Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Painting, Finishing and Care. => Topic started by: Popeye on May 15, 2018, 06:05:05 pm

Title: Cordless sanders
Post by: Popeye on May 15, 2018, 06:05:05 pm
I currently have a corded Proxon belt sander which I find a tad awkward to hold  and to use on anything other than flat surfaces.
 
Can anyone therefor recommend a reasonably priced compact CORDLESS 'pad'  (Mouse???) sander which meets the following criteria:-
- light and comfortable to hold.
-suitable for access into awkward corners and compound curves, especially concave curves.
-a dust collection bag.
-easily obtainable spare batteries.
- easily obtainable sanding sheets'
- a charger and fast charge battery combo .

Thanks in anticipation of your responses.
Title: Re: Cordless sanders
Post by: tigertiger on May 16, 2018, 02:51:42 am
From my limited knowledge of these tools I don't think I have ever seen one that meets all of your requirements, but I stand to be corrected.


Mouse sanders are small, and as soon as you stick a battery on the back they have increased in weight and size. Corded may be easier to handle.
Mouse sanders have identical heads (two types, one is longer but the pointy end is the same) and so access into corners will be the same for all models. I would suggest a drum sander attachment (Dremel maybe) for tighter concave curves. The problem with the mouse type if that they have an edge, and can cut grooves into tighter curves.
I think I have seen a dust collection bag on only the Black & Decker cordless mouse.
Easily obtainable spare batteries for Ryobi, Bosch, and Black and Decker.
Easily obtainable sanding sheets, there are only two shapes of head, there are lots of generic sanding sheets out there.
Charger and battery. On the Ryobi, Bosch, and (I think) B&D, they come without battery, this suggests that there could be more than one battery and charger option. My tools only get hobby use, and so I have found that with a spare battery, I never really get the use of the fast charge.


Price.
The cordless are about 40-50 quid, without battery and charger; those are extra. This if for the bigger brands and will give you more chance of getting spares.
The corded are about 20 quid upwards, and you can get dust bags on several of these.


Title: Re: Cordless sanders
Post by: Popeye on May 16, 2018, 03:36:31 pm
Shi-Shi Tigertiger (the only phrase I  remember from my visit to China which was understood by my local take-out proprietor) .

Having noted your comments, particularly in respect of the weight issue, I tried out several corded and cordless sanders and came to the conclusion that the lightness of a corded  sander  outweighed the apparent advantage  of a cordless, but heavier, sander.

I've therefor treated myself to a corded B&D Mouse for £28 inclusive of dust bag and various grades of sanding papers, and look forward to putting the sander through its paces- on a scratch build New Zealand scow.

The B & D Mouse was the lightest of all the sanders on display at good ol' B & Q (and, whoopee, I got 10% off coz today's Senior Citizens Day).

Thanks once again.

Popeye
Title: Re: Cordless sanders
Post by: tigertiger on May 16, 2018, 04:21:52 pm
You're welcome. :-))
Glad my advice was useful.
Title: Re: Cordless sanders
Post by: Martin (Admin) on May 16, 2018, 04:33:34 pm
 
I have two of those Black & Decker mouse sanders ( I already had one, couldn't find it, bought a new one, put it away somewhere sensible, so I would loose the new one.... found the 1st sander right there! )  >>:-(

Tip: Don't use old warn out pads... it just makes the job harder and take much longer.