Orbital Sanders

[Foster Price]

Hello Guys

I'm refinishing Otter and feel the need for a circular pad orbital sander to remove old paint, layers of antifouling, epoxy etc. I want a tool that will do more than one job and will last.

Sooo . . . I think I'm looking at 5" (125mm) and 6" (150mm) random orbital sanders.

First question - is this the optimum tool?, on an older post I saw references to polisher/grinders in mostly 8". This is a tool I'm not familar with at all but the ones I've seen would need a gorilla to work them overhead as in lying under a boat working on the bottom.

Second question - which is best for boat work in terms of pad size, I wonder about a smaller tool being better on Otters very curvacious surfaces, and I mostly work on smaller (under 25') boats but the laws of geometry really say pad size wouldn't matter. However if the machine is doing really heavy work and both are the same power (340watt) then wouldn't the smaller pad be more easily driven/less likely to stall ? The 5' pads also have more air holes - do they clear better/clog less than 6"?

Finally any thoughts on power required to drive really coarse papers? The most powerful 5" I can get is a Metalbo at 400 watts. The best 6" is a Bosh at 340 watts. The 6" Sayer (which is what the professional car finish guys round here use) is only 260 watts.

Cheers - Foster

[Foster Price]

Hello Guys

I'm refinishing Otter and feel the need for a circular pad orbital sander to remove old paint, layers of antifouling, epoxy etc. I want a tool that will do more than one job and will last.

Sooo . . . I think I'm looking at 5" (125mm) and 6" (150mm) random orbital sanders.

First question - is this the optimum tool?, on an older post I saw references to polisher/grinders in mostly 8". This is a tool I'm not familar with at all but the ones I've seen would need a gorilla to work them overhead as in lying under a boat working on the bottom.

Second question - which is best for boat work in terms of pad size, I wonder about a smaller tool being better on Otters very curvacious surfaces, and I mostly work on smaller (under 25') boats but the laws of geometry really say pad size wouldn't matter. However if the machine is doing really heavy work and both are the same power (340watt) then wouldn't the smaller pad be more easily driven/less likely to stall ? The 5' pads also have more air holes - do they clear better/clog less than 6"?

Finally any thoughts on power required to drive really coarse papers? The most powerful 5" I can get is a Metalbo at 400 watts. The best 6" is a Bosh at 340 watts. The 6" Sayer (which is what the professional car finish guys round here use) is only 260 watts.

Cheers - Foster

[Foster Price]

Hello Guys

I'm refinishing Otter and feel the need for a circular pad orbital sander to remove old paint, layers of antifouling, epoxy etc. I want a tool that will do more than one job and will last.

Sooo . . . I think I'm looking at 5" (125mm) and 6" (150mm) random orbital sanders.

First question - is this the optimum tool?, on an older post I saw references to polisher/grinders in mostly 8". This is a tool I'm not familar with at all but the ones I've seen would need a gorilla to work them overhead as in lying under a boat working on the bottom.

Second question - which is best for boat work in terms of pad size, I wonder about a smaller tool being better on Otters very curvacious surfaces, and I mostly work on smaller (under 25') boats but the laws of geometry really say pad size wouldn't matter. However if the machine is doing really heavy work and both are the same power (340watt) then wouldn't the smaller pad be more easily driven/less likely to stall ? The 5' pads also have more air holes - do they clear better/clog less than 6"?

Finally any thoughts on power required to drive really coarse papers? The most powerful 5" I can get is a Metalbo at 400 watts. The best 6" is a Bosh at 340 watts. The 6" Sayer (which is what the professional car finish guys round here use) is only 260 watts.

Cheers - Foster

[capt jake]

Here (at least) the 5" pads can be found with 8 or 5 holes, depending on mfg. I use a Porter cable 5" 5 hole electric sander and love it. I know that it is a matter of time before the thing is worn out from sanding the epoxy though. I also have a 6" orbital 'DA' pnuematic snader that I use on occasion. the danged air hose is a bother though, not to mention the cfm required to run it makes my compressor work pretty hard.
5", IMHO, is a great all around sander.
Don't know about the watts.

[capt jake]

Here (at least) the 5" pads can be found with 8 or 5 holes, depending on mfg. I use a Porter cable 5" 5 hole electric sander and love it. I know that it is a matter of time before the thing is worn out from sanding the epoxy though. I also have a 6" orbital 'DA' pnuematic snader that I use on occasion. the danged air hose is a bother though, not to mention the cfm required to run it makes my compressor work pretty hard.
5", IMHO, is a great all around sander.
Don't know about the watts.

