ROB's other than PC?

A

AzzurrA

New member
Hi,



Here in Australia, i haven't come across any places that stock PC's... i'm not quite sure, but i think America runs a different power socket, so they probably wouldn't fit in our power sockets down here anyway, even if i did order one from the states.... our power sockets look like this...



chrome-shadow.jpg




as such, i'm looking for a local alternative.

What should i be looking for in a ROB? I have come across quite a few that are available locally, but what sort of specs should i be looking for? Speeds (RPM)? orbit eccentricity? mounting system for the pads? Motor size (voltage)?
 
As I see it, you have about three options.



Number one(which is what I'd recomend) is to get a Variable Speed rotary and the dynabrade orbital attachment(do a search).



Number 2(which is also my second choice) is to get a cyclo polisher, they should make a version that would work with your voltage requirements.



Number three is to get a dual mode sander/rotary, like those made by makita and festool, I've never used one so can't give you any real recomendation other than letting you know it's an option.
 
If you import the PC you will need a step-down tranformer to change the 240v to 110v. This makes it an expensive option. Your other options are something like Bosch and Festool from Waxit , some forum members have got good results with the $40 GMC random orbitals from Kmart.



You will want something with a velcro backing plate, an orbit of at least 5mm and over 400 watts power. I am sure some other Aussie members will chime in.



Len.
 
yeah, Waxit is literally a couple of minutes drive down the road from me, and i'm going down there to have a chat to Dave within the next couple of days.

i have come across a few ROB's that meet those criteria, but their RPM's are about 4000-8000 type thing... that would be way too fast, would it not?
 
Here are a couple that i have found that sound 'similar' to the specs outlined above, that would make an okay ROB.

are any of these half-decent (judging by the specs)?



Bosch PEX400AE Random Orbital.

RO0001Large.jpg


Other features include:

400 Watt power input

215 watt power output

No load speed 4500 - 13000

No load oscillations rate 9000 - 26000

Eccentricity (orbit offset) 5mm ( this is the idea offset for polishing)

Backing Plate Diameter = 125mm ( perfect for using with 6" or 6.5" pads)

1 Year Warranty

Made in Switzerland



Our range of 6" polishing pads mount directly to the backing plate on the machine.





Hitachi FSV13Y 125MM RANDOM ORBITAL SANDER (Polisher)

FSV13Y.jpg


• Large 5mm orbit for quick stock removal

• Random action for a smooth, even finish

• Variable speed for controlled sanding of a wide variety of materials

• Powerful 270 watt motor

• Efficient dust collection



GMC ROS150 Random Orbital Sander with Dual Bases

ROS150_Medium.jpg


Input Power 500 W

Base Size 150 & 125 mm

Dust Bag Yes

No Load Speed 4000-11000 RPM

Paper Attachment Hook & Loop

Tool Weight 3.2 kg



Metabo 400 Watt Electronic Disc Sander SX E 425

0042500s_51.jpg


Diameter of supporting plate 125 mm

No-load speed 5.000 - 12.000 /min

Rated input power 400 W

Output power 200 W

Rated load speed 8.000 /min

Oscillating circuit 5 mm

Weight (without mains cable) 2,2 kg
 
Get the Makita BO6040 Polisher. This is very similar to PC without the hassles of having a step down transformer ($$$). Make sure if you do get the BO6040 it comes with the Wrench Holder (410047-0). The varaible speed is actually similar to PC but you can lower it further on this BO6040. Variable speed control dial (1,600 - 5,800 OPM; 180 - 670 RPM) for various applications. Get your pads from Waxit. http://www.superiorcarcare.net/bo6040.html



After getting a hang on using the ROB....try the big boy's toy: Makita 9227 Circular Polisher: http://www.properautocare.com/makhigspeedp.html



Hope this helps Azzurra...Happy polishing.
 
this the one?



