Sander

[TV]

I am looking to purchase a random orbit sander. Is it important to buy one with variable speed?

tv

 

[DaveO]

Personally I don't think that the variable speed is that important. Most projects with solid stock you won't need the speed control, but it can come in handy when working with veneers or plywood, where you'll benefit from having a little more control.
MTCW,
Dave

 

[Larry Rose]

I agree with Dave. If the cost is roughly the same, go for it. Could be useful but I don't think I would pay much more for it.

 

[Nativespec]

I almost allways run mine wide open.

 

[TV]

Thanks for the input. I don't thing I will be doing veneer's anytime soon. I just need something that will do better than the little square palm sander I have.

tv

 

[NCPete]

don't loose that palm sander, that is a very important tool for detail sanding, something a ROS won't do very well

 

[cpowell]

I have one VS and one fixed speed ROS. I run the VS ROS full speed 95 percent of the time...maybe more.

Chuck