[capt jake]

Here (at least) the 5" pads can be found with 8 or 5 holes, depending on mfg. I use a Porter cable 5" 5 hole electric sander and love it. I know that it is a matter of time before the thing is worn out from sanding the epoxy though. I also have a 6" orbital 'DA' pnuematic snader that I use on occasion. the danged air hose is a bother though, not to mention the cfm required to run it makes my compressor work pretty hard.
5", IMHO, is a great all around sander.
Don't know about the watts.

[Billy Bones]

Fein, period. On the dollars-in/work-out-in comfort scale, it's the cheapest one going. get the matching vac. you won't be disappointed.

PC is second, waaaaaay second.

[Billy Bones]

Fein, period. On the dollars-in/work-out-in comfort scale, it's the cheapest one going. get the matching vac. you won't be disappointed.

PC is second, waaaaaay second.

[Billy Bones]

Fein, period. On the dollars-in/work-out-in comfort scale, it's the cheapest one going. get the matching vac. you won't be disappointed.

PC is second, waaaaaay second.

[Bruce Hooke]

I'm afraid I don't remember any details about Otter so I will keep my answer broad. I have a 5" Bosch random orbit sander that I have been quite happy with. I have never felt like it was underpowered but then I don't use a lot of really coarse paper. I've heard lots of good things about the Fein sanders, and they probably are great, but there also a lot more money than any other sander...so, you pay your money and you take your pick. The one thing random orbit sanders are no good at is getting up next to an inside corner so they would not be good for a lapstrake boat.

All of that said, for serious sanding over a large curved surface like the outside of a boat I think that an 8 or 9 inch "polisher" is the fastest way to get the job done (although it would be a bit of work to use it overhead). After all, 9" sanding disc has over twice the area of a 6" disc and over 3 times the area of a 5" disc. It does take a deft touch to use one and not dig in, and because it is simply running in circles rather than being "random" it not something that should be used on bright-finished areas, but it sure gets rid of paint in a hurry. However, a 6" random orbit sander might end up being more versatile because you can use it on smaller stuff on deck and in the cabin, where the big 8 or 9" polisher would be useless. Also, the proper backing pad and sandpaper for the big polishers is not cheap and the paper can be hard to get in small quantities, which means more money. So, if you're not trying to make a living at this (if you are you should get both) you might want to start with a 6" random orbit sander because of the versatility.

[Bruce Hooke]

I'm afraid I don't remember any details about Otter so I will keep my answer broad. I have a 5" Bosch random orbit sander that I have been quite happy with. I have never felt like it was underpowered but then I don't use a lot of really coarse paper. I've heard lots of good things about the Fein sanders, and they probably are great, but there also a lot more money than any other sander...so, you pay your money and you take your pick. The one thing random orbit sanders are no good at is getting up next to an inside corner so they would not be good for a lapstrake boat.

All of that said, for serious sanding over a large curved surface like the outside of a boat I think that an 8 or 9 inch "polisher" is the fastest way to get the job done (although it would be a bit of work to use it overhead). After all, 9" sanding disc has over twice the area of a 6" disc and over 3 times the area of a 5" disc. It does take a deft touch to use one and not dig in, and because it is simply running in circles rather than being "random" it not something that should be used on bright-finished areas, but it sure gets rid of paint in a hurry. However, a 6" random orbit sander might end up being more versatile because you can use it on smaller stuff on deck and in the cabin, where the big 8 or 9" polisher would be useless. Also, the proper backing pad and sandpaper for the big polishers is not cheap and the paper can be hard to get in small quantities, which means more money. So, if you're not trying to make a living at this (if you are you should get both) you might want to start with a 6" random orbit sander because of the versatility.

[Bruce Hooke]

I'm afraid I don't remember any details about Otter so I will keep my answer broad. I have a 5" Bosch random orbit sander that I have been quite happy with. I have never felt like it was underpowered but then I don't use a lot of really coarse paper. I've heard lots of good things about the Fein sanders, and they probably are great, but there also a lot more money than any other sander...so, you pay your money and you take your pick. The one thing random orbit sanders are no good at is getting up next to an inside corner so they would not be good for a lapstrake boat.

All of that said, for serious sanding over a large curved surface like the outside of a boat I think that an 8 or 9 inch "polisher" is the fastest way to get the job done (although it would be a bit of work to use it overhead). After all, 9" sanding disc has over twice the area of a 6" disc and over 3 times the area of a 5" disc. It does take a deft touch to use one and not dig in, and because it is simply running in circles rather than being "random" it not something that should be used on bright-finished areas, but it sure gets rid of paint in a hurry. However, a 6" random orbit sander might end up being more versatile because you can use it on smaller stuff on deck and in the cabin, where the big 8 or 9" polisher would be useless. Also, the proper backing pad and sandpaper for the big polishers is not cheap and the paper can be hard to get in small quantities, which means more money. So, if you're not trying to make a living at this (if you are you should get both) you might want to start with a 6" random orbit sander because of the versatility.

