Thread: 125mm vs 150mm Random Orbital Sander - ROS

I know majority will vote for 150mm, but I prefer 125mm. It's lighter, easier to control especially when you need to sand vertical surface or upside down sanding.

I'm in the camp of 150mm (with the Metabo SXE 450 TurboTec). But why 150mm? If you're sanding a larger area I'd think you have smaller chance of uneven sanding, by way of creating holes than you would a smaller pad size of 125mm. I've always pre-sanded stock before assembly, so I've never had the trouble of getting into tight spots.

That's my thinking anyway, is it necessarily right?

what Waldo said
and if you need to get into corners do it by hand or sharp chisel and sand paper

cheers
conwood

....or just use a well-tuned hand scraper.

I believe the finish to be superior to all others, as it doesn't involve scratching across the fibers, plus there's much less grain pickup after the first finish coat.

Can anyone advise an absolute newbie about purchasing an orbital sander.
I need to sand a gate, an out door setting and some pine furniture. Not really concerned with the cost, but would like good finish and not too heavy for a limp wristed lady )

See my reply on your other thread here

150mm diameter ROS is recommended - more powerful machines which last longer, greater area of coverage ( 45% greater) , so less tiring