RO Sander advice

[Geeforce]

Hi all,
I have some minor autobody projects planned and need sander advice. I have to remove some stock from a bumper and prep it for paint. I think I need a random orbital electric sander. Seems like most I have seen take 5 " disks and i would like to get one that takes hook and loop. Do I really need one that has a collection bag attachment? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[mikeatrpi]

I used a 5" RO from Sears on my Z. I actually used 6 inch paper because that was cheaper- it worked fine unless the edge grabbed on something then it tore. Mine had the dust collector but my paper didn't have the holes so it was never used. They do make a lot of dust though, especially sanding bondo, so wear a filter.

What kind of car are you working on?

 

[eschoendorff]

I have a 1/4 sheet Craftsman Professional sander that I picked up about 2 years ago. I have to say that for the money I spent, I have been very impressed. The thing that I found, though, was that the quality fo the sandpaper used makes ALL the difference in the world. If I was gonna do it again, I'd get a cheap sander and spend the $$$$ on great sandpaper.

 

[SteveU]

Portercable 333 is what I have for woodworking, also works for what you're talking about. It is 5" 5 hole hook & loop & comes with a dust bag. What I recommend is to get one of the rubber adapters so that you can remove the dust bag & attach your shopvac to it. I have a fein mini turbo that I use with mine, gets 90%+ of the dust as long as the surface is fairly flat that you're sanding. There is also a model that has variable speed available 333VS.

 

[Geeforce]

Thanks everyone for the excellent advice! I probably will go with one of the Sears pro 5" RO sanders with dust collection bag. They run around $60. Or get the Makita-BO5012K-5-Inch-Variable-Random

Mikeatrpi,
Here is what I posted on autobody101.com. it tells you what my projects are:
I have a black Acura Integra GSR which is my project "streetable" track car.
I want to attempt some minor recon work on my own. I used to detail for a living so I have experience in wetsanding, compounding and finishing.
Here are the projects that I believe I need advice on what kind of sander to get if any:

* Shave the door edge mouldings by removing the rub strips, close off clip holes with sheetmetal and fill. I will need to sand, primer and paint these sections.

* Recon and paint front bumper to repair minor impressions and areas where paint was removed.

* Rear bumper paint is cracked and needs to be removed for recon and paint. This is the project that i really think a sander would be helpful.

What do you all think I should get if? I read your recommendations for a
Dynabrade or Hutchins for the pros
http://www.toolsource.com/ost/results.asp?qu=orbital+sander+or+dynabrade
but I wonder if this is overkill for my hobbyist needs. I have an air compressor but could I get away with an electric block sander? What would be the best bang for the buck in terms of getting these projects done quickly and having "okay" results?
Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post!

 

[the intimidator]

is the porter cable made in the usa I see country of origin as united states? I am also looking for a good random orbit sander for auto body work as well as wood working. it seems the porter cable is the lightest at around 5 pounds and the rigid dewalt and the others seem to be near 7 pounds is that the sanders weight or the weight with the packaging? or am I way off I cant see this tiny things weighing so much lol

next question where is a good place to buy the sanding disks? I imagine homedepot and the like will want upwards of 10$ for 4 of em or something ridiculas like that. Thanks

 

[Coach James]

One of my sanders is a PC 333 and it is A+. My quarter and third sheet sanders also work really good though. I buy bulk packs of sand paper at Woodcraft(woodcraft.com) or Rockler(rockler.com). It is much cheaper than buying the small packs at Lowes or HD.

Coach

 

[mikeatrpi]

I buy my sandpaper by the 50 pack at the flea market... its not great paper but for $10-15 per... I can afford to use it up. I also paid about $20 for a 25 pack of "crystal bay" paper locally when I needed it in a pinch. Worst paper I've ever used. For my wet sanding I'll spend significantly more for Norton or 3m Imperial paper.

 

[the intimidator]

hmm I 'll have to ask my wood working buddy were he get's his from. He get's 50 in a pack for the 6 inch porter cable around 20$ and it seems to be alright sandpaper he uses it all the time He does furniture/general wood repaire for a living mayby he get's a special deal or something lol thanks for the help

 

[mikeatrpi]

GeeF- I looked and couldn't find you on the other site. Your car project sounds interesting. Good luck racing it and have lots of fun!

 

[SteveU]

Woodworker supply is another place that sells different grades of sandpaper for the PC 333. Locally, check lumberyards, auto parts stores that sell paint or hardware stores.

 

[Toolmaann]

I'll second that the PC 333 is a great little machine. I broke the dust cup quickly on it, but it's been serving for years (maybe 10?) in my garage.

Just got 3 50 pks. of sandpaper here.

http://www.onlineindustrialsupply.com/

$12 for 50 pk. + shipping.