orbital sander – soft start worth it?
I’m shopping for an orbital sander – probably 5″, maybe 6″.
First; is there a strong reason to go 6″ instead of 5″?
Second; Bosch offers a variable speed and an ELECTRONIC variable speed that has all the same functions as the variable but also features a soft start and maintains constant speed under changing loads.
If you have used both types, will you tell me if it’s worth another $35 for the soft start and constant speed features?
Thanks,
BruceT
Replies
it's something you very quickly learn to really like...
consider 6" self stick for production work and 5" velcro for single item varity detail sanding...
if you do a lot of sanding.. get both..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
6" is bigger surface area, therefore sands big flats faster. I think a 6" is about 30% more surface area. Soft start is nice; I don't have a sander with one, but I appreciate it on my router.
Thanks for your help.
the 6" discs are harder to find... I have to go to a specialty wood working store. I dont know if soft start is really worth it or the variable speed. My dewalts have neither. If the sander is not up to full speed when you put it down on the surface...it will create unusual swirl marks on your surface. I have a dewalt 5 and 6 I personally like the 5 better...since it is easier to use and less demanding on your body. Just make sure the switch (on/off) is sealed... that (I believe) is key with sanders.
I like the 5 over the 6, as someone said more disk choices, and easier on my smaller and somewhat weaker hands.
yes to soft start, $35 impact is a personal thing.
the 6" has a larger selection of PSA disks which cost about a fifth of the hook and loop...
the 6" machines are more production oriented...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Yes you're right. I am a small time user, smaller jobs, sometimes swapping grits on the same job so use the H&L a lot. more woodworking than homebuilding. plus it seemed to me that there were more 5" choices in local stores (big boxes, woodworking...) probably not true if one includes on-line orders (which one would). Thanks for the info and setting me straight.
Even with the 5" after a short time my wrists get numb from the vibration so the smaller one is all I can handle. started using gloves for longer jobs.
time for a really good pair of anti-vibration gloves..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!