i got a blue piont d/a off ebay and a new compresor and i am starting to strip the paint off the car. it has 2 or 3 layers. the top is a cheap macco job from the poor look it had when i got it.

so i know there are two settings on a da. what are the functions of each and the application. when i want to get down to a rust spot real quick i lock in the disk. i've been using it unlocked the most. it takes a long time to get through the paint with 80 grit disks. i just want to make sure i am getting the most out of my work. and i sure done't want to make more work for myself.

Thanks Jeff

 

The counterweight 'locks' against the d/a pad (on cheaper d/a's) or, there is a slide plate that locks the backer pad so you can remove the pad (from the arbor) to change it if ever needed (or to assemble it, when new).
A d/a only opertates properly one way (thus it's name d/a or dual action sander). It's not to be used like a standard angle grinder.

 

hmm ok that explains it, didn;t get any paper work with mine..

thanks

 

To get down to the rust spots and stuff i would really pick up an angle die grinder and stick on a 2" grinding disk. It will take it off a ton quicker.

 

I always thought a d/a was more for like, feather-edging and stuff. I have never heard of anyone using it to sand down their whole car.

 

jr86 that is the same i have heard. When i was in school i took autobody and that is all we used it for and we used an angle die grinder with a 2" grining disk to get all the paint off, if it needed to come off.

 

You can but, you'll waste alot of time even if you have some serious grit discs and, if you don't have a compressor to run a d/a like that, it'll take even longer.

Quick paint removal... 36grit...