Lets talk pneumatic wet sanding...

[Nick Chapman]

Yes, all this time, I have been wet sanding by hand

I'm looking to get into pneumatic wet sanding, and need some guidance. Some of you guys are pro's on here, and I need to be lead into the right direction. Just FYI, i have an old Mustang hood(red in color) that I will be using to practice.

First off, I hear the Mirka's are a good brand of sander. Is this correct? I'm not afraid to spend the money(within reason). I like having the best equiptment that I can afford. And this seems to be the product of choice.

What else am I going to need, besides the obvious, compressor and air hose(I knew Joe would chime in with some smart remark )


Fill me in guys. I'm ready to make the jump into the 90's

Thanks,
Nick

[ZoranC]

Re: Lets talk pneumatic wet sanding...

First off, I hear the Mirka's are a good brand of sander. Is this correct?

I can not speak with authority but I hear it is among the top ones. Kevin Brown would be an authority on Mirka sanders.

[Peer81]

Re: Lets talk pneumatic wet sanding...

I've got a Dynabrade! (didn't try it yet)

Groeten Peter

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Lets talk pneumatic wet sanding...

Here's a good thread:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21149

[Nick Chapman]

Re: Lets talk pneumatic wet sanding...

Here's a good thread:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21149

Thanks!
I've already got the compressor thing down. This would only be for wet sanding, not a polisher(I own 5 G100's ).

I'm mainly looking at what air DA is the best I can buy, and maybe someone to point me in the right direction for education on technique. I've wet sanded quite a few cars, but all have been by hand, not DA. I'm wanting to make the jump, and make my life easier when I take on these big jobs.

Between adding a pneumatic sander and the new M105, my wet sanding jobs should take me a lot less time!

Nick

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Lets talk pneumatic wet sanding...

We personally have a Dynabrade DA Sander and really like it, that said any name brand DA sander is a quality tool

Mirka
Dynabrade
Hutchison
National Detroit

Etc.

Here's an interesting story on ND

http://www.nationaldetroit.com/aboutus/

All the tools are pretty much going to work the same way, there are differences in the throw of the backing plate with a larger throw being for rough work and a smaller throw being for finishing work. A guy could always have one of each.

The most important thing is the sand paper, both Mirka and 3M have really high quality sanding discs for this process, but keep in mind the are not interchangeable as 3M's Velcro system is reversed from the norm, so you want to choose one system or the other or you'll have to invest in multiple backing plats and interface pads.

Personally, I like the Mirka Abralon System as the sanding disk are affixed to a foam cushion backing which gives you cushion, (obviously), but it also hold water to keep the surface lubricated while sanding.

It also goes to #4000 grit and buffing out #4000 grit sanding marks is as easy as pie. Especially with our new M105 and a quality wool pad.

Here's the Drivers Side as it was being sanded down using the Abralon System, first #1000 then #2000 and the #4000 grit

[Nick Chapman]

Re: Lets talk pneumatic wet sanding...

Thanks Mike.

What about sizes? I see a lot of manufactures making 5", 6" and some have 3"

Should I just stick with the 6" and do the rest by hand?

And the info on the pads is exactly the kind of info that I'm looking for!

Nick

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Lets talk pneumatic wet sanding...

The diameter across the back of the Mirka sanding disk measures 5 3/4" and the Mirka backing plate we ordered fits just inside of disc when you apply it to the backing plate.

Can't look up the part numbers right now but as long as you stay inside one company's system everything should be compatible and fit.