I'm looking for recommendations on everyone's favorite sander/grinder/polisher for a stitch and glue boat construction/restoration. I've just started on a Devlin BBII boat repair, and I've read and heard from a number of folks how important this tool is. It looks like the one that Sam suggests in his book is a Makita 9207. Is that still the go-to tool for folks? Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
sander/polisher recommendations
- Thread starter Richard S
- Start date
Bill Burruss
Well-known member
Very useful tool for boat building. I have a Harbor Freight version that has lasted 2 builds and going strong (just added that on your other post), and the price is right. Plastic backing and 7" fiber grinding disc with coarse abrasive and those keels will turn to dust. They'll even grind ss screws.
Yes!
I have two 9207s. Both are going strong after 20 years of countless uses. I am SOLD on the Makita sander/polishers. The 9207 has been discontinued but the newer model is a 9227C. See link below.
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/9227C
The sander polisher is almost worthless for boat work unless you get the correct backing pad and discs. The backing pad to get is the 3M 05568 Stikit.
https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/..._product.do?pid=6500
As for discs get the 3M 8" Stikit green in 80 grit.
https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/...1U+255U+Discs+8+Inch
You will also want a random orbital sander. Take your pick of the many from a box store. 80 and 120 grit will suffice.
Eric
I have two 9207s. Both are going strong after 20 years of countless uses. I am SOLD on the Makita sander/polishers. The 9207 has been discontinued but the newer model is a 9227C. See link below.
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/9227C
The sander polisher is almost worthless for boat work unless you get the correct backing pad and discs. The backing pad to get is the 3M 05568 Stikit.
https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/..._product.do?pid=6500
As for discs get the 3M 8" Stikit green in 80 grit.
https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/...1U+255U+Discs+8+Inch
You will also want a random orbital sander. Take your pick of the many from a box store. 80 and 120 grit will suffice.
Eric
Last edited:
Andrew Holley
Well-known member
I owe a Festool Rotex 150, you can switch it from random orbital sander to "forced" orbital sander which is more like a grinder. The tool is a beast, it has done everything I have asked it to do, from finish sanding cabinet doors to grinding steel. It has been used to build two stitch and glue boats and has removed a lot of fiberglass and epoxy. One of the things I like best is the vacuum attachment, cleaner than any other sander I have used.
Not cheap but has lasted five years of abuse so far.
Not cheap but has lasted five years of abuse so far.
Capt Rich Geminski
Well-known member
I bought the older sander, said made in the usa, but made over seas on the box. Still a great product... Harbor freight has some great deals, for the price.