AutoBody101.com

Hello Everyone,
I started gathering tools for cutting and buffing and was wondering what size (5" or 6") and what throw (3/32, 3/16, etc...) Palm DA you guys like for cutting clear coat.

Brand wise I've been looking at the Ingersol Rand's IR4151 and IR4152 ($120ish), also the 3M's 20324 and 20325 ($250ish). Those are all 6" units with the differance being the throw. The unit I have now is an Ingersol Rand 311a and I use it for rough body work. It's not a palm sander but works good for basic body work.

Your recommendations on brand, size, throw, and model number if known is appreciated.

i use 3/16 prepping and polishing

sometimes 3/8 for body work

For buffing, you need a buffer.
A palm DA may be good for polishing but the rotary spin
of a buffer is what you need for initial buffing.

when i say "polishing" i am meaning the actual cutting with 3000 5000 grits

i do not use a orbital other than the 3000 or 5000

otherwise i only hand sand

I'm shopping for which orbital to buy for sanding down the orange peel. I have a variable speed 7" Makita for the polishing. Thanks again

imo, the smaller the throw the better for wet sanding.
big throw for body work.

Lenny B wrote:I'm shopping for which orbital to buy for sanding down the orange peel. I have a variable speed 7" Makita for the polishing. Thanks again

are you trying to match factory stuff or taking down restos like glass ? both ?


i use snap on DA theyre the best in my opinion due to the air control

Just building hot rods in the garage. I want to get it like glass.

You will want a DA with a more aggressive throw than those used primarily for polishing.
The other thing to consider is CFM air consumption. The cheaper quality DAs will often require huge amounts of CFM in order to operate.
As Dave pointed out, you want good airflow control so you can regulate the speed of the DA.

The prices are all over the map on these things. Hutchins, Flex, Snap-On, etc. are all very pricey but will last you for years to come. That being said, I have a Porter-Cable that has lasted a very long time. It does chew up the air and the air control will often change by itself or because it is too close to my fingers and I bump it.

https://store.snapon.com/OrBital-and-Ge ... 44426.aspx

expensive but way better than Dynabrade or any other ive used. had the 5 i own over 8 years now with no oil.

here is the pads i use
http://www.pbejobbers.com/product-6-sof ... 39494.aspx