Thread: Metabo LF724 Paint Stripper

Len,
I hope the screws are counterbored a fair way, I think you'll shatter the tungsten inserts if you hit any. I've played with the machine and it would be good for refinishing furniture but I reckon a floor sander would be more appropriate in your application.

Mick

Metabo's Aussie distributors are listed on their web site:

http://www.metabo.com.au/List-of-Dis...ml?&no_cache=1

Don't know if you have any Gasweld stores where you are, but I recently bought a Metabo Duo ROS for $325 there, the retail price elsewhere ranged from $399-$460, so they're well worth a go, otherwise TotalTools carry Metabo and BOC Gas & Gear could order one in for you...

I'm with Mick.......I'd just hire a floor sander to do this job.

I sold mine last year as I had finished with it and I NEVER intend to do another renovation again!

It is indeed the only tool of it's type. It is also very effective at its intended task but does require some practice before using in anger.

The depth of cut adjustment can be difficult to adjust (at least with my unit) in small increments. This is important as a small adjustment can make a big difference. One second you are happily taking paint and the next you are taking wood. If you have consistent depth in the paint then it will be a lot easier. If the paint is really thick this tool will power through it.

Be sure to get a vacuum to attach to it as well as this thing showers paint chips everywhere if you don't.

I disagree with Mick on one point. This machine has no other purpose other than stripping thick paint. However, he is right in saying that a floor sander would be a better tool for the job you want to do. I couldn't imagine the back and knee pain of doing this job on your hands and knees with a hand held tool. That's why the floor sander was invented! It used to be done with a specialised hand plane.

Hello to all

Thanks for your input and suggestions on how to stripe a deck for re-painting. Maybe the floor sander is the way to go.

But how do these machines handle the 5 - 10mm gaps between the boards on the deck? I guess the circular sheet is wide enough to keep operating successfully over the gaps? I was just wondering about the edge of the circular sandpaper (disc) and whether it would have a tendancy to get caught on the gap or edge?

A special thanks to Mark for his insight into using the Metabo paint stripper.

BTW. Mark - did you find the Metabo had a tendancy to wear out these blades? Are they as durable as the baldes on my Makita 1900 power planer? And can they be re-sharpened on the bench grinder - or are they designed as throw-away jobs once they wear down?

Regards
Len

The blades are square disposable carbide blades. However, they are four sided so you get quite a life out of each blade.