[Todd Bradshaw]

I haven't tried the Fein either, but have put a lot of mileage on my 5" Porter Cable random orbit, including removing bottom paint (pretty slow) and sanding out barrier coats on several boats along with a lot of household stuff. So far, it's held-up quite well. I also have a 1/4 sheet Rockwell Speedblock (just plain orbital, but a really good one) that I've had for almost 30 years, though the random orbit is faster. Neither of them seem to do very well with paper coarser than about 60 grit though.

For heavy removal and 24-50 grit paper, I get a better, fairer surface with a big disk grinder. To make those grits really perform, I think you need a light touch with a lot of power, rather than a heavy touch with less power. I use a Black& Decker 8", 10 amp 4600 RPM model with the hard phenolic back-up plate on bare wood or polyester resin (the hard plate actually seems to give a fairer surface on most curves than a flexible one like the B&D Superflex does) and a Milwaukee 8" 1750 RPM, 11 amp polisher for epoxy and any other surface where the heat generated by the high speed grinder is too much and tends to gum-up the surface and the disks - which are the stiff, resin-coated kind and expensive enough that you want to get some life out of them.

They are both heavy (11-14 lbs.) and take some practice but really do the job if you've got a mess to get rid of. I actually used to use the big B&D disk for all the sanding on strip canoe hulls, including the final passes before both glassing and varnishing. With a feathering disk pad and 180 grit paper, you can get a very smooth surface with no chop marks. These days, I doubt I have the energy to fight that beast all afternoon, so the random orbit will probably do much of the sanding on future projects. I'd get rid of my PC and treat myself to a fancier one, but the darned thing just won't die.

[Todd Bradshaw]

I haven't tried the Fein either, but have put a lot of mileage on my 5" Porter Cable random orbit, including removing bottom paint (pretty slow) and sanding out barrier coats on several boats along with a lot of household stuff. So far, it's held-up quite well. I also have a 1/4 sheet Rockwell Speedblock (just plain orbital, but a really good one) that I've had for almost 30 years, though the random orbit is faster. Neither of them seem to do very well with paper coarser than about 60 grit though.

For heavy removal and 24-50 grit paper, I get a better, fairer surface with a big disk grinder. To make those grits really perform, I think you need a light touch with a lot of power, rather than a heavy touch with less power. I use a Black& Decker 8", 10 amp 4600 RPM model with the hard phenolic back-up plate on bare wood or polyester resin (the hard plate actually seems to give a fairer surface on most curves than a flexible one like the B&D Superflex does) and a Milwaukee 8" 1750 RPM, 11 amp polisher for epoxy and any other surface where the heat generated by the high speed grinder is too much and tends to gum-up the surface and the disks - which are the stiff, resin-coated kind and expensive enough that you want to get some life out of them.

They are both heavy (11-14 lbs.) and take some practice but really do the job if you've got a mess to get rid of. I actually used to use the big B&D disk for all the sanding on strip canoe hulls, including the final passes before both glassing and varnishing. With a feathering disk pad and 180 grit paper, you can get a very smooth surface with no chop marks. These days, I doubt I have the energy to fight that beast all afternoon, so the random orbit will probably do much of the sanding on future projects. I'd get rid of my PC and treat myself to a fancier one, but the darned thing just won't die.

[Todd Bradshaw]

I haven't tried the Fein either, but have put a lot of mileage on my 5" Porter Cable random orbit, including removing bottom paint (pretty slow) and sanding out barrier coats on several boats along with a lot of household stuff. So far, it's held-up quite well. I also have a 1/4 sheet Rockwell Speedblock (just plain orbital, but a really good one) that I've had for almost 30 years, though the random orbit is faster. Neither of them seem to do very well with paper coarser than about 60 grit though.

For heavy removal and 24-50 grit paper, I get a better, fairer surface with a big disk grinder. To make those grits really perform, I think you need a light touch with a lot of power, rather than a heavy touch with less power. I use a Black& Decker 8", 10 amp 4600 RPM model with the hard phenolic back-up plate on bare wood or polyester resin (the hard plate actually seems to give a fairer surface on most curves than a flexible one like the B&D Superflex does) and a Milwaukee 8" 1750 RPM, 11 amp polisher for epoxy and any other surface where the heat generated by the high speed grinder is too much and tends to gum-up the surface and the disks - which are the stiff, resin-coated kind and expensive enough that you want to get some life out of them.

