buffer help

[msawatzky]

Is random action, random orbiting the same as dual action? Also what is the general thought of abusing a smaller buffer, say a 6" or 8"?

Thanks

[the other pc]

Re: buffer help

Is random action, random orbiting the same as dual action? ...

I've never heard anybody use the term "random action," so I can't comment on that one.

Almost all buffers/sanders called "random orbit" have a motion that's powered in a small diameter orbit with unpowered, free spinning rotation. This is the same motion as "Dual-Action" buffers. So the fundamental physics is the same.

In fact, the machine that started the whole electric "DA" buffer thing, the 7424 series, is called "random orbit" by its manufacturer, Porter-Cable.

The term DA got applied to the 7424 series because of its perceived similarity to certain pneumatic sander/buffers commonly used in the automotive industry, called "Dual-Action" by their manufacturer, National Detroit.

So the use of the term DA in detailing is really just slang, not a technical definition. But it's generally applied to similar machines with right-angle drives, powered orbits/free rotation, variable speed and fairly high motor power.

Cheap orbital polishers usually have very lower power motors with fixed (pretty slow) speed. They're pretty useless for finish correction because they just don't have the power or speed. About all they're capable of is spreading stuff around.

... Also what is the general thought of abusing a smaller buffer, say a 6" or 8"? ...

All the workhorse DA machines like the G110V2, 7424XP, GG, etc are 6" (approximately) machines. A larger pad just dilutes the power of the machine over a larger area, reducing effectiveness of correction.

Bigger machines, especially the common 10" units typically combine the larger pad size with very weak motors, producing extremely ineffective tools.



pc

[msawatzky]

Re: buffer help

That's great! Thanks PC!!