Dual action vs random orbit pneumatic sanders?

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I want to get a decent pneumatic sander for blending/finishing. Whats the move here? I have a woodworking random orbit palm sander that doesn't really have the balls for metal work. I also have a 4" drum sander but it really doesn't leave the greatest finish unless you're going for the unidirectional lines.www.FirehouseFabricators.comZachMillermatic 255Lincoln SW200Hypertherm Powermax 45xp2x4 CNC Plasma Table.
Reply:Ok,,, I dont own every piece they make and am a whiz with a 4 1/2 hard wheel and actually can blen with it a lot, can even take scratches out.  I see a lot of love for flaps, I own a coup[le but never used one,, ha but my first choise is a 7 inch 36 grit air sander and then 6 inch DA and while they make every grit you can imagine it doesnt take long for an 80 to become a 200.  The real work is done with the 7 though and same for the 36, use it progressively and its not a 36 for long.  I have some 50 but dont like them as well, when I trade a disk I want cut.   I use the 4 inch RA for cutting and wire wheels.  While there is a lot of other stuff these have power, you can turn them down some but I aint much a Dremel guy, cant recall ever using one.   I know there will be all kinds of advice following including the best one ever made but,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,   start with a generic 6 DA, wear it out if you can then replace or find better as you go and dont worry which is BEST etc,   I have seen as many or more broke hi dollars as cheaper econo ones and the hi dollar cost more in partsd and work than its worth sometimes.   I had a guy come with whole bucket of Metabo grinders,,, he tells me how great they are and better than the rest and how a guy can get parts and I say,,,, then why are all these in a bucket?

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Reply:Beliefs about tools are like politics,,,, despite the obvious people believe what they want.    Had a guy say,,, no self respecting welder would ever use that pos B&D grinder,,,, can you help me fix mine?    Guy is a ****ty welder too and telling us he is related to Jim Lincoln hiself but cant see the obvious difference in his weld and the next guys, 23 yr old sprout putting down lo hy as good as anyone has ever done it and mr 40 years couldnt weld himself inside of a box let alone a pipe wouldnt leak.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:in auto body work we used a DA.  dual action sander.  the disc spins and the center orbits (small tiny circles on its off center pivot).  great for wood working.   side note:  national detroit makes the BEST for sanding because the sanding disc also wobbles.  3 ways it sands and clears the dust, also probably the most expensive.   a DA  from harbor freight would suit you well.   its also in the sand paper, usually better brands won't clog as fast.lincoln 125spdayton 250 ac/dcmiller 211 w/spool gunahp  200 sx tiglotos ltp5000dkubota b3200 FEL BHof course duramax diesel
Reply:Likewise, I've had a Souix DA with the 6" stick on pad for over 40 yrs and it's served me well. I'm not sure we're talking the same language when you refer to "finishing and blending " though. In body work that would involve sanding down fillers or primer, but I think you might be talking about making the actual weld disappear into it's surroundings. In that case, I would take it down close with the grinder, hit it with a finer grit open face on the 7" and then if you want it smoother start with 80 grit on the DA and work down to something like 180 before going to primer.The harder you fall, the higher you bounce...250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:I use both all the time. DA is good for fine finishing, but not agressive.Random Orbit works for coarser stuff for me- but it requires 2 things- decent sander- mine are Boschdecent sandpaper- I stock 40 thru 200 grit for the random orbit in Klingspor, they work well on wood, aluminum, bronzes, and finish work on steel. 2 different looking finishes, so if its ornamental, one or the other may be better. DA makes swirlies.Random makes a uniform matt finish, depending on grit.I almost always random orbit galvy sheet, for example, it takes out scratches and makes it all look clean and neat.
Reply:It sounds like your 4'' drum is for wood. I have this Eastwood CST one. https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-contour-sct.htmlThere are 4'' wide and 1'' wide drums avaiable. The tool is amazing with the proper choice of drum grit. This is pretty cheap compared to a Metabo or others and has a 3 year warranty. Go to their website and a pop up should appear about signing up for emails. I did and got a 10% off code.I like the finish, no swirls, more of straight lines ,again depending on grit your using. I use the 1'' wide for my horseshoe artwork and its really super. I have bought addition drums from them since these photos. The 1'' wide as cheap as $7.99 on sale and 4'' wide for $15.99. Amazon has them too.I made the tool holder which Eastwood deserves credit for. Mine holds more drums and even the two allen wrenches.The before and after photo is only using the 120 grit. I do have the 320 now and others. I think it's a great addition and works great on the welding top too.

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Reply:That looks super.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:

Originally Posted by BD1

It sounds like your 4'' drum is for wood. I have this Eastwood CST one. https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-contour-sct.htmlThere are 4'' wide and 1'' wide drums avaiable. The tool is amazing with the proper choice of drum grit. This is pretty cheap compared to a Metabo or others and has a 3 year warranty. Go to their website and a pop up should appear about signing up for emails. I did and got a 10% off code.I like the finish, no swirls, more of straight lines ,again depending on grit your using. I use the 1'' wide for my horseshoe artwork and its really super. I have bought addition drums from them since these photos. The 1'' wide as cheap as $7.99 on sale and 4'' wide for $15.99. Amazon has them too.I made the tool holder which Eastwood deserves credit for. Mine holds more drums and even the two allen wrenches.The before and after photo is only using the 120 grit. I do have the 320 now and others. I think it's a great addition and works great on the welding top too.
Reply:There are a zillion tools for finish but after a bit a guy finds what fits him.  I like as practical and simple as I can.  I used to try everything they ever invented butrt some of the old standbys are still around for a reason.  Makes a bit of difference if you have good air.www.urkafarms.com