sander of choice

Just picked up the one from HF, it is already setup for hook and loop. So that is nice.

Conversion pads to H&L are available. I know Woodworkers Supply has them.

ya thats true. I have seen a few, in fact I think harbor freight may sell that separate disk. I think I will go in there sometime frequently and see what I can see. I will report back if I pull the trigger.

If that sander works great I will be buying one. That is the project towards the end of summer after I finish the full trailer restoration.

With the DA, don't forget a rather large air compressor too! And, do not be fooled by the HP claims of compressors at the home improvement centers. They are peak HP (locked rotor) and not true HP. You must go by the CFM and even then, watch out at what PSI the rating is at.

Justin can you post a link on that sander at HF? It's my understanging that the good da for fiberglass and finish sanding use a smaller orbit compaired to a regular da.Don't know how much you want to spend but here is the one I have been looking at. Here is the best one,I have seen it cheaper in other places.

You are not allowed to buy a power sander until you have done at least one boat by hand, it's a CorrectCraftfan right of passage.

Arent a "random orbit" and "dual action" (DA) the same thing, in that they dont just spin (like a rotary)?

there is only one way to go for a weekend warrier and that is with the harbor freight wetsander, pads are available, but you are likely going to need to order online. I tell ya what you can come over and try my sander and pads out on a couple of the boats I have here, after you get through one or two of them you will have a good idea if you want to make the investment or not. You will probably need to finish them all the way through polish and wax to really get a feel for it though.