150mm Random Orbital Sander

2 mode; free & forcible rotation - BO6040

bo6040fc1.gif




Dual mode selector for 'random orbit' action (finishing) & 'random orbit with rotation' action (coarse & polishing)

Provides all the tools you need in one unit to complete the job from rough to a high finish

An ideal tool for tradespeople that demand an exceptional finish

Variable speed control dial for adjusting the speed to suit the material & application



Very low vibration

Exceptional through the pad dust extraction

Hooks to vacuum or bag

Low profile design with barrel grip



Specifications

No Load Speed: 1600 - 5800 rpm

Input Power: 750 W

Length: 316 mm (12 1/2")

Weight: 2.7 KG (6lbs)

Pad Size: 148 mm (5 15/16")

Abrasive Disc Dia: 150 mm (6")



Standard Accessories

Abrasive paper (n/a)

Hex wrench (783203-8)

Rubber pad (soft) (193299-5)

Carry Case (n/a)





Optional Accessories:

Wool pad (high finish) (794619-2)

Sponge pad (applying wax) (794617-6)

Felt pad (removing wax) (794618-4)
 
I'm also looking at alternative products due to living in Aust. I was at Bunnings yesterday and they had two Ozito sanders both with 3 year warranties:



1.
MSG-180Vimg_range.jpg


Features

520 Watts

125mm Pad Size

Variable Speed

Dust Bag



Speed OPM 4,000 - 12,000

Pad Size 125mm (5")

Full Armature Bearings Yes

Paper Type Hook & Loop



2.
ROG-190img_range.jpg


Features

Metal Gearbox

Loop Handle

750 Watt Motor

Rubber Grip



Speed OPM 4,000 - 7,000

Wattage 750

Pad Size 150mm (6")

Full Armature Bearings Yes



The first one was about $50 and the second $80.



I had a look on Ozito's site and couldn't find anything about the size of the offset.



Has anyone had any experience with these?



Is it possible to put 4" and 5" pads on a 6" velcro plate?



TIA,

tony
 
Have a look at this thread for a review of the Rotex RO150 from Festool. It's available in Australia, Europe and the US.



http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=69619&highlight=Rotex



It does a great job as a wood sander, and an impeccable polishing tool. It's worth every penny, and there are a lot of them! From a safety point of view, you can detach the power cable at the tool, and then change pads. I like the way the Ro150 starts up, a gentle soft start, but very powerful when you apply a load. If you lift the tool off the work, the pad goes to zero speed.

I get minimal flicks of waxes with this machine and the protection guard is worth its weight in gold.



One possible reason for only a 110V version of a PC are electrical standards and marketing.
 
gbackus said:
As I see it, you have about three options.



Number one(which is what I'd recomend) is to get a Variable Speed rotary and the dynabrade orbital attachment(do a search).



Number 2(which is also my second choice) is to get a cyclo polisher, they should make a version that would work with your voltage requirements.



Number three is to get a dual mode sander/rotary, like those made by makita and festool, I've never used one so can't give you any real recomendation other than letting you know it's an option.
Click to expand...



Sounds like good advice to me.



AzzurrA , I will temper my advice to you with a few things in mind :

1) What is your skill level and how much work will the tool be seeing?

2) What are you willing to spend?



I'm intrigued by the Dynabrade system...if it works. (I haven't used it).

You could use the orbital until your skills increase and you'll already have the rotary on hand....(and practice in the meantime). And , if/when you get comfortable with the rotary, you'll have the orbital attachment for light duty and finish work.



I own a Festool Rotex , and , while it's an excellent tool , it's very expensive.

If i were just going to use it for detailing , I wouldn't have gotten it. (It's GREAT for woodworking, also).

The Bosch and Makita dual mode models are also highly regarded and a bit less expensive.

A word of caution about dual-modes : they can be difficult to control in the more aggressive mode and take some practice in use. While it's still relatively safe , you CAN do some damage if you're not careful.



If budget is an issue , I would consider the DeWalt 443 (?). I believe they're readily available in Oz and I've heard many good things about the tool.



Whatever you get , I would highly recommend something with some sort of Constant Response Circuitry to keep the tool from bogging down under pressure (somewhat of a problem with the PC).



Hope this was helpful to you. Good luck and let us know how things turn out.
 
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