They are both heavy (11-14 lbs.) and take some practice but really do the job if you've got a mess to get rid of. I actually used to use the big B&D disk for all the sanding on strip canoe hulls, including the final passes before both glassing and varnishing. With a feathering disk pad and 180 grit paper, you can get a very smooth surface with no chop marks. These days, I doubt I have the energy to fight that beast all afternoon, so the random orbit will probably do much of the sanding on future projects. I'd get rid of my PC and treat myself to a fancier one, but the darned thing just won't die.

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by Foster Price:
I'm refinishing Otter and feel the need for a circular pad orbital sander to remove old paint, layers of antifouling, epoxy etc. I want a tool that will do more than one job and will last.

Sooo . . . I think I'm looking at 5" (125mm) and 6" (150mm) random orbital sanders.

First question - is this the optimum tool?Try an air-powered jitterbug (long board). disk grinders and r/o sanders tend to leave grooves in the hull in the hands of non-expert users.

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by Foster Price:
I'm refinishing Otter and feel the need for a circular pad orbital sander to remove old paint, layers of antifouling, epoxy etc. I want a tool that will do more than one job and will last.

Sooo . . . I think I'm looking at 5" (125mm) and 6" (150mm) random orbital sanders.

First question - is this the optimum tool?Try an air-powered jitterbug (long board). disk grinders and r/o sanders tend to leave grooves in the hull in the hands of non-expert users.

[Nicholas Carey]

Originally posted by Foster Price:
I'm refinishing Otter and feel the need for a circular pad orbital sander to remove old paint, layers of antifouling, epoxy etc. I want a tool that will do more than one job and will last.

Sooo . . . I think I'm looking at 5" (125mm) and 6" (150mm) random orbital sanders.

First question - is this the optimum tool?Try an air-powered jitterbug (long board). disk grinders and r/o sanders tend to leave grooves in the hull in the hands of non-expert users.

[John B]

Is the 5 inch pad a random orbital?
I've been running a Rupes 6 in ( don't know the watts)for ..... for
since about 1985. definitely a few brushes. perhaps a major of some sort, can't remember.It was worth it anyway. Good tool. My understanding of the holes is that they are there primarily for the suckymotor. ( if you have vacuum set up)
I would make dust collection the priority if I were you.
Bugger those " sand the boat, feel sick for week "goodolddays. I feel strongly about this.

The things we do.

[John B]

Is the 5 inch pad a random orbital?
I've been running a Rupes 6 in ( don't know the watts)for ..... for
since about 1985. definitely a few brushes. perhaps a major of some sort, can't remember.It was worth it anyway. Good tool. My understanding of the holes is that they are there primarily for the suckymotor. ( if you have vacuum set up)
I would make dust collection the priority if I were you.
Bugger those " sand the boat, feel sick for week "goodolddays. I feel strongly about this.

The things we do.

[John B]

Is the 5 inch pad a random orbital?
I've been running a Rupes 6 in ( don't know the watts)for ..... for
since about 1985. definitely a few brushes. perhaps a major of some sort, can't remember.It was worth it anyway. Good tool. My understanding of the holes is that they are there primarily for the suckymotor. ( if you have vacuum set up)
I would make dust collection the priority if I were you.
Bugger those " sand the boat, feel sick for week "goodolddays. I feel strongly about this.

The things we do.

[cs]

I've got a Black & Decker Sandstorm myself.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000302V4.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

It is a 3:1 sander. It can be a random orbital sander, or a finishing sander, or a detail sander. Mine has worked great and don't cost a lot of money. So if cost and versitility is an issue look at Sandstorm.

Chad

[cs]

I've got a Black & Decker Sandstorm myself.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000302V4.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

It is a 3:1 sander. It can be a random orbital sander, or a finishing sander, or a detail sander. Mine has worked great and don't cost a lot of money. So if cost and versitility is an issue look at Sandstorm.

Chad

[cs]

I've got a Black & Decker Sandstorm myself.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000302V4.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

It is a 3:1 sander. It can be a random orbital sander, or a finishing sander, or a detail sander. Mine has worked great and don't cost a lot of money. So if cost and versitility is an issue look at Sandstorm.

Chad

[Foster Price]

Hello Guys and John B

Thanks for all this - I'm going to have a look at a Rupes tomorrow so will probably make a decision after that.

One idea was to buy a Bosch at under $300 NZ (compared with a Sayer at $420 and god only knows for the Rupes) and spend the difference on a shop vac that would handle the dust John B mentions

Cheers - Foster

[Foster Price]

Hello Guys and John B

Thanks for all this - I'm going to have a look at a Rupes tomorrow so will probably make a decision after that.

