ROTORY OR ORBITAL

[CRACK N CHIP]

which is better, rotory or orbital sander

[mend master]

If you are doing strictly headlights, an orbital, also known as D/A for dual action, is your best bet. An orbital, because of its oscillating and eccentric motion, distributes the cutting action in such a way as to make it nearly impossible to ruin what you're working on. If you bear down too hard with a D/A, typically you can stall it out before anything is ruined. A rotary tool, like a buffer or drill motor are direct drive units and unless you use proper technique, it is very possible to irreparably damage things or at least fail to provide as professional service as you might have. The electric D/A from Delta is a good tool at a fair price.

[t4k]

I've used both. The orbital is much safer and you have less of a chance burning the lens or creating swirls.

[pommy]

I use a wonderful 3" cordless lithium mini polisher/sander - (not orbital)

No wires, in and out in no time!

(Plus a 12v hair dryer for the coating)

Happy New Year to all!!!

Pommy

[Marcus]

I would like to know if anyone is using or has used a rotary for HLR. Do you still use a rotary, or did you find DA works better? I know that heat build can be an issue. I'm using a cordless 18v drill with 3" discs and I'm not completely happy. Generally using 500 800 1000 3000 and finish with wipe on urethane. I'm getting aggravated chasing scratches most likely caused by the rotary action. I want is to spend less time, and get better sanding results. Will a Random orbital do a better job, in less time than a rotary? I would like to know before I go out and buy one. I'm looking at the 3" Griot's Garage random orbital.

Thanks! Any thing you can share is greatly appreciated.

[mend master]

I would like to know if anyone is using or has used a rotary for HLR. Do you still use a rotary, or did you find DA works better? I know that heat build can be an issue. I'm using a cordless 18v drill with 3" discs and I'm not completely happy. Generally using 500 800 1000 3000 and finish with wipe on urethane. I'm getting aggravated chasing scratches most likely caused by the rotary action. I want is to spend less time, and get better sanding results. Will a Random orbital do a better job, in less time than a rotary? I would like to know before I go out and buy one. I'm looking at the 3" Griot's Garage random orbital.

Thanks! Any thing you can share is greatly appreciated.

I stand by my earlier comment, a D/A is the tool of choice for me. I also paint, so I have a compressor to run pneumatic tools. I like my 3" pistol grip pneumatic D/A the best for headlights because of its speed, balance, smoothness, and maneuverability. I do have the Griot's tool and use it sometimes, but it is not my first choice. Griot's, at no charge, has also replaced the electric model I bought from them last July. The shaft grew extremely wobbly, but instead of sending a repair kit, which they don't stock nor sell, they sent a brand new replacement unit no questions asked. Hard to beat that kind of service, but if it hadn't been under warranty I guess I would have just been out of luck unless someone knows where you can get service parts for these units. The Metabo, while prone to break or also wear prematurely at least has replacement parts and rebuild kits readily available.
A drill is made to turn a relatively small diameter bit at high speed in order to cut through an object. It was not designed to turn a large radius object that causes friction, drag, and side to side forces that abrasive discs and polishing pads produce. The other issue for me is that even though lithium-ion batteries are much better than the nickel cadmium of yore, but they still can't hold a candle to steady electricity or air power on a busy day. I know Pommy loves his battery powered drill and he says it serves him well. To each his own. I simply offer my opinion and experience for what it may be worth.

[Marcus]

I don't have a pneumatic set up, or a generator at this time. I'm considering an inverter. Any idea as to what will definitely work? Wattage needed? I'm thinking of having a separate battery, so as not to put wear and tear on my alternator. Then, charge the separate battery at the end of the day, depending on how long it lasts. One of these days I spring for the little Honda generator everyone speaks so highly of. Until then I have my drill and my hands.

[t4k]

Why not get an electric DA sander and plug in to your customers electricity? I do individuals and lots and I have never been unable to plug in with a 100' cord. It is a lot cheaper than going pneumatic and a lot less equipment to maintain if you are only using it for sanding headlights.

[glassdoctor]

I've spent years trying all sorts of sanding processes, including drills and all types of abrasive discs. What I ended up sticking with for the meat of the job is a 5" Bosch DA sander from the local Woodsmith store, and Norton 5" discs. It's money for me. Most here probably think I'm crazy or blowing smoke but that's ok with me.

[candyman]

I have used both the griots and metabo for the past 3 years. The metabo just doesn't hold up. The newer griots is working fine and I've had no problem with it. I get very good results with both of them. I've had several headlights that required over one hour of conitnuous use at a time to penetrate the surface and smooth the lens out. I found two small, quiet generators for under $150 that should work with either of the two orbitals. One gen is rated at 2300w with a sustained 1500 watts while the other is rated at 1500 w at Tractor Supply. I know some on here do very well with the air equipment. I dont have to carry around a compressor or hoses. I do keep about 150ft of electrical cord on a small reel. I need a generator because there are times I could do HLR and a power source is not available. School parking lots, shopping malls, flea markets, some car lots etc... Many of the local teachers live outside my county and they prefer to have the headlights done while they are at work. Normally I pick their vehicle up and return it after I complete the restoration. It would save me time by buying a small portable generator. I need to check to see if a 1500w generator will work. I use only the Delta Kits C2P and Infiniti 4.1 and Iam very satisfied with the results. My customers are also.