electric DA
 

I tried this in the paint section but no response and the ebay auction is ending in a few.

Anybody use electric DA sanders? I've heard of people using them but didn't know if I should use the one with the handle or the palm type. I think I could use the one with the handle for buffing and polishing as well. Hands would probably get tired with the other. Oh I'm generally using it to remove paint and rust and get my body nice and smooth. Also, I don't want to burn up my compressor.

If your just stripping panels with it I dont see any reason way you couldnt use it. Stick some 80 DA paper on it and go to town.
Tim

do you think I could finish the car with one? Meaning, stripping and smoothing it out for paint. It's got ball-bearings in it so it should last pretty long.

Electric Da's are used extensively in Britain. It saves on electric costs incurred with having a compressor running. To run an air DA you need a large CFM rating on your compressor, which can eat a load of electricity. The handle would be removable to enable you to use it in confined spaces. It's a no brainer really, electric is better than air in an awful lot of ways.The only downside is that they don't run as many RPM's. I doubt that you could use a DA for polishing though. If you get an electric DA try to get a variable speed one, which is handy for intricate parts. hth.:thumbsup:

you never finish body work with a da, well you can but the end result will show it, there is no way to keep something super straight with a da

well the Porter Cable has variable electric and I think runs from 2500 to 6000 opm. It's almost 6 lbs, though.


not finish it but the step to get the filler leveled. I've seen some shops use a DA with fine paper this way to see if there are high and low spots. Sorry I don't know exactly what the name of this step is.

The Porter Cable 7336SP is $120 at Lowe's. How about I go there a Tuesday and the guy says that they are a non-stock item. Then he tells me the advertised price is $42. I told him for that price I'd buy two. He looks at another stores iventroy and guess what: They have 2. I had them shipped to the store I was at. Hopefully they are in today. :thumbsup:

I would not suggest using a DA to level filler.If you just DA the filler area down it wont be straight/flat. Use a block to sand all filler.Prime and guide coat. You will see very quickly what areas need some more work.Your paint is only as good as your prep work.