jpmeunier said:
So I just moved into a house (1850sqft) that I will need to replace or refinish 1/2 the drywall in the house. What are people's thoughts on drywall sanders? On the low end you can get a WEN for under 200, Makita cordeless for 700 (get 2 batteries), Planex easy for 750. Not sure if the Mirka Leros is available in the US. I typically tend towards wanting high quality tools, and I could sell the higher end units pretty simply if I don't see much value in keeping them. Let me know your thoughts/experience.
I recently used the Wen and I was disappointed, not using it anymore. I can say what ever you decide, “plan of attack” do one room first start to finish? Then you can fine tune your workflow process. I’m assuming you’re not a drywall taper as your day job. I would either get the Mirka or the Planex. The planex is better for the rough work, the Mirka for a level 4 or level 5 finish. I would at the very least knock down the big chunks, but perfection wins over and then your stripping the wall down to the joint seams. Trust me on this - lol. The Planex easy with some 40 grit or 60 grit might be a good start. You will need to jump from one grit to the next. If you start with to fine a grit then it tends to melt the paint without removal, too rough and your ripping everything.
I would do a closet first, that way you can figure out if it’s worth your time or hiring out the job or paying someone to help you. If you start with the closet you could use the small sander ets-ec 125/150 with some granat paper. the mesh papers are good for tape joints and even flattening a skim coat out. If you want to get aggressive removal then use a rotex, but it’s easy to get ahead of yourself and create additional-problems. The small sanders are good for tight spaces so you can judge how effective the grits are in you “refinishing task”.
After you’ve done the closet you’ll have a better idea, I use better with reservation, on how long a room will take? My vote would be to get the Planex easy and if you need to go higher use a small portable scaffolding or a small step ladder. You don’t have to worry about refinishing yet? This is a multi step process. When your done with the job you should be able to get most 60-80% of your purchase back within a year, if you sell the Planex easy.
If you want to make life easy do a knock down finish. If you want to get artistic try a skip trowel method, or Santa Fe, or sun valley finish. If you have a lot of time and are proficient with a taping knife, hawk and trowel do a level 4 finish... look at American Clay or some other company if you want to get a plastered look on a wall. Venenetian plaster, French plaster etc. like woodworking there’s some technique involved, shooting an orange peel on the wall and doing a knock down is the quickest method. It’s also my least favorite, unless I really didn’t care and wanted to get in and out for a house that I was selling....
