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What’s a good sander for foam work?

Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 4:19 pm
by Revv Up
I’m doing way more foam work than I ever intended and have been mainly hand sanding with an old aggressive belt sander belt. I do own a electric random orbital palm sander but it doesn’t seem to work very well, anyone having success with the electric models?

I notice a lot of guys are using air power sanders in the videos and they seem to remove material just fine. Are these random orbitals for auto body work? I’m looking for suggestions of something I can pick up off Amazon or somewhere online. Also what grit sanding disk works good with foam? Links greatly appreciated.

Re: What’s a good sander for foam work?

Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 5:56 pm
by BigRig
@Revv Up ,

For the sake of simplicity due to compressor issues I just use a Velcro sanding disc attached to my drill. A pack of 100 3" 80 grit Velcro sanding pads is $15.00 to my door.

Re: What’s a good sander for foam work?

Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 8:06 pm
by John
I use an air grinder with a 3 inch 80 grit pad. It works really well.
I have Matco and snap-on air grinders but they are expensive. This kit on amazon is good Ive used these before. https://amzn.to/2LYpavp
The disks are like this https://amzn.to/2lykp09
You need one of these also. 3M Relock Disk Holder: https://amzn.to/2tjAJpn

Re: What’s a good sander for foam work?

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 6:23 am
by jdenison89
Matco Tools MT2883 .50 Hp Right Angle Die Grinder
I use this one alot, it has an adjustment knob for air flow that is helpful for difficult shapes and contouring.

Re: What’s a good sander for foam work?

Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2018 11:27 pm
by Cody
I agree with the rest. I bought the Mac mini die grinder set. It had a 90 degree and a straight. Needed the straight for work so use the right angle with a 3” backing pad. If you catch them right I believe the set is just a bit over $100 for both. Even though it’s the mini it works great and actually feels more comfortable in my hand.

Re: What’s a good sander for foam work?

Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 7:49 pm
by John
Yeah the 90 degree angle grinders are useful for so many things! Shaping foam is just one of many uses.

Re: What’s a good sander for foam work?

Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2018 2:26 am
by Cody
The Mac guy just came into work and saw in the flier that the mini set I spoke of was on sale for $114. This might not be the cheapest option out there as for foam youre not going to be over working it and a cheaper one will work. Just letting you know.

Re: What’s a good sander for foam work?

Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2018 2:40 am
by BigRig
@Cody,

Both my kid and I ordered off of Amazon. Both were identical but different brands under $100 and they are working just fine.

Re: What’s a good sander for foam work?

Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2018 5:09 am
by Hope Komla
Harbor freight seems to have quite a lot of brands. some users say their good. You will have a reasonable price there.