Hi
I notice that the above sander comes in two distinct forms in America. In Australia it comes in combined 5 and 6 inch pads for the one sander. Is the American sander the same machine for the 5 and 6 inch pad or are there modification to the tool to take the larger pad ?
Are there Abranet style pads available in America for this sander ?
Does the sander suck dust from the perimeter of the pad housing and so is the dust extraction perfect with a dust extractor connected?
regards
Peteroo
It is the same tool, but you have to purchase and attach the different pads (5 inch & 6 inch). Mine came with the 5 inch and I purchased the 6 inch pad separately.
Yes, the Abranet pads are available on-line - and I assume at local stores such as Rockler, if one is nearby. Here is Rockler's online description:
"Abranet mesh sanding discs from Mirka combine excellent dust-collection, a uniform surface finish and a far longer lifespan than traditional abrasives. Thousands of tiny holes in the mesh material result in superior airflow that dramatically reduces dust when used with a shop vacuum. Unlike traditional discs, there is no need to match up hole patterns."
I myself have not used them, but I suspect they would indeed work as advertised. I could see where the pad would get fowled by the dust & debris coming through the mesh. Not sure if this damages the pad with or without Abranet's supplemental pad protector (also sold at Rockler - but they only sell the 5 inch version).
The following online review shows a picture of the Bosch ROS65 with the pad removed. I think the vacuum area is wide enough to pull from both the 5 inch and 6 inch holes. The Abranet mesh discs would only pull dust through the pad holes.
https://www.canadianwoodworking.com/bosch-5-random-orbit-sander-vibration-control
The following online review shows both the 5 inch pad and the 6 inch pad, so you can see the difference in hole patterns. Then again, you probably already have both pads. I assume that you still need to remove the hex bolt and swap pads as needed - that there is not quick change feature.
Bosch Orbital Sander Review