looking for comments / advice on use of Porter Cable drywall vacuum sander
I’m coming to a juncture in the renovation of our master bdrm where I’m going to be sanding topping mix and am looking for ideas
home built in 1900 w/ flat copper roof has suffered over yrs cracks up the cuzoo and some plaster fill & sheetrock installation
now has foam insulated sloped roof; Mike Smith esque cellulose impregnated balloon walls w/ about 6 bags of 40 min. hot mud and 7 boxes of topping mix over a few plaster washers and some rolls of 6″ mesh tape etc and lookin good for some refinement
love the idea of a vaccuum working w/ me
1/2 the room still has picture molding up – these machines easy to operate the 18″ between molding and ceiling?
operate well overhead?
easy enough to control over surface that might have 3/16 topping mix next to an area w/ 1/64+ topping?
considering rolling out the infamous “D” mix or some variation so not real anal about finish – suppose dust in a room 15′ X 24′ w/ 8 1/2′ ceilings main issue and not going backwards cuz it is aggressive like a weedeater or something
forgot to mention a local rental yard has this available
look forward to your feedback
Replies
I think they are easy to control and am always amazed at how much dust they catch.
I rented one several times and finally bought my own last year or so.
They are more for a flat surface as the disc is about 10" or so in diameter.
They won't get into tight corners for same reason listed above - can get tight into two way corner, just not the three ways.
Takes a little getting used to and tires the arms a bit when you first start working overhead.
There is a variable speed dial that you can turn down to slow to help you get the feel for it before really going to town.
I like to drop it onto a section of the wall where there is no mud and then move into the mudded area to avoid a gouge or swirl from putting it to the wall. The vac actually has a lot of suction and kinda helps hold the thing tight to the wall.
I would reccommend trying one - worst you are out is a half day rental if you really don't like it. I think you will be spoiled though.
Be sure to get a sponge or two for a little light hand sanding at the end.
Good luck,
Shoe
thanks for the advice
I'll definitely try one as you suggest
I've got one as well and love it John, Shoe's comments are right on the money. Of course I haven't tried the Dmix yet or I'm sure I wouldn't be sanding at all ;)
Edited 4/25/2005 9:05 am ET by PaulB
This is good.
I just receive a notice from breaktime and ...it was me..talking to me.
You guys drive me nuts.
Good day to all and I'm staying away from this stupid computer.
Any questions? call me.
Start in a closet or somwhere inconspicuous, those sanders really get after it. My first time I went way too far and ended up having to re coat a lot of the room.
I have never used one on topping mix either, John. That stuff is pretty soft. I don't remember how fine a paper they have at our rental yard but I'm thinking even 180 might be too coarse for topping mix.
Great tool, though. I'm hooked.
Use the d mix and ... DONE.
What is this?
D. -May be you should give him a hotline.
Ok. Call me at 732-259-9984. and don't be Blue. Be brave.
And tread yourself with star-$$$$bucks.
You can do it. Go for the d-mix.
----Imagine if I was selling that? I be the pimp of all pimps.
Now that you don't sale this thing you can say anything.
----Can I do that? OK. Here is it.
If you don't use the D-Mix you're a big m#l#k#.
----What?
Just do it and if you have any questions or problems..call the D-mix-Pimp.
Good luck.
YCF EZ Dino
"And tread yourself with star-$$$$bucks."Have you reforumated D-Mix to use Starbucks or DD coffee (cups)?
hey Jim
amongst the Hertz rental yards it seems your Yelm yard is where they keep the Porter Cable
depending on the day I choose to rent I may be heading to Yelm or there is a truck something like Monday & Thursday to the store I use by the Narrows Bridge ( they'll transfer it for me )Thanks for all input and I'll keep a light touch
If you come out this way let me know, John. Maybe we can grab a cup of coffee? This week is really busy for me but next week should be a little calmer.
Have you reforumated D-Mix to use Starbucks or DD coffee (cups)?
Nop. Don will kill me. The nearest starbucks is 150 miles away.
Imagine that. Forget about Blue. He's ready to say something.
Please guys. Stay with the DD coffee.
You know what Bill? Is not a bad idea to get some DD stocks.
You never know.
I LOVE mine! I use it alot and have always been satisified with it. Only drawback is when doing ceilings, it gets a little heavy by day's end from holding it above your head.
But thats just a sign I need to hit the gym more often!!!
Mike