Which sander?

[scgwhite]

I'm hoping for some advise about a forthcoming sander purchase.

I've got a lot of plaster (drywall) to tape and fill, which will inevitably involve some sanding. After that, I'd like to use it as a versatile general purpose sander for carpentry projects. I'm not going to be making cabinet-grade products, but I'd like a good quality machine. It'll be connected to a CTL26.

Any ideas?

 

[Holmz]

11ov or 220v?

 

[Kev]

ETS150/5 ... EC if you want to spring the extra. Best all rounder and great for plaster work. The /3 is where you'd go for finer.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I'd say a DTS 400 or ETS 150/3. Both good all-round sanders and good with plaster. I'm not a fan of the /5 models for plaster, you take off material so fast the DC suffers.

 

[Saskataper]

He DTS is only any good for inside angles, no good for flats. I've played with the ETS and it is really nice, with the selection of pads you should be able to dial it in really nice for drywall. But honestly after seeing and hearing about the Mirka deros sander I think that's the best sander available 

 

[vteknical]

For your needs I would recommend the ETS/EC 5 or 3.  I would err on the side of the 5 since you mentioned using it for general purpose and carpentry. The ergonomics and feel are fantastic for wall and overhead work. I would also recommend using an interface pad for drywall. For drywall you should turn down the power to 3-4 beginning with 180-240 grit depending on the mud used.   

 

[Holmz]

He DTS is only any good for inside angles, no good for flats. I've played with the ETS and it is really nice, with the selection of pads you should be able to dial it in really nice for drywall. But honestly after seeing and hearing about the Mirka deros sander I think that's the best sander available

Hence the 110v and 220v question, as they seem to have less issues with 220v.
I have been leaning towards the Mirka, but want to handle one first.

If one could hand plane dry wall/gyprock I would recomend a plane, and for wood a plane is good, but for general purpose sanding it gets harder to choose 1 sander.

I have a 1/2 sheet EVA 115e and the Mrs actually used it on a taped wall, so I would have to say it must be easy enough to handle. But for lots of vertical work it is on the large size. Brilliant for flat work though.

I have 4 sanders, not including old belt sanders, and a couple of grinders.
(1/2 sheet, 2 RO, DX93 corner)
I can see why people have 1/2 dozen to a dozen. While a 1/2 sheet is out of fashion, it is my most used as I sanding flat peices. Then the DX93 for corners is second most used.
For metal I usually use a grinder with a flap disc.