sander advice??

[flash14]

My 2nd bosch random orbital sander sh** the bed yesterday and I have a marathon sanding session coming up tomorrow before the primer coat goes down on Tuesday. Anyone have any suggestions about what sander I should buy? I want to run it with a vac to cut down on the dust. I have a bosch 1250devs and that is great, but no one around by me carries it. Thanks guys!

Andrew

[finestkind]

Well I'm not sure what these guys use on these boat restorations but I'm a carpenter and I have been using the same Porter Cable 6" Random Orbital sander for ten years!!! Which included rebuilding a fiberglass body for a cj5 jeep. So it has been quite abused and still kickin!! I'm not sure if the newer ones have a dust port for hooking up a vac or not!! Here is the porter cable info: Model 7335
3.7 Amp, AC only
Electronic variable-speed dial 2,500-6,000 OPM
Random, swirl-free sanding action
Spiral/bevel gears
100% ball bearings
Standard Equipment: Sander, PSA pad, abrasive disk, side handle, and operating manual

A lot of people i work with love the Fein 6" Random Orb. which does have a vaccum hook up!!!! Here's there info: Model MSf 636-1
Specifications
Model: MSf 636-1
Input Watts: 380
Output Watts: 190
Speed, no load: 7500 RPM
Stroke: 5/16"
Net Weight: 3.7 lbs
Hose Connection: 1 1/4" GOOD LUCK!!!!

[flash14]

thanks for the help. I think I need to go with a sander that is designed for a vac hose because I have a feeling tht is what killed the last two of my bosch sanders. I wish I had the festool rotex sander, but I haven't hit the lotto yet! Thanks again.

[finestkind]

festool is another one the guys i work with use but like you said pricey!! the fein has a vac hook up!! look it up on the internet!! I don't know the price maybe cheeper!!! but I think it's basicaly same quality as festool!!! I have used both!! I have other fein product and have had great luck w/ em!! But like I said I did a big fiberglass project with my porter cable which is why I bought it and now 10 years later she's still kickin' !! good luck on your search!!

[warthog5]

finestkind I've killed 2 PC on my boat.

[bigeasy1]

Coastal tool in Hartford CT. has the #97335 and #97336 5" and 6" porta cable sanders in stock.They both come with all the vacum accessories included.
Both are 3.7 amps,and both have the hook and loop velcro type pads.www.coastaltool.com
The price is online at $149.00,but according to the guy i spoke with,they run specials quite often,so,he said it's best to call for pricing.

[Water Rat]

Andrew,
I agree with Finestkind. I have the Fein 6" sander with the Fein vac. I also have the Fein detail sander. High quality tools and I have been very happy with them (better be for the price). That said, I have seen the Festool snader/vac combo. and from what I have heard, most like it better than the Fein, but don't think you could go wrong either way. Also, I bought mine on-line from the Tool Crib. One last thought, in case youu need to do some very rough sanding, I have only found down to 80 grit for the special pattern the Fein 6" requires. Good luck.

[dcobbett]

andrew,

I have a 5", 5 hole PC variable speed DA that I just burned out redoing a transom and the console. I'm pretty sure PC has dropped the 5" machine and I have a lot of 5", 5 hole discs, so I bought a reconditioned unit here
http://portercable.cpoworkshop.com/r...orbit_sanders/

[finestkind]

well i don't know what to say warthog5 some people are just HARD on tools!!! LOLOL Just kidding!!! Like I said I'VE had good luck with them!!!

[flash14]

I took out a loan and bought a festool rotex 6" sander. The thing kicks some serious butt. I started sanding at 9:30 this morning and finished at about 7:00 this evening. I have to say this it the best sander I have ever used. It has some really cool little features like an edge guard that keeps you from making dig marks when sanding corners. I didn't feel so great leaving the tool store today, but sanding all day with this thing made it worth every penny! We made so much progress today that we are going to put the boat in primer tomorrow. Thanks for the idea guys.

by the way- the porter cable RO sanders are known for burning out and there is no reason to go 5" when choosing a new sander. The 6" sanders are much more stable. Definitely buy one with both rotational and RO cabilities. Saves a lot of time and paper.

Andrew