One idea was to buy a Bosch at under $300 NZ (compared with a Sayer at $420 and god only knows for the Rupes) and spend the difference on a shop vac that would handle the dust John B mentions

Cheers - Foster

[Foster Price]

Hello Guys and John B

Thanks for all this - I'm going to have a look at a Rupes tomorrow so will probably make a decision after that.

One idea was to buy a Bosch at under $300 NZ (compared with a Sayer at $420 and god only knows for the Rupes) and spend the difference on a shop vac that would handle the dust John B mentions

Cheers - Foster

[Figment]

I could SWEAR that I saw a PC 5" R.O. sander for $70 at sam's club a couple of weeks ago. I didn't look too closely at it, so I can't say if it was some baseline model with no features or whatever, but it seems to me that there's certainly some attraction to buying the 2nd from top of the line tool at 1/3 the price of the top of the line.

I just wonder if sometimes we overweigh our "investments" in superquality tools. Especially those of us who don't use these tools to put food on the table.

[Figment]

I could SWEAR that I saw a PC 5" R.O. sander for $70 at sam's club a couple of weeks ago. I didn't look too closely at it, so I can't say if it was some baseline model with no features or whatever, but it seems to me that there's certainly some attraction to buying the 2nd from top of the line tool at 1/3 the price of the top of the line.

I just wonder if sometimes we overweigh our "investments" in superquality tools. Especially those of us who don't use these tools to put food on the table.

[Figment]

I could SWEAR that I saw a PC 5" R.O. sander for $70 at sam's club a couple of weeks ago. I didn't look too closely at it, so I can't say if it was some baseline model with no features or whatever, but it seems to me that there's certainly some attraction to buying the 2nd from top of the line tool at 1/3 the price of the top of the line.

I just wonder if sometimes we overweigh our "investments" in superquality tools. Especially those of us who don't use these tools to put food on the table.

[Todd Bradshaw]

That's about what I paid for mine. At the time, I wasn't too sure about the random orbit thing since I'd always used big disks for most stuff. I figured the PC would give me a pretty decent machine, even if it wasn't the best available. I was also surprised at the ability of those little holes in the pad to pick up most of the dust when it's hooked to the shop vac. I even used it in the living room when we were replacing all the oak trim. Time will tell how long it will run without problems, although the first criteria of any sander has to be the quality of the work that it does (swirl marks, etc.). In that respect, I have no complaints at all.

[Todd Bradshaw]

That's about what I paid for mine. At the time, I wasn't too sure about the random orbit thing since I'd always used big disks for most stuff. I figured the PC would give me a pretty decent machine, even if it wasn't the best available. I was also surprised at the ability of those little holes in the pad to pick up most of the dust when it's hooked to the shop vac. I even used it in the living room when we were replacing all the oak trim. Time will tell how long it will run without problems, although the first criteria of any sander has to be the quality of the work that it does (swirl marks, etc.). In that respect, I have no complaints at all.

[Todd Bradshaw]

That's about what I paid for mine. At the time, I wasn't too sure about the random orbit thing since I'd always used big disks for most stuff. I figured the PC would give me a pretty decent machine, even if it wasn't the best available. I was also surprised at the ability of those little holes in the pad to pick up most of the dust when it's hooked to the shop vac. I even used it in the living room when we were replacing all the oak trim. Time will tell how long it will run without problems, although the first criteria of any sander has to be the quality of the work that it does (swirl marks, etc.). In that respect, I have no complaints at all.

[Matt Middleton]

I asked a similar question not too long ago- search for "dust free sanding" in building/repair.

I ended up getting a 5" variable speed DeWalt at about $65-$75, and a $40-$50 Shop Vac. These were affordable and available when I needed them, abd I chose DeWalt over PC simply because Home Despot had the parts in stock to attach the Shop Vac to the DeWalt, but not the similar PC.

It's not the fanciest, but it has worked well at removing most of the topside paint from my 32' sailboat. Most of the sanding dust is removed by the vacuum, and the finish is good (no swirlies unless I hold the pad in one spot too long and let it overheat, or get it on edge.) The combination is not too loud, in my opinion, either.

Maybe it's a case of I don't know what I'm missing, but I don't think I'd buy the Fein or equivalent unless the price was right, or I was using it for a business, or I get rich and can afford the ultimate shop.

All that to say that the DeWalt/Shop Vac combo has worked very well for me.

[Matt Middleton]

I asked a similar question not too long ago- search for "dust free sanding" in building/repair.

