What Sander – My Sander Tips
My sander tips for preparing a wall would be:
Get a 1/2 sheet or a 1/3 sheet sander and supplement this with a detail sander.
Get ones with the hook and loop attachment system which is brilliant for fixing on sandpaper. Some have the clamps too and I would consider these if you have a notion to cut up your own sandpaper or a backlog of paper that you wish to use. The convenience of hook and loop though is great, however the paper does cost more.
Get a sander that has a popular paper size (with the holes) it’s good to be able to go to your local DIY store and know that they’re going to stock the paper that’s compatible to your sander.
Either buy a good one or a cheap one. Realise that if you buy cheap then you may have to replace it regularly.
If you’re buying an expensive one then make sure it has a long warranty and make sure that the warranty covers trade use if you’re expecting to give it a hammering.
The exhaust nozzle fixing adapter for a vacuum cleaner might be a good idea. I’ve not used one, I prefer the room full of dust method, but do factor in the lack of reach and mobility that fixing a hoover to your sander will be a bit limiting. Also note that you’ll need a pretty dust friendly vacuum, a Henry at least.
Get a proper respirator, a dust mask just will not do.
Get proper goggles and even a full hooded set of overalls – dust does get in ones ears, hair etc…
Take overalls off in a room that you don’t mind getting dusty, do not go anywhere near your nice things, or sit in your car in your overalls (yes my car is a bit dusty now)
Do not overfill with filler
Sometimes you don’t need a sander, when you’re keying a wall and just smoothing it down then a large faced sanding block is a great idea, Marshalltown make some great kit.