: I've been lurking around the board and archives for a couple of weeks while
: preparing for and starting my first boat (arctic tern). I've been able to
: find answers to most of my questions so far, but now need help with this
: one.
: Most people seem to be using random orbital sanders, so, in prep for a Home
: Depot excursion later this week, I added one to my shopping list. This was
: challenged by my wife on the grounds that we already have a palm sander.
: On the spot, I couldn't come up with a better justification than something
: along the lines of "but all of the other kids have one". I've
: used up a lot of the available supply of tolerance and indulgence in
: getting the kit itself and taking over the basement. Any help on this?

O.K. Matt

The guys have told you all you need to know about how much better the ROS is than the palm sander, now I'll tell you how to do this AND get your ROS. You do just like Jerry said and build a couple of boards with different grits on them and also use your existing sander. It WILL work, albeit a bit slower. But your Question was about keeping peace at home and getting the job done. The sander will take you a bit longer, and the boards will give you a more fair surface, so use them. Make sure you let the Wife know that you are doing you/her a favor and sticking with what you have and will worry about the ROS a little later, when/if you can afford it. Then, without whining like a puppie left out in the garage all night, you mention how difficult it is doing it this way. Casually!!! Don't Whine, or she'll see right through it. Just do the job, take your time and I guarantee you will get your ROS for your Birthday/Fathers Day/Christmas. Hey, you will enjoy sanding the boat the old fashion way and you won't be disappointed with the results either. Even with a ROS, you will sometimes fine yourself doing it with the Long Boards. That's the Manly way!!!! It'll take time, but you will get your sander, you will keep peace of household, and you will have knowledge that the ROS crowd doesn't have. Doing your boat by FEEL is the BEST way and you will learn to appreciate it. You will be here with Jerry and I telling everyone how wonderful it is in no time. Just Do It!! Keep the Peace!

Rehd