I ended up getting a 5" variable speed DeWalt at about $65-$75, and a $40-$50 Shop Vac. These were affordable and available when I needed them, abd I chose DeWalt over PC simply because Home Despot had the parts in stock to attach the Shop Vac to the DeWalt, but not the similar PC.

It's not the fanciest, but it has worked well at removing most of the topside paint from my 32' sailboat. Most of the sanding dust is removed by the vacuum, and the finish is good (no swirlies unless I hold the pad in one spot too long and let it overheat, or get it on edge.) The combination is not too loud, in my opinion, either.

Maybe it's a case of I don't know what I'm missing, but I don't think I'd buy the Fein or equivalent unless the price was right, or I was using it for a business, or I get rich and can afford the ultimate shop.

All that to say that the DeWalt/Shop Vac combo has worked very well for me.

[Matt Middleton]

I asked a similar question not too long ago- search for "dust free sanding" in building/repair.

I ended up getting a 5" variable speed DeWalt at about $65-$75, and a $40-$50 Shop Vac. These were affordable and available when I needed them, abd I chose DeWalt over PC simply because Home Despot had the parts in stock to attach the Shop Vac to the DeWalt, but not the similar PC.

It's not the fanciest, but it has worked well at removing most of the topside paint from my 32' sailboat. Most of the sanding dust is removed by the vacuum, and the finish is good (no swirlies unless I hold the pad in one spot too long and let it overheat, or get it on edge.) The combination is not too loud, in my opinion, either.

Maybe it's a case of I don't know what I'm missing, but I don't think I'd buy the Fein or equivalent unless the price was right, or I was using it for a business, or I get rich and can afford the ultimate shop.

All that to say that the DeWalt/Shop Vac combo has worked very well for me.

[cdragon]

My Dewalt 5" ain't what it used to be after some hard epoxy work on a couple of cradle boats.
I'd agree wholheartedly with the Fein idea-the tools are beautiful, the sanding/vaccuum setup is simple and strong and the vac is the greatest thing going in shopvacs, Q-U-I-E-T and powerful. Plus, you can get carried away and buy one of the Fein triangular magic tools for the corners -unless the hundred or so extra will really hurt you and your family-go for the good stuff!!! The Fein stuff is the business...

[cdragon]

My Dewalt 5" ain't what it used to be after some hard epoxy work on a couple of cradle boats.
I'd agree wholheartedly with the Fein idea-the tools are beautiful, the sanding/vaccuum setup is simple and strong and the vac is the greatest thing going in shopvacs, Q-U-I-E-T and powerful. Plus, you can get carried away and buy one of the Fein triangular magic tools for the corners -unless the hundred or so extra will really hurt you and your family-go for the good stuff!!! The Fein stuff is the business...

[cdragon]

My Dewalt 5" ain't what it used to be after some hard epoxy work on a couple of cradle boats.
I'd agree wholheartedly with the Fein idea-the tools are beautiful, the sanding/vaccuum setup is simple and strong and the vac is the greatest thing going in shopvacs, Q-U-I-E-T and powerful. Plus, you can get carried away and buy one of the Fein triangular magic tools for the corners -unless the hundred or so extra will really hurt you and your family-go for the good stuff!!! The Fein stuff is the business...

[John Teetsel]

One nice thing about Porter Cable sanders is that they all (5" or 6" random orbital, palm, belt, and sheet sanders) use the same dust collection hose. Very convenient.

Epoxy must be really tough on sanders. The last B&D sander I had lasted less than four hours on epoxy.

[ 07-17-2002, 03:57 PM: Message edited by: JohnT ]

[John Teetsel]

One nice thing about Porter Cable sanders is that they all (5" or 6" random orbital, palm, belt, and sheet sanders) use the same dust collection hose. Very convenient.

Epoxy must be really tough on sanders. The last B&D sander I had lasted less than four hours on epoxy.

[ 07-17-2002, 03:57 PM: Message edited by: JohnT ]

[John Teetsel]

One nice thing about Porter Cable sanders is that they all (5" or 6" random orbital, palm, belt, and sheet sanders) use the same dust collection hose. Very convenient.

Epoxy must be really tough on sanders. The last B&D sander I had lasted less than four hours on epoxy.

