Replies

1. 
   mudman | Feb 23, 2006 07:57am | #1

   The 6" ridgid sander is a great tool for the money, the Bosch is as good for a little more if you have a problem with Ridgid. I use a square orbital sander for detail work. I have never found a use for a "mouse" style detail sander, if I was going to get one it would be the Fein. If you are refering to a profile sander the consensus is that they all suck big time. I use "tadpoles".

   Mike

2. 
   Troy | Feb 26, 2006 04:26am | #2

   I have a Dewalt 6" random orbit sander that works well as well as the infamos Portercable detail sander that seemed like a good idea at the time but I have not used it in years and should e-bay it. Dewalts reputation has suffered as of late if my Dewalt dies I will look at the Festool as well as one of there vacs. Festools are expensive but most people who have them love them.

   Good luck

   Troy

3. 
   nikkiwood | Feb 26, 2006 10:29am | #3

   I think Festool sanders are trumping all the other brands on the market these days, so you should have a look at their product line.

   Aside from the Festool models, I don't know that there is one brand that is markedly better than any other when it comes to ROS. i have a couple of 5" Makita's which I like a lot.

   As far as detail sanders go, all I can say for sure is stay away from the PC -- which is really more of a profile sander. In fact, if you want to buy one -- cheap -- I'm your man. I have a Fein Multimaster, which among other things, will take small, triangular discs -- but that is not the machine I would buy if I only needed it as a detail sander.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

4. 
   Telemike | Feb 27, 2006 05:18am | #4

   A 5" random orbit sander with hook and look.

   Detail sander? Well, I've got this great PC detail sander and really great royobi. Both virtually new! I'd sell them really cheap.

   Search the archieves for detail sanders and the PC detail sander. There doesn't seem to be a detail sander for general work that is better than hand sanding, not to mention scraping.

   And I've got this almost new PC detail sander and can give you a very good price!! Ha Ha

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Feb 28, 2006 06:38pm | #5

   I've tag sale'd a Ryobi detail sander, but you won't see my Fein detail sander in any sale.  It is dramatically superior to the others. 

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Mar 01, 2006 04:51am | #7

   Hi Steve,

   Tell me more about your Fein?  I have no experience using a detail sander and would like some impressions as to what to look for.  I saw the Fein Multimaster VS on Amazon and is about $320, pricey!

   Applications I'm interested in:  cleanup on inside corners of jewelry/keepsake boxes, removal of finish in tight quarters for purposes of refinishing (Eathan Allen bench), etc.  Also might be good for touching up carvings as in picture attached.

   Any advice/merits on the Fein would be greatly appreciated.  I took a look at the Festool but didn't seem to be as flexible as the Fein.  Some Fein reviews didn't paint a good picture as to its sanding capabilities and the accessories were quoted as expensive.

   Best regards,

    Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   Kidderville, NH

    

    

   Use whatever tool needed to Git 'r Done!

   
1. 
   BilljustBill | Mar 01, 2006 06:35am | #8

        Bob,

       Your box is pleasing to the eyes!!   It almost flows just sitting there.   Did you carve the rope pattern or use the rope molding?

       Keep up the great work!

       Bill

2. 
   nikkiwood | Mar 01, 2006 07:42am | #9

   The Fein Multimaster is a pretty remarkable piece of equipment. I have used the various sanding attachments, and they do all you could ask for. However, the Fein earns its keep with its various cutting attachments -- for wood, metal, tile.The machine itself is expensive (about $300) and the price of the blades will take your breath away (anywhere from $20 to $70 each). But it will do cuts that no other saw will handle -- and that's the reason so many people working renovations will own one. But it would be hard for me to justify if I were only going to use it for sanding. doesn't Proxxon have a detail sander?********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

5. 
   Pondfish | Feb 28, 2006 08:21pm | #6

   I have a PC333 that worked for 6 months, then the electrical system failed (the problem is not the brushes).

   I then got a Ryobi -- I will NEVER do that again.  The H&L "adapter" is worthless, and the on/off switches interfere with a palm grip.

   So, avoid the Ryobi, and the PC is a chance.   I'll get a Bosch or Fein as my next sander.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005