The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Which DA Sander would you recommend?

Bolters-

Getting ready for a spring focused on bodywork and looking to buy a dual-action (DA) sander. Looking for a good value, best buy for least cash. I do NOT YET have much bodywork experience (not enough to justify this purchase anyway!). Searched on this topic and found some discussion of applications, but none focused on brands and models.

If you have any recommendations for brands or features, please pass them along. Thanx!

Do you have a compressor and what is it's capacity? DA's need about the most air at a continuous draw.

Tony M-

Good question. We're doing this bodywork at my brother-in-law's home shop, so I can't give you compressor specifics, but know that it is a larger, shop variety, not a small, portable wheel-around type. I'm confident that it can keep ahead of the DA, but will try to get some numbers when I head over there tonight.

Some models use more than others. I have seen some discussion on this board before about DA's. Maybe a search might bring something up.

When you use one of those, you will find that your hand holding the head is going to be moving all over it. Take a look and see if anything is going to be chewing your little finger up if you get it around the spindal, and you will. I've see some that had crap for the freewheeling latch on the pad.
I have a Ingersoll-Rand that I've used for years. It's like a Cadillac of DAs, but I don't think they make this one anymore.
Don't think you will never use it again after you finish your truck. I have used mine for a lot of things including my dining room table.
When you use a DA, always keep it moving and let the sandpaper do the work. If you fail to do either of those things you will end up with a wavy panel. If you use the paper after it is worn out, you will be pushing against the panel and you won't like the results.
A tip. If the paper loads up but is still cutting good, slap it with a length of heater hose and the build-up will pop off. This works once or twice, then get another piece.

Thanks for the input.
Tony-although a search brought up applications and tips, I didn't find a brand and feature recommendation.
Richard-Thanks for these tips and helpful suggestions.

There are many cheap models out there (many under $50). While they may work, you will be much happier spending more on this item. Look on Ebay for a bluepoint or a snapon or similar high end stuff. Get the palm model if you can, as they are nicer to use and help develop a touch quicker. Stay away from the cheapie stuff and your hands will thank you for it (less vibration). Happy shopping!