When comparing Festool 567871 DTS 400 EQ vs Festool 571916 ETS 150/5, the Slant community recommends Festool 571916 ETS 150/5 for most people. In the question“What are the best high-end palm sanders?” Festool 571916 ETS 150/5 is ranked 1st while Festool 567871 DTS 400 EQ is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Festool 571916 ETS 150/5 is:
It can be used effectively during all stages of a sanding project, due to having a good compromise between sanding power and surface finish. With it, you can relatively efficiently remove a large volume of material, and then reach an acceptable surface finish. For example, within 10 -15 minutes, this tool can sand an old 36" x 48" hardwood dining table to a surface finish level that's good enough to apply the first level of varnish.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Great for detail finishing
The low amplitude (2mm) eccentric motion, combined with the maximum speed of 12000 RPM, makes this palm sander a perfect tool for surface finishing.
Pro Versatile in light-duty applications
Due to the broad speed range (6000-12000 RPM), you can use the rough sanding pads to start the job and then achieve the perfect surface finish using your finest sanding pads.
Pro Perfect for corners
Due to the specific form of the pad, this palm sander is perfect for sanding right angle and sharp angle corners.
Pro Includes a handy dust bag
You won’t need to buy an external vacuum unit for this device as its 250 W motor is capable of extracting dust from the workpiece. However, if you do have an external vacuum unit, you can hook it up using the Festool’s 27mm adapter.
Pro Versatile
It can be used effectively during all stages of a sanding project, due to having a good compromise between sanding power and surface finish. With it, you can relatively efficiently remove a large volume of material, and then reach an acceptable surface finish. For example, within 10 -15 minutes, this tool can sand an old 36" x 48" hardwood dining table to a surface finish level that's good enough to apply the first level of varnish.
Pro Multiple dust extraction options
This tool offers you two ways of extracting the dust from the workpiece.
First, you can use a vacuum unit, compatible with the tool's 27mm dust extraction port. While the vacuum units from Festool are very pricey (starting at $510), more affordable third-party vacuum units can be used.
Another option is to use a dust collection bag, which is provided with the tool. However, keep in mind that the manufacturer recommends using the bag only occasionally. For example, while working in tight spaces.
Pro Wide speed range lets you set any speed you need
You can adjust the speed of this palm sander according to the needs of your project. It ranges between 4000 and 10000 OPM (Orbits Per Minute). Slower speeds are great for sanding with rough sandpaper, while faster ones can result in better surface finishes when used with more delicate sanding pads.
Pro Decent build quality
The tool does not feel cheap or loose, as the body of this palm sander is made from high-quality rubber, metal, and plastic.
Pro The vibrations are barely noticeable
Festool palm sanders are well known for their state-of-art vibration damping systems. The manufacturer uses pre-calculated counterweights on the motor shaft to make this tool perfectly balanced for its 6" sanding disks. Build quality also factors into vibration damping, as this sander is made from large, cast plastic parts, which are less prone to vibrations. As a result, the tool vibrates so unnoticeably that you only need one hand to operate it.
Pro Keeps your hands dry and cool
The motor cooling system also blows air towards the hand grip. As a result, your palms will be dry and cool.
Pro Great handling
Due to an excellent geometry of the handle and lightweight design, this palm sander is perfect when it comes to working single-handedly. Additionally, as the handle is covered in rubber, the risk of accidental hand slipping is significantly reduced.
Cons
Con Unusable for heavy-duty jobs
The small pad size and minimal material removing capabilities, make this palm sander unsuitable for any heavy-duty applications.
Con Expensive to run
It doesn’t accept the self-cut and self-punched sandpaper. You will have to buy the expensive Festool's abrasive sheets, which cost around $27.00 per a 50-sheet pack.
Con Worse surface finish than a sheet sander can offer
No matter how good and expensive a random orbit sander is, in terms of surface finish it will always lose to a lower quality sheet sander. If exceptional surface finish is something you are looking for, consider investing in a sheet sander instead.
Con Bad for corners
This palm sander is not suitable for sanding corners and edges due to its round sanding pad.