Choosing DA/Random Orbit Sander

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So I have ruined a couple pneumatic DA sanders (yes they were cheap ones) and also have freeze up problems.  I am wanting to get an electric random orbit sander instead.  I am looking specifically at the Dewalt sanders.  I see 3 models that I like, and don't know which one I want or need.  First is a plain jane one.  Second is the variable speed version of the first.  Third is a new low profile 3.5 amp variable speed model that just came out.  Prices range from about $50-100.  I will mostly be using it on bare metal to scuff for paint and occasionally to remove/smooth old paint to prep for new.Has anybody used electric sanders for metal/autobody type work?Sticky back or Hook and Loop?Do I really need Variable speed?Do these have enough power?http://www.factoryauthorizedoutlet.c...cts/D26451.asphttp://www.factoryauthorizedoutlet.c...s/D26453KR.asphttp://www.factoryauthorizedoutlet.c...FYQUKgod6hdHnQMy name's not Jim....
Reply:I have had a hook and loop style porter cable for quite a few years now. It has a vac port on the side and 5 hole discs. I have not used it very much on metal stuff, but don't see why it would not work well.  Obviously you can't wetsand with it. I really like the vac setup, as I have breathed enough dust in my life for 5 people, and don't really enjoy it much.
Reply:Yeah, I'm not concerned with wet sanding.  Not doing show quality paint jobs here.  Not even good automotive paint jobs.  Just need something to prep my trailers and other projects.  I've had enough of the pneumatic DA's making my compressor run all the time.  The noise drives me nuts too.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Of course, you can buy a bunch of flap disc's for the price of a sander...just like sandpaper, only flappier!
Reply:I use them too.My name's not Jim....
Reply:I went with this one.  Should be here tuesday.  I'll let ya know how it works out.http://www.tools-plus.com/dewalt-d26456.htmlMy name's not Jim....
Reply:That looks like it should get the job done. I don't have one of the orbital sanders but do have some of their other tools and they have been excellent.
Reply:oops. saw this 2 late.had all kinds of electric RO sanders except the real expensive ones like festool.once i got an air run Dynabrade i never replaced the electric ones.get a good filter on your line to keep the moisture out of the line (and tools)run mine for ten years or so. put a couple of replacement pads on, but apart from that no problems.it gets used regularly.air also has a better action.con.  takes a decent compressorGG
Reply:Originally Posted by Boostinjdmhttp://www.tools-plus.com/dewalt-d26456.html
Reply:Got it today.  Tried it out on one of the bobcat fenders.  Seems like it will work alright.  I was more disappointed in the sanding disks than anything.  I had some 80 grit 3M ones given to me so I used them.  Hopefully the Mirka ones I ordered are better.  A woodworker friend said the Mirka disks are pretty good.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Mirka is as good as it gets.I'm a big fan of the Bosch random orbit electrics (my friend has one), but personally, I only use my pneumatic Dynabrades.  Yeah, you need a massive compressor for one though.
Reply:I've tried several electric powered DA type sanders and have found that, while they do work O.K., the air powered ones are much more efficient time wise. That is if you have a large enough compressor to keep up with the volume of air needed to run them over a long period of time. I have a 120 gallon tank on my 5 horse 2 stage compressor which handles just about anything I need with out struggling to keep up like the smaller ones do. I am curious to hear what you like / dislike about the sander you bought and if you find like I did, that it is much slower than using air.I am what I am, Deal with it!If necessity is the Mother of Invention, I must be the Father of Desperation!
Reply:I'm curious to know how you killed a -few- pneumatic DA sanders.The book with my Dynabrade has an hour chart for service.It recommends that if you put your palm on the lever at 9am, and don't lift it until 5pm, repeat 5 days a week, for FIVE YEARS, then it may be time for an overhaul (and after 20 years of that kind of use, it's time to replace).You just have to be sure that its air is kind of dry and oiled.  I keep a 3' HF swivel whip hose on my sanders, with an inline oiler on the tail and a water separator about 50' from the compressor; then velcro that to the vacuum hose.  I will say that my previous 60 gallon compressor rated an unrealistic 6HP couldn't keep up though.My first RO was the Porter Cable with the hard dust container (now everyone's copying that idea).  Nice, but not really enough power behind the 5" pad it came with.My second was the barrel grip PC.  Enough power for the 6" pad, but no internal dust collection, and I preferred the palm grip configuration.I prefer the pneumatic because of the infinite variable speed, the palm grip, the lack of vibration, the low hand position that minimizes fatigue, the serious power to run a 6" disc, and the complete safety to work wet.The Bosch I saw was interesting, because there is a brake on the spinning action, so the pad doesn't spin until it contacts something (it needs just the tiniest bit of pressure).Because of this, you don't have to think about "start-on stop-off".
Reply:Here's one that I traded 50 foot of air hose for and think I have used it once,it just takes alot of air plus I got a little electric palm sander that works pretty good so I'll probably not use the DA orbital that much if not at all. Attached ImagesMaxus Pro-125 MigChicago Electric 90 amp DC flux-coreLincoln Electric AC 225 tombstoneO/A torchM/O mini-torch10 acres of flatland15 acres of holler