Orbital Sanders

[Rockytime]

After receiving lots of input on this site I made a terrible mistake and purchased a cheap palm sander from HF. That was a couple of months or so ago. I tried it for the first time today. That sucker is wild. I tried it on a project today and all it did was break a couple of parts on the project. It is cheap and totally useless. I need to find a more gentle sander.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Not sure what sander you bought but in my opinion you never want to use an orbital sander on fret work. The paper can catch and rip delicate pieces apart. I like to use a 1/4 sheet palm sander and my go to sander for over 35 years has been this Porta Cable Bloc sander. It is a work horse and and is delicate enough for fret work. I believe these are not available for sale any more. Not sure.

 https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=384B8440FD8001B3FB696D0D1E331FC564EEAFA5&thid=OIP.qolcGxY1k-o1y_b__Sh1HgHaHa&mediaurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tool-rank.com%2Fmedia%2Flisting%2Fphotos%2Foriginal%2F2a%2F69%2F1c%2F312_SpeedBlocSander_1229129071.jpg&exph=400&expw=400&q=porta+cable+bloc+sander&selectedindex=1&adt=1&ajaxhist=0&vt=0&eim=1,2,3,6

[Rockytime]

Thanks. I'll have to do some shopping. 

[WayneMahler]

I have one of the ones JT was talking about. I loved it but it died. I use a Dewalt ROS now but I keep it supported so the weight is in my hand and not on the fret work. There is a lot information available for mop sanders but they have their limits also. Hand sanding on very delicate work is a great way to go. Food for thought.

[Phantom Scroller]

I have a Bosch orbital hand sander with variable speed works great for me. Roly

[JimErn]

I use these as the need arises

https://www.amazon.com/Ryobi-P411-Cordless-Operated-Included/dp/B017POA9R2/ref=sr_1_11?gclid=Cj0KCQjwt_nmBRD0ARIsAJYs6o0o4khSbh-00SReHrUKX90WGod3cvQkTd95FQTQZV761wqMlc-SaH4aAtOmEALw_wcB&hvadid=177804463144&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9027978&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14689568121858880417&hvtargid=aud-649564993678%3Akwd-111392455&hydadcr=7988_9886454&keywords=ryobi+sander&qid=1558084069&s=gateway&sr=8-11

 

https://www.amazon.com/Ryobi-ZRCFS1503GK-Corner-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B07DSLTG7T/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?gclid=Cj0KCQjwt_nmBRD0ARIsAJYs6o0o4khSbh-00SReHrUKX90WGod3cvQkTd95FQTQZV761wqMlc-SaH4aAtOmEALw_wcB&hvadid=177804463144&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9027978&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14689568121858880417&hvtargid=aud-649564993678%3Akwd-111392455&hydadcr=7988_9886454&keywords=ryobi+sander&qid=1558084069&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

[kmmcrafts]

I also did the HF sander.. I've told several on here to stay away from it.. They have two different models or at least they did.. the one isn't as aggressive as the other.. but neither are great.. 

All of my sanding is done with a Bosh variable speed RO sander..  I've not had any issues with fragile fretwork with it.. Bosh makes a single speed and a variable speed.. Get the VS one because you can turn it way down for sanding those fragile portraits..

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-2-5-Amp-5-in-Corded-Variable-Speed-Random-Orbital-Sander-Polisher-Kit-with-Carrying-Bag-ROS20VSC/203866770

I've had this sander for about 5 years and just the beginning of this year had to change the brushes in it.. The little dust can is nice but it is hard to get it open to empty the dust out..  

[John B]

I use a Hitachi  (HIKOKI) 1/4 sheet sander https://sydneytools.com.au/product/hitachi-sv12sg-200w-114mm-4-1-2-palm-sander?gclid=Cj0KCQjwt_nmBRD0ARIsAJYs6o0BdAyBv8KULuNHw-Am7mJ7K3Rfri05DarERNS93YX2btZuebeGNzkaAnJUEALw_wcB

and or an AEG ROS https://www.aegpowertools.com.au/power-tools/products/details/300w-125mm-orbital-sander-ex125es?list=current_category&list_name=sanders

I lay all my fretwork portraits on non slip shelf lining before sanding. When using the ROS I turn the speed down. I always sand the board down to 220g prior to cutting so it only requires a light going over with 360g before finishing.
If you see RYOBI ....................................... RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN

[Scrappile]

I have a DeWalt, great sander but I only have used it a couple time on my fretwork.  I use a sanding mop on all my fretwork.  I love those things.

[JimErn]

1 hour ago, John B said:

If you see RYOBI ....................................... RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN

I have had good luck with all of the ryobi tools I have, too funny

[bcdennis]

I have a small Ryobi that works great on my Fret work. 

[Denny Knappen]

Several years ago at the Scroll Saw picnic, I purchased the Sand Flee.  It was very expensive, but a worthwhile investment for sanding fretwork.

[OCtoolguy]

H/F has a new line of power tools named Bauer. I almost bought the new RO sander when on sale but haven't yet. Has anybody tried them yet? They retail at about $40 but when on sale $24.95 with coupon. I'm very tempted.

 

[Karl S]

check out CPO tools.com.

Reconditioned is the way to go.

[Rockytime]

Thanks all for the suggestions. I'll do some shopping and in the meantime I'll use the elbow method.

[Jim McDonald]

I sand the stock prior to attaching the pattern and use a 240 sanding mop if needed after cutting. (going to buy a 320 or 400 this year when I stop at Klingspor) I also use emery boards for the fine detail work.

[lawson56]

I have a Black&Decker.Never any problems. I don't use it on my scroll work.