Earlier this week, since it's cool in mornings and evening I started sanding on the bottom of the boat. I started with my 6" random orbit sander with 40 grit paper ... ya right ... like I have another 3 years to finish this project and 500 discs. So I went to Harbor Freight, only because they sell cheap tools, and bought a 7" grinder. If you're only going to use a tool for one job why pay out the nose for top of the line? Have you ever sanded a with a 7" grinder before ??? me, neither. It turns at 7800 rpm. The disc flew off like a frisbee! I called Oceanside Marine Center and discussed my dilema with their shop expert. His simple reply, "dude, it's spinning way to fast. To sand you need something that spins in the 600 rpm range." Who would know? It didn't say that on the box and I've never been to sanding school. So, I returned it. My neighbor had bought a 7" variable speed sander to work on surfboard. Like me, completely wrong tool for the job. I bought his 7" sander and he went an bought a 4" random orbit. Two problems solved :-)
This is going to be really easy. I should be done in a day or two :-)
My arms after 10 minutes :-(
There ... finally after nine days I have "naked boat".
After a few days break I'll start sanding out the gelcoat cracks and tiny pits.
May as well now that I have Popeye arms.
