I’m looking for a good, efficient way to remove PSA pads from sanders. I have used my boss’s Fein Multimaster, and it takes some time to remove the old disc, and there is always residue and pieces from previous pads that refuse to come off. I just got the PC 7336 (no, can’t afford any Festool or Fein. Boss just did get the Fein with vacuum though…Sweet), and don’t want to have the same problems.
Young, poor, and eager to learn
Replies
Try running the sander and sand for a minute or two. The heat build up from the friction should warm up the glue enough so that the paper can be removed in one piece. Ideally, convert to hook and loop as soon as you can. The problem with pressure sensitive adhesive backed paper is that once you peel it off, it is very difficult if not downright impossible to restick it back on. Hook and loop discs don't have that problem, plus their more durable backing (to accomodate the loop) makes the chance of tearing it remote. While the cost of psa discs is considerably less, I believe this is a false economy as you can get a lot more use and reuse, dollar for dollar, out of hook and loop discs.
I switched to hook and loop. You can buy a replacement head for most any sander with the Velcro feature. I'd get one with the vac attachment too. The hook and loop paper is a bit more expensive but you can change paper and grits in a snap and reuse the discs. The edge is much stronger so you don't get the beat up that you do with PSA. The vac head will also make the paper last longer and you won't get the build up in the center of the pad like you do now. For removing stuck paper, you can use 3M adhesive remover, auto parts stores carry it. It's nasty so use ventilation. Changing my sander head was the best thing I've done. The vac head keeps me from banging into adjacent parts and dinging things up. I've been using Norton 3X paper and it lasts. I think it's worth the extra $.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Instead of other options (hooh & loop), here's a solution for you.
Try WD-40, alcohol, mineral spirits (paint thinner)and laquer thinner ...in that order. WD-40 is the least hazardous. Spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes. You may need a single edge razor to coax it off. If that doesn't work, try alcohol. Again, if alcohol does not work try mineral spirits then laquer thinner. Paper backed abrasive is ALWAYS harder to remove than cloth back as it will always rip.
Read the info on a can of spray adhesive. Some cans should list solvents for removing 'overspray'. When all else fails, you can always spend the boss's time scraping the PSA paper off with a razor blade. SawdustSteve
Acetone (finger nail polish remover) is generally the solvent for most pressure-sensitive adhesives.I don't know how it will interact with the mounting surface.I'm still holding on to my old PC330. Going strong after 20 some years.Leon Jester
Boss just did get the Fein with vacuum though..
Yes.. But do he do any WORK with it???
S. As rick suggested, don't try to remove a cold disk. Run it against something to warm it up before removing. If there are little bits of old disk or gum left, use the disk that you just took off and wipe the surface with the back pulling the gum toward the nearest edge. It will pick it up as it gets to the edge.
Once you have it clean, it is not hard to maintain using this method anytime you have a little goo left to remove.
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