Differences between random orbital and dual action sanders?

[Lyaec350]

What are the practical differences? I've been using the two Sioux RO sanders I got for smoothing out beads that I've ground down with a flap disc and they seem to be great and don't cause any swirls or anything...

 

[Kevin54]

Random orbital is a dual action (DA) sander. Different companies, different names, both the same.

 

[acmike]

I've always thought that a "dual action" sander is one that can be switched from orbital to rotary action by locking the 2nd pivot. And that orbital sanders were just that, orbital only.

 

[PAToyota]

There was another thread on this: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15532

General consensus seemed to be that they were different names for the same thing although it seemed that generally DA sanders were pneumatic and used for bodywork and RO sanders were electric and used for woodworking.

 

[l_bilyk]

^he pretty much nailed it. But now you can also buy RO sanders with an eccentric orbit feature that is used for stock removal

 

[chad s]

I've always thought that a "dual action" sander is one that can be switched from orbital to rotary action by locking the 2nd pivot. And that orbital sanders were just that, orbital only.

This is the correct answer!

 

[JayL]

I guess this sander is different from what we are talking about in this thread. I bought this one and I think it was Merkava who gave the recommendations. Does it do the same applications as the DAs? Any major differences in job specializations.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H4I5LU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Lyaec350]

My RO sanders are pneumatic (Sioux) and have a 5" circular pad with vacuum holes on them. They can also be switched from circular to random orbit as was mentioned above (Just like a DA).

I'm glad to know they are the same thing...