need to replace a sander

[S.A.Mike]

howdy skipper. Me being completely new to the world of random orbit sanding,I have to say that so far it is the lack of vibration and sound and numbness and pain after using the random for a long time. I have not used it that much since I just got it a few days ago but it sure looks like a KEEPER.
Mike

[mikeschn]

BTW, there is still one application for the palm sander...

I use it to round over the sharp edges before painting.



Mike...

[QuietOutdoorsman]

So what is the main difference between the vibrating palm sander and the random orbital one? I have a Dewalt palm and I like it alot. I've never used a random orbital before.

The sanding pad is spun around in a circle and at the same time the pad base is spun in kind of an oval pattern. This produces a swirl free finish every time. Most orbitals don't vibrate very much at all, so the tingling/pain/numbness in the hand that some people get with a palm sander doesn't happen. Compared to a palm sander with the same grit paper, the orbital will remove more material (but nowhere near a belt sander). the 1/4 sheet palm sander I had would always fill/foul up the paper in the middle of the pad very quickly (I was stripping finish off wood cabinets), but the orbital does a great job of removing the dust and the pads last a long time.

Downsides: special 5" circular sanding disks that are more expensive than plain sandpaper (I have found they last longer, but...); can't get right into corners. The greater material removal might make them a bit much for finish sanding between coats of stain, eurethane, etc.

[swissarmygirl]

You guys are a bad influence! I just came back from Home Depot with a new....well, you know.



I already tested it out, and you guys are 100% right!

[mikeschn]

Which brand did you buy?

Mike...

You guys are a bad influence! I just came back from Home Depot with a new....well, you know.



I already tested it out, and you guys are 100% right!

[swissarmygirl]

Which brand did you buy?

Mike...

You guys are a bad influence! I just came back from Home Depot with a new....well, you know.



I already tested it out, and you guys are 100% right!

I got the ryobi.

[Micro469]

I just went out and bought a Bosch orbital sander... Dang... I wish I bought it two years ago!!! I started to resand my trailer, ( I'll post why in "construction tips") and love it!!! It makes a tedious job so much easier!!!