Is this electric random orbit palm sander suitable for autobody use?

[johnny1290]

Looks like a great deal, my compressor doesn't keep up well with my sanders, but I thought these were always for wood, so better check here first! Thanks guys


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Milwaukee 6021-81R Factory Reconditioned 5-Inch Variable-Speed Random Orbit Palm Sander with Dust Collection Bag


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Milwaukee 6021-81R Factory Reconditioned 5-Inch Variable-Speed Random Orbit Palm Sander with Dust Collection Bag

Price:$99.95 Sale Price $37.99
+ UPS $5.00 shipping

Condition: Factory Reconditioned
Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer´s Warranty

 

[johnny1290]

Well heck I went ahead and pulled the trigger, if it turns out it won't work I'll give it to my friend that does wood work. I'd still be interested in hearing if anybody uses a sander of this type on bodywork. THanks!

Sean

 

[Piper]

there is no reason why you couldn't, I certainly have used an electric sander like that from time to time. I think most shops use air as they typically have a large compressor already plumbed in for spraying. I find the biggest difference between wood sanding and autobody sanding is the actual paper. Wood paper won't work well (or sometimes at all with much success) for autobody applications. Finally I do wet sand with my pneumatic random orbit sander. I wouldn't suggest using an electric sander with water for sure.

P

 

[johnny1290]

Thanks Piper, that makes sense to me!

I just saw it on sale and grabbed it as I probably overrerached with my HF airtools, as those are always air gobblers and my compressor is only a 110V

 

[burger]

This is the electric tool that you want for stripping paint:

Milwaukee 7" Body Grinder

The one you bought will probably be nice for rough sanding Bondo.

Hope this helps,
Ed

 

[MXtras]

Electrics are too fast to use when removing the air-inhibited skin on fresh body filler, but after you get the filler to sand, the electric sander will be fine. The brushes and armature might not like the dust - it's a bit more abrasive than wood, but I prefer to use electric tools over air whenever possible.

Scott

 

[ironroad 9c1]

Just to update this, I bought one of these sanders new, thinking it was one of the last american companies to make a tool in the good ol USA, but no in the store I looked on the bottom of the box... China ...... but it does have a nice slow start feature and is variable speed and does have a nice sealed on /off switch and seems to be built a little better than the other guys and was cheaper than the single speed mexican dewalt **** so I got it , so far I used it to refinish my side door on my house and its worked great, the dust catcher works pretty good. and i used it for a little body work and it seemed on for finish sanding, not sure i would try and strip a car down to bare metal with it, Think I gave 70 bucks for it at home repo.

 

[Monte]

For automotive work i would choose an orbital sander were a soft "interface pad" is available and also i would go with a 6" sander

 

[ironroad 9c1]

this one has a soft face, with velcro attachment really nice unit. even for a china made piece.

 

[Monte]

I thought about something like this for curved parts (fenders etc.):

 

[longroof63]

I just bought a Dewalt D26453K. I'm using it on my Nova. I'll let you know how it performs. I chose this one because it had 4 speed settings.
http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=9434

 

[Monte]

i can recommend this one: