Is it worth getting a Sanding Machine?

[Llamapup]

Hello All

I have had my very first go at doing some body work on my westy yesterday. I managed to grind all the rust out of the seams in the first of many sections and spent quite some time stripping off the body stickers in the surrounding area ready for paint. It is my intention to paint with a roller at some point but I wanted to sort out a particulary rusty seam while I had the chance.

I had everything down to bare metal and was just starting to brush on some Rust-oleum primer as that's what I had to hand and it started to sprinkle rain! I made a snap decision to get the primer on to the bare metal ASAP and then throw a dust cloth over the area to prevent it from getting wet. The problem was that it started raining harder as I was painting. In the end I had to practically throw the paint on to the bare metal so that I could get it covered before it really started to pour with rain. It has since stopped raining and the primer has dried with no indication of being affected by the rain, but it is clear to see that I will have some sanding to do as its pretty gloppy, runny and thick in places.

I am prepaired to sand all this by hand if needs be, but this is the first of a series of rust treatments that are needed to the seems on the van. I anticipate much sanding! Is it worth getting some sort of sanding machine? And if so what sort?

Many thanks

Chris

[dreamcatcher]

Im in the process of doing the bodywork on mine to and am being advised along the way buy a guy down the road who has his own bodyshop and one of the most important things he told me was that don't put on ANY paint unless the metal is BONE DRY and he told me to take a heat gun or even hair dryer to the metal before painting as even on a dry day there will still be moisture in the air, if you put paint on wet or damp metal then the damp will be sealed in and damp=rust, as for the sander definataly go for an orbital and on heavy painted areas start with a 80 grade then go to 120 then to 600, you will fly through the van in no time with little effort and it will be baby smooth. (oh and use a flap wheel on a mini grinder for bad areas of rust, Hope this helps.

[Titus A Duxass]

Get a Random Orbital Sander, I have one from Skil. Its about 35yoyos and is up to the job.

[Llamapup]

don't put on ANY paint unless the metal is BONE DRY. As for the sander definataly go for an orbital and on heavy painted areas start with a 80 grade then go to 120 then to 600, you will fly through the van in no time with little effort and it will be baby smooth. (oh and use a flap wheel on a mini grinder for bad areas of rust, Hope this helps.

That sounds like good advice. Luckily I I avoided getting any rain on the surface prior to painting, but it was a bit manic. Hence the sloppy job. It sounds like an orbital sander would be pretty handy to strip off and repaint this area.

I just had a qucik look on Amazon and there apprears to be quite a range of styles and prices. I notice that most take a round disk which makes sense for an orbital sander, but some of them appear to have a rectangular sanding surface. Does anyone know what the significance of this difference is. Any reccomendations for styles, brands etc? I will need to set a budget of about £40 max for my purchase. Hopefully this will be enough to get a decent sander.

Many thanks

Chris

[R0B]

these aldi have in on thursday should do the job..http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/of ... z_src=main

[Titus A Duxass]

these aldi have in on thursday should do the job..http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/of ... z_src=main

And at a tenner each they're a bargain.

[T-3PO]

Get a Random Orbital Sander, I have one from Skil. Its about 35yoyos and is up to the job.

Yeah what he says!

If you want a decent final finish you really should avoid an oribtal sander, the problem is they do just that, they orbit ie they rotate in a circular motion (sounds obvious I know!) but this can and often does form small circular scratches in the undercoat/primier/filler which then reflects on top coat(s) or takes a lot of wet-flating to get out. A Random Orbit sander orbits randomly the shaft to the sanding head rotates off-centre and as the sanding head is not solidly fixed to the shaft it can move in a such a way so you don't get the circular scratches, just a nice smooth sanding job.

HeIl, I remember ... ah ... back in the days of painting narrow boats ... using an orbital sander as the Random packed up ... 25 foot later and when the sun came out you could see all these lovely circular scratches down the side took another day to get rid of 'em all .............................. !

Square base sanders are more often used for the likes of cabinet makers etc as round bases can bruise or burn the wood if the sanders edge bumps it.

[Llamapup]

So do I want to get a round or a square head sander? How many watts do I need?

Is this one good for the job? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-PEX270AE- ... 75&sr=1-13

Excited to get sanding!

Chris

[T-3PO]

B&Q, £20, any good to ya?

[T-3PO]

As a rule the higher the wattage the better ... gives more and can take more. Personally I like the ones that use self-adhesive sanding discs as they're cheaper in the long run. Can't remember seeing any square base random orbit sanders. If you've got a lot to do ie prep the whole van then I think the outlay is well worth it ... you could always flog in Fleabay after!

[CovKid]

I'm an ALDI devotee myself but I think the B&Q one looks better geared for the job.

[mark1967]

Definately.I got a random orbital sander for doing mine similar to the B and Q one.I managed to drop on a Screwfix clearance for £12 best £12 I`ve spent on the van.Used with light pressure theres no swirl marks and it saves gallons of time.Keep cleaning the dust from the discs now and again and they`ll keep working longer.Takes a bit of practice getting used to how they try to wander where they want but well worth the money.

[Titus A Duxass]

I recommend this one:
http://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/s ... sn/SKL7460" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[hi_tower]

Ive had one of these for a couple of years.
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produ ... onsumables" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Its been brilliant. Used it on a few cars as well as on diy and decorating jobs. Very useful.

[chuckle-bus-tom]

Did mine with an orbital from lidl last spring. Had good power for getting down to orgional paint but I had to do the van again by hand to get all the circles out (some of which are still visible in the right light!). Whatever you get it is only to take the strain off, not to drastically cut the time. Slow and steady and have fun!