Best Orbital Sander

[ExoticAutoDetai]

When you say small jobs, do you mean,

• Thin panels so you're looking for a small size sanderSpot repair on any panel - size of polisher doesn't matterSmall cars? You work on Mini Coopers?

The Chicago Pneumatic mini polishers in the Meguiar's Professional Headlight & Spot Repair Kit are real nice for working on thin panels, tight areas or spot repair.

See some pics here...

Meguiar's New 3 Inch Professional Headlight & Spot Repair Kit


They make the Unigrit Sanding and Foam Backed Finishing Discs to fit this and there's a new 3" Microfiber cutting and polishing pad coming out that will fit these tools also.







In this article I cover some of the benefits and drawbacks of both air and electric DA's for sanding...

Damp-Sanding Tools, Tips and Techniques by Mike Phillips


Here's an excerpt as this is one of the longest articles I've ever written, not the longest but one of them... You can also find most of this article on Dampsanding by Mike Phillips I still need to finish coding about a 1/3 of it to the site.





Here's another excerpt...



I have both the 3M Referneced in my article and the Dynabrade Finishing Sander and I like the 3M version much better.


I think I talk about the 3M unit here too...

Can an air-powered DA Sander be used to polish paint?

this DA sander is good to have as well will come in handy for tight areas and for restoring headlights!!! how much does the kit cost? any discounts for me? when i said small jobs i meant like doing 2 whole cars a week sorry for not being clearly

[C. Charles Hahn]

Thank You Everyone helps alot now i need to save $$$ for my 3m Sander and a BEEP big ass compressor lolz any ideas where i can get a good compressor for not a high price?

Your best bet for finding one hell of a deal will be to look for something used on Craigslist. Otherwise, I've heard very good things about the US General compressors at Harbor Freight. Unlike most of the stuff HF sells, the compressors use quality motors and I think some are even made in USA.

Or if you want to go crazy like I did, here's the compressor I have:

80 Gallon 2-Stage Air Compressor, 5 HP - 3496129 | Tractor Supply Company

[ExoticAutoDetai]

Your best bet for finding one hell of a deal will be to look for something used on Craigslist. Otherwise, I've heard very good things about the US General compressors at Harbor Freight. Unlike most of the stuff HF sells, the compressors use quality motors and I think some are even made in USA.

Or if you want to go crazy like I did, here's the compressor I have:

80 Gallon 2-Stage Air Compressor, 5 HP - 3496129 | Tractor Supply Company

is not possible of finding a portable compressor for my mobile business?

[smooth72]

I have the 3m self vacuum version. Works great, so does the Purple Clean Sanding disc. Now you have decided on 3m now you have to decide on which version, comes in 3 design, and 3 different orbits.

3M? Random Orbital Sanders & Buffers

[ExoticAutoDetai]

I have the 3m self vacuum version. Works great, so does the Purple Clean Sanding disc. Now you have decided on 3m now you have to decide on which version, comes in 3 design, and 3 different orbits.

3M? Random Orbital Sanders & Buffers

i want this one
3M™ Random Orbital Sanders - Central Vacuum lol now i need a good portable air compressor for it

[smooth72]

i want this one
3M™ Random Orbital Sanders - Central Vacuum lol now i need a good portable air compressor for it

Now you have to deiced which orbit. 3/16, 5/16, or 3/32. I would have to check mine to see which one, I think I just picked the middle one,

[smooth72]

I just found this.
3M™ Finishing Systems: The Tools. The Abrasives. The Accessories.

[C. Charles Hahn]

is not possible of finding a portable compressor for my mobile business?

Gas or electric powered? A portable compressor that will be able to handle an air DA is going to cost quite a bit more than a stationary one, and even stationary compressors aren't cheap. You have to remember that tools like that require a LOT of capacity from an air system.

To be honest, if you're dealing with a mobile business you REALLY should reconsider going with an air tool. The electric DA will be much more portable and easy to adapt to whatever environment you're in.

Now you have to deiced which orbit. 3/16, 5/16, or 3/32. I would have to check mine to see which one, I think I just picked the middle one,

The 3/16 is what AG sells, and is also what Meguiar's recommends for use with their Unigrit finishing discs.

[ExoticAutoDetai]

Gas or electric powered? A portable compressor that will be able to handle an air DA is going to cost quite a bit more than a stationary one, and even stationary compressors aren't cheap. You have to remember that tools like that require a LOT of capacity from an air system.

To be honest, if you're dealing with a mobile business you REALLY should reconsider going with an air tool. The electric DA will be much more portable and easy to adapt to whatever environment you're in.



The 3/16 is what AG sells, and is also what Meguiar's recommends for use with their Unigrit finishing discs.

i didnt know they had gas air compressors if i get a gas one i wouldnt have to buy a generator i dont wana get the electric DA now i like more the 3m now

[C. Charles Hahn]

i didnt know they had gas air compressors if i get a gas one i wouldnt have to buy a generator i dont wana get the electric DA now i like more the 3m now

Be prepared to spend BIG, BIG money on a compressor, then. As in probably a couple grand to get reliable performance for the kind of sanding operations you're talking about doing. Even then the compressor will probably need some rest periods throughout the day which will mean downtime. Portable units usually are not designed for 100% duty cycle like stationary industrial grade ones are.

Is it really worth it to you to be spending a couple grand so you can run a $150 air tool, or does it make more sense at least initially to buy a $150 electric tool that is self sufficient and will sand all day long without complaining?