Question about sanders

[djkert]

I am in the market to replace my HF 5 " ROS and B&D 1/2 sheet sander. I also have a Ryobi cordless cat triangular sander, and was thinking of getting a 5 " ROS and 1/4 sheet sander (hopefully Bosch or Rigid.)

My question is, do I need to get both a ROS and a sheet sander, or can I just use the triangular sander to get in the corners where the circular ROS can't reach. I have heard some people say you should do your final sanding with a finish sander, and others say the ROS is good enough. I would definitely like to hear some opinions on this, as not getting the sheet sander will save me about $40 .

Also, how important is variable speed for the ROS? Is it worth $20.

thanks,
Dennis

[MikeMcCoy]

FWIW I have both types and haven't used my sheet sander but a few times since I first got my ROS. I might lightly hand sand in the corners but I found the sheet sander left my marks than it took out.

[KLF]

I just bought a Bosch 5" ROS, the VS model. Very nice. I have a Craftsman 1/4 sheet pad sander too, what a POS, I hope to never have to turn that thing on again. I also have a nifty Ryobi 1/6 sheet sander, so with those 2 I think I'm all set. The smaller one is really nice for narrow things like window frames, etc.

I would say to try just the ROS and small detail sander for awhile, see how it works out.

[cwsmith]

I have both the Ridgid 5-inch ROS and their 1/4 sheet sander, as well as the Ryobi Corner Cat. I probably use the 1/4 sheet sander less than the other two. The only problem I have with the Corner Cat, is that my local HD doesn't stock much of a variety and they always seem to be out of stock on the grit that I need at the time. (I wish someone would make a roll or sheet with hook & loop, so I could cut my own to fit the Corner Cat.)

The Ridgid ROS is the real work horse and I use it for the major sanding. It's a great tool for the price and the most often posted complaint that I see is the slide-through power switch is easy to accidentlly switch off in the middle of the job. It doesn't bother me, because likewise it's only a blink to switch it back on. I've learned to be careful though.

The Corner Cat, is the tool that I use most often for the final "machine-sanding". I'm sure you've found that it is easy to manuever and it does a great job. Probably one of the best bargains on the sander market. Mine is the earlier model, without the dust pickup. I prefer it because when sanding edges, it doesn't snag on anything, like the 1/4 sheet sander does.

I primarily purchased the 1/4 sheet sander because it offers the most economical alternative when compared to either disc or custom-cut sheets (as with the Corner Cat). You can also mount a synthetic pad or other material.

I hope this helps,

CWS

[sweensdv]

Even though I use my ROS for the vast majority of my sanding I still use my ¼ sheet sander often. I prefer the ¼ sheet over the ROS for edge sanding.

[JimD]

I have a Ryobi 3x21 belt sander, a DeWalt 6 inch right angle type ROS, and a Rigid 1/4 sheet sander. I use the Ryobi and Rigid the most, the DeWalt the least. I do not see much difference in the speed of sanding between the Rigid and the DeWalt and the Rigid is much easier to control. If I need more speed, I use the belt sander.

Jim

[djkert]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. I think I am going to go with just a 5" random orbit sander. I also would like the sander to collect as much dust as possible (since I have no dust collection system) and it seems like the ROS are better at that.

Plus, I already have this hand sander so if I should every need a sheet sander I guess this is one is always there.

[ragswl4]

Bosch VS ROS

A few months back I read an article where ROS's were reviewed. Bosch finished on top with the best sanding pattern out of 10 others. It was either FineWoodWorking or Wood magazine. Bought the Bosch and it works great. Not the greatest on cust collection, I do all my sanding outside.