RPG 24th June 2018, 09:50 AM Hi everyone, I'm new to this finishing caper having spent the last few years building workshop stand, jigs and fittings, plus some bigger projects for the yard. I am moving into some country style furniture for the house and having a metal work back ground my work is what I feel to be very accurate, probably too accurate, so I am not looking at removing heaps of material. Things like slightly raised seems at board joins, pencil marks, and some glue squeeze out. Being country style furniture it still needs to remain a little rustic. I am looking at a round ROS about the 125 mm as I believe this is the way to go so not to leave circles in the work. I have seen the square pad type ones with a point as well and wondered if they are any better. Just after a good first sander at this stage to get me started. Just working with pine at this stage. Any advice on type and or brand would be greatly appreciated
Arron 24th June 2018, 07:36 PM The square ones are likely to be orbital sanders, not random orbital sanders. They typically cut a lot slower, and are more inclined to leave squiggly lines. They are good for detail sanding, especially on rectangular objects where they can get into corners that the ROS can’t - I guess that’s their only remaining niche.
As you’re doing outdoor stuff that you want to look a bit rustic then go for speed. A ROS with medium coarse grit. Also, for really quick stock removal, you can’t beat a coarse flap wheel on an angle grinder. Good for quick removal but no finesse at all.
I have a couple of the green Bosch PEX sanders - the 300 and 400. They have done me well. No doubt a Festo or similar would be a whole lot better, I just haven’t had a need strong enough to justify the cost. I haven’t encountered anything I found satisfactory below the price of the Bosch PEX.
RPG 25th June 2018, 08:13 PM Thanks Arron,
I had one in my hand the other day on special for $89, should have grabbed in. I have a few Bosch tools and would have to say I have had a good run out of them. Thanks for the advice. I don't quite earn enough to buy a Festo
Arron 25th June 2018, 08:21 PM Yes, I think I paid about $99 each for mine. Earlier models reputably had a habit of the little hooks wearing out, the ones in the Velcro-style mounting pad - and the disks frisbeeing across the room.
That can come from pressing too hard and overheating the Velcro too, though.
Mine seem ok.
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