Thread: DTS to RTS and back?

hi hotchips, great question, i dont own either sander, but i have been wondering the same thing. if they are interchangeable, i would certainly consider going down that road.
i read somewhere that the older models were interchangeable, hopefully someone can enlighten us with the latest models.
regards, justin.

Hi HotChips and Justin,

The DTS and RTS were not designed to have be interchangeable pads. But with the correct spare parts, namely the sanding pads backing plate, one can be converted into the other. It's not something you would do every day, but if you decided that you prefer teh other sander, it is possible.

I expect the warranty could be void as you have modified the machine, and would depend on the part that failed under warranty.

Thanks for that and your prompt reply. Is it an easy thing to do? Looks at first inspection just some screws to take the base off....it may well be worth doing.

cheers

Originally Posted by HotChips

Thanks for that and your prompt reply. Is it an easy thing to do? Looks at first inspection just some screws to take the base off....it may well be worth doing.

I have not actually taken the time to do one of these "transplants", but can do an experimental one just to see how it goes. But the four screws on the plate looks like the only thing that needs to be done, once the pad is removed. I can report back later today. I will swap a DTS base onto an older RS sander and visa versa.

I read on another forum that the newer S models DTS and RTS are no longer able to switch the pads, I don't know if this is true or not so I'm interested in what you find out.

Hi guys,
I'm not familiar with the sanders you are talking about, however, I notice you are talking about changing heads on the sanders.
Be aware the screw on my random orbit sander was reverse thread.
Don't know if this is relevant to your situation but it's a bummer if you find out the hard way like me......twist the head off the screw....D'OH.

Originally Posted by nt900

I have not actually taken the time to do one of these "transplants", but can do an experimental one just to see how it goes. But the four screws on the plate looks like the only thing that needs to be done, once the pad is removed. I can report back later today. I will swap a DTS base onto an older RS sander and visa versa.

I forgot to report back - it took about 5 minutes to convert an RS400 and DTS400 from one to the other. And it's simple to do - just need a philips and torx driver.

thanks anthony.

you have saved me the full price of a sander!
regards, justin.

Thanks Anthony

so what is the approximate cost of parts to turn a DTS400 into a RTS400 ?

Originally Posted by ian

Thanks Anthony

so what is the approximate cost of parts to turn a DTS400 into a RTS400 ?

About $92 for backing plate and new sanding pad. The eight existing screws from the DTS plate/pad will work when fitting the new RTS plate/pad.

Please note: Festool might have an opinion about modifications affecting the warranty. So proceed at own risk.

Originally Posted by justinmcf

thanks anthony.

you have saved me the full price of a sander!
regards, justin.

No problem Justin.

Hi All,

most parts of the two xTS400-versions are exactly identical. The drive plate containing the bottom ball bearing may also have the same thread outlay to cater for either the delta or rectangle sanding sole. But do these soles have the same mass? Which means to say: is the counterweight to cancel out vibrations; identical in the RTS and DTS? Right now i'm not sure, i'll check the exploded view parts drawings. When one counterweight part number is specified for both machines, you're all right. I'll get back on it soon.

greetings

gerhard

Originally Posted by gerhard

Hi All,

most parts of the two xTS400-versions are exactly identical. The drive plate containing the bottom ball bearing may also have the same thread outlay to cater for either the delta or rectangle sanding sole. But do these soles have the same mass? Which means to say: is the counterweight to cancel out vibrations; identical in the RTS and DTS? Right now i'm not sure, i'll check the exploded view parts drawings. When one counterweight part number is specified for both machines, you're all right. I'll get back on it soon.

greetings

gerhard

Hi Gerhard. I did check this, the counterweights are the same part number on both DTS and RTS. And the DS and RS are the same part number.

But this does highlight that not all things may be obvious or equal. So make changes at own risk.

Hi Anthony!

yep, you're abolutely right, i also checked it just now. The "vibrating" drive plate containing the bottom ball bearing, is part number 489 187 for both machines. The counterweight is part number 489 214, also identical for both machines. Both sole plates come in an upper half and bottom half. The upper half is screwed against the drive plate with four screws (part number 228 738 for a set of 4), the bottom half (fitted with the velcro pad and perforated with dust suction holes) is to be screwed onto the upper half with four screws 400 212 (also a set of 4).

Both sets of screws are again identical for both machines. So in principle you would have to order either a delta sole in two halves (upper 489 125 and bottom 489 126) or a rectangle sole in two halves (upper 489 215 and bottom 489 252). It's nice to know that the bottom halves containing the velcro (which is known to wear out or fail when it gets clogged) can be ordered separately.

Like you said, although i personally see no technical difficulties resulting from mingling these specific machine type parts, doing so is at the owner's own risk. I can imagine that it will probably make the Festool warranty void. I could have included part of the schematic part drawings, but those are Festool property. I hope i'm not regarded as a person endorsing a sort of machine rebuilding that was not devised by the manufacturer itself. My reaction is meant to confirm that the machine will not be shaken to bits or fail or become any unsafer when this change is performed, as long as it is done properly.

greetings

gerhard