Adhesive or hook/ loop sanders?

[LarryG]

+1 on Loring's comments. Orbit size and dust collection are two big differences among the various models. Vibration is another.

In the tests I've read, the Bosch usually wins. The Makita, which is what I happen to own, is always right near the top. I recall the Ridgid doing very well in one test but IIRC there has been a change of manufacturers, from Germany (?) to Taiwan (?), and I'm not sure how that would affect things. The Porter-Cable usually does less well than one would expect.

This thread from just over a year ago may be of some use. You might want to try some searches for some others, as this topic does come up from time to time.

[BigguyZ]

I'll put my vote in for the Bosch ROS. It's excellent.

Whatever you get, make sure it had the hook and loop BUILT IN to the pad. The first ROS I got was a Ryobi, which wasn't bad for the price. However, the hook and loop pad was actually a separate adhesive-backed adapter that was stuck onto the smooth rubber pad of the sander. So, when you pulled off the H&L sanding disc, you would pull off the H&L converter as well.

[John Hunter]

Hook & Loop for ROS!

[Mr__Bill]

Another consideration, PSA t end to have a firmer and flatter surface while the hook and loop have some give. Give is good for slight coutures but if you want dead flat then PSA may work better for you. It's much the same as the difference between a sanding block of wood or hard rubber verses the felt or foam block. H&L is the handiest for the ROS as I tend to swap disks and grit often, and I don't think of it as a sander for making anything dead flat or even sort of flat.

Bill

[bthere]

I have the Bosch ROS and the Dewalt ROS and can't tell much difference. The Bosch seems to be a little smoother and might possible leave a more even scratch pattern than the Dewalt.

I think the dust collection is better on the Bosch when you aren't hooked to a vacuum and are just using the dust collector cannister. Not that either of them are very good without a vacuum attached -- wouldn't use one without a vacuum with a good filter it it could be helped. By the way, there is one feature of the Dewalt that is a definite plus for me. The Dewalt has a built in vacuum hose adapter. The Bosch requires a vacuum adapter atachment. The attachment is cheap (a little over $3), but it isn't included.

As for 5" vs. 6", those 6" sanders are good for serious work. They actually have stronger motors and some have settings for more agressisve sanding. The area they cover is actually significant if you work out sq. in. A 5" disk has an area of just under 20 sq, in. and a 6" disk has an area of just over 28 sq in. Without some super special deal, you can pay a chunk more for the 6" sanders.

[eccentrictinkerer]

My cousin has a Ridgid 6" that he really likes, but he's always borrowing one of P-C 5" ROS's, because he runs out of sanding disks and he can't just run to the BORG for more 6 inchers.

[gordons]

Ditto on the Bosch 5". I use mine extensively and throw all kinds of hardship at it. Never complains. Sometimes I'm a bit impatient as I expect it to be a bit more aggressive on a particular project and then I have to remind myself that there is another sander for aggressive..... Anyway, I use Klingspor paper exclusively - H&L - and wouldn't switch to anything else. I buy boxes of 50 for best value. By the way, Bosch makes a ROS with a Klingspor sticker on it (identical machines), just a few $ less at Klingspor.

[Salty]

I like my PC 333 5" ROS with H&L
This is a 5-hole pad. I have found some pads that are cut to accept both 5 and 8 hole but it seems to me that you loose a small percentage of sanding area that way.

I just ordered some pads from WWhardware. They are on sale for $.61 each. Hope they are good ones.