Random Orbital Sander

[Keith]

There was a question about recommendations for a random orbital sander over on the Passagemaker Dinghy forum. The poster had used sanders from Sears and Black and Decker, but they didn't last long. Anyone using a DeWalt DW411 1/4" Sheet Random Orbital Sander? I would be happy to hear about other brands too. For typical boat building use, does it matter if the pad is square or round?

[Keith]

I ended up getting the Bosch ROS20VSK 5" variable speed random orbit sander, but haven't used it yet.

[Keith]

I ended up getting the Bosch ROS20VSK 5" variable speed random orbit sander...

I got it from my local Home Hardware. Did you know that the Bosch sander uses disks with 8 holes and that Home Hardware sells disks with 5 holes in them? I hope to exchange the 5 hole disks for the right ones later today!

[Keith]

I hope to exchange the 5 hole discs for the right ones later today!

Well, they don't stock 8 hole discs, but can order in 5 packs and 10 packs. However, I might be able to get them more reasonably priced on eBay. Could anyone estimate how many and which grade of discs might typically be needed on a PocketShip?

[decurtis]

There is LOTS of sanding and you will need LOTs of sandpaper. I found 8-holed disks at Home Depot and Rona in 25 packs that cost $15 or $16. You will need mainly 80 and 120 grit. I am on my second box of 80 grit and I have only sanded the inner hull and topsides. Invest in a good pair of large headphone style ear protection. When I am sanding I turn on my IPod, put the ear protection on, and can barely hear the vacuum and sander over the music playing.

[Keith]

There is LOTS of sanding and you will need LOTs of sandpaper...

Thanks for the info. I ended up ordering 750 discs from an eBay seller in Ontario. Including shipping, it worked out to about 30 cents (US) per disc. That should hopefully last me for several projects!

• 60 grit qty 50 x 1
• 80 grit qty 50 x 10
• 120 grit qty 50 x 4

I've only used the Bosch sander for a few minutes, and it was quiet enough to use without hearing protection, but I'll definitely put on the ear muffs when I'm using it continuously, especially if I use a vacuum instead of the built-in dust collection system.