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I’m just wondering if I’m the only one using Surcare sanders here. If not ,what do you think about them? I know I love ’em even though they are kinda expensive. Got my first one 5 or 6 years ago in vegas. I have a gem sander somewhere but after I got my first Surcare I dont remember what i did with it.
Rob, I can only speak from experiance and what I see in shops. In the Florida market we have 4 reps covering it from one end to the other. I have seen 2 Surecare sanders in the last 10 years. Both were sitting in the back of the shops covered in dust & cobwebs. Why? The guys would not use them I was told. “To heavy, to bulky”. Quite frankly, I’m sure they have there place and I’ve heard nothing about there quality or reliability as I just don’t see them. And, I’m talking 100’s of shops I’ve physically been in. If you’re a production shop and you have 2 dozen guys fabricating, I’ll betcha lunch those guys can knock out those tops a heck of a lot faster with multiple GEM’s. Never heard a complaint on a GEM as it relates to finish achieved. As long as a quality abrasive is being used. Plus, from what I understand monetarily, you can buy around 8 GEM’s for the price of 1 Surecare. A no brainer. Again, that’s my experiance with them.
Hey Dave, haha you are so right. I know the older model sm-200 (I think) is around 2 grand. I use the Tetrad one now though, its a little cheaper not buy much though. Not that it made a difference other than convienience, I like it because I only need one size paper. My gem worked great but hands down I could finish a top faster with this one. Mind you the tetrad is no where as heavy as the old model, I use one hand with it all the time. Like I said I’m just curious if anyone else has them, I know a few shops around my area use them. On another note I do need to get in contact with you as I would like to make some purchases from you here in the next week or so.
Rob, yes, they were probably the older ones. But again, I’ll have a race with you on a GEM vs that. Although, finishing Solid surface obviously should not be hurried.
You can contact me at: 1-866-FED-SAW1 (333-7291)
Rob,
We have had one for a few years now, it one of the big ones. My guys loved it
at first and to this day I have never had any complaints on the size or weight.
The reason ours sets on the shelf is because we cannot get a consistent finish
with it anymore, we have changed pads, checked and cleaned the bearings, even
had the rep come by and he could not figure it out. Some colors it does a great
job and some turns out like crap. I have two Gems on the way and I am ready to
give them a try.Shane
So glad you said that Shane. We have the original model and we have the same problem with the finish. I thought one of our guys dropped it. But you would think if the sander was dropped it would be a problem.
The one reason I like the GEM is because it is one complete piece of sandpaper. I don’t have to worry about the edge of the sandpaper getting caught on the edge of the counter. Once that happens, the finish is just plain crap.
Shane, I have heard that about the finsihes before, like I said I used Gem before. You will be happy with it, it is a good sander. I guess I,m still using my surcare because I havent really had any issues with it on any colors.
Andy, you have a good point there with the one piece paper. And the edges of the paper being ripped off…I’ve had a few employees do that one on me.
Dave, sure I’ll race ya…looser buys the beer!!
I’ll be calling you sometime today or Monday to place an order with you.Thanks for all your feedback guys, always nice to know what other people think about things.
Hey Rob, with the size of that sander, you should be able to drive it home. It has a strange resemblance to a VW Beetle.
Too funny Dave, my little a** probably could ride that thing around town. Yes it does resemble a VW, I’m gonna paint it white and call it “Herbie”.I use the pinske quad master which is about the same as the large Sure Care. I have used both and prefer the Pinske as it is a bit easier to handle. Also it has a full pad that I can either use 4 individual discs or one full size disc.
After the 2005 ISSFA show I baught a Gem sander and tried it on a half dozen tops. I had nothing but problems getting a uniform finish and wasted lots of time discussing the problem with the supplier and trying different grits. The paper recommended was the blue SIA paper and I found that it would load even with the whole in the center. I sent the whole system back for a refund.
Edges and backsplash not withstanding. I can finish 30 sq ft of surface from start to a matte finish in about 25 minutes. 120 grit first to attain a flat surface, followed by 320 abronet and finished with maroon scotch brite.
With regards to the need for 120 grit. I have found that the three big name product that I work with all need to be sanded with l20 grit first just to get rid of the wide belt sandet chatter or the the slight dimpled effect left from the manufacturing process. When I have done service work on tops that have not been flattened you can relly see where the high spots of the sander chatter or dimples have a different sheen then the low spots. I will probably hear from Dani that I am wasting time with the 120 grit because of the time it takes to sand out the swirl marks. I have not found this to be the case.
The Pinske sander is heavy but that is what helps it do its job. And it has enough power to handle the downward laod.
John C
John, with all due respect, I don’t think the problem was the GEM as much as the paper. We have sold a 1000 + GEM sanders over the years and I have NEVER had a request from a customer to return one. NEVER. As a matter of fact, I have never even done a warranty on one. When used correctly and with 3M Micron abrasive, the finish is second to none. All of my solid surface tops in my home were finished with a GEM and they are perfect. Part of the problem may have been your supplier never having used a GEM. All of our sales staff were once fabricators. They sell what they’ve used and know how to use it.
Regards, Dave
Dave,
In fairness you, and everyone who is happy with their Gem sander, you may be right.. We were not supplied with any micron paper to try. We already had the pinske sander and were very happy with it. We were looking for a second sander for installations and service refinishing. We may give it another try in the future using micron paper. When that time comes, we’ll talk.I guess I forgot to say what paper I am using in my process….100 micron, 60 micron, green trizact, 360 abralon. I use the trizact one the darker colors other than that I just 60 micron then abralon for matte. I suggest we alll have a race at the expo, Dave on the Gem, John on the Pinske, and me on the Surcare….of course I’ll win everytime since I have the biggest machine and I’m the small guy here unless some one cheats and pulls my plug
p.s. I’m only kidding ..ha ha
Not a problem John. I’m glad you like the sander you have. I see to many times where a salesman shows up at a shop, and tells the guys “this tool is the greatest ever” but has never once used the tool himself. 3M Micron does not load like conventional grade abrasive. With the GEM, it’s once across the work piece then once up and down and that should do it. When I demo it, I make sure they do it that way as to many guys want to keep the sander in the same place to long. That, will be a problem.
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