ROTORY OR ORBITAL

[pommy]

I'm a +1 for the 3" Random Orbital

I went back to using it whilst trying Delta's new sequence of discs and stayed with it.

I bought a new Griot's to replace the ever-living Metabo. There's not much difference in the two, but I'm sticking with Griot's.

Have a great day all!

[Marcus]

Griot's, long extension, and a generator is probably the way to go. Thanks to all! Oh, What about those alignment pins on headlights? Seems impossible to completely smooth out around them. Am I missing a trick?

[glassdoctor]

I have a nice little 2000w generator, similar to the popular Honda units, but half the cost. $500 at Sams/Costco made by Champion. But there is no reason to mess with that just for running a little 2-3 amp sander. A simple inverter is perfect for the job, and 10x cheaper and smaller and no gasoline mess etc.

If you have some electrical skill, you can pick up a 400w inverter for less than $40 and install to run off the vehicle battery, or add a secondary battery to help feed it. Add a battery and you will have a $100 in it, give or take. http://www.theinverterstore.com/400-wat ... erter.html

An easier solution would be a good power pack with a built in inverter. Just keep it plugged into a lighter socket that's hot when the car is running, and it will keep it charrged up for when you need to power your sander. You can even take it right to the car you are working on. I've been checking out this brand... in a Northern Tool catalog. This one has a 20AH battery so it's pretty serious. In theory, it would run the Griots for at least an hour, based on the 240w motor. 2 amp average load does sound about right, but it could be a little more which would yield shorter run time.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... s-_-457402

If you need to run the sander for more than an hour.... I guess that's what a 100' cord is for.

btw, today was headlight day for me.... and I worked jobs all day, without plugging into any on site power or running a gen. I run everything off a 800w inverter.... sanders, polishers, air compressor, cure lamp, even a hair dryer on low if needed.

[candyman]

I just got a battery charger power pack 500amps with compressor a few days ago for my wifes volvo. It has 2, 12V outlets,and light. I didnt see or know they also come with watt outlets. Its a shame I didnt see this earlier. Its only about $60 difference in the price. Live and learn. When I saw the 12V outlets I thought that would be great to run my Curing lamp if I lost charge on the small Btry pack in the kit. It would be easier to carry around than a generator. Has anyone else used a power packs for your elec sander?

[candyman]

I just looked at the 800 watt power inverter. If I understand this correctly. I mount this in the vehicle. Run a cable to the battery or accessory plug. Is that all that is required or am I missing something here. Its $69.

[glassdoctor]

That's pretty much it, you just need to power it off a good solid 12v source. Right now, I have mine installed under my front seat, with heavy gauge wire running to the main vehicle battery. I recommend using a 12v fuse/breaker at the connection to the battery, just to be safe. Something like 30-50 amp. I've seen them at a local marine shop, or you can find them online of course. I'm sure a stereo shop would also have them, and all the wire and connectors you might want. You may even be able to connect to a spare terminal in the fuse block under the hood... just depends on the vehicle. I ran both pos and neg cable from the battery all the way to the inverter, but you really only need to run one for pos, and just connect neg to ground somewhere near the inverter. I was able to snake through an existing wiring hole in the firewall, but that's something you will need to figure out.... how to get wire from the battery to inside the vehicle. Other than that, it's pretty simple.

12v breakers
http://www.wiringproducts.com/contents/ ... akers.html

[candyman]

Thanks for the info. I will check this out:

[Marcus]

Pommy, Do use the drill exclusively, or do use a Orbital at times? Do you think the drill works just as well as a random, or do you use the drill just because it's cordless? I'm looking for rotary vs random orbital PRO'S and CON'S. Anyone! Thank you.

[Marcus]

For what it's worth.. Got the Griot's 3" and noticed immediately has much superior random orbital action is compared to rotary action. Sanding is completely uniformed with no rotary twist scratches and pig tails that I was getting using the drill. I'll use rotary drill for buffing or drilling something. Also got a nice little 900 watt generator that works like a charm and a 800 watt B/D inverter for 32.00 on amazon( just to have). Sells for 79.00 at Home Depot. Don't think I need anything else!

Happy Hunting!

[candyman]

Good Morning. I put my griots to the test on Wed. I did three vehicles back to back within 4 hours. One of the vehicles was a 2005 Impala. The new Griots holds up better and doesn't produce as much heat. This is the second impala within about 45 days that required about 2 hours of sanding. Iam very pleased with this product. I am Planning to order a second new Griots orbital so I can alternate when I have a hard lens to do or several HLRs at one time. I have an old griots but that is not as good as the newer one. I've got a Metabo , but I need to send that to the shop as a result of a Highway Patrol Impala several months ago. The repair person said it would cost about $60. I can buy a new one for a few dollars more. Iam sticking to the griots when ordering new equipment. Have a good day .