[ 07-17-2002, 03:57 PM: Message edited by: JohnT ]

[gary porter]

Jhont and all, One can hardly fault another for buying something that works well and costs less. Even if it doesn't last as long you could always buy another and another. I have the 6" , the 8" and the multimaster all by Fein. Yes they cost alot but I don't think I would want to go back to any other. I also have a Bosch but it never gets used. I use the 6" almost on a daily basis and am seriously thinking of buying another. We also have two of the vacs. The vac system works quite well removing most all of the detectable dust. Mine is used extensively on epoxy, fiberglass, and paint including epoxy primer...no problem at all. The 6" pad is just flexible enough that it works well for sculpting and shaping wood as well. Good Luck
Gary

[gary porter]

Jhont and all, One can hardly fault another for buying something that works well and costs less. Even if it doesn't last as long you could always buy another and another. I have the 6" , the 8" and the multimaster all by Fein. Yes they cost alot but I don't think I would want to go back to any other. I also have a Bosch but it never gets used. I use the 6" almost on a daily basis and am seriously thinking of buying another. We also have two of the vacs. The vac system works quite well removing most all of the detectable dust. Mine is used extensively on epoxy, fiberglass, and paint including epoxy primer...no problem at all. The 6" pad is just flexible enough that it works well for sculpting and shaping wood as well. Good Luck
Gary

[gary porter]

Jhont and all, One can hardly fault another for buying something that works well and costs less. Even if it doesn't last as long you could always buy another and another. I have the 6" , the 8" and the multimaster all by Fein. Yes they cost alot but I don't think I would want to go back to any other. I also have a Bosch but it never gets used. I use the 6" almost on a daily basis and am seriously thinking of buying another. We also have two of the vacs. The vac system works quite well removing most all of the detectable dust. Mine is used extensively on epoxy, fiberglass, and paint including epoxy primer...no problem at all. The 6" pad is just flexible enough that it works well for sculpting and shaping wood as well. Good Luck
Gary

[WWheeler]

In my experience, "hobby" quality sanders such as Black & Decker / Dewalt etc. are JUST NOT UP TO THE JOB. They just don't have the horsepower for any major sanding jobs. It's not just a matter of time: 1) you can sand all day and not get anywhere. 2) they can burn out too easily. 3) vibration is too hard on the hands.

I just bought a Porter Cable 5" random orbit, and I JUST LOVE IT. I gulped at the added price, but if your sanity is worth anything, it's worth it.

I've been doing a lot of sanding, including refinishing old floors in the house, so excuse me if I seem kind of rabid on this issue.

[WWheeler]

In my experience, "hobby" quality sanders such as Black & Decker / Dewalt etc. are JUST NOT UP TO THE JOB. They just don't have the horsepower for any major sanding jobs. It's not just a matter of time: 1) you can sand all day and not get anywhere. 2) they can burn out too easily. 3) vibration is too hard on the hands.

I just bought a Porter Cable 5" random orbit, and I JUST LOVE IT. I gulped at the added price, but if your sanity is worth anything, it's worth it.

I've been doing a lot of sanding, including refinishing old floors in the house, so excuse me if I seem kind of rabid on this issue.

[WWheeler]

In my experience, "hobby" quality sanders such as Black & Decker / Dewalt etc. are JUST NOT UP TO THE JOB. They just don't have the horsepower for any major sanding jobs. It's not just a matter of time: 1) you can sand all day and not get anywhere. 2) they can burn out too easily. 3) vibration is too hard on the hands.

I just bought a Porter Cable 5" random orbit, and I JUST LOVE IT. I gulped at the added price, but if your sanity is worth anything, it's worth it.

I've been doing a lot of sanding, including refinishing old floors in the house, so excuse me if I seem kind of rabid on this issue.

[John B]

I agree with the comments about lower quality tools. Some applications you can get away with. This one .... I think not.
Foster, I'd ring some housepainters and ask what they use. If you have a retailer you can trust I'd ask which ones don't they see coming in for repair.
It'll read something like ( top to bottom)Rupes( fein isn't available here to my knowledge)Metabo, Makita, hitachi. Then Bosch, dewalt etc.

[John B]

I agree with the comments about lower quality tools. Some applications you can get away with. This one .... I think not.
Foster, I'd ring some housepainters and ask what they use. If you have a retailer you can trust I'd ask which ones don't they see coming in for repair.
It'll read something like ( top to bottom)Rupes( fein isn't available here to my knowledge)Metabo, Makita, hitachi. Then Bosch, dewalt etc.

[John B]

I agree with the comments about lower quality tools. Some applications you can get away with. This one .... I think not.
Foster, I'd ring some housepainters and ask what they use. If you have a retailer you can trust I'd ask which ones don't they see coming in for repair.
It'll read something like ( top to bottom)Rupes( fein isn't available here to my knowledge)Metabo, Makita, hitachi. Then Bosch, dewalt etc.

