Can we talk about hand sanding vs. machines on body panels?

Last week, I was fixing a fender and the machine sander left swirl marks all over. I switched to hand sanding with a block, and it came out smooth. I know most shops use machines for speed, but I think hand sanding gