Looking to buy a Random Orbital Sander for auto body

[jstandle]

Hi all,

We're looking to purchase a random orbital sander for hobby automotive painting. Finish sanding I guess is what you'd consider it. I still have a bunch of 180 grit 6" adhesive pads from when I was borrowing a friends sander in the past, so 6" is what I'm looking for unless there is a preferance to a 5".

Does anyone know of a brand/model they're happy with? Since this is just hobby use, under $100 is required. I was going to get one like my friends but I can't recall what it was, other than 6".

I think I prefer air since they are lighter, but I'm not stuck to that.

Thanks,
Jordan

[Aces'n'8s]

I have this 5" Dynabrade sander. Compared to other sanders, I think it is a great sander because of its reasonably light weight, outstanding power to size ratio, and its controllability during one-handed sanding. I got mine off of Ebay for $89 NIB. I think Northern and Auto Body Toolmart retail these for $120-$150? I believe you could get this sander and install a 6" hookloop or PSA pad on it.

http://www.automaticlathe.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/dynabradesanderweb.jpg.w180h150.jpg

Dyna also makes this same sander with a more powerful motor (black body) but it's $$$.

What color was your friends sander? Red, Black, clear red/blue with chrome? Most 6" D/A sanders I've used look like the old IR 311.

http://www.menintools.com/images/311.jpg

[jstandle]

My friends looked similar to this;

http://cgi.ebay.com/Air-Pneumatic-Random-Orbital-Sander_W0QQitemZ200017740460QQihZ010QQcategoryZ756 76QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[savageracing]

I've used them all and Hutchins is by far the BEST. Don't waste your money on a harbor freight special. You'll toss it in less than a month (if it does not break before that)
http://www.tylertool.com/huma.html
http://www.hutchinsmfg.com/content/HutchinsCatalog72dpi.pdf

[The Joker]

The IR is great for taking off material fast, the Dynabrade is good for finish sanding. I have both and use both.

[jstandle]

How about the Snap On ones? I see a used one on Ebay in my price range.

[mustsellxj]

Ingersoll Rand is the best and not to spendy i just bought a new one and it was 175 but my old one is 5 years old and works perfect but if your just starting out than i would go to harborfreight and get you the cheepest one they have

[mustsellxj]

Ingersoll Rand is the same thing as craftsman so pick witch is cheeper and get one of those

[crusty1007]

im preety shure ingersol rand makes the D.A.s for snap on matco mac they are preety much the standard in the autobody around me....

ive seen them from 130 - 250 depending on the sticker ie: snap on, mac, matco

[jstandle]

Well I bought a used, rebuilt 6" Snap-on one from E-bay for $75, hopefully it's in as good of shape as it says. If so, it will last me forever;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=020&item=300019788497&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1

[DHONDAGOD]

looks to be a great buy... congrats.. FWIW i have a blue-point (hutchings) and i love it... been very good to me for about 7 years now...

chris:cool2:

[Triaged]

Unless you have a bitchen compressor I would recommend sticking with electric. If you go electric Porter-Cable are the ones to look for...the 6" is nice but a little 5" palm type is a bunch cheaper.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000222YJ/102-8068857-5754510?v=glance&n=228013
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000256RVY/102-8068857-5754510?v=glance&n=228013

[jstandle]

Eh, my air compressor is so so. it's only got like a 15-20 gallon tank so I just don't get it a big hurry. I've got a 50+ gallon tank I need to pickup and plumb in, just haven't had a chance.