Electric Random Orbital Sander advice please?

[Ash]

As my Clarke air D/A sander has just worn out I was wondering if it was worth replacing it with an electric version as the air powered models use an awful lot of air?
I know there are a few electric random orbital sanders on the market so does anyone have any recommendations?( I dont want to spend a fortune though!)

Many thanks

[tractorman]

I decided against air-powered - noise and needed more air than my old compressor could supply easily.

So I went to B&Q and bought one of their cheap sanders. It does my job nicely! OK, the bearing in the bottom plate went after a couple of years, but I got one with two shields from "Bearing Boys" and it's still working well - if somewhat dusty! At £20 I reckon it was a bargain, though I suspect Wickes etc do the same machine under different brand names.

OK, it may not be as clever as an expensive air machine, but it is certainly a budget buy

[ajmin]

I have a Wicks branded variable speed 150mm DA with a velcro pad for the disc's and it works well. You just need to be a bit canny with the speed tho as the no load speed can be a bit severe if you start it off panel. It cost £34 and I've abused it for a couple of years now without any problems apart from the odd dig mark!

[m.thaddeus]

Hello

I would get behind both of the above suggestions. The 1/3 sheet sander or if even a 1/2 sheet if need be, are good cheap options which can be used with standard abrasives. But they do have a habit of tearing the sheet before it is worn out. You can also place a scotchbrite pad under the sander.

A decent cheap DA is great for the fiddly bits. Dont be fooled into thinking that paying £100 for a top branded one will work out cheaper in the long run. It wont.