Recommend a good hand sander?

[drpcken]

I'm removing all the old paint from an old cab.  I think a belt sander is a bit too much for the job and want a hand sander.  Looking at lowes I'm seeing quite a few different kinds.  Can anyone recommend a good sander?

And what grit paper would I start with to get this paint off?

Thanks!

[Chadwick]

I like the orbital palm-grip sander.

Start with something near 80 grit.

[drpcken]

Thanks for the suggestion!  You wouldn't recommend something with an edge?

[severdhed]

i don't know if i would call it a good one, but i bought this one, and so far, it has been working just fine for me:  It probably won't hold up as long as a nice expensive one, but it was only $9.99..so i figured i'd give it a shot.  so far i'm impressed.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40070

[miles2912]

I have the cheapo Harbor Freight sander too.  Works all right.  Their sandpaper is the worst.  Make sure you get some good sand paper and it be ok.

[shardian]

An orbital sander will remove more material, and leave a smoother finish than a standard hand sander.

[Beretta]

i bought one of those HF sanders as well.. they had them for 7.99 with coupon so i figured how bad could it be?

have'nt tried it yet though.

anyway which leads me to a question the project im working on has some bubbling due to water.. it looks like it got rained on a few times and it's got like little hills.. it's not to bad but i wanna smooth it out and paint it..

would sanding be a good option for this? to sand out the raised parts and then paint? or does MDF not like being sanded? i've only worked with the stuff a few times reminds me of high density cardboard.. weird stuff.

i could probably just paint it and no one would notice since it's on the top but seems like a cheat and i'd know about it even if no one seen it.

[Ryglore]

I use a Makita 3 x 18 Belt sander. Sucker is quick and if you're not careful will run away on you... But I've used it for all my sanding so far. But when it comes to sanding down my larger surfaces, I'm totally looking into something else. But or edges I love it.

http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?ID=213

[KissMyWookie]

I did lots of research when looking for a palm sander myself. Eventually, I read an in-depth review (Wood magazine I think - or maybe Fine Woodworking) which tested around 8 models. Based on the speed of material removal, vibration, quality of finish, dust removal: the best one was the Milwaukee 6021 5" Random Orbital Sander.



I bought mine from Home Depot, as the savings on the TAX and selling price, were offset by the cost of shipping.

I'm very pleased with it and have no regrets.