Replies

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Jan 06, 2008 10:29am | #1

   Phil,

   Good question - it made me stop and think.  I bought a VS model because it was a great deal.  I have only ever used full speed.  Slow speed is recommended for buffing.  It's probably also good if you want to use it to sand between coats, though I would hand sand.  The manual for my Makita 5" VS ROS states that extended use at a lower speed will cause the motor to burn out prematurely.  I don't think VS is worth any extra expense.

   Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

2. 
   THintz | Jan 06, 2008 11:31am | #2

   I also wondered about the usefullness of variable speed on an ROS, then used one at a buddies shop. Shortly I had my own from Bosch (link to my review of it below) and I have been a faithfull user ever since.

   Being able to vary speed as well as grit makes this an even more versatile tool. I am able to get a very smooth finish without other tools on most projects and reach that point much quicker. In addition to the grits and variable speed , the amount of pressure applied to the sander itself further enhances how quickly it removes wood or how smooth (and scratch-free) the surface is.

    

   http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/b1295DVSrvu.html

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

3. 
   saschafer | Jan 06, 2008 06:38pm | #3

   I've had a Porter Cable 333VS for about five years. Most of the time (probably more than 95%), I use it at full speed. But I do use it at reduced speed when I need to be especially careful, such as when sanding a thin veneer with fine grit.

   -Steve

    

4. 
   hammer1 | Jan 06, 2008 08:08pm | #4

   So, you want to put more machine marks on your work? You just aren't sure if you should have a variety of speeds to do it with? I'm just pulling your leg, Phil. Or am I?

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   philjohnwilliams | Jan 07, 2008 06:44am | #10

   the way I figure it the more machine marks  I have the more time I get to spend with the plane and scraper :)

    

   -pjw

5. 
   Hastings | Jan 06, 2008 10:11pm | #5

   pjw:

   It depends upon how you use it. I find the variable speed to be very useful for sanding between finish coats, where I use the slowest speed. As another poster said, it is very useful to be able to vary the grit and the speed.

   I couldn't imagine life without the variable speed.

   Hastings

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Jan 06, 2008 11:29pm | #6

   Hastings,

   Do you really need a power sander to sand between coats?  Hand sanding is usually quicker and safer, I find.Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   saschafer | Jan 06, 2008 11:44pm | #7

   I don't use the ROS between finish coats, but I do sometimes use it with Abralon pads for final rubbing out.

   -Steve

    

2. 
   Hastings | Jan 07, 2008 12:21am | #8

   Flair:"Do you really need a power sander to sand between coats?" — Probably not, but because of the slow speed and integrated dust collection, I find it far more pleasant, particularly when there is quite a large, flat surface area."Hand sanding is usually quicker and safer, I find." Me too! But I've become quite proficient in not sanding through.Hastings

1. 
   PlaneAround | Jan 07, 2008 03:43am | #9

   Regarding the original questions, yes, I have a VS ROS (the Rigid 6" that was made for them by Metabl) and frequently vary the speed, depending on what I'm sanding (thin veneer isn't something you want to sand at a high speed, yet the initial sanding of a panel can readily be done at a higher speed). If I'm polishing a finished surface, the VS feature is indespensible. As regards power sanding between coats of finish, if the piece is large, I will almost always reach for the sander, as I can power sand it much faster than by hand.Marty from Ottawa

6. 
   philjohnwilliams | Jan 07, 2008 06:50am | #11

   From what I gather, it would seem to me that the VS is useful if sanding veneer or maybe if you use it to sand betwen coats when finishing. If I do neither of these, then is it still worth my money?

   -pjw