A gap in my knowledge - orbital sanders

[Pallet Fancier]

I've never had one. I have several sheet sanders, and some weird angled things for getting into corners, an multi tools with sander attachments, but none of the round orbital ones.

Do I need one? Are they that much better than sheet sanders, for which the sheets are cheaper?

I'll be helping a friend sand down his boat for painting. Would an orbital be better than a sheet sander for that?

 

[Pedronicus]

Having used one on several boats in the past to remove both antifouling and paint my answer would be a resounding "Yes", but with serious face masks if a/f involved.

 

[Bill Derr]

Nothing to add really except I just bought a Metabo 125mm complete with case for 40 quid on Amazon, which is a good deal and I thought worth mentioning.

 

[MARK.B.]

Random orbit sanders are far better than sheet sanders in just about every way.

 

[ajs]

Yes, random orbit sanders give a better finish and are much faster in use. I only use cheap pads from CPC which work out at 20p a piece. At that price I don't worry about the cost but it's probably lower than most papers.

I have invested in one of those pad protectors after hearing stories of the pad overheating and melting the velcro, it's easier to replace the protector than the wheel. It's never happened to me but the additional cushioning of the protector is an additional benefit.

 

[Pallet Fancier]

Well, following the advice in this thread, and after checking the price on Screwfix, I took myself down to the purveyors of the green tools and have yet another green tool in my collection! (Don't tell my therapist, or he'll organise another intervention!)

 

[Homeless Squirrel]

Ive a metabo 6" orbital sander it has two orbit sizes 6-3mm always plug the Henry Hoover in which keeps disc clean stops bit clogging it up which overheats them and base, variable speeds also. Great bit of kit
DeWalt has this version now

 

[mikej460]

I have two Metabo ROS one is a Duo and the other more recent machine is a green Mirka which is excellent.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I can't speak for Metabo ROS but I have a Metabo 1/4 sheet sander which is by a mile the worst power tool I've ever bought. I have a 5" DeWalt and air driven Sealey 6" ROS's which are both good.

 

[Fanous]

If you fancy treating yourself to a great sander, get the new electric 3M sander with their extract discs. You will thank me later.

https://www.u-pro.co.uk/products/3m-xtract-electric-random-orbital-sander-150mm
https://www.u-pro.co.uk/products/3m...nding-discs-pack-of-50?variant=40165079580858
I am using the discs, and would deffo buy the sander too, if I didn't already have the bosh one.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-ge...w4KZMGRv6tN3eUGtwERoCuKgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[mikej460]

If you fancy treating yourself to a great sander, get the new electric 3M sander with their extract discs. You will thank me later.

https://www.u-pro.co.uk/products/3m-xtract-electric-random-orbital-sander-150mm

This is mine and I've read that Metabo make the Mirka, I wouldn't be surprised if they also make the 3M.

https://www.metabo.com/com/en/tools...0-5-0-bl-615050770-random-orbital-sander.html

 

[Seascaper]

I've never had one. I have several sheet sanders, and some weird angled things for getting into corners, an multi tools with sander attachments, but none of the round orbital ones.

Do I need one? Are they that much better than sheet sanders, for which the sheets are cheaper?

I'll be helping a friend sand down his boat for painting. Would an orbital be better than a sheet sander for that?

Hello,
Some advice for when it comes to sanding your boat. Anti fouling paint should not be sanded because the dust is highly dangerous to inhale. It is recommended that one uses an anti fouling stripper which is a gel that one applies and is then washed off, and not washed into the sea. I have met persons who used the sanding method and they have been laid up recovering for a week from inhaling the dust.
Regards

 

[sometimewoodworker]

I've never had one. I have several sheet sanders, and some weird angled things for getting into corners, an multi tools with sander attachments, but none of the round orbital ones.

Do I need one? Are they that much better than sheet sanders, for which the sheets are cheaper?

I'll be helping a friend sand down his boat for painting. Would an orbital be better than a sheet sander for that?

Even better than a standard random orbital sander is one that can be switched into geared mode as they can both take rough wood down extremely fast and get a mirror finish, that combined with the R/O function is extremely valuabl. The only drawback, apart from cost, is that they are heavy.
On the subject of sanding supplies, using high quality paper pays for itself in reduced paper changes and time that it cuts

 

[Pedronicus]

Hello,
Some advice for when it comes to sanding your boat. Anti fouling paint should not be sanded because the dust is highly dangerous to inhale.

Hence my earlier comment about wearing a serious face mask when sanding a/f. Maybe even a ventilated one like wot chimney sweeps wear.

 

[Pallet Fancier]

Hello,
Some advice for when it comes to sanding your boat. Anti fouling paint should not be sanded because the dust is highly dangerous to inhale. It is recommended that one uses an anti fouling stripper which is a gel that one applies and is then washed off, and not washed into the sea. I have met persons who used the sanding method and they have been laid up recovering for a week from inhaling the dust.
Regards

It's so old, the jet wash removed most of it and a scraper will suffice for the bits that are left. The sanding is for taking the primer off, above and below the waterline.