sander question

[stoney]

I make small toys for underprivileged kids and use several different types of sanding methods including a 5" random orbital sander.   I sometimes use it with a downdraft table holding the toy with one hand while holding the sander with the other.   I have both a Dewalt and Porter Cable which are both in good working order but cause fatigue after a short time using with one hand.   I was considering one of the low profile models but find the Dewalt and Porter Cable 390k have been discontinued.   I assume that is because of issues encountered with the design.   Anyone know what those issues were?   Also any recommendations?       

[ike]

Did yu ever try a sanding mop?

IKE

[lost_in_endicott]

If I have to hang onto whatever I'm sanding, I'll use my Black & Decker Mouse sander. It's small and light enough for me to use one handed for a while without tiring out my hand.

[hawkeye10]

I make small toys for underprivileged kids and use several different types of sanding methods including a 5" random orbital sander.   I sometimes use it with a downdraft table holding the toy with one hand while holding the sander with the other.   I have both a Dewalt and Porter Cable which are both in good working order but cause fatigue after a short time using with one hand.   I was considering one of the low profile models but find the Dewalt and Porter Cable 390k have been discontinued.   I assume that is because of issues encountered with the design.   Anyone know what those issues were?   Also any recommendations?       

Al I have the same problem you do. I just don't have the strength in my hands I use to so this is what I bought. It's a Mac Mop. I still have to use my orbital sander but not as much.

 

http://www.woodworkingshop.com/search.aspx?q=spindle+mounted+Mac+Mop+7%22+X+2%22

[Jim Finn]

I also make many toys to give away.  I have three hand held random orbital sanders.  A De Walt, a low profile porter cable, and a Festool.  All 5"  Any sanding I need to do  with a random orbital sander I do with the  Festool.  It is much lighter than the other two sanders.  I plane and/or sand smooth my pine before cutting the toys to shape.  I use a scroll saw for this  which leaves a very smooth cut face.  I then use a 1/8" round over bit in my table mounted router to smooth off the edges.  This covers most of the sanding needed.  I do the rest with the Festool and a sanding drum mounted on my Mastercarver.

[amazingkevin]

I make small toys for underprivileged kids and use several different types of sanding methods including a 5" random orbital sander.   I sometimes use it with a downdraft table holding the toy with one hand while holding the sander with the other.   I have both a Dewalt and Porter Cable which are both in good working order but cause fatigue after a short time using with one hand.   I was considering one of the low profile models but find the Dewalt and Porter Cable 390k have been discontinued.   I assume that is because of issues encountered with the design.   Anyone know what those issues were?   Also any recommendations?       

Sander recommendations?

[stoney]

Thank you Ike, Bill, Don, Jim, and Kevin for your comments.   Like I said I use several different sanding methods.   I have a combination belt /disc sander, sanding mops, sanding drums, detail sander, and random orbital sanders.   Several brands of low profile sanders were made and sold in recent memory.   They appeared to be a lighter and a more ergonomically design.   What I would really like to know is why they were discontinued. 

Edited February 4, 2017 by stoney