What Kind of sander

Marty Scher · Mar 9, 2012

I have never purchased a sander, the cheap electric rectangular orital (that has the sheet clips - that don't hold) I got free, 30 years ago.

I will be restoring a Ford 4500 and would like a decent electric sander, for under $75, or so.

There supposed to be pros cons for velcro vs clip, but looking for real world experiences.

Any input appreciated.

BigTone · Mar 9, 2012

If your going to buy a orbital sander i would recommend you spend the money and get a good one. I bought a Dewalt 6" variable speed orbital sander for around $120-$150 (cant remember) and I wouldnt be without it. It makes quick work of taking paint off, smoothing filler, or various wood work applications. I use my sheet sander once in a while for fine wood work. I have been using my Dewalt for years and it has not skipped a beat! You could always go with a Harbor Freight sander to save some cash but you may only get a couple "big" jobs out of it before you begin having problems.

CTPhil · Mar 10, 2012

I agree with the above. Those rectangular (or square) pad sanders from 20 years ago are hopeless obsolete compared to today's random orbital sanders.

GordoSD · Mar 12, 2012

The pros use 5.5-6" DA (dual action) air sanders. How big is your compressor. I have a nice Craftsmn DA sander gathering dust in the shop. $30 plus shipping and you own it.
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ARCADIAINC · Mar 12, 2012

If you do not have enough air, get an electric orbital jig. There are some decent ones out there for $75.00 or so. I bought a new Dewalt at a pawn shop for $40.00. May be something you want to look into.

sflem849 · Mar 12, 2012

(quoted from post at 09:18:30 03/12/12) The pros use 5.5-6" DA (dual action) air sanders. How big is your compressor. I have a nice Craftsmn DA sander gathering dust in the shop. $30 plus shipping and you own it.
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Will an electric RO do about the same job?

glennster · Mar 13, 2012

for body work using filler, an air file and a d/a would be your best choice. however, if your on a budget, a good orbital type electric sander would get you by. for major filler work ie "bondo" pick up a long board manual sanding block. you will need to level the filler with 36 grit, then a second thin filler application, hit it with 80 grit on the long board to check for any high spots, then use a small hand block for final shaping. after that, use 120, 220, then 320 on the electric orbital for final finishing before priming and painting. a sure form cheese grater is also handy to shape the initial filler application. work the filler right after it sets up before it gets hard as concrete, its a lot quicker to sand.

Rod (NH) · Mar 13, 2012

Yes. I have both a DA and a Porter Cable RO sander. I haven't used the DA in years and probably never will again. If you're not in the business, go with the electric and save the compressed air for other things.

What Kind of sander

Marty Scher

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BigTone

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CTPhil

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GordoSD

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ARCADIAINC

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sflem849

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glennster

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Rod (NH)

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