Best electric sander for Autobody work?

[Bennylava]

I was hoping someone here could give me an idea of the best, or at least a very good electric sander, for autobody work. I don't have air and can't really get into good air at this time. Also, I already have a Dewalt brand electric sander that does work. What would be the advantages of your suggested sander, over my dewalt? I know there are some, as there are some solid advantages to be had with a high quality buffer, for detailing.

 

[HMCFab9]

Besides an electric grinder, most tools designed for autobody work / sanding use air.
Buffers are usually electric.

If you are doing any bodywork with filler, you really need an air compressor to blow the dust off before applying more filler.
What exactly are you trying to do?

 

[rice rocket]

Europeans use electric sanders for bodywork a lot more than the 'mericanz.

For electric, the Mirka DEROS is the one you want, it's brushless and lightweight, with a paddle for variable speed control, which should be familiar to most body guys.


The kicker is....it's $600.

 

[Bennylava]

Besides an electric grinder, most tools designed for autobody work / sanding use air.
Buffers are usually electric.

If you are doing any bodywork with filler, you really need an air compressor to blow the dust off before applying more filler.
What exactly are you trying to do?

Well I'm just wanting to put the famed "Rustoleum paint Job" on an old 2001 Honda. Always wanted to try it, and just see how it works out. The car would benefit from it, as nobody is ever going to paint such a car. But it does have a very straight body that is pretty much flawless except for the delaminating clear coat on it. So its worth it to try.

Looking at the cost of that high end electric... I think my dewalt will do fine lol. I just don't have the cash right now to go air, or I probably would.

 

[Monte]

Festool ETS EC 150/3 for example...

 

[creativecars]

I use the Harbor Freight 6" 5.7Amp Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher for a sander all the time. It comes with a velcro backing pad pad so any 6" hook and loop DA sandpaper will work on it. Since it's electric it is a bit bulky as DA's go. I have used mine on paint, wood and metal projects. $65.00 right now, minus 20% makes it about $52.00
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-57-amp-heavy-duty-dual-action-variable-speed-polisher-69924.html

 

[DakotaMan]

Sorry to bump an older thread, but I'm curious if the OP ever selected a sander. I'm looking at this now. I'm considering the model in the link below but am curious of OP's results.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002EQ96MG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[-OSIS-]

Porter cable

 

[johnyg]

i use a p/c for big sanding when compressor wont keep up. get a pad for auto body work .