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Understanding the Different Types of Sanders and Polishers
Sanding is an essential process in many industries, particularly in automotive, woodworking, and construction sectors. It ensures that surfaces are smooth, clean, and ready for painting or sealing. Achieving a perfect finish requires the use of the right tools for the job. In this article, we will discuss different types of sanders and polishers, their performance, and the advantages they offer for various applications.
DA Sanders
The term ‘DA’ stands for ‘dual-action,’ referring to the two movements a sander makes: rotation and oscillation. This not only helps in achieving a smoother finish but also reduces swirl marks, making the surface appear polished. There are two main types of DA sanders: pneumatic (air-powered) and electric.
Pneumatic DA Sanders
Pneumatic DA sanders are powered by compressed air and are often favored by professionals for their power, durability, and lightweight design. The two common brands to choose from are Chicago Pneumatic and Hutchins.
1. Chicago Pneumatic: This $300 DA sander offers high performance with its low CFM usage (around 18-20 CFM) and allows for continuous operation without running out of air. A reliable and powerful option for professionals.
2. Hutchins: Another $300 DA sander, this brand provides similar performance as Chicago Pneumatic, but with a heavier design.
A more affordable, yet still reliable alternative, is a $60 DA sander from Harbor Freight Tools. It has a plastic trigger that breaks easily, but overall, it functions quite well with relatively low CFM usage.
It is essential to assess your air compressor‘s capacity before choosing a pneumatic DA sander because their performance depends on the availability of adequate air pressure.
Electric DA Sanders
If you prefer a more convenient, plug-and-play option, you may want to consider electric DA sanders. Choosing a cordless electric sander can provide even more mobility and flexibility in your work. However, these sanders might not be as powerful as their pneumatic counterparts.
Oscillation and Throw
The throw, or oscillation, of a sander refers to the size of the circular path it creates when sanding. There are two types of oscillations: 3/16 and 3/8.
1. 3/16 Throw: These sanders create a smaller circular path, offering a finer finish and control. They are ideal for sanding plastic filler, bondo, or other smooth surfaces. Both palm sanders and heavyweight sanders like Hutchins and Harbor Freight Tools offer the 3/16 throw.
2. 3/8 Throw: With a larger circular path, these sanders work better for surfaces in poor condition that need to be quickly and efficiently stripped back to their base material. However, they can be difficult to control, requiring a firm, two-handed grip.
Your Application and Choosing the Right Sander
The type of sander you choose depends on your specific application and desired finish. If you need to remove material quickly and efficiently, opt for a sander with a 3/8 throw. On the other hand, if you want to achieve a smoother, finer finish, a 3/16 throw sander will be more suitable.
For professionals working with various materials and surfaces in the automotive, woodworking or construction industries, having multiple sanders at your disposal ensures that you can always achieve the perfect finish for every project.
It is also essential to consider various factors such as weight, durability, power source, and budget when choosing a sander. This will ensure that you find the right tool for your needs, optimizing performance, efficiency, and comfort while working.
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Thanks…great job explaining.
Have a hutchins da I've had it since 1996 still going strong . dad had a body shop so it's had heavy use
I would say 3m da sander
I broke my ny pneumatic. Best of all DA that I had , quality and price was the best , better than snapon da, Ny pneumatic was 140 buck vs 250 snapon , I gonna try to figure out on internet if I can get one like this pneumatic DA or the same
Do you use 1/4” m connectors for your air line
I've seen it on video but I'll ask you. Can you wax a car or boat with a pneumatic sander/buffer?
Bosch tools have always been great. This sander is no exception. High quality, well designed, well balanced.>>>do7.pl/8ybt Much better than my old Ryobi. Treat it right and it should last many years, perhaps decades (I always blow my tools out with compressed air after each use to help keep the cooling fins and bearings clean.)
Good one. You can read http://inspiringhomestyle.com/best-da-sanders-reviews/ for a complete buying guide of DA sander.
Great to finally find a video that explains the difference between the two types – thanks!
I run two Hutchins sanders the Pro Finisher 600, and the 4500 . with out a doubt the 4500 and its similar body models are the best built to last sanders. The air thru removable handle is a cool idea it helps when your working a panel and its heft starts showing, its main down fall. Its heavy . vertical panels and thin material require some extra effort. But its probably gonna get handed down to my grand kids and im in my thirty. Ive used it for every stage of the body work. It spins 80 grit just as good as 1500. Never bogs. Ive run it on a 2 h.p. 12 gallon belt drive compressor at 75 PSi and just kept going. Now on the other hand the pro finisher 600 is my favorite sander period. Super light goes all day everyday smooth motor non hand numbing. IV used Snap-on, 3M, Dynabrade, astro, neiko, and IV yet to find A smoother better sander then the Pro Finisher. There not cheap but if your making a living off it .. Its worth it if you just want a good sander that operates well .check out the Astro Onyx palm sander. Or for about 50 check out the ATD.
For sanding fast and shaping filler I liked my Blue Point AT 400 because it has a long stroke…not only that it has the same handle as those two red sanders which makes it easy to sand the middle of a roof. For prepping for paint I like a Hutchins because it has a short stroke.
Hutchins all the way