Getting ready for restore

[worntired]

Hey guys, getting ready to start on a restoration of a chris craft xk 22. The PO did a horrible job of painting and it is going to have to be completely sanded down and repainted. What is this latest and greatest thought on sanders and sandpaper and all that good stuff? I have a 60 gallon air compressor that can run anything I need, so I'll be going pneumatic. I'm thinking a 5" random orbital hook and loop setup. I'll be outdoors for the sanding, so I'll stick with a non-vacuum. Not really sure where to go as far as brand and best place to buy sander and materials. Any help y'all can give would be great.

Thanks,

David

 

[gm280]

Well everybody has their favorite method. Mine is a Ingersoll Rand 6" orbital dual action sander. It uses a lot of CFMs but get the job done very well. But even some electric DeWalt 5" orbital sander works fairly good too. I would set up a fan blowing across you as you work on the sanding effort. It helps keep the dust away from you. And do use a good face mask for that job. It will save your lungs too. You haven't said what the inside of your boat looks like. Is there some rotted issue you are going to be working with there?

 

[Woodonglass]

PICS Required!!!! Most pneumatic sanders are Air Hogs and I fear that your 60 gallon compressor will be cycling a LOT!!! I'd recommend a DeWalt 5" R/O sander with 40 grit paper. I think you'll be a lot happier. Don't forget the PPE!!!:thumb:

 

[proshadetree]

I like the DeWalt with the vacuum attachment. Add a drywall filter in the shop vac and keep a lot cleaner while sanding.

 

[worntired]

I really hadn't thought of using an electric sander, but I guess I could. I'll be getting a 3m Respirator when I get ready to start this. The stringers seems to be good, and the floor doesn't use wood. I'm not sure about transom yet, but it seems pretty solid. Won't know until I get the engine pulled and can really get in there. I'll get some pictures once I get it all dismantled.

 

[Woodonglass]

Nothing stopping you from using the pneumatic sander. I just think you'll find that it will be hard on your compressor. They DO use a Lot of air. https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110118123935AAS3v9e The 60 gallons is a Minimum for the R/O sander and if it's a 110 unit and the CFM's aren't up there then it could be a problem.

Floor doesn't use wood??? What does it use?? Stringers "Seem" good?? What have you done to confirm/ensure their structural integrity? Drilling core samples is about the only fool proof method to ascertain their condition. You should core sample the Motor Mounts as well. She's 43 years old and boats of this vintage unless they have been exceptionally cared for, usually have/need a lot of maintenance and repairs.

 

[gm280]

I 100% totally agree with you WOG about any 43 year old boat. If, by some amazing unbelievable miracle chance, your boat is completely sound, you better take tons of pictures and post them so everybody can see their first one! Because I have never ever seen one that was still dry and good after that many years...

 

[worntired]

Trust me, still in the tearing apart stage. Once I get it tore down further I'll start inspecting more. The two stringers that are there have the fuel tank resting on it. One part rubbed away and that wood is still good. Who knows what they'll look like further down. I'll take some pictures this afternoon though. The floor is straight fiberglass, no backing underneath it. The only two spots of wood are where the seats are mounted.