tool for bodywork

[henry matyjewicz]

I'm doing my own body work and all I have is a belt sander. what kind of sander should be used when working on the car? (ie shaving doors)

[kicker1_solo]

try finding an orbital sander, preferably air powered

[sofast]

Second that and add that it will make life alot easier doing body work

[cablepower_9]

Hey man

I do custom work on Hondas in Canada. I am a machinist and bodyman

DO NOT use a belt sander on a car unless you are a bodyman.

WHY - belt sander is way stronger than an orbital means that it will eat paint, metal, primer, rust, plastic - everything. also much more difficult to handle due to higher torque
- belt sander can produce hotspots reulting in warpage, stretching, shrinking etc
- beltsander can and will pick up any dirt/grease and drive it right into your pain/metal faster than you can say AHHH, ____________!!!

ONLY use an orbital sander - it has a more efficient and safer motion than belt. It will shed impurities (dirt, fine metals) much faster than belt, it will clean itself faster, any deep scratches will not be too permanent, and be the possibility of overheating or warpage will be minimized

Take care

[henry matyjewicz]

thanks all. i ditched the belt sander for an orbital sander attachment, wow what a difference. I'll try to show pics of the progress.