Replies

1. 
   robkelly1 | Mar 02, 2004 04:59am | #1

   I've got the PC RO sander with the 5 holes. One timewWhen I couldn't get the 5 hole discs, I used 8 hole, so the 5 holes in the pad were pretty much covered up. It didn't seem to hurt the sander, but there was a lot more dust in the air because it wasn't coming out the exhaust and going into the bag.

2. 
   IanC | Mar 02, 2004 05:18am | #2

   Wanda, As mentioned, the holes are there to disperse the dust to the bag or vacuum. Other than that, I know of no advantage to the holes.

   I've found the collection bags on all type sanders I've owned to be pretty worthless so I attach my ROS and palm sander to a shop vac by replacing the bag with a step down rubber adaptor.  These are usually sold around the shop vac accessories at Lowe's etc.  I think I had to cut off the smallest diameter step to make it fit my Makita.  Now that set up, while a little more cumbersome, really pulls the dust, keeps your work area clean and the air your breathing much cleaner.  So that's the only reason I buy discs with holes.

3. 
   TheOldTimer | Mar 02, 2004 06:06am | #3

   The other gentlemen are right, the holes are just for dust removal.  I to find the sanding bags useless and use my vacuum for dust removal.  My Festool vacuum is as quiet as a mouse.  The best way to preserve your sander is to use compressed air after use to clean out the motor.  Keeping the motor clean will allow air circulation for cooling. 

4. 
   forestgirl | Mar 02, 2004 11:08am | #4

   This topic was debated last year sometime, you might want to try an advanced search and see if you can find it.  Anyway, I have a 5-hole sander also, and suspect that if I used non-holed paper on it, I'd be more likely to get sawdust glombed onto the paper creating blemishes in the wood.

   I buy my discs from Klingspor, in 50-piece packs.  Excellent paper at an excellent price.  They sell smaller lots too, of course, but once I got stocked up in different grits, it's not been too much of a bite to order 50 of one grit every so often.

   Here's there web site link, but I'd strongly recommend getting a paper catalog.  Much easier to use!
   http://www.woodworkingshop.com/ 

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

5. 
   EdHarrison | Mar 03, 2004 06:42am | #5

   I agree with some of the other posters about hooking a shop vac up to your random orbital sander. The first time you do that is sort of a religious experience to sand without much dust and you will be glad the holes are there. Agree with FG about 50-packs but I buy Porter Cable 50 packs at Lowe's because I can't wait for sandpaper to come in the mail.

   Edit: Now as I read that it occurs to me that I did get a sort of sandpaper in the mail, today, as a matter of fact. I got some 3M PSA film, from http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com which is a kind of sandpaper used for sharpening handtools. I've already tried two chisels and a plane blade with it and it is nice, nice, nice. That stuff I CAN wait for in the mail. It is that good.

   Edited 3/2/2004 10:51:29 PM ET by Ed from Mississippi

   
   

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   Edited 3/2/2004 11:00:56 PM ET by Ed from Mississippi

1. 
   wendy1 | Mar 03, 2004 06:21pm | #6

   Hi,

   Thanks for setting me straight. I'll take your advice and outfit my portor cable sander with a vac attachment. I'm tired of having to clean up all the dust that accumulates in the shop. Think I'll stick with the 5 hole sanding discs. Besides it's not like sanding discs are hard to find. I usually buy them from my local tool store.

   When I have more time I'll have to check the archives.

   Wanda

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 03, 2004 08:06pm | #7

   Wanda, when did you become Wendy1???? forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)