Metabo SXE450 Duo: Will it work?

[2K7MS6]

I recently was donated one of the above mentioned random orbit sanders... I'm wondering if it will work for minor paint correction and swirl removal? Here's some pictures.

This picture shows the "duo" function... basically the orbit has 2 settings; one more aggressive than the other. Which one should I use?

It also has a variable speed control with speeds from 1-6.
And here's the website.
I'm guessing the first thing you're going to say is how heavy it is... I'm aware that I'll probably be getting a good workout if I end up using this thing! But it was free to me, so I'll take the workout. I'm not exactly sure where this fits in the "How to pick the right polisher" article... I think it is a free rotating spindle, because you can grab the disc while it's running and stop the rotation, but it still orbits, if that makes sense. I removed the backer pad and revealed a center, offset bearing surrounded by a larger disc with a counterweight on one side, so I believe this is what I have.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Your question comes up once in a while because there are so many orbital wood sanders on the market and people with these tools but without a tool like the PC, Griot's or Meguiar's DA Polishers ask your same question. The problem is that "most" wood sanders don't have the power to rotate a foam pad under pressure and that's what it takes to remove a little paint and removing below surface defects means removing or abrading the paint.

Here's a similar thread, please read through it as it's a similar topic to yours...


Bought a DeWALT DW443 Dual Action Sander/Polisher! Help...


In fact see post #4 in the above thread.


The next thing to do will be to attach a foam pad and see if on the high speed setting if it will rotate the pad under pressure, when you do this test you also have to have some type of liquid on the surface for lubrication, it doesn't necessarily have to be a compound or polish, it could be a liquid wax or any liquid paint care product, the point is don't test to see if the pad will rotate under pressure with out any type of liquid lubrication as that's the real world way you'll use this too.

 

[2K7MS6]

Thanks for the info, Mike. I'm thinking my machine won't do the trick... I have yet to test it on a vehicle, but just running it with no pad and lightly pressing it on any surface significantly slows the rotation down, and any more pressure will stop it completely... it seems like only a little more than its own weight will stop it. I guess it's not all bad though. I will just save up and get the 7424, which is better suited for the job anyways. Looks like AG has some nice package deals going as well.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

but just running it with no pad and lightly pressing it on any surface significantly slows the rotation down, and any more pressure will stop it completely... it seems like only a little more than its own weight will stop it.

That sounds about right for most orbital DA Sanders.

I think I alluded to this in my article here,


That is most orbital DA sanders won't work for paint polishing but back in the early 1990's someone at Meguiar's found out the Porter Cable 7424 and 7336 models would and about that time frame they introduced the PC in their Brilliant Solutions Catalog. They already made pads for Air Powered DA's that had a 5/16" threaded shank for the professional market so it was a done deal to bring it out for the enthusiast market.

The Free Floating Spindle Assembly - The Story Behind The Story...