[imported_Steven Bauer]

I didn't buy the Fein because I could get four Bosches for the same price! I agree with putting the extra money into dust collection. I also have the air cleaner that mounts from the ceiling and filters the air in the shop. It has a timer so it will clean the shop's air for a couple of hours after I leave.

[imported_Steven Bauer]

I didn't buy the Fein because I could get four Bosches for the same price! I agree with putting the extra money into dust collection. I also have the air cleaner that mounts from the ceiling and filters the air in the shop. It has a timer so it will clean the shop's air for a couple of hours after I leave.

[imported_Steven Bauer]

I didn't buy the Fein because I could get four Bosches for the same price! I agree with putting the extra money into dust collection. I also have the air cleaner that mounts from the ceiling and filters the air in the shop. It has a timer so it will clean the shop's air for a couple of hours after I leave.

[Art Read]

Last time I visited my folks, I noticed a big, hurking belt sander in my Dad's utility closet. Fearing the worst, I asked him what he used it for. Yup. Re-finishing the washboards and other small bits of exterior trim on his "retirement" boat... I gently suggested it might be a bit "agressive" for that job. Much better for doing something like oh, for instance, MY little project... (hint, hint...) Sure enough, it found it's way into my carry-on for the flight home. (Pre - 9/11) I'd just burned out the one I "borrowed" from my brother-in-law when I started all this, (bought him a replacement after beveling all my station molds with his and feeling guilty once I relised I was NEVER going to give it back...) The new one has been real handy for getting my ballast keel mold "roughed" out. But my little Porter Cable random orbital is the tool I usually reach for first. That's what I told my Dad he wanted when it comes to re-varnish again. In fact, I sent him one through Amazon.com for Father's Day. He likes it so much, he went out and got another one to take south with him this winter... Any of you out there still using those awfull, little "vibrator" sanders - Get one!

[Art Read]

Last time I visited my folks, I noticed a big, hurking belt sander in my Dad's utility closet. Fearing the worst, I asked him what he used it for. Yup. Re-finishing the washboards and other small bits of exterior trim on his "retirement" boat... I gently suggested it might be a bit "agressive" for that job. Much better for doing something like oh, for instance, MY little project... (hint, hint...) Sure enough, it found it's way into my carry-on for the flight home. (Pre - 9/11) I'd just burned out the one I "borrowed" from my brother-in-law when I started all this, (bought him a replacement after beveling all my station molds with his and feeling guilty once I relised I was NEVER going to give it back...) The new one has been real handy for getting my ballast keel mold "roughed" out. But my little Porter Cable random orbital is the tool I usually reach for first. That's what I told my Dad he wanted when it comes to re-varnish again. In fact, I sent him one through Amazon.com for Father's Day. He likes it so much, he went out and got another one to take south with him this winter... Any of you out there still using those awfull, little "vibrator" sanders - Get one!

[Art Read]

Last time I visited my folks, I noticed a big, hurking belt sander in my Dad's utility closet. Fearing the worst, I asked him what he used it for. Yup. Re-finishing the washboards and other small bits of exterior trim on his "retirement" boat... I gently suggested it might be a bit "agressive" for that job. Much better for doing something like oh, for instance, MY little project... (hint, hint...) Sure enough, it found it's way into my carry-on for the flight home. (Pre - 9/11) I'd just burned out the one I "borrowed" from my brother-in-law when I started all this, (bought him a replacement after beveling all my station molds with his and feeling guilty once I relised I was NEVER going to give it back...) The new one has been real handy for getting my ballast keel mold "roughed" out. But my little Porter Cable random orbital is the tool I usually reach for first. That's what I told my Dad he wanted when it comes to re-varnish again. In fact, I sent him one through Amazon.com for Father's Day. He likes it so much, he went out and got another one to take south with him this winter... Any of you out there still using those awfull, little "vibrator" sanders - Get one!

[Kannon Bosatsu]

I just checked amazon and found the Fein listed for 539$ by itself or 729$ with a vacum attached versus the PC model for 79$. Thats a whole lot more of a difference than an extra hundred or so... Go with the PC and buy some teak or maybe a really good bottle of champagne..

[Kannon Bosatsu]

I just checked amazon and found the Fein listed for 539$ by itself or 729$ with a vacum attached versus the PC model for 79$. Thats a whole lot more of a difference than an extra hundred or so... Go with the PC and buy some teak or maybe a really good bottle of champagne..

[Kannon Bosatsu]

I just checked amazon and found the Fein listed for 539$ by itself or 729$ with a vacum attached versus the PC model for 79$. Thats a whole lot more of a difference than an extra hundred or so... Go with the PC and buy some teak or maybe a really good bottle of champagne..