Tool for efficient deck sanding

[naturewaterboy]

Ok, Jim, but just my left ear......

thanks Kaptin. I guess it will only hurt for a little while. Mebbe I'll look on ebay...

[mongo75]

Let's say you're kinda not financially ready to pick up a Festool..... what do ya'll say about the common Bosch, Dewalt, or Craftsman DA sanders- they're definitely in my price range, and I only really need it for doing one boat, so longevity (past this project) is not a major concern.

[ratrace2]

Personally,
I'd go down to the local auto-body supply store and get a "taiwan" special for $50.00, and rent a compressor from Home depot..........

[naturewaterboy]

The DA sander - what is the "rotex" mode best for? Do you switch back and forth from rotex to orbital while sanding?

[ratrace2]

Come on man, go buy a $50.00 DA and try both modes.......I haven't even considered what the "rotex" mode is in so long I don't even know. Ya get the stright spin for grinding and random for smoothing.
"do you build them or just tune them? if ya put a little 600 on the DA you can add a full to the pitch.........

[mongo75]

Ratrace how's your boat project coming along?

[the1much]

Originally Posted by mongo75

Ratrace how's your boat project coming along?

he's repairing a hole in the hull
his thumb hit the wrong switch on his sander

[mongo75]

Now that's funny!!

[naturewaterboy]

ratrace,
I build and tune steel drums. Working on stainless steel construction now. Got sidetracked on this boat tho - I'll tune the drums on the boat if I can find calm enuf water to drop anchor in... hard to tune a drum when the thing is swinging around

[Kaptin-Jer]

Naturewaterboy, next time you come up to civilization give me a holler. I'll let you buy me a cup of coffee. My email is listed.

[naturewaterboy]

Ok, I owe you a cup for your patience and good info - thanks very much. I'm going to get the Rotex 150 and hook a shop vac to it. I won't be doing any more work on the boat until November - have some other task to do until then.

[Kaptin-Jer]

There are a couple of places locally to get what you want, when you are ready let me know.

[david@boatsmith]

the pc 6" da will work fine . for paint and nonskid removal you probably want to start with 40 or 60 grit. also you will want to replace the pad with a harder one that wiil be easier to keep things flat David

[naturewaterboy]

thanx - I'll stock up on 40 grit pads. I may go visit Kaptin Jer and pick up a Festool DA with all the pads, paper and stuff, or I may just order everything on line and have it shipped - I gotta drive thru that dreaded Miami to get up his way....

[david@boatsmith]

International tools in Dania has a lot of tools . They are on line and ship. David