Anybody want to talk about electric DA sanders

[cgrutt]

Thinking about buying a new sander that I want to use as a "DA" to finish some restoration work on my boat. Cutting down and sanding out gel coat probably to 1000 or maybe 2000. Need this to be electric as I don't have access to large enough compressor for this type of project. Will also use in future for woodworking, etc.

I had a Festool Rotex which was great but they are so expensive now looking for good alternatives. I have a Festool vacuum that I want to use for dust extraction. Looking at Mirka Deros II. Any others I should be considering? Looking for excellent finish quality over anything else.

Also have a pretty good collection of Festool sandpaper but looking at Mirka for the fine grits. Thanks.

 

[PCustoms]

You're going to need to buff the gel coat anyway, so finish quality isn't super critical.

I've done plenty of work with a $60 Bosch Sander

I've never used vented paper in higher grits, it's always been solid with a solid backer. Wet sanded if you can

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Bosch has had two Rotex contenders out for a couple of years now that might be an alternative. It’s the GET line: https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/products/get75-6n-0601257110 ; https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/products/get65-5n-0601257010

From what I hear from the Bosch peeps around me, not bad sanders at all.

That said, the Mirka is a damn nice tool as well.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Old tool guy]

I have several, i happen to like the makita. As much as i prefer corded electric, this might be a good use case for cordless.

 

[cgrutt]

So close to launching boat today but ran out of afternoon haha.

Still looking pretty good starboard.



Port side not so much



So there was alot of damage that I repaired and just rolled on gel coat to get something on it. Then hit with another storm that did more damage. Just put some short strand on the open chips to seal the open fiberglass this afternoon. Need to sand out this entire side.

Thinking corded is way to go. I like the Mirka. Want to get this right.

 

[cgrutt]

This is the Mirka. 6" pad 5mm arc. Can convert to 5" with new backing pad.

 

[jar944]

I have the festool 150/5 EC. It's been great for the past 12 years. Buying today I'd consider the mirka or another festool EC. Doubt you could go wrong either way.

 

[cgrutt]

Yeah I've been reading about the Mirka it seems like a very good option and about $200 cheaper than the Festool. Dust port is same size so should work with my vac and the power cord is actually a little longer than Festool so will also work with vac. I've used some other sanders with shorter cords and its a PITA (detaching from vac without extension). The Festool does have option to use as rotary though. The more I think about it the more I'm leaning towards the Mirka.

Anybody know about Acme tools they seem to have best prices.

 

[never enuf time]

Acme is great. Used to be tool crib of the north before it was sold out to Amazon. Don't the Mirkas have a reputation of breaking ? or is it the just the deros line

 

[cgrutt]

Acme is great. Used to be tool crib of the north before it was sold out to Amazon. Don't the Mirkas have a reputation of breaking ? or is it the just the deros line

Thanks I ordered alot of tools from Tool Crib back in the day. I have to look into the reliability issue not aware of that. I've been using Mirka sandpaper for a very long time, (at least 20 years possibly more) but no experience with their sanders.

 

[PCustoms]

What makes your current sander inadequate?

 

[cgrutt]

What makes your current sander inadequate?

No longer have a 6" RO sander sold my Festool and my Porter Cable crapped out. I still have a pretty good supply of Festool and Mirka paper, both in 5" and 6". But would need to buy finer grits, 600-1000. I want to use at least 6" to keep everything flat. Only waves I want to see on this is below the hull haha. Also want to utilize my Festool extractor the Makita and Bosch sanders that I have are smaller and really just home improvement grade tools with 5 or 6 dust ports on bottom not the 60 or 70+ used on the Euro tools. I also don't want to be breathing in fiberglass dust. Yeah I know, respirator but still want to keep any dust generated to absolute min. Also looking into whether a 2.5mm orbit would be better for what I'm looking to accomplish. But 5mm would probably be better suited for future projects (wood).

 

[RTM]

Anybody know about Acme tools they seem to have best prices.

THe few newer power tools I’ve bought have come from them. Straight pricing, no hoops to jump thru. Used to use Tool Crib, and their brick n mortar Seven Corners, before Amazon bought them out.

 

[Vinny]

Bosch has had two Rotex contenders out for a couple of years now that might be an alternative. It’s the GET line: https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/products/get75-6n-0601257110 ; https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/products/get65-5n-0601257010

From what I hear from the Bosch peeps around me, not bad sanders at all.

That said, the Mirka is a damn nice tool as well.

Kind regards,
Olli

I have the 75-6N and I put it to work. I use it mainly for finish sanding wood projects, but have used it to take a few car exteriors to bare metal in a couple hours. It has such a wide range it can work for so many applications. It even has a super aggressive mode (forgot what it's called) that I've never used, but a buddy says he's used it to knock down weld crowns. It's made in Germany, if COO is important to you. Also half the price of a Mirka. Mirkas are cool, but I prefer the handles on the Bosh more.

 

[dnschmidt]

6"corded Bosch: https://www.acmetools.com/bosch-rec...om-orbit-sander-get75-6n-rt/000346634983.html This is a dual mode sander like the Festool Rotex. In forced rotation mode it can be used as a polisher or cuts wood like a chainsaw.
6" Cordless: acmetools.com/milwaukee-m12-fuel-6-inch-random-orbital-sander-3-16-inch-bare-tool-2585-20/S0000000080105.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22235510819&gbraid=0AAAAADub60uWV5uTYus42R-ZLbDkt5PAw&gclid=CjwKCAjw5NvPBhAoEiwA_2egfvxVd0OYXSkrlu4Asd6c2c7Uz_kaknORzgeEGNAK1GfobMRCR8Dp3xoCJFIQAvD_

 

[cgrutt]

Well I ordered the Mirka Deros II with 5mm orbit. Ordered from Amazon. It was about $75 more expensive than through Acme but it will be delivered tomorrow. Going to use it first on a few projects I'm working on it already paid for itself.

Staining new deck



Repainting porch



Restaining deck



I looked into the Bosch before and it looks like an excellent sander but the dust port would need an adapter to fit my extracter the Mirka is exact fit. Did read about some reliability issues seems like they mostly occurred under prolonged use and company had pretty good rep for repairing or replacing defective units. It was also with the prior model hopefully they got that sorted out. Most of what I've read about this sander has been very favorable. I really want the best performance I can get when it comes time to tackle the boat.

 

[NORTON'S SHOP]

Acme is great. Used to be tool crib of the north before it was sold out to Amazon. Don't the Mirkas have a reputation of breaking ? or is it the just the deros line

THe few newer power tools I’ve bought have come from them. Straight pricing, no hoops to jump thru. Used to use Tool Crib, and their brick n mortar Seven Corners, before Amazon bought them out.

The Kuhlman family owns Acme Tool. Never had anything to do with Seven Corners. Amazon purchased Tool Crib of the North many years ago. The Kuhlman's restarted as Acme Tool about ten years after the Tool Crib sale.

 

[rlitman]

This is the Mirka. 6" pad 5mm arc. Can convert to 5" with new backing pad.

Really? At least on my Dynabrade RO's, you cannot change sizes with just the backing pad. There's also a matching counterweight. If you change from 6" to 5", you'll end up with a lot of vibration. I'd expect any GOOD RO to be like that (and the Mirka is excellent, and should be an equal to any quality pneumatic out there).

A bit late to the game (and I too would probably own a Mirka if I didn't have a large compressor), but 3M makes an excellent (but I think even more expensive) electric now too.

 

[RTM]

The Kuhlman family owns Acme Tool. Never had anything to do with Seven Corners.

Wasn't Tool Crib upstairs from Seven Corners at some point in 2002 or so? I swore I went from a jam packed old time hardware store to a bright and shiny (mostly) power tool store, with only 1 of each item on display.

 

[cgrutt]

Really? At least on my Dynabrade RO's, you cannot change sizes with just the backing pad. There's also a matching counterweight. If you change from 6" to 5", you'll end up with a lot of vibration. I'd expect any GOOD RO to be like that (and the Mirka is excellent, and should be an equal to any quality pneumatic out there).

A bit late to the game (and I too would probably own a Mirka if I didn't have a large compressor), but 3M makes an excellent (but I think even more expensive) electric now too.

Backing Pad Net Ø 125 mm 5/16" 130g

Fits all Mirka® 150 mm (6”) sanders. This 130g backing pad gives you the ability to switch sizes and use 125 mm (5”) sanding discs.

www.mirka.com

 

[NORTON'S SHOP]

Wasn't Tool Crib upstairs from Seven Corners at some point in 2002 or so? I swore I went from a jam packed old time hardware store to a bright and shiny (mostly) power tool store, with only 1 of each item on display.

Don't believe so, but I could be wrong.

 

[strutaeng]

I've got an older version of the Bosch 6" and I really like it. It's got the lever to go from aggressive to finer sanding. Also have an older PC 6" ROS sander, and a 5" HF version.

I have done a bit of automotive finishing (fender, hood, here and there), and I'm embarrassed to say I have used those woodworking sanders. I do have a HF pneumatic 6" DA sander for a complete repaint of my old Silverado.

I forgot, but was is difference between a DA and ROS? Electric DA sander sounds interesting, maybe I should consider one of these, for little jobs where I don't want to fire up the air compressor?

 

[rlitman]

Backing Pad Net Ø 125 mm 5/16" 130g

Fits all Mirka® 150 mm (6”) sanders. This 130g backing pad gives you the ability to switch sizes and use 125 mm (5”) sanding discs.

www.mirka.com

Ok, um, wow, yeah, that's one way to do it. Just keeping in mind that a standard 5" pad will not work. But that looks like this specially weighted pad would work on my 6" Dynabrade sanders too, though it's an expensive pad. Cheaper than the counterweight kit, but the pad price would add up if you plan to use it a lot.

 

[cgrutt]

I've got an older version of the Bosch 6" and I really like it. It's got the lever to go from aggressive to finer sanding. Also have an older PC 6" ROS sander, and a 5" HF version.

I have done a bit of automotive finishing (fender, hood, here and there), and I'm embarrassed to say I have used those woodworking sanders. I do have a HF pneumatic 6" DA sander for a complete repaint of my old Silverado.

I forgot, but was is difference between a DA and ROS? Electric DA sander sounds interesting, maybe I should consider one of these, for little jobs where I don't want to fire up the air compressor?

Believe strictly speaking da is generally pneumatic and can switch between rotary and random orbit. The Mirka is just random orbit. Some electrics can do both though the Festool Rotex and Bosch above are two. I used the term generically because I was talking bodywork vs woodworking.

 

[cgrutt]

Ok, um, wow, yeah, that's one way to do it. Just keeping in mind that a standard 5" pad will not work. But that looks like this specially weighted pad would work on my 6" Dynabrade sanders too, though it's an expensive pad. Cheaper than the counterweight kit, but the pad price would add up if you plan to use it a lot.

I dont really plan to use it as a 5" just saying it could be converted. Apparently both 5 and 6 use same motor. Just something that I read about thats all.

 

[rlitman]

I dont really plan to use it as a 5" just saying it could be converted. Apparently both 5 and 6 use same motor. Just something that I read about thats all.

On the pneumatic side of the house, even the 1" uses the same air motor. It's all just counterweights to match the pad to keep everything in balance.

 

[Vinny]

Well I ordered the Mirka Deros II with 5mm orbit. Ordered from Amazon. It was about $75 more expensive than through Acme but it will be delivered tomorrow. Going to use it first on a few projects I'm working on it already paid for itself.

Staining new deck



Repainting porch



Restaining deck



I looked into the Bosch before and it looks like an excellent sander but the dust port would need an adapter to fit my extracter the Mirka is exact fit. Did read about some reliability issues seems like they mostly occurred under prolonged use and company had pretty good rep for repairing or replacing defective units. It was also with the prior model hopefully they got that sorted out. Most of what I've read about this sander has been very favorable. I really want the best performance I can get when it comes time to tackle the boat.

I hope you ordered a back brace with the sander because that's A LOT of area to be doing with a DA. I recommend renting a floor sander from Lowes or Home Depot to do that work.

 

[cgrutt]

I hope you ordered a back brace with the sander because that's A LOT of area to be doing with a DA. I recommend renting a floor sander from Lowes or Home Depot to do that work.

Yeah, I hear you unfortunately not my first rodeo kinda used to it. I don't think it will be that bad everything is in pretty good shape to begin with just want to scuff up the porch and take care of loose fibers and/or splinters on the decks. I've always do it with handheld sander it will be fine. I do rent the floor sanders when working with hardwood floors and am aware of the differences.

 

[dnschmidt]

Here's the deal. All air sanders in 5" use a 100 gram backing pad. All air sanders that are 6" use 130 gram pad. The special Mirka pad mentioned above solves this problem but is unique.

 

[cgrutt]

Sander came I plugged it in and made sure it worked but haven't used it. I absolutely love the form factor the sander is very small and light but has quite alot of torque. My Festool hose fits perfectly. Bought some foam pad savers that adds quite a lot of cushion. Bad news is my supply of Festool paper doesn't look like its going to work. I guess they were very careful about proprietary spacing of holes almost none of the many holes line up. The six holes on my older Mirka paper are an exact fit though. Oh well looks like I'll be buying more paper. They includes some samples of the Abranet I'll see how that works.



Despite so many dust collection holes...



None of the Festool (Blue) line up!

 

[tarbellb]

That Mirka is a nice sander, form factor is as close to Dynabrade/air as you can get

If you ever get a chance to use the dual action GET Bosch series (or Festool) you might be surprised just how incredible the rotary action is. Truly a game changer for me, it will hog off material, especially stuff like that painted porch and rough decking.

Its well balanced but likely heavier and larger then the Mirka, good for benchtop work, not so good for vertical (boat) work.

The mesh is also very nice, excellent dust recovery, can be cleared easily, but loves to catch a splinter or corner and tear. Paper is a little better for rough work. Check out the 3M, Abranet, and even Diablo make a good mesh now.

 

[cgrutt]

That Mirka is a nice sander, form factor is as close to Dynabrade/air as you can get

If you ever get a chance to use the dual action GET Bosch series (or Festool) you might be surprised just how incredible the rotary action is. Truly a game changer for me, it will hog off material, especially stuff like that painted porch and rough decking.

Its well balanced but likely heavier and larger then the Mirka, good for benchtop work, not so good for vertical (boat) work.

The mesh is also very nice, excellent dust recovery, can be cleared easily, but loves to catch a splinter or corner and tear. Paper is a little better for rough work. Check out the 3M, Abranet, and even Diablo make a good mesh now.

Yes I had the Festool Rotex (actually two of them, the 5" and 6") they were great. I have a few other options for rotary if I need it. I wanted this primarily to finish my boat and it seemed about the best one out there for gelcoat in electric. I'm going to be using it with very fine grits 320 to 1000 or possibly higher. Not so much for heavy material removal.

 

[tarbellb]

Yes I had the Festool Rotex (actually two of them, the 5" and 6") they were great. I have a few other options for rotary if I need it. I wanted this primarily to finish my boat and it seemed about the best one out there for gelcoat in electric.

In that case your stoked! Nice sander, glad they finally ditched the power supply on the cord from a while back.

The weight difference alone will be worth it for boat

 

[cgrutt]

In that case your stoked! Nice sander, glad they finally ditched the power supply on the cord from a while back.

The weight difference alone will be worth it for boat

I didn't even know about the power supply on cord. Thanks.

 

[cgrutt]

Well first impressions are this Deros II is absolutely amazing. Light, powerful and absolutely dust free when paired with my Festool vac. Prepped a 40' x 6' +/- porch with columns and balusters in about 2 hrs. One light pass (1/2 one way 1/2 the other) with 60 was all that was needed. Only used about 5 disks. Pleasure to use and works extremely well. 1/2 pass one direction 1/2 pass in the other and done. Had a slight vibration but I didn't add the nut to the pad that was recommended when using interface pad but it was not bad at all. Only issue I had was hitting the paddle when changing paper but thats just getting used to it I suppose. Its much lighter than the Festool Rotex and does just as good of job IMO (having used both). I had an old school Porter Cable which was much heavier than both, got extremely hot while using and did no where near as good of job with dust collection. This is hands down the best RO sander I've ever used. Granted I wasn't doing serious sanding just prepping for paint but I can tell its awesome. The porch is modified latex acrylic epoxy and it had no issue taking sheen off it.



Also bought a cheap 12" bag from Lowes its so small fits right in with room to spare. Maybe one day I'll buy the dedicated Systainer for it but it was about $100 this bag will do fine for now. Believe it was $17.

 

[Chipm]

I have a twenty-five year old Porter Cable that works well. I have used it for wet sanding, and it is my go-to DA polisher with a foam buffing pad.

 

[cgrutt]

I have a twenty-five year old Porter Cable that works well. I have used it for wet sanding, and it is my go-to DA polisher with a foam buffing pad.

Is it the one that looked like an angle grinder? Mine died last year. Probably brushes. It was a workhorse.

 

[Chipm]

Is it the one that looked like an angle grinder? Mine died last year. Probably brushes. It was a workhorse.

Yes; Griots Garage made a big deal of it when he was just starting out, and I was impressionable so I found it at the local Ace I think. It has been a great tool.

 

[cgrutt]

Ordered sandpaper

3M Cubitron "Xtract" Ceramic Coated Mesh in 180, 240 and 320



Mirka Abranet Aluminum Oxide Mesh in 400, 600, 800 and 1000




Was going to order some more of the solid paper from Benchmark Adhesives but want to give the free demo a try first. What I ordered was pretty expensive so there was that too lol. Was going to order 800, 1000, 1200, 1500 and 2000 and finish with wet sanding but taking it to 1000 is probably good enough.

I also received a quart (well, liter) each of Mirka Polarshine 45 (heavy compound) and Polarshine 12 (polishing compound) with a couple black (soft) and yellow (firm) polishing pads.

Still need to order more gelcoat.

Getting there...

 

[tarbellb]

I prefer the Mirka mesh over the 3M stuff

Typically 3M is excellent, but this particular pad/mesh is.... fine. Let me know what you think after you puts some hours in on those, interested to see what you think

If you are buying 5" pads def go grab the Diablo variety pack at Home Depot - $20! for assorted 50 pack