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No air? No problem! A quality electric sander for car bodywork works just fine….we review three leading models here
Picture this: you have some DIY car body repair in your in-tray but the tank in your air compressor isn’t large enough to run a sander for a long period (or you don’t have compressed air yet).
Luckily, you remember reading somewhere about the existence of electric sanders that are strong enough for car restoration projects.
Your next move?
Investing in a serious electric car body sander.
Well, that’s where we come in..
We have reviewed the front runner units out there today to help you make the best decision if shopping for the best electric sander for car bodywork for your upcoming project.
Best Electric sander for car bodywork-Our Top 3 favorite picks
Forget the pretenders: These three models strips paint and sands quickly and are the best bet for anyone looking for a dependable electric sander for car bodywork.
Of course, they’re not as aggressive as air tools but they rotate much faster than most models hence knock the paint off a lot faster.
Read each review and choose your favorite..
DEWALT Random Orbit Sander-5” (best budget unit)
Instead of waiting until you get air, get this DEWALT DWE6421 5” Random Orbit Sander.
It works amazingly well, its lightweight (weighs just 2.9 lbs), and the shorter height allows you to get much closer to surfaces when doing prep work.
The tool has an excellent center of gravity, is sufficiently powerful (the 3.0Amp motor spins the sanding disc pad at 12000 OPM), and comes with a nicely-designed dust collection bag that works perfectly.
The device is a breeze to use and even to change out sanding discs thanks to the Hook and loop (velcro) system.
At a glance:
- Rubber over-mold in critical areas– this plus the counterweight design immensely reduces vibration.
- Separate counterweight design– further minimizes vibration for more user comfort.
- Dust-sealed on/off switch– protects against dust penetration prolonging switch life.
- Dust port -fits most vacuum systems with 11/4” hoses, using Dewalt DWV9000 Universal Quick Connector (sold separately).
- Hook & loop– makes it very easy to swap sanding pads.
Pros
- Comes with a great carrying case.
- Well balanced.
- Lots of power for its size.
Cons
- The 6ft. cord is a bit short (extension cord not included).
- Single speed model.
Verdict
For folks that aren’t doing auto bodywork every day and lacking a compressor that can support an air sander, this might be your best option.
Throw in the fact that the sander is below $100.00 and you’ll understand why this has been a best seller at Amazon.
Porter cable electric sander/polisher (6 inch)- best variable speed sander polisher combo
Porter cable is known for good sanders and this beast from the brand is brilliant for painting and other auto-body projects.
And with its 4.5 Amp motor working relentlessly behind the scenes, this will make you quickly forget you ever needed a dual action (DA) air sander.
It operates smoothly and actually works nearly as well as air sanders, which is awesome.
This variable speed auto body sander is your go-to tool for flawless polishing auto finishes too- it really does a spectacular job cutting and polishing those horrible swirl marks in your clearcoat!
The cylindrical main body grip is pretty comfortable and the ninety-degree side handles make your life easier when sanding or polishing entire cars and trucks.
At a glance:
- Powerful motor– 4.5 Amp motor (AC only).
- Variable speed– set your best speed between 2500-6800 orbits per minute (OPM).
- Proprietary counter balance– works flawlessly with 6 inch sanding/polishing pads.
- Removable side handles – the two-position (left and right) removable side handles improves comfort and control.
- Heady duty- features a full ball & roller bearing construction for enhanced durability.
Pros
- Has a lot of power.
- Runs without problems even when you want to sand a whole car to bare metal with it.
- Ergonomic feel.
Cons
- Vibrates a little more than Dewalt DWE6421.
Verdict
All we can say is Wow! What a wonderful ergonomic feeling with this truly powerful sander/polisher.
It’s light, maneuverable, and won’t be fighting you along the way when sanding down your vehicle.
Take our word for it: you can never go wrong with this Porter Cable for all your home auto care projects.
Makita 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander BO5041K Kit – easiest to use
When it comes to sanding a car with an electric sander, we doubt there is a quality model that is easier to use than this Makita 5” random orbital sander.
We looked at dozens of others and trust us: this was the best of the bunch for those looking for a unit that is super easy to use.
The highlights are the easy variable speed adjustment (4000 – 12000 OPM), the easy to hold design- the handles give you more options to hold the tool thus reducing fatigue-, and everyone’s favorite hook and loop method that makes changing pads so easy.
Plus, the large two finger on/off switch is conveniently placed not to mention that the switch locks into the “on” mode meaning you don’t need to hold the button the entire time.
Even maneuverability in confined spots is easy – simply adjust/unscrew the handle when sanding tight corners.
There is a little bag that collects dust so there’s less clean up too with this electric sander for car bodywork.
At a glance:
- Ergonomic palm grip- keeps tiring and hand numbing vibrations down.
- 0AMP motor – this is strong enough for most bodywork tasks.
- Adjustable front handle – easily reach corners and other confined areas.
- Large 1/8” random orbit action– quickens sanding.
- Through-the-pad dust capturing system (vacuum port adapter built-in)- for a cleaner operating environment
Pros
- Useful locking on/off feature.
- Quieter and less vibration than others.
- Quicker action saves time and effort.
Cons
- Nothing major to complain about.
Verdict
We recommend this electric sander for car bodywork for those who are looking for the friendliest electric sander for automotive projects.
It holds up quite well for auto body repair jobs, drives a full spectrum of sanding grits, and should last for years-it’s sturdy and very well constructed.
Wrap up
If you are looking for the best electric sander for car bodywork for your upcoming DIY job, these are our three favorite units..
Compare, snoop around, and pick what you need.
Over to you.
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