Re: sanding? pads senders disks....???
IF you have the air, definitely go with an air powered sander. Gets the job done much more quickly, which lets you concentrate harder on getting a nice finish, since you have to do it for a shorter time
But you need a big compressor... most RO air sanders need something like 7 CFM at 90 PSI continuous to operate, which means usually a large stationary compressor. A smaller one with a tank really won't work, sanding for a couple minutes and stopping for an air recharge gets old very quickly. My compressor (which ATM is a frankenstein beast made from two older compressors) does about 4 CFM at 120PSI, which isn't enough to run continuously. It's good for lots of tasks, just not cutoff tools and sanders.
Personally I use a 7 inch grinder with a sandblaster (3m) flap disk for really tough, rough shaping.. the SB disks hold up 3x longer than any other I've tried, and come with a quick change adapter.
For general sanding I have the variable speed HF polisher, 7 inch.. I got it for $35 on sale. It uses the hook and loop pads, which are hard to find except at HF, so I'm going to put a 6 inch rubber pad on it for stick-on disks... it uses a standard 5/8"-11 arbor.
For small jobs I use a hand RO sander, harbor freight $20, with a vacuum attachment.
I also bought the OSHA collars for my grinder (on clearance at HF now) that let me attach a vacuum, and I use one to suck dust whenever I can, since otherwise it gets everywhere, makes you itch, and worst of all gets into your lungs.
Final comment: Skimp on the sander equipment if you need to, but buy the good quality sanding media. You'll be glad you did. Using good quality 3m or other paper or disks makes the job go faster, come out better looking, and the supplies last a lot longer. I use the 3m sandblaster stuff, or the bright green paper they sell for sanding car finishes.
Erik
