hobbyist woodworker and work mainly in hardwoods. I have most of the Festool sanders but only the 5-inch Rotex and don’t have the RAS (yet).
I also have a lot of older sanders that aren’t used much anymore, if at all. In the past more than half my sanding was with the Porter Cable Speedbloc 330, a small rectangular, almost square, orbital sander. The closest Festool sander is the RTS400.
Since 2008 all my sanding has switched over the Festool sanders connected to my boom-equipped CT22 and the vast majority of work with small projects has been with the RTS400.
The DX93 is nice but is not that much better than the Fein MM, so there is not much to gain by getting it now and it is not the most flexible of sanders.
The LS130 is an interesting specializing sander and cannot easily be used for general sanding even with a flat platen as it vibrates back and forth without orbiting, can buck and can hit adjacent walls. It is a learned experience.
The RS2 is a superb sander for long, wide flat surfaces and is unsurpassed for this activity. It is too big and heavy to use on small projects or as a handheld sander used to “kiss” an object or for delicate sanding of smaller parts.
The RTS400 and DTS400 seem more fit to your requirements. I have both and use the RTS400 more. If I was going to get only one, the DTS400 is more useful and has beveled edges that are kinder to adjacent surfaces. That said and with both in front of me, for most small applications I grab for the RTS400.
The RTS400 has the added advantage that the paper can be swapped end-for-end and you set up small sanding blocks with RTS400 paper for hand sanding. You could do this with the DTS400 as well, but the blocks would be delta shaped.
On these two sanders I use mainly the Brilliant-2 abrasives although I also have some of the Rubin. I’ve never seen or used the Granat.
Hope this helps and good luck with your decision.
Gary
I also have a lot of older sanders that aren’t used much anymore, if at all. In the past more than half my sanding was with the Porter Cable Speedbloc 330, a small rectangular, almost square, orbital sander. The closest Festool sander is the RTS400.
Since 2008 all my sanding has switched over the Festool sanders connected to my boom-equipped CT22 and the vast majority of work with small projects has been with the RTS400.
The DX93 is nice but is not that much better than the Fein MM, so there is not much to gain by getting it now and it is not the most flexible of sanders.
The LS130 is an interesting specializing sander and cannot easily be used for general sanding even with a flat platen as it vibrates back and forth without orbiting, can buck and can hit adjacent walls. It is a learned experience.
The RS2 is a superb sander for long, wide flat surfaces and is unsurpassed for this activity. It is too big and heavy to use on small projects or as a handheld sander used to “kiss” an object or for delicate sanding of smaller parts.
The RTS400 and DTS400 seem more fit to your requirements. I have both and use the RTS400 more. If I was going to get only one, the DTS400 is more useful and has beveled edges that are kinder to adjacent surfaces. That said and with both in front of me, for most small applications I grab for the RTS400.
The RTS400 has the added advantage that the paper can be swapped end-for-end and you set up small sanding blocks with RTS400 paper for hand sanding. You could do this with the DTS400 as well, but the blocks would be delta shaped.
On these two sanders I use mainly the Brilliant-2 abrasives although I also have some of the Rubin. I’ve never seen or used the Granat.
Hope this helps and good luck with your decision.
Gary
Brice Burrell
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This picture will give you an idea how big both the DTS and RTS sanders are.
