soft-pak sanding pad

[robbh]

Tim,

I am so tired of using this dinky RO Sander, and you seem to have quite a bit of success with your soft-pak sanding pad. I would like to know where you got ahold of it. I have been out of the country for a while, and have not had a chance to really dig into the project for a while. Now that I am back into it, I had forgotton what a pain in the butt this little sander is. If you could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

Thanks again,

Robb

[Tim]

Robb,

What kind of sander are you using now? (Brand/Model) If it's one of those late model random orbit disc sanders, with the velcro pads and holes for dust collection, it's useless for heavy duty stock removal. Those sanders are finishing sanders only--they're good at that, BTW.

I sure like my trusty Porter Cable 5" right-angle DA sander (actually, it was a 6" when I bought it, but I was used to 5" pads from previous DA work, and besides--I think the smaller pads work better on boats). I've had this sander since about 1990 or 1991, have used and abused it, never maintained it, and it works like a champ. It's probably the single most useful tool I own.

For a photo and specifics on this tool, check out my "OK, I went too far with these descriptions--I'm a took geek" page on my site". You'll have to scroll down a bit to get to the Porter Cable sander--it's about halfway down the page.

Glissando Restoration Tool Descriptions

The soft pad for sticky-back discs can be found in many stores, though often you only find the 6" version. That's fine if you like it. The 5" is a personal choice for me. If you can't find a soft-pak pad, here's one: 3M Soft-Pak, 5"

Once you have this tool, and this pad, do yourself a favor and buy the awesome sanding discs available at McMaster-Carr. Let me know if you need the specifics.

Is this the answer to your question? If not, let me know.

[dasein668]

I'm a took geek!

Is that a Took geek as opposed to a Brandybuck geek?

Or is that actually supposed to be a tuke geek like "I wear Canadian hats" geek?

[Tim]

Boy, no slack at all today here on the forum! hehe

Of course I meant "tool geek".

You guys keep me on my toes, for sure.

[argonavis]

Okay - so you probably are all set with your "sof-pak" at this point but I figured I'd just chime in to make conversation. I too got frustrated with my little 5" RO sander. I have a Makita 8" VS sander/polisher that I bought for a bottom sanding project on another boat(I should have bought a jackhammer). I was always nervous to use it for more detailed work until.... I found 5" plastic backing pads with the correct 5/8" arbor at a hardware store. I then ripped apart an old PFD and used the soft foam as my "sof-pak". I just glued the foam to the plastic backing pad and then buy the sticky back sand paper. It's plenty soft to do more delicate work and to work in tighter spaces, and at the same time it will take plenty of material off with the right sandpaper. Truth be told I actually discovered this as I was looking for a better way to sand my glass jobs on the surfboards I make. I have gone a little overboard at this point - I have made about 5 different pads all with different density foam for different needs.

hope this helps someone out there

[LastMango]

Guys.. I have the 6" big RO sander from porter just like TIM.. I'm in desperate search for the 5" velcro pads for that thing.. any suggestions/