Rigid Sanders Review: Tips for Keeping Your Tools Shipshape
Ep 67 A Tale of two sanders - https://youtu.be/bibBo5XEN0w
Ahoy, sailors! Welcome back to another Tech Tip Tuesday, where we delve into the world of tools and gadgets to make your boat maintenance a breeze. Today, we're taking a closer look at two Rigid sanders and sharing our experiences with these trusty workhorses.
Let's start with the 5-inch orbital sander. Now, don't get me wrong, this little guy has its perks. It's perfect for smaller jobs and has served us well in woodworking projects. However, we found that its rounded bottom of the boat hull made it challenging to maintain a flat sanding surface, often leaving little gouge marks in the fiberglass. Plus, the fine paint powder can gum up the bearings, causing the motor bearing to malfunction—a real headache when you're in the middle of a project.
But fear not, fellow sailors, for there are solutions! Regular cleaning with a bit of penetrating oil or brake cleaner can help keep the bearings spinning freely, ensuring smooth operation. And don't forget about the limited lifetime warranty—Rigid stands by their products, so take advantage of it if you encounter any issues.
Now, onto the 6-inch orbital sander, a true workhorse in our arsenal. This beast has tackled some serious sanding jobs with ease, thanks to its improved design and sturdy construction. With a handhold for added control and a soft start feature, it's a joy to use, even for extended periods.
However, we've encountered a minor hiccup with the hook-and-loop pad occasionally losing its grip on the sanding pad, a sign it is wearing out. Fortunately, replacing the pad is a simple fix and well worth the convenience of the hook-and-loop system.
Overall, we highly recommend the 6-inch Rigid sander for all your sanding needs. Its performance and durability have exceeded our expectations, making it a valuable addition to our toolkit.
And remember, a clean tool is a happy tool! Regular maintenance, including blowing out paint dust and debris with an air compressor, can help prolong the life of your sander and ensure smooth sailing on your DIY projects.
So there you have it, sailors—a rundown of our experiences with Rigid sanders. If you found this review helpful, be sure to give us a thumbs up, subscribe to our channel, and consider becoming a patron to support future content. And don't forget to share your favorite sanders and tips in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!
Here are links to the sanders on Amazon.
5” Ridgid Sander 2601 https://amzn.to/3UZT60F
6” Ridgid Sander 2611 https://amzn.to/3UMWETK