I finally saw the difference after switching to a DA sander with a 6 inch pad

Used a 5 inch DA for years on collision work at my shop in Phoenix. Last month I grabbed a Milwaukee 6 inch and Holy cow the difference in removal speed is massive on flat panels. I cut my buffing time by maybe 30 percent on a Honda door. Anyone else notice that big of a jump going up an inch?

3 comments

3 Comments

sagep1924d ago

Hold on, is jumping from a 5 to a 6 inch pad really that serious though? I mean yeah it's a little faster but calling it a game changer feels like a stretch when you're talking about one inch. I figure if your technique is solid the difference is more about convenience than a total overhaul of your process.

patriciap5225d ago

Yeah I used to joke that an inch doesn’t matter but after trying a 6 inch on a big panel I totally get it now. It’s a game changer for flat stuff for sure.

terry_wood5125d ago

That phrase "game changer" is exactly what I told my buddy when I first tried a 6 inch on a big panel. I was always a 5 inch guy myself, thought it was plenty for everything. Then I helped him paint his garage door and he handed me his 6 inch, and I swear I finished that whole door in half the time. Felt like I was cheating or something. Now I keep a 6 inch in my tool bag just for the big flat stuff, still use a 2 inch for trim and corners though. Funny how something that small can make such a difference in how a job feels.