YOU DECIDE: 1/2 Sheet Sander or Random Orbit Sander?

[BDFan1981]

Is it true that sales of the 1/2 sheet finishing sander decreased when the electric random orbit sander (e.g. Porter-Cable 333) became commonplace in the early 1990s? Which of the two finishing sanders did you lean toward after the electric random orbit sander came out?

I have a 1982 Black & Decker model 7456 dual-action 1/2 sheet finishing sander. But at 4000 OPM, it's rather slow for average woodworking.

~Ben

 

[Wamsutta]

The Porter-Cable 505 and 330 were the best finish sanders ever made in terms of low vibration. The 505 is no longer being manufactured, but if you can find one, it would be well worth your while.

 

[monomach]

Well, yes...it's true.

1/2 sheet sanders are pretty much dead. I don't think I've seen a new one in person in over a decade. They're pretty much online-only now. 1/3 sheet sanders are almost there, too. The only new ones I've seen in person for a while now are Harbor Freight and Menard's lowest line.

1/4 sheets and random orbits killed off both, and I can't say that I miss them. I prefer a 1/4 sheet, myself.

 

[Cab037]

I'm personally a fan of the random orbit. I never fealt like I was making any progress with the 1/2, 1/3, or 1/4 sheet finish sanders.

 

[tymbo]

I work for a large millwork shop. D/A air sanders are all I see in the shop.

 

[bcradio]

How about belt sanders... I have never had a need for one, but maybe I am missing out. Does anyone use belt sanders? What for?

 

[top drive]

Got a random orbit the other week having used vibrating 1/4 sheets .

For most jobs i cant see the 1/4 sheet coming out, how ever its still handy for cleaning edges on woodwork the orbitals just a bit course for it even with high grit and low speeds.

 

[qwik]

I have been a high end woodworker and cabinetmaker my whole life and I've never used a sheet sander (excl. air boards). Da's in the shop (95%) and porter cables in the field (5%).

 

[ganymede]

I have a 1982 Black & Decker model 7456 dual-action 1/2 sheet finishing sander. But at 4000 OPM, it's rather slow for average woodworking.

~Ben

It's as much about paper as it is about opm.
If the thing isn't cutting fast enough try a coarser paper.

 

[zkling]

How about belt sanders... I have never had a need for one, but maybe I am missing out. Does anyone use belt sanders? What for?

Belt sanders are for more aggressive stock removal. With a low grit belt you can really take some stock off.

 

[Flattie]

How about belt sanders... I have never had a need for one, but maybe I am missing out. Does anyone use belt sanders? What for?

The workbench top in this pic is bowling alley. I borrowed a friends belt sander with 20 grit paper to get it into a somewhat flat state. Then I used a random orbital. I would still be sanding without that belt sander. I bought him about a lifetime supply of sanding belts and a case of his favorite brew after I used it

 

[bcradio]

The workbench top in this pic is bowling alley. I borrowed a friends belt sander with 20 grit paper to get it into a somewhat flat state. Then I used a random orbital. I would still be sanding without that belt sander. I bought him about a lifetime supply of sanding belts and a case of his favorite brew after I used it

Looks nice ... How did you come across that bowling lane?

 

[Flattie]

The workbench top in this pic is bowling alley. I borrowed a friends belt sander with 20 grit paper to get it into a somewhat flat state. Then I used a random orbital. I would still be sanding without that belt sander. I bought him about a lifetime supply of sanding belts and a case of his favorite brew after I used it

Looks nice ... How did you come across that bowling lane?

Same friend I borrowed the belt sander from bought a bowling alley worth off Craigslist for like a grand. We hauled it about 100 miles. But had to make multiple trips w/a one ton truck and trailer. I bought a 10ft chunk at less than his cost. We then cleaned it up. He seperate the maple from the pine under lament and sold it all in pieces for a nice profit. I had to cross cut a chunk of it. You would not believe the amont of nails in it. I still have a bit left.