finish sander

[paulstenlund]

I need to get a good half sheet sander to finish 440 linear feet of trim for our enclosed deck. Our sons are rough sanding it outside. I plan on cutting it to fit and then finishing it in the shop. My major criteria would be dust collection. I also need to get it at Lowes or HD at lunch today. Any thoughts would be appreciated. A belt sander might do a better job of dust collection what do you think?

Thanks
Paul

[cabinetman]

IMO, a belt sander won't give as smooth a finish as a finish sander. You might consider a ROS instead. Granted it's smaller, but it's lighter, very easy to change discs, provides an excellent finish, and might be a sander you would use for future projects.

.

[Armini]

I would second the suggestion of a random orbital. More useful than a traditional sheet sander, better finish on almost any surface. I have the Bosch, and I am shocked at how good the dust collection is when it is connected to my system, but it is quite good even with the built-in collector.

[sweensdv]

+3 on the random orbital sander. However, if you want the job to go a little faster you could go with a larger ROS than the more popular sized 5" varieties. Here are a couple of suggestions;

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

http://www.lowes.com/pd_137715-70-73...%2522%2Bsander

[cork58]

I have had my Bosch 3283 DVS for many years and probably have done many miles of sanding with it. I would pitch for the random orbital as well. I also have the 16X32 Performax. I've only had it for a couple of years but rarely does a piece of wood leave the shop without seeing it! I usually only take the finish down to 150 grit. Seems to take the finish better. That being said I take the ends down to 220 - 440. That really helps to get the finale finish looking the same.

[paulstenlund]

thanks guys

picked up the Rigid at lunch time

Paul