Posted by Shawn Auman on March 11, 1999 at 05:39:33:
In Reply to: Sanders? posted by Jimmy on February 19, 1999 at 05:15:31:
: Here's the dumb question of the day! Whats the difference (other than the obvious) between an orbital disk sander & the 1/4 or 1/2 sheet/block sanders? The only difference I see in most is that with the block sanders you have to cut the 8.5"x11" sheets of sandpaper by hand. After comparing, a few have motor amperage. or rpm. difference and lets not forget the dust pickups. Not much else. Would appreciate some educations. Thanks
I only have a random orbital sander. I have used vibrating and belt sanders at other shops. With a good variable speed orbital (Mine is a Bosch), I can sand as fine as a vibrating or remove as much stock as a belt sander usually with the same grit paper. It is easier to control that a belt sander. Because it sands in all directions (random orbital) there is no need to follow the direction of grain with the wood. With the latch-hook backed paper is very easy and quick to change paper. The only week point is that it cannot sand inside corners because it has a round pad. What ever you decide on, purchase a "high quality" tool and you will never be disappointed.