Who is using random orbital sanders and what are you using? Can you get softer backing pads for them?
I’m getting another new house built behind me this spring and its only a matter of time before someone starts complaining about me sanding boards. Was thinking about getting a random orbital and an auto switch for the shop vac.
i use a makita random orbital with 125mm diameter pad to knock down fin plugs, sand laps etc all I can advise is to make sure the one you select has a speed control. Cheers rich
What do you think you are going to gain by using one? I dont use one but can tell you that the speed that those run at are way too fast for sanding a surfboard with.
Are you looking for quiet or clean? Or something else?
Currently use a Dynabrade 4" air sander…they make all densities of pad…produces very little heat on the board…they also have dust extraction port , so you can use the sanding disc with the holes…http://www.dynabrade.com/dyn10/intro2/selregmark/index.html
Barry- Does he have one that runs at a lower speed? Or just feather the trigger all the time. Seems like It would be instant heat and paper clog at the speed of the two posted.
Mako- why not just make a dust collector for the sander you already have? I know a few guys who have one set up.
I use the Porter Cable version with the grinder body/motor. Variable speed, six inch pad. One with hook and loop and another with sticky backs. The speed can be slowed down so there is NO heat build up. I have two and use them almost daily in woodworking and use them on boards when the occasion arises. The older ones are monsters that keep on going. They also are equipped with dust removal cowls and hoses. Dust is not an issue hooked up to a shop vac or vac system. The one for the sticky backs, I cut my own paper and use Taki glue, so I can go up or down in grit through the whole spectrum. Replacement pads are easy to get as well. I do use a Milwaukee polsher/sander for the large flats and the six inchers for closer detail work.
Festool is great stuff but I can’t justify the added cost even though I need good tools for my job. Both my Porter Cables are more than 15 years old and still kick ass. It seems it would take alot of time to burn through two of these for the cost of one Festool. Don’t get me wrong, I really like this tool line, but I don’t need a Roll’s Royce to get around. Rotex too.
I use équivalent of rotex from bosch pro, orbital or roto orbital mode, can use standrad grit, and soft interface from car sanding shop.
Huie i don’t agree on this, those roto orbital were déveloped for compound curves because old school roto sander polisher did not work so nice.
Most car sander don ´t use them anymore for sanding, and i use to work with boat and aeronautics composits parts builder, they only use roto orbital for time.
My older German made Metabo 150mm, seems bullet-proof, variable speed with variable trigger as well, works well around fins and in deep concaves etc. Have sanded some small shortboards with it, no problem. I’m no production guy though
Huie i don’t agree on this, those roto orbital were déveloped for compound curves because old school roto sander polisher did not work so nice
oh yes they did in the right hands they were the cornerstone.
how far back do you base that remark
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Most car sander don ´t use them anymore for sanding, and i use to work with boat and aeronautics composits parts builder, they only use roto orbital for time.
** problem IS we are talking surfboards! the reference i make is knowing where the contours are and how to aproach it without wasting time with bullshit. its a skill mate handed down not available in a pannel shop**
**production surfboard sander on limited time.
pannel wacker all the time in the world .
modern boatbuilder taken over by robots long ago
big difference**
**yep i only sand the retro hippy stuff and polish it as i allways have.
