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Login to post Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » I beseech the hive mind: educate me in the ways of the orbital sander.

Dec. 5, 2011 12:07 p.m. Curmudgeon SuperDork

I have a bud who's getting into doing a lot of his own bodywork and wants to get an air powered orbital (DA) sander. Here's the deal: he wants to do most of the work inside his insulated/heated/cooled 30x30 shop. All together now: "what a (lucky) pooh boy!'

But anyway, that means he needs some sort of dust collection system. I see some with bags on them, if they are anything like the electric Ryobi I have they are a PITA: expensive 'hook and loop' paper with holes in it which is not available in real super fine such as 600 grit, also the dust collection is not real efficient. Are the air versions worth considering?

Then there are the ones which connect to a shop vac, of which he has a big one. I'm personally thinking that might be a better setup, but my question is can you use the stick on paper with that type? Also, what's a good middle of the road brand?
Dec. 5, 2011 3:26 p.m. Jcamper New Reader

After a few paint jobs I am a huge fan of AirVantage DAs. I see they list some with self-gen vacuum on them. I use them with stick-on discs usually, work great. J
Dec. 5, 2011 4:58 p.m. NOHOME HalfDork

Hook and loop is not for real tools.

Real men just suck up the dust.
Dec. 5, 2011 7:01 p.m. Curmudgeon SuperDork

Like a real man, my bud is more concerned with dust all over the tools etc in his shop than his lungs. I don't like the hook and loop paper either. Does anyone make a DA that's vacuum ready and uses regular stick on paper? I has Googled till my googler's sore to no avail
Dec. 5, 2011 7:11 p.m. mad_machine SuperDork

seems all of them are hook and loop
Dec. 5, 2011 8:33 p.m. Tralfaz New Reader

Mirka Vacuum Sander with Abranet

Not cheap, but really nice IMHO
Dec. 5, 2011 9:02 p.m. Junkyard_Dog Dork

mad_machine wrote:

seems all of them are hook and loop

Thats because it works so much better. Its what most shops use. Many shops also have vacuum hook-ups along with the air lines for a relatively dust free work area. If you want the highest quality professional grade tools they will be velcro pads with vacuum hose attachments. If you want to use cheap stuff go to Harbor Freight. Don't forget the dust masks and broom while you're there.

As a side note, it amazes me when guys with clearly expensive to build shops balk at spending even 10% more for higher quality equipment to use in it.
Dec. 6, 2011 6:57 a.m. Curmudgeon SuperDork

Oh yipeng024, all these CANOES are going to make Tom's job a lot harder this morning!
Dec. 6, 2011 8:32 a.m. Raze SuperDork

OOooooh Asian escorts this time
Dec. 6, 2011 12:28 p.m. Curmudgeon SuperDork

Wonder if those Asian escorts can generate sufficient vacuum for use with a DA sander?
Dec. 6, 2011 12:38 p.m. oldsaw SuperDork

How about some recommendations for corded versions of the orbital sander?

Air is not an option and I want a robust unit that can double between polishing and sanding.

All suggestions appreciated.
Dec. 6, 2011 1:41 p.m. Curmudgeon SuperDork

That would definitely be good info, if anyone out there has any experience.
Dec. 6, 2011 3:18 p.m. AverageH

Longtime reader, first time poster. Anyway, how about this at Amazon? http://www.amazon.com/Inch-Hook-Sanding-Discs-Holes/dp/B0006M2SK2/ref=sr_1_29?ie=U... 600 grit without the holes. I have a Ryobi orbital and may go this route as well. BTW Curmudgeon- your posts are always informative and I appreciate it. I have a '79 Spitfire in need of mods and your posts are always very helpful! Thanks.

-Hamid
Dec. 6, 2011 9:41 p.m. BAMF Reader

At work (a custom fabrication studio) we have gone through a few different electric orbital sanders before we went pneumatic. We got a Dynabrade self generated vacuum sander. It's quickly become one of the most beloved tool purchases we have made.

Ours uses the adhesive sanding discs and pads, which hold up better to wet sanding and tend to stick better generally.

I'd steer clear of HF. We have tried to buy HF tools every once and again for the shop and end up taking them back within a couple of hours.
Dec. 7, 2011 5:45 a.m. Tralfaz New Reader

In reply to oldsaw:

Well you did say all suggestions....

Fein makes an excellent unit which is popular here in Annapolis with the guys who do boat work, but it's $$$$

Porter Cable makes a unit that is passable for about $100

A good compromise might be the Makita fo $250...

FWIW I use Festool in my cabinet shop. It's an awesome tool but again $$$$

In my experience the cheap units don't create a nice uniform sand pattern.

Mirka now makes a small unit that is the size of a palm DA that runs off a transformer box. Vibration is nearly non existant, but its even more expensive!
Dec. 7, 2011 7:06 a.m. Curmudgeon SuperDork

AverageH, I'm glad somebody appreciates all the Spitfire crap jammed into my odd brain corners.

BAMF, is that Dynabrade their #59023, by chance?

Tralfaz, do you know or can you get the model # of the Porter Cable sander you mentioned?
Dec. 7, 2011 12:53 p.m. BAMF Reader

Curmudgeon,

We have #56818. I wasn't the purchaser on that piece of equipment, so why that particular model was chosen or where it was purchased are things I don't know.

I do know that it has withstood the abuse we heap upon our tools, and it's a very smooth running tool with less vibration than I've experienced on any electric orbital sander other than a Bosch.

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