posted
I have had a palm sander for years, but am considering a better, orbital model. Any tips on selecting and using an orbital sander? Do they make a real difference?
The first use would be on a 4x6 2-sided SignFoam sign.
posted
I recently bought a Porter Cable Random Orbital and, hell yes, it makes a difference. It might sand foam board too quickly, I would probably start out with some finer grit than you normally would. One must have feature is dust pickup with a removable bag that will accomodate a vacuum. Many have rectangular tubes, that's one reason I chose the PC.
-------------------- Jim Upchurch Artworks Olympia WA Posts: 797 | From: Olympia, WA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
The main features of a random orbit sander is that it will sand wood grain running in different directions without leaving swirl marks, and it does it quickly, much faster than a palm sander. For sanding the surface of rail and stile doors, a random orbit sander is a must. The wood grain at the joint is perpendicular to each other. A palm sander would take all day, especially on hardwood.
For HDU, these features are not necessary. 80 or 100 grit will sand HDU very quickly with a palm sander. The beauty of HDU is that you don't have to progress through the grits like you do with wood. After rough sanding you can jump right to 180 or 220 grit. No need to go beyond that as HDU's cell structure won't allow it to get any smoother with finer grits. That is accomplished with high build primer.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5397 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Personally, I would never use an orbital sander on HDU. It's too easy to get cups as HDU sands so easily. For wood and such, yes, but never on foam. Just my two cents.
posted
I have an random orbital Portal Cable. I would certainly recommend the multi or variable speed model. It will allow you to use in any situation. It should work very well. Mine is a little too agressive at a high speed especially on the edges and edges of carved areas. I will be getting one soon. The palm sanders are too slow for my preference. Jack
-------------------- "Don't change horses in midstream, unless you spot one with longer legs" bronzeo oti Jack Davis 1410 Main St Joplin, MO 64801 www.imagemakerart.com jack@imagemakerart.com Posts: 1549 | From: Joplin, MO | Registered: Mar 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Got a 1/3 sheet sander last week and returned it the next day (Makita). Didn't like it. It was "jumpy". Gonna get an orbital...which would you recommend. Here, there are only 2 to choose from..the DeWalt and the Porter Cable. Same price vicinity ($90-100). Any opinions on either of these??
posted
Just that you get the variable speed one for sure. Much better for control. The 1 speeds on either run way to fast for most fine sanding. Most people that I know buy PC. Jack
-------------------- "Don't change horses in midstream, unless you spot one with longer legs" bronzeo oti Jack Davis 1410 Main St Joplin, MO 64801 www.imagemakerart.com jack@imagemakerart.com Posts: 1549 | From: Joplin, MO | Registered: Mar 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Porter-Cable man here. For HDU I use a 4x24'' belt sander with a 20 grit belt.......Not really. As the others have said: random orbital is the way to go on wood, a little too much for HDU. You could use a palm sander on HDU I suppose, but don't think it's necessary. I use a hand sander made for sanding drywall. It has an aluminum platen with paper holders on each end secured by wingnuts. I think it uses a half sheet. A few strokes and a little sweat and I'm done. That's really all you need when sanding a flat piece of HDU. Start with, say, 120 or 150 grit and finish with 220.
-------------------- Wayne Webb Webb Signworks Chipley, FL 850.638.9329 wayne@webbsignworks.com Posts: 7404 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
| IP: Logged |
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
As the others have said: random orbital is the way to go on wood, a little too much for HDU. You could use a palm sander on HDU I suppose, but don't think it's necessary. I use a hand sander made for sanding drywall. It has an aluminum platen with paper holders on each end secured by wingnuts. I think it uses a half sheet. A few strokes and a little sweat and I'm done. That's really all you need when sanding a flat piece of HDU. Start with, say, 120 or 150 grit and finish with 220.
Printer-friendly view of this topic