Random orbital sander

snowleopard

snowleopard

Well-Known Member
Joined
16 May 2001
Messages
33,645
Location
Oxford
Visit site
I've just been introduced to these (I already have 4 types of sander) and was very impressed. Now I want to buy one I find prices vary from £18-250.

Apart from whether to go for cheap-and-chuck or expensive, what features should I be looking for?
 
I have had a Bosch one for about 15 years and it still works fine, used every spring on 20 ft wooden hull, so lots of hard work. Only problem is having to replace the pad to which you stick the sanding discs due to the Velcro wearing out. Otherwise an excellent tool for use on curved surfaces. I have a normal orbital sander as well which I use on the flat areas.
 
really depends on what you want it for, a larger 1/2 sheet sander for larger jobs or small palm sander for light work and using on vertical surfaces.

I have both and have gone for Makita as they tend to hold the paper well without slipping,
A lot of the so called cheaper models offer good value if you are not using them everyday IMHO
 
Ten years ago I bought a Bosch 125 mm random orbital sander and thought it was brilliant. Provided you finish with a fine grade (and don't catch a piece of grit) you can usually skip the hand finish.

Then a couple of years ago in YM "What's new", I read about the Makita variable speed dual action DO6040. It has what are described rotary or orbital modes - rotary for rapid cutting, and orbital for finishing. It completely revolutionised finishing jobs for me. I don't fully understand how it works, because the so-called "rotary" mode has some random element in it, so you don't get vicious circular scoring as you do on the disc sanders we used to stick on electric drills, but it cuts through paint and rough wood like nothing else.

The other surprise was that the 150 mm press-on (velcro-type) discs seem to be much cheaper than those available through DIY outlets for the 125 mm Bosch. From time to time Aldi sell them in packs of 30 for around £4.

For boat-size jobs the £170 I spent has saved me several tens of hours. Thoroughly recommended. Here is one of the tasks recently done with it

DSC_0200.jpg
 
I got a mucho-cheapo-made-in-china-by-pandas version for about 10 quid. (Brand called Nupower). Apart from requiring ear defenders, it's still working long after the one job for which I bought it. So I'm not complaining and I use it for almost everything.
 
If you want the best no frills no bullshit, just a damn good machine you cannot beat the Sealey ER 150, i have had one for 15 years and it has seen very hard use, i just fitted a new switch & brushes to it and its good as new.
 
There is a huge difference between an 'orbital sander' (of which I have 2, a half-sheet and a triangular 'finishing sander') and a 'random orbital sander' a standard orbital is strictly for fine finishing and removes very little material. The random orbital has a circular pad that rotates as well as oscillating and cuts a serious amount of material.
 
I've now reached a compromise on cheap Chinese tools. I look at the tool and the price and ask myself (a) if it died tomorrow, would I be upset? (b) If I had to pay German prices, would I do without?

Some cheapos go on for ever, some die very quickly. A 9" angle grinder burned out after 20 mins use but I didn't care as it cost £10. OTOH two 4.5" grinders for £25 the pair built my boat and are still going strong 10 years later.

An electric saw for £130 compared to Bosch at £400 was less of a good idea. It covered its cost by building 3 roofs but when its switch caught fire and I couldn't get a replacement, that hurt.

I tend to pick up cheap tools for jobs I do only rarely, e.g I have had a biscuit jointer for 5 years and am still on my first pack of biscuits.

One false economy I have discovered is rechargeable drills. I've done well with 24v models but 12v ones bought for occasional use on board are pretty useless, the batteries hold hardly any charge.
 
I've had a hitachi random orbit sander for 15 years. Used more than all the other sanders (belt, third sheet, palm) and electric plane. Wouldn't be without it.
 
I've got a Black and decker which I have had for about 10 years. Since buying it I hardly ever use the B&D orbital one (third of a sheet type).

It is great for bevelling edges and all sorts of other abuse.

Mine came with a free lambswool bonnet. It makes really good boat polisher!

I would check the price of the spare velcro sanding discs before purchasing as someone suggested. I find I damage the edges of some and it is easiest just to throw them away and use another.

Also check you can buy a spare sanding plate (metal disc with foam) with velcro as they do wear out. B&D supply spare soft, medium and hard rubber backing discs and using softer ones makes it easier to avoid damage on some softer or more vulnerable surfaces.
 
On the subject of sanders, we recently bought a cheapo flat one from Argos & it was rubbish. Think this might just have been because the paper that came with it was so thin it made no impression on our teak & tore after about 5 mins - if so, could anyone tell me where to get good tough sandpaper, or do I need a good tough sander?
 
What type of sander is it? If it's a rectangular orbital you can buy sandpaper on the roll from Screwfix for 1/2 sheet types or buy whole sheets from the same source and cut them into 2 or 3.
 
Just a plain ordinary flat sander, nothing fancy, think it's a 1/3 size. Maybe that's more difficult to get paper for? And don't you have to line the holes up with the holes on the sander, or am I being very dim? (Agreement won't cause offence....)
 
[ QUOTE ]
Apart from whether to go for cheap-and-chuck or expensive, what features should I be looking for?

[/ QUOTE ]

I've got a Bosch PEX270AE and would say that it's OK - especially at the bottom price in that link - I paid nearer £70 quid for it a few years ago.

Previously had a Black & Decker, which introduced me to the breed, but fell to pieces after a few years (several things in quick succession).

Worth having variable speed, IMHO. The dust collection on the Bosch *actually works* - it collects the dust which then just taps out of the paper filter - a million times better than the usual cloth bag arrangement which blinds up the first time you use it. I've probably had this 5 or 6 years now, and (touch wood) the only thing that's been needed is new sanding pads - and I've used it for everything from 600 grit finishing wood and metal to 60 grit taking off rust or filler.

The only niggle is that it is quite 'buzzy' to hold at full speed.

I wouldn't go (very) cheap.

Andy
 
I have an earlier version of that Bosch sander, I would agree that they have vastly improved the dust collection, it was pretty useless, always falling off and losing the bag. I use it without and wear a mask. However a good collection system is well worth it.
 
This is a very topical post in my case.
Yesterday I was using my random orbit sander on a hardwood door. It normally gives an excellent finish with no obvious circular markings. Suddenly the center bearing seized [the one giving the random effect] and instead of a random orbit sander, I'm now holding a high speed angle grinder! Result a badly scored door.
The sander has had a fair bit of use and was not a top name model but had been very reliable until then.
I can't find the user manual but does anyone know if you are supposed to lubricate this bearing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

zoidberg
'This month's hot boating topic....'
2 3
Replies
42
Views
1K
tjbrace
tjbrace
bluey01
Anyone want to design a folding sailing dinghy with me?
2 3 4
Replies
66
Views
2K
bluey01
bluey01

Share this page

Top