In Brief.

We selected 7 machines in total from 3 categories of sanders. Firstly two 8” gear driven oscillating machines designed for very fast removal with a 6mm orbit. Next we looked at two 6” palm sanders, again designed for very fast stock removal with a 5mm orbit. Finally, we reviewed three 6” fine finishing sanders with a 2 to 3mm orbit.

What we did.

We decided to review these machines in an area familiar to us. We appreciate that these machines will be rarely chosen for the purpose, but not being panel beaters or boat builders we simply sanded some timber that needed sanding, a recycled hardwood timber floor to be precise!

These are, however specialist machines that are rarely used outside a workshop (for example an automotive panel repair business). To balance our views we also spoke to several ‘experts’ in this field including some with more than 20 years experience. We also listened to advice from professional panel beaters who use this equipment on a daily basis. If nothing else, this review is balanced; it contains the views of perhaps a dozen tool specialists!

What we found.

Category 1, the big boys, 8” gear driven oscillating machines. These machines are commonly used for ripping the paint off a panel to be painted, or for the initial sand of a repair. The CP777 was our favourite despite a significant price difference.

Category 2, the palm sanders, both excellent machines, and hard to separate. The HDWS101P requires less air and removes more (almost all) of the dust, we would pay the extra few dollars.

Category 3, the finishing sanders, again a difficult decision.  Prices of these three machines are $35, $48, and $155.  We initially expected that there would be an obvious difference in quality and performance.  Well there is a difference but it is ever so small.  While we preferred the SP-1303A for overall performance, the other two machines certainly didn’t fall far short.  Both were a pleasant surprise for the price.