Smaller DA sanders?

[ukiltmybrutha]

Hi,

I would like to get a DA sander that is smaller than the 5 inch one that I am using at the moment. I need to get into tough spots on my aluminum rims towards the center bores. The 5 inch DA sander is fine for the majority of the wheel but need a smaller sander that is capable of removing oxidation below the clear coat and supports coarse grit sandpaper that will work fine with my Harbor Freight 21 Gallon 4.7 CFM @ 90 PSI 5.8 CFM @ 40 PSI Compressor. My 5 inch DA sander works fine with these specs.....sure there is some waiting in between but I don't mind. I would like to continue using DA sanders in case I need to do work such as polishing headlights with awkward angles.

What is a good DA sander for this purpose?

Thanks.

 

[speed bump]

I happen to like my aircat 3 inch DA a lot. I can't comment on your particular compressor but the air consumption on it is pretty reasonable in my experience.

 

[dnschmidt]

ASTRO has some but my favorites are AirVantage. Just because the sanders are smaller doesn't mean the air usage is significantly less. One electric work around would be a Griot's Garage G8 polisher which can be used as a random orbit sander or a random orbit polisher. For what you seemingly want to use this tool for that could be a good option.

 

[NoahG]

We’ve got a small fleet of 5” Mirka‘a we’ve been running since 2019. The sole 3” is constantly being fought over. I’d highly recommend it.

Link for example:

MR-3, Mirka 3 in.Finishing Sander, Qty 1

3 in.Finishing Sander, Qty 1

beavertools.com

 

[rlitman]

That compressor is undersized for a 5" DA in continuous use, but hey, if it works for you, great. I wouldn't expect a smaller DA to use MORE air, so you should be fine. You won't go wrong with one of the big brands. Mirka, Dynabrade, Hutchins, 3M, etc. They all have smaller sized DAs. I've seen pads down to 1". The DA sander itself is pretty much the same from 1" through 6". They change the pad and the counterweight, and that's about it. Just don't go changing pad sizes, because without also changing the counterweight, you'll break things.