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Random orbital sander - Cooler - 01-28-2016
My Porter-Cable random orbital sander is making lots of grinding noises (but still works) and is probably going to die soon. I have a palm sander (vibratory) but I don't recall the last time I used it.
My reading indicates that the P-C machines are not the most durable.
The Rigid sander got some good reviews, has a life time warranty and is priced very aggressively.
Any opinions or suggestions on a replacement? I use it for both rough sanding and final sanding.
I suspect that the canoe magazine that tested these had rough sanding primarily in mind.
Suggestions and recommendations are welcomed.
Regards,
Cooler
Re: Random orbital sander - JTTHECLOCKMAN - 01-28-2016
Do not know where you heard that about PC sanders but i recommend them. Maybe you just need a new pad.
Re: Random orbital sander - Cooler - 01-28-2016
JTTHECLOCKMAN said:
Do not know where you heard that about PC sanders but i recommend them. Maybe you just need a new pad.
I replaced the pad a short while ago. The noises sound like transmission noises or gear grinding. It is also vibrating more than before. There is definitely some internal gearing issue. I will continue to use it until it dies. It is about 15 years old and has had moderate use. I would have thought it would last much longer.
Re: Random orbital sander - JIMB49 - 01-28-2016
I HAVE NOTICED SOME PC TOOLS ARE NOT WHAT THEY ONCE WHERE
GEE I HAVE THIS THING ABOUT USA MADE TOO! USED TO THINK PC WAS TOP OF LINE
HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF DOING AIR I SWITCHED TO THAT WAY BACK
IT SEEMS THAT THE TOOLS LAST LONGER
Re: Random orbital sander - Cooler - 01-28-2016
JIMB49 said:
I HAVE NOTICED SOME PC TOOLS ARE NOT WHAT THEY ONCE WHERE
GEE I HAVE THIS THING ABOUT USA MADE TOO! USED TO THINK PC WAS TOP OF LINE
HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF DOING AIR I SWITCHED TO THAT WAY BACK
IT SEEMS THAT THE TOOLS LAST LONGER
I have a pancake compressor. It does not generate enough volume of air for this sort of equipment. I don't think I will get a larger compressor.
Mine puts out 2 CFM at 90 pounds; the sanders seem to want 4 CFM at that poundage.
I like the pancake because it is light and small and easy to move around. But it is limited to nailers and the like. I can't paint with it or drive motors with it.
Re: Random orbital sander - JIMB49 - 01-28-2016
OK I SEE YOUR POINT NOW
GUESS BEING OLDER THAN SOME AND RETIRED I GET YOUR POINT
BUT TO ME IT SURE DOES SEEM THEY JUST DO NOT MAKE[ PC] THAT IS LIKE THEY USED TO I DO HAVE A RANDOM MILW I USE ITS OK BUT I CAN NOT LEAN ON IT LIKE THE AIR
Re: Random orbital sander - JGrout - 01-28-2016
welcome to the forums
And you can turn off the caps lock you do not need it here
Re: Random orbital sander - BloomingtonMike - 01-28-2016
Jim, What compressor are you using with your sander?
Welcome to the forum.
Re: Random orbital sander - Mike67 - 01-28-2016
Really like my Bosch. Its pretty smooth. Not fond of the Milwaukee - it wants to bounce around with a vac hooked up - less so if using the included dust bag.
Re: Random orbital sander - mouse jockey - 01-28-2016
What size are you talking about? I have an older Rigid 6" that is great, they are made in China now so I can't comment on it. I recently bought their 5" and had to take it back, I was using my shop vac and it made the sander almost useless, too much suction, then the static built up in the hose and I kept getting shocked! I read a few more reviews and found out this was a common issue and would lead to the speed control getting destroyed, it won't work after that. If you plan on using a shop vac, which you should for your health later, don't get the Rigid 5".
So my suggestion is anything else.
Myles