In need of a DA sander advice

[DanMcG]

I need to start stripping the paint off some bedsides and started looking at da's. The main difference I noticed is the cfm's they use. I assume the more cfm's the more power it has, but it would also need to match your compressors cfm output.
My compressor puts out 7.6 cfm at 90psi so I figured I should be looking at DA's in the 5-6 cfm range. Am I on the right track? And any brands recommended? (looking at mid range prices) I don't need it to last forever, but don't want the cheapest that won't do the job.
Thanks

 

[ali_c20]

Your'e on the right track
The compressor is more important than the tool. If you don't have enough air volume and pressure both cheap and expensive tools don't work.
The average output should be higher than the average air consumption of the tool you are using. The DA sander I have uses 12cfm average. I have a compressor with a 65 gallon air tank and ~ 20 cfm output at 100psi (depends on pressure) It works great for all my air tools. For my media blasting cabinet a bigger one would be nice but it works.
I go for the upper mid range priced tools. The work is done faster and they last longer.

 

[legopnuematic]

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-t...ishers/6-in-dual-action-air-sander-68152.html

I had an old Rockwell (made in Japan) D/A that was old when I got it and finally locked up, I had bought one of these from Harbor Freight and my friend bought one too, for the price they work as intended, so far have stripped a 75 K5, parts of my 79, and a Honda CRX. about two rolls of 80 grit PSA sandpaper through each and still work good.