I just got the Dewalt VS random "hook and loop" orbital sander, and it is
sweet. I had the 1/4 sheet DeWalt already and that puppy is gawd aweful
noisey and vibrates your arm something terrible when you are using it, and
whenever I did use it I would always hand sand afterwards because it would
not leave a surface ready for finishing. The random orbital is sweet for
changing paper too, the pads I got just press on, not adhesive, but like
velcro, this is very nice. Dust collection with this one seems to be 10
times better too even if I'm just using the bag it came with. It also has
vacuum hose attachment capability too.

The random orbital one leaves a very smooth finish compared to the 1/4 sheet
sander too.

First question is do this type of sander leave a surface smooth enough for
finishing? (with a fine grade paper of course)

Second question why are they called "hook and loop" sanders? I don't
understand this name, don't see anything on it that looks like a hook or a
loop.

Third question, what is the 1/4 sheet sander good for now? Should I sell it
or give it away, can't think of any situation where it will be more useful
than the random orbital model is or do a job the random orbital wont.

thanks in advance for your replies,

RangerPaul