Best Orbital Sander

[bigdguitars]

I am in the process of looking for a new orbital. I bought the rigid one and its no good. It barely removed stock when you have a 60 grit paper on it. Its brand new, so I may return it. It was a good price.

I had a makita that worked great till it fell on the floor...

What are you guys using. I need to get something else.

[unclej]

i'm using a ryobi at the moment..besides guitars i do a lot of wood sculpting using driftwood and such so i sand a lot of uneven and pointy surfaces and the rubber pads that hold the sandpaper seem to last a lot longer on them. my last makita was great on flat surfaces but didn't hold up long on my other work.

[mikhailgtrski]

I've never used a random orbital before. Do they work well on a carved top? I'm wondering, is it worth the investment and will I get a better finish vs. hand sanding?

Thanks for your input.

[Mattia]

I've never used a random orbital before.  Do they work well on a carved top?  I'm wondering, is it worth the investment and will I get a better finish vs. hand sanding?

Thanks for your input. 

←

Ooooh yeah. It's less work, anyway, and sanding's just no fun.

I mean, I've got a fairly crap Black and Decker combo sander (will do either orbital, or one of the those clothes-iron shaped sanding attchments), and the orbital mode (which I'm not sure is all that random, but still) is wonderful.

I wouldn't be without it, to be honest, and I frequently consider getting a better one. I still finish the top by hand (final grit prior to staining and/or finishing) with a block, but for final shaping, after doing most of the work with an angle grinder/sanding disk, it's the orbital sander, every single time.

I basically want a better unit so I can use it in combination with my abralon pads for finish polishing. The current one's a bit too rough and tumble for that to work.

[n8rofwyo]

I run a Bosch eight hole with hook and loop attachment. I haven't had any problems with it not getting the job done. It's had two years worth of abuse now and is still going strong. I can't for the life of me remember what I paid for it though... Anyway, if I do finally manage to tear it up, I will be replaceing it with another Bosch.

Nate Robinson

[jay5]

Dynabrade

[M_A_T_T]

Do you have a compressor? What about an air power one?

[jay5]

Yeah, the Dynabrade is an air powered sander. They are really nice cause' theyre much smaller and easier to manuver.

[M_A_T_T]

Can you dis-engage the 'random' action of those, too, so the disc just spins?

[Southpa]

DeWalt, model DW421. Not only do I use it to sand guitars but its held its own on all my renovation/painting jobs. I've only had to replace the 8-hole hook and loop pad once after lending it to a friend. He figured it worked better for him by constantly tilting it on edge and sanding rough corners.

Edited November 19, 2005 by Southpa

[jay5]

To be honest MATT, now that you mention it, I think thats all they do is spin.

[ZoSo_Spencer]

I use a makita, probobally the same one you had.

Makita BO6030

it works great....

*edit* the only thing i dont like about it is the fact that it kills my hand becuase i like to tilt it to touch up on spots instead of whole areas but thats not really what its designed for so i guess i cannot complain.

Edited November 20, 2005 by ZoSo_Spencer

[bigdguitars]

I looked through my woodworking rags, found that the bosch orbital 6 inch was the best to purchase....

say one on fleabay... 225 bucks a little steap, They say the rigid is good, though I am not happy with it.

[johnsilver]

I have a Sears Craftsman 5" 8 hole hook & loop random orbital sander. Can't recall exactly, but paid $60-80 for it 2-3 years ago. Been flogging it every since.

[Doc]

If you don't mond spending some money the Festool sanders leave everyone else in the dirt. The 6" Rotex is, in my opinion the best sander made. It switches between random orbit and rotary and is variable speed

If you want a cheaper alternative the Porter Cable 5" random orbital is a good pro quality choice.

If you have a real compressor (one without wheels that weighs about what I do) air power is great. Most cabinet shops use Dynabrades. They make sanders for Klingspore and Mirka that are marketed under their names. They are simple strong and rebuildable. Cost is about $200.