Thread: Festool DTS 400 vs DTSC 400 (Maybe RO90)

Cannot comment on the DTS-400 vs DTSC-400 argument. Other than to say brushless is obviously a better choice. Thing to check is - given the DTSC is designed as a cordless sander, is there a difference in extraction capability? Maybe so - and to me, the real beauty of Festool sanders is the extraction.

As for DTS(C)-400 vs RO-90 - I had toyed for the longest time on getting an RO-90 as a single sander solution for everything. You'll probably still easily find my thread on FOG about it.

In the end, whilst the RO-90 is a very nice bit of kit - much of the feedback I got was that it was trying to be a jack of all trades. Which meant it's really not a master of anything. Also, be aware the iron head on the RO-90 is a different size to the DTS-400 (which is larger).

In the end, I was convinced for woodwork to go the ETSC-150/5 or ETSC-150/3 (still deciding, not sure if the /3 can hog off enough material if needed). Add to this the DTS-400 (which I now have).

Big advantage of the DTS-400 is that it fits in the palm of your hand, and gets into incredibly tight places with ease as a result. Truly a sweet little sander if you have another sander to handle "normal" stuff (I'm still using my Bosch ROS, but not real happy with that).

Sanders can be an intensely personal choice (as with most tools). Tip: Head to a good Festool dealer (Carbatec, Sydney Tools etc) and play with them a bit. You always have 30 days to try it and return it if you don't like it - use that to your advantage!

I make a fair few boxes, most of them cheap knock-em-ups for markets and etsy, but I've had the same problem.

Getting into the corners after a bodgy glueup or fixing a mark left by a careless chisel is a problem. I'm not talking about some lovingly-crafted inlaid masterpiece, but a MDF or pine thing....

One of the things I considered was one of these linear-style sanders...https://www.festool.com.au/products/...-sander_567770

Its back and forth action allows one to put the edge up to the corner or align it along a fold.

I know a decent ROS can do the same thing, but my experience using the ROS125 (using the guard) and ROS150 is that the round edge touching the upper/opposite edge ablates it, even when using the guard (on the ROS125).... this is what led me to think about the LS130.

It would also be useful for painting jobs (windows, banisters, cornice, etc).

Originally Posted by woodPixel

I make a fair few boxes, most of them cheap knock-em-ups for markets and etsy, but I've had the same problem. Getting into the corners after a bodgy glueup or fixing a mark left by a careless chisel is a problem.

If your need is somewhat occasional, you might consider the abrasive sponges from Festool (possibly other manufacturers make the same thing too).

Product codes:

201080 $13.50 Granat Abrasive Sponge 69 mm x 98 mm x 26 mm P36 6 per pack
201081 $13.50 Granat Abrasive Sponge 69 mm x 98 mm x 26 mm P60 6 per pack
201082 $13.50 Granat Abrasive Sponge 69 mm x 98 mm x 26 mm P120 6 per pack
201084 $14.00 Granat Abrasive Sponge 69 mm x 98 mm x 26 mm P120 6 per pack
201083 $13.50 Granat Abrasive Sponge 69 mm x 98 mm x 26 mm P220 6 per pack

Link here: https://www.festool.com.au/products/...x26-p36_201080

Please don't ask me about the fairly obvious irregularity in the above table on the P120 grit and pricing, I just copied the Festool table straight out of their online catalogue... if you can figure it out, please let others know the "secret sauce"

Had the RO 90, sold it because it was very back heavy when used with one hand. Gave me a bad wrist ache.

Brushless for the amount of work you are doing is fairly pointless I suspect.

Cordless? Meh, just adding weight to the sander and probably screwing around with the balance of it.

Hi there

I would look at going with the DTS over the DTSC, no batteries to recharge, and the tool comes ready to go. The tasks you envisage bridge across more than one of the Festool offerings, in this instance for the skirting boards and door frames the LS130 would also be an option.

Regards
Graham

Thanks guys,

All the feedback made sense so I went and purchased the DTs online. Hopefully it will be here by the weekend!

My thoughts are the DTS/DTSC are far move useful than the RTS/RTSC as the DTS/DTSC has similar surface area over all to the RTS/RTSC but the advantages of the delta tip.

In my humble opinion and experience, once you have the DTS/DTSC in your kit it's hard to be without again. The tried and true DTS is hard to beat and compact; and the advantages of the new DTSC are marginal unless you think you might go cordless sometimes, or the protectors are good for your applications.