Palm Sander Q's - Differences

[gb387]

Now I am not talking about using this on an automotive paint but where would you use a random orbital sander over a orbital sander. Is one for finer sanding or are the basically the same thing? I have a orbital sander but have been looking at a variable speed random orbital sander.

Orbital Sander


VS

Random Orbital Sander

[the other pc]

Quarter sheet sanders are handy for finish sanding when you need to get into corners (imagine trying to sand the inside of a drawer with a DA sander) or sand a rectangular surface when you want to minimize sanding over edges.

Strangely enough I've been considering picking up a small DA sander similar to that one for applying waxes and glazes that don't need to be worked down. It should be easier to use one-handed than a G-100.


PC.

[Mike Phillips]

I have a Porter Cable Palm Sander that oscillates at a very high speed but has no power. It's really tall however and awkward to use, I'll dig it out and take a picture of it.

[the other pc]

Is it like this one? the fixed speed model runs 12,000 rpm, way too fast. They have a variable speed that runs down to 5,000 rpm.

Since it's the power's low it would probably drag down quite a bit anyway. Maybe slow enough for waxing, maybe not. I wouldn't be trying to use any product I'd have to push down with any pressure at all.

The tall grip would be a problem but if I can find one that you can wrap your hand around the base rather than the top it should be easy to use.

I know I can hold the G100 with one hand but I wouldn't want to do a whole car that way.


PC.

[Mike Phillips]

Here's the one I have, I think it's the exact same model without the vacuum attachment on it.



Here's the label, sorry it's out of focus, I usually take a couple shots to make sure I have one good one I can use and this time I only snapped one and crossed my fingers.




Interesting thing, if I turn it on at the 6.0 setting and hold it in the air, no pressure on the face of the pad it does not rotate at all. If I put light pressure on it it begins to rotate with some power. If I increase power it stops rotating.

You're the engineer Paul, explain what's happening?

I've used this to wax a car before and it works, I prefer the regular dual action polisher, (G100), and after using it for a while you'll really start to notice the length of the body.

[gb387]

Thanks for the replies, I never thought about getting into corners, hummmm... all to obvious.

I too was thinking the variable speed version might double as a polisher, but sounds like its not the best option.

Speeds:
PC: Electronic variable speed 2,500-6,000 OPM - 3.7 Amp
Dewalt Random Orbital Sander ~ D26453: Electronic variable speed motor adjusts from 7,000-12,000 - 3.0 Amp
Porter-Cable Random Orbital Sander ~ 333VSK: Electronic variable speed motor adjusts from 5,000-12,000 OPM - 2.4 Amp

Never really compared side by side, there is a big difference! I assumed they were the same or similar.