I’ve already searched the archives and have a pretty good idea of what I need. My only remaining question is if I should get a 7" or instead something smaller, say 5". I’m not going to be shaping complete boards, just fixing small dings. I wonder if the bigger size is unsuited for small jobs.
Get the sander of your choice. I like variable speed, but that can also be achieved by feathering the trigger of a constant speed sander. Get both 7 inch, and 5 inch pads. Don't overlook a good electric drill, that you can use even smaller pads with. There are times when size matters.
I have a dewalt variable speed sander, don't know the model no. but i like it alot. the milwaukee was more expensive so I got the dewalt, and have been very happy with it. good luck
I like the Milwaukee variable speed sander/polisher. Mine got stolen and I couldn't find another one so I bough Porter-Cable's version. I don't really like the handle, it's more like the Harbor Freight with a wrap around. I've gotten used to it, but I keep meaning to make a side mounted handle for it. It's also got a variable speed trigger. This is a pretty cool feature once you get used to it. You can have the speed set all way up and just barely trigger it and keep it slow, nice for doing rails and fins.
I’ve been reluctant to shell out hundreds of dollars since I don’t do that many ding repairs, so I found this sander attachment for my power drill at Home Depot for only $7:
I will be able to adjust the speed by how far I pull the trigger on the drill. I’m going to try this out for now and see how it works.
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I've been reluctant to shell out hundreds of dollars since I don't do that many ding repairs, so I found this sander attachment for my power drill at Home Depot for only $7:
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100158113/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
I will be able to adjust the speed by how far I pull the trigger on the drill. I'm going to try this out for now and see how it works.
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I have, and use, that very same pad. I use a variable speed trigger 3/8 inch electric drill with it.. Works great on the small stuff. Get some smaller pads and discs too. Harbor Freight has some. I have a full range of sizes.
7" variable speed sander/polisher is about standard as far as sanding surfboards goes in my knowledge. Best know brands are probably Makita and Milwaukee. Otherwise just use a drill and buy a sanding pad adapter to use your sanding pad with your drill.
I have the Milwaukee with 9", 7" and 5" pads variable speed and really like it. You can get them for under $150.00 U.S. at cpotools. I also have the Porter Cable grinder body variable spd. sander with a 6" pad that is very versatile. This one gets used most but for fins I have the Makita drill body motor sander/grinder with a ridgid 5" pad that is good for tight areas. If I had to pick just one it would be the Porter Cable for it's all around properties.
Howzit rider,For ding repair that pad will work on the small stuff but when you get into doing broken boards and big dings it may not be big enough and you will end up buying a godd quality 7" grinder and then you will be on your way and never look back. Aloha,Kokua
I screwed up and missed a very good deal on a well know internet auction site the other nite. How's $50 for a sander/polisher. Second most popular sander/polisher used in pro glass shops.
I think that for small ding repairs you have already hit the gold-standard with the pad you got. As far as ding-repairing and equipment cost, that $7 sanding adapter for your power drill is as good as it gets.
When you sand complete surfboards THEN you need to start thinking of a larger machine with a corresponding 7" +/- pad.