Random orbit sander

[Steven Hsieh]

I notice my local Lowes is having a sale on Dewalt D26453K for $70
I already have a porter cable 343k sander, not sure should get one with variable speed or not. Is there a difference in variable speed? I hate changing sandpaper, so planning to get second one.

Thanks

[Richard M. Wolfe]

I use a variable speed sander with the setting on high about 99+% of the time for sanding bare wood. There are only two times I turn the speed down. One is where the high spped agressive sanding may get me in trouble by taking material off too fast....edges, corners, etc. Also at times I will turn the speed to the lowest setting and move it fast to knock nibs off base and intermediate finish coats. For this I use a worn out fine grit disc and it's critical to keep the sander moving at all times.

[Thomas Hotchkin]

Steve, I used my Dewalt D26453 for the last 5 years with VS and never used the VS function . Sanding performance drops off very fast with reduced disk speed. Tom

[Steve Griffin]

Variable speed is so rarely helpful, I could live without it.

What I couldn't live without is my 6" orbitals. My 5" rarely get used and would be easy to live without.

-Steve

[Dave Sweeney]

I own 5 ROS's and all of them are single speed. I've never felt the need to get a variable speed one but for some they may have a purpose.

[Eiji Fuller]

The only time I use the VS on my ETS150 is when Im sanding finishes

[Paul Ryan]

I own 2 sanders one with and one with out. I bought the VS speed on a year ago thinking I should have VS. That was a mistake I have never needed it. Looking back I dont know why I thought I should have it, it is pretty much a sales gimic if you ask me. My old PC 344 one speed is pefect and ran me $25 5 years ago (amazon had a heck of a sale). I think I paid $89 for the VS PC 390, wasted $64 if you ask me.

[glenn bradley]

Interesting responses; I use the VS to match the grit/task frequently. I do just run full speed for general 220 surface prep but when I run coarse or finer grits the VS is great.

[Tom Ewell]

Buffing with my Rotex requires lower speed settings to reduce heat buildup on the finish.

Mostly high speed for other tasks with some variation on some grits.

[Rick Fisher]

The only time I use the VS on my ETS150 is when Im sanding finishes

I have an ETS 150 and never knew it had VS.. lol.

I sanded finishes today.. :rolleyes:

Gotta think about that..