Help me pick out a new sander

[musgofasta]

I need a new power sander. Ok I just really WANT a new power sander. I need one that can be used on both sheetmetal and wood for some upcoming projects. I need to strip and repaint the hood and front bumper on the daily driver, and hoping to strip/sand some vintage furniture for the house.

What style of sander is best for these activities?

I.R. Random orbital palm sander:

OR
I.R. Dual Action Sander

OR
Makita Plug-in Random Orbital Sander

What are the pros/cons of going pneumatic powered vs plug-in? It looks like the plug-ins don't have the speed adjustability the pnuematic ones do. Are the Dual-Action sanders more difficult to control?

Help me buy a new toy!

 

[PowderKeg]

I wouldn't want to use the cheapy dual action air sander I bought for body work on wood, as it would spit a little oil and/or water droplets, especially when it was hot out. Probably just my setup with a portable 'presser in a hot garage, but just the same, I wouldn't trust it.

Dual action/random action orbital sanders are made so to lessen/eliminate leaving sanding swirl marks in the surface. I've got a couple Porter Cable ones I'm pleased with.

 

[Wiggawam]

I have both of the IR's. I use the DA for general work and the 4152 for fine work due to the very short spindle length on it.

 

[SteveU]

You are probably better off going with a plug in sander unless you have a good size (12+ CFM) compressor. Air sanders take a lot of air and will run a small compressor to death and will probably not run that good while they are doing it. Porter Cable has a variable speed sander that can be attached to a vacuum & is almost dust free when this is done. Fein makes a real nice sander which when coupled to their vacuum is dust free & you can have a conversation with it running it is so quiet. Even if your compressor will run an air sander no problem you are using the equivalent of almost 40 amps of power (15-20 amps @ 240v) vs the 2-4 amps the plug in sanders use which if done very much will have an effect on your electric bill.