What random orbital sander?

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by Tilden, Apr 16, 2013.

?

What random orbital sander

  1. dewalt

    4 vote(s)
    21.1%
  2. makita

    5 vote(s)
    26.3%
  3. bosch

    2 vote(s)
    10.5%
  4. porter cable

    4 vote(s)
    21.1%
  5. craftsman

    1 vote(s)
    5.3%
  6. milwaukee

    3 vote(s)
    15.8%
  7. ridgid

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. Tilden
    Joined: Apr 2013
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    Location: socal

    Tilden Junior Member

    I'm buying new tools. What's the best recommendation for a random orbital sander now?
     
  2. michael pierzga
    Joined: Dec 2008
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    Location: spain

    michael pierzga Senior Member

    Mirka.. Ceros

    http://www.mirkaceros.com/CEROS_home.html

    Its The best electric random orbital...lightweight, compact , powerful that Ive used and its produced in three different orbit diameters...fine ,med, coarse

    Its a Pro tool so its expensive.

    Mirka Net sandpaper is superior for heavy removals

    A good cheap all purpose RO sander is the Bosch.

    http://www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/gex-150-turbo-7757-ocs-p/

    When choosing a sander you need to identify orbit diameter and determine what work you need done. Paint work needs a fine orbit

    You might investigate the 3m RO sanders. They seem to be a copy of the Mirka

    http://3mcollision.com/products/too...-5-inch-non-vacuum-3-32-inch-orbit-28426.html
     
  3. viking north
    Joined: Dec 2010
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    Location: Newfoundland & Nova Scotia

    viking north VINLAND

    45 years of electric sanding and I vote for, In a 5 in. a Porter Cable, reasonable for rough heavy sanding work but excellent as a finishing unit. In a 6in. a Metabo -I challenge any sander on the market to match this unit for heavy sanding .
     
  4. Tilden
    Joined: Apr 2013
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    Location: socal

    Tilden Junior Member

    Thank you. I might have to up my game this time. That 3m is $500 and I was thinking of spending half that. The Ceros is the around $500 too with shipping. They say painting is all in the prep work. I wonder if I'd see a difference using a better sanding tool or if it would make sanding easier for me. I'm not spraying, only rolling and tipping with a brush.
     
  5. Tilden
    Joined: Apr 2013
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    Location: socal

    Tilden Junior Member

    Sorry I posted at the same time. That's more in my price range. Thank you too. I have some money to spend on new tools. Have to decide how to allocate it and get quality where I'll see it. I have a cheap side too!
     
  6. waikikin
    Joined: Jan 2006
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    Location: Australia

    waikikin Senior Member

    Rupes. Jeff.
     
  7. susho
    Joined: Dec 2006
    Posts: 88
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    Location: the Netherlands

    susho Composite builder

    Mirka ceros here too. If your sanding a lot, a machine like that is great. Also when working overhead, lightweight and powerfull.
     
  8. tunnels

    tunnels Previous Member

    Rupes Tools !! Best Ever !!

    Here in nz the best ever orbital sander we always use is RUPES brand Every boat company ever work ar in over 35 years uses them they hold 1/2 sheet sand paper for wet and dry !! they go for ever . just motor brushs and the papaer clips that ever wear out not reappy push hard and almost sit on and they just keep going and going for ever!! Like all good not not cheap but then the best you have tp pay for !!
    Also in the bame brand is round vecro mechanical driven pad is big dia ameter with a vac system to suck up dust is olmots 100% dust free to work with again is professionall tools not toys !!All R U P E S tools are same !!:D.
     
  9. Pylasteki
    Joined: Apr 2008
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    Likes: 3, Points: 8, Legacy Rep: 42
    Location: North Carolina

    Pylasteki Junior Member

    Tunnels,

    What model 1/2 sheet sander do you use, it appears they have one that has a trigger style grip like what you'd see on a corded drill and some other variants. At 3.6kg, they sound like beasts, do they get used on the sides of hulls?

    Lastly, how do they stack up in cutting speed to say a variable speed polisher with an 8 inch pad, or an orbital mud hog?

    Hutchins orbital air files have a similar presence in the US, but take a lot of air to run.

    Thanks,

    Zach
     
  10. Herman
    Joined: Oct 2004
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    Location: The Netherlands

    Herman Senior Member

  11. Landlubber
    Joined: Jun 2007
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    Location: Brisbane

    Landlubber Senior Member

    Rupes, if you can't get them, try harder.
    I have SS70 and LE7 and their round random sander, all are simply the best.
    My poor LE7 has worked its arse off and been rebuilt a few times, but I used it all last week again, and it HAS to be my favourite tool, both for quality of finish, ease of use, and great results.

    ....oh, did I mention RUPES. (Italy)
     
  12. Herman
    Joined: Oct 2004
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    Location: The Netherlands

    Herman Senior Member

    Have you tried the Mirka machines? Ask for a demo. I was a great Rupes and Festool enthousiast (with the Festools breaking down occasionally) but the Mirka machines changed my mind.
     
  13. michael pierzga
    Joined: Dec 2008
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    Location: spain

    michael pierzga Senior Member

    Are the 3m machines simply rebranded Mirka sanders ?
     
  14. Herman
    Joined: Oct 2004
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    Location: The Netherlands

    Herman Senior Member

    No, these are working on a different voltage, and have less power.
     

  15. Landlubber
    Joined: Jun 2007
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    Location: Brisbane

    Landlubber Senior Member

    Thanks Herman will follow up here Monday to find out about them.
    Always happy to get a better machine.
     
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