Orbital Sanders

[aschueler]

Figured this question went here instead of finishing. I have been wondering for a while now what the difference between all the orbital sanders is.

To give some background, the first tools I bought were the cheapest I could get as I had no idea I would get obsessed with woodworking. I just wanted a functional circular saw for cutting fence posts (we live on a farm) and a cheap sander to remove splinters from various outdoor projects we had.

My cheap circular saw (Skil) seems to work fairly well for my projects, interestingly enough, but I mostly use my tablesaw for anything that will fit on it.

However, I have the cheapest Black & Decker sander that I could find at Ace Hardware, and I keep wondering if the nicer models work faster/better/less work. I can't find online reviews or reasons why my B&D is about $30 and there's Dewault models for over $100.

Curious what the folks here have to say about it.

[Terry Mac]

I believe the major difference between ROSs is the dust collection and the name on the product. Although I will tell you I had a Makita that broke apart in use and left several bruises where the plastic went flying. Hit me in the head, several places in the stomach, and left arm. Bought a cheapy Ryobi to replace it, and it seems to work fine.

Also, I've never like the sticky kind of ROS; prefer the hook and loop. It's easier for some reason. Other differences are the handle and switch. Kinda hard to explain, but I prefer a grip on top with the switch at finger distance, i.e. capable of use with one hand, not two. Then there is the difference in size, i.e. 5" and 6" models.

Hopefully others will chime in too, curious as to other views on this. Good question!

[old_guy]

I pretty much agree with what Terry said. I've had a cheapie and currently own a Porter-Cable 333VS which goes for about $80 or so. The biggest difference I noticed between them is the vibration. Hook & Loop is the way to go instead of "sticky" (also known as PSA -- or pressure sensitive adhesive). A word of caution however. If you overheat a H & L pad, the H& L will fuse together rendering your pad useless. While there is a tendency to push hard on the pad to get the sanding done faster, experts say it really doesn't help and it ruins the pad eventually.

My P-C is a variable speed model which costs about 10 bucks more than the single speed. I have found that variable speed allows you to "dial in" the ideal speed which seems to vary depending on the grit, wood, and shape you are sanding.

As Terry said, dust collection is huge with a ROS. My cheapie Black and Decker had no port, and sanding was always a mess in my shop. When I attach my P-C to the vac, I think I capture 95+% of the dust -- it really has ceased to be a problem.

A word of caution on hooking Vac's to sanders. Most "shop-vacs" are not meant to run for long periods of time -- their motors overheat and they go to that workshop in the sky. Therefore, don't sand for extended periods of time without shutting down the vac to cool. Or buy a FEIN vac -- they are designed to run without overheating.

[jcclark]

There are differences, check the specs.
Different orbits per minute (opm)
Different Revolutions per minute the pad spins (RPM's)
And size of orbits, usually between 3/32" to 3/16"
It's the combination of all these that dictate how
fast it can sand verses how smooth.:cool:

[woodman43]

Like JC said, there are differences.
Some you will only find out when using them.
I use a Porter Cable orbital and belt sander. Have never had any problems.
I think you should always read the tool reviews in popular trade magazines and read tool post on sites like this one. They will give you a lot of insite from people who have experience with them.

[jcclark]

Here's two Porter Cable ones that are most popular for woodworking.

The palm one is more for finish sanding
http://portercable.cpoworkshop.com/sanders/variable-speed_random-orbit_sanders/343vsk.html

Then the "right angle" one which is more aggressive for
stock removal, less OPM's & it spins much faster.
http://portercable.cpoworkshop.com/sanders/variable-speed_random-orbit_sanders/7335.html

You can see the difference in specs.
I have both of these and they're great tools.
I use the palm one mostly.:)

[dpmcreations]

Make sure that you try them out and if you don't fall in love with the way it feels immediately, take it back and try another one... Recently, I bought a Ridgid ROS... Loved it, BUT I hate the switch... So back it went... Make sure you check for motor and warranty... Please remember that that is me, not you... Touch them, feel them, etc. etc... move them around like you are sanding.... Have fun and good sanding...