Random Orbit Sander or Sheet Sander?

[R.C.Reichert]

Hello. I have heard of some people using those Random Orbit Sanders to do the finer sanding on blades to get the grind marks out. I was wondering if one of those small Sheet Sanders that you just clip a piece of sand paper in would work as well for this? I'm just curious to know before I go out and buy something which may not work. Anybody try a sheet sander before for this?

 

[Fred.Rowe]

Hello. I have heard of some people using those Random Orbit Sanders to do the finer sanding on blades to get the grind marks out. I was wondering if one of those small Sheet Sanders that you just clip a piece of sand paper in would work as well for this? I'm just curious to know before I go out and buy something which may not work. Anybody try a sheet sander before for this?

RC,

These are two different machines with two different sanding motions.
The small block sander that uses a quarter sheet of sandpaper has a motion that moves up and back along roughly the same plane; where as an orbital sander is moving in an elliptical orbit that produces a swirling pattern.

The orbital takes a little getting used to but produces a better result.
More expensive also, but worth it. I mount one upside down in a vise; use old inner tube to cushion it in the vise.

Fred

 

[R.C.Reichert]

Thanks for the reply. Can I still obtain finer say like 600 grit random orbit sanding disks from somewhere? The old elbow grease wears a little thin after a while.

 

[Patrickknives]

I have tried two types, I tried the orbital but its a little large for a knife blade. I got a small auto body sanding kit for my air die grinder, worked well but a little rough. I make a leather pad and glued it to the holder ( about 1 1/2" diameter) and now glue what every grit I want to that. Works really well but does make circular marked.

I also bought some automotive sanding blocks, these work really well and hold the paper nicely and have a good handle for sanding. I plan to get the hand sanding blocks that use the 1" strips next, I have some wood blocks that I cut but these look like they will be easier to use and arent very expensive.

All these cut sanding time and effort by alot but the die grinder is the best.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

Thanks for the reply. Can I still obtain finer say like 600 grit random orbit sanding disks from somewhere? The old elbow grease wears a little thin after a while.

RC,

I should have added; if you have not tried the flat bar1/4" X 1" X 12"
mild steel bar using the sticky backed paper is a handy alternative.

That takes elbow grease though.
Fred