DA sander

[taupe]

Hi

Im thinking of getting an air operated DA sander for my traveller project (Ive got a decent sized compressor). My question is can any one recommend one and should I go for one with smaller or larger discs, stick on or velcro type and is a palm type or hand held type better?. I want to use it for sanding off the old paint and for dressing welds etc

Any advice appreciated.

Taupe

[chickenjohn]

I got my DA sander from Shiremoor compressors, who were recommended to me by a member of this forum. It has proved a good quality tool, better than the usual Chinese C£@p! The adhesive 6" discs from machine Mart seem to be OK. I use 60 grit, then 120, finally 240 before priming. BTW, for stripping whole panels of paint, it is best to use paint stripper first as it will take a long time to strip a panel with a DA.

You will need a decent compressor to run this- a 14CFM / 3HP is good.

For dressing welds, it is better to use an abrasive pad on your grinder or flap disc. Or for detail work a 10mm belt sander is good.

[rich-legg]

Hi Taupe,
Did you know you can get an adapter for an angle grinder, that acts in a similar way using velcro?
It makes it heavier than using a DA though, and not quite so versatile.

[taupe]

Thanks for that, what is the difference with smaller/larger discs - are the smaller ones easier to get into tight areas and still ok on larger panels eg doors? Are the palm type lighter to handle?

Im only looking for final sanding on welds and as you say I can use the grinder for that.

My compressor is 14 cfm 3hp with a big 150 litre vessel.

[jonathon]

Remember to ask for the correct cutting size, you have 3,5 or 7mm oscilation 3 being for 1500-3000 grit cutting of top coat and 7mm being the rip snorting get the paint of quick type. Go for velcro fitting as stick on are being phased out. all D/A's should have dust extraction, and go for low impact handle as the vibes can cause all sorts of body ( human) problems if used regulary.

[andrew.searston]

what sort of problems can a da sander cause for a person???

[jonathon]

All bodyshop tools air or electric now have to be low vibration. the problems caused can be 'white finger' and nerve damage along with the on set of rhumatoid arthritis. Many a bodyshop have been taken to court about this matter and Health and safety are pretty hot on it. Strangely one can still buy cheap high vibration tools, and air chisels, de scalers etc all of which are banned in bodyshops.