Random Orbit Sanders

cutawooda | Posted in General Discussion on December 13, 2002 06:52am

Told my wife I want a Porter cable ROS for xmas. The bigger one with the side handle. I was assured by another woodworker that it would be “swirl free”. Looks a little awkward though. Comments suggestions feedback please. My current ROS is a pleasure in the hand, but still leaves swirl marks.

Replies

Ricky_Yu | Dec 13, 2002 12:22pm | #1
I have the Porter-Cable 7336 6" random orbital sander and can report that it has performed well. With even sweeping motions, I've noticed no swirl marks with the medium grits (100G & 120G) that I usually use. The large body is a little difficult to grip, so I always have to use the auxiliary handle to maintain control. There is some vibration, but it does not seem to have transferred onto my work.
HowardAcheson | Dec 13, 2002 06:43pm | #2
You might want to take a look at the November issue of Wood Magazine in your local library. They tested a number of ROS and have some good info that you may want to know.

As I recall, the PC was one they recommended but the article had some other info about which ones were fastest and which did the best job of finish sanding.

BTW, swirl marks are more a function of the progression of sanding grits and technique than the machine itself. In my experience and all the finishers I know finish their sanding by hand using the last grit they used on their machine. That is the only way to be sure that swirl marks do not show up with finishing.
Jimma | Dec 14, 2002 01:14am | #3
A feature I find of value is the variable speed function and I have it on both my Bosch (a straight handle model) and my DeWalt (palm type). My son has both a PC and a DeWalt and claims the PC isn't easy to hold, but has good dust control. Likes to use the DeWalt for lengthy sanding jobs because it's less tiring.
Glendo | Dec 21, 2002 11:26pm | #4
I have Bosch PC and Dewalt 5" and 6" palm and angle RO sanders. The Dewalt sanders have the best dust collection, sand as well and have held up alot better than the others. Unless you go through the full range of grits, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 220 etc. you will see swirls. For the ones you might not see untill too late, shine a bright light at different angles or wipe down with water or mineral spirits.Keep some 220 g. handy when staining, you can remove any sanding uglies as you find them.

Glendo.