Top tips for palm sander

[ghostlymoron]

I bought a cheap palm sander from B & Q recently McAlister make. It has proved invaluable and only cost 15 quid! However, they no longer supply sanding pads that suit the vent pattern on the base and I found that other patterns became clogged with dust when sanding and would not stay fixed to the machine. I've since found that if I make a few extra holes in the sanding pad with a small screwdriver or other bodger, the ventilation is restored and the pads remain affixed. Brilliant!
Another thing I've found is that, when the pad becomes clogged with dust/paint (dry), it can be restored by brushing with a cheap, copper bristled brush. Which removes the dust residue but doesn't harm the abrasive.
Some of you no doubt know this already but others may find it useful.

 

[mick butterworth]

great info about sanders , just found a source for 1200 grade dry sanding disks for my da buffer nice to know how to keep them clean

 

[Mel]

I have found that Machine Mart stock rolls of grit-paper with cloth backing for hook type connection. This can be cut to size with tin snips and holes punched to suit. Works for me - three grit grades and different paper types are available. Takes time but I have plenty of that.

 

[Boo2]

Wasn't a palm sander, but my most recent orbital sander came with a plastic plate with projections to punch through a plain piece of sandpaper. I suppose it would need a pretty firm press to go through hook and loop though...

Boo2

 

[ghostlymoron]

I'm happy with the pre shaped ones. They're only pence even from B&Q but I'm sure I can devise a way of cuuting slots.I see that b&q are going to close some stores so there may be a closing down sale.

I have found that Machine Mart stock rolls of grit-paper with cloth backing for hook type connection. This can be cut to size with tin snips and holes punched to suit. Works for me - three grit grades and different paper types are available. Takes time but I have plenty of that.