Hey Mike, do you find it easier to use the pc for sanding over something like a 3m electric palm sander?
Yes.
I ask because I am very interested in trying out sanding and it looks like the electric palm sander would be the most comfortable to use.
To use an air sander you need a strong air compressor and a large capacity air tank as these things are air hogs.
The PC and the 3GG work awesome for finish sanding. If you read enough thread and look at enough pictures you'll see that's about all I ever use.
Nothing against air DA's but the one thing ALL of them missed the boat on was a ratcheting throttle so when you set the speed to where you want it, it will stay there.
What they all use currently is a sliding throttle and it's SO EASY to bump them with your thumb or finders as you grasp the tool and sand with it.
While I was in Italy as guest of Rupes, at their National Sales Meeting the topic of the Skorpio came up and I respectfully pointed out this issue and made the suggestion that changing to a ratcheting throttle would be a popular improvement.
I like both the 3M and the Rupes Skorpio, both work great for machine sanding....
Here's the Cutlass with 2-3 coats of PPG clear that's about 6 months old..
Since Autogeek carries the complete Rupes line I decided to test out the Rupes Orbital Air Sander for this project. Most of you reading this will likely never need to sand down an entire car but if you are ever going to tackle this type of project you can do it by hand or machine.
I'm a machine guy...
That's a 3M 6" foam interface pad on the Rupes 6" backing plate to help the sanding discs conform to curves.
This is Orange Peel, this is how the entire car looked before I sanded it down...
The overhead light is what is being reflected in the picture above...
WARNING
Anytime you're machine sanding with something as aggressive a
500 grit sanding discs... focus on the task at hand... also make sure there's plenty of paint on the car to sand before you start.
These discs are perforated for use with vacuum dust extraction. I didn't bring a vacuum with me so I used it without vacuum. The Rupes is outfitted for use with a vacuum and the 3M interface pad does have air passage holes.
Anytime you're dry sanding, especially by machine, be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment...
With 500 grit sanding discs you can knock a panel with orange peel down to flat as a chalk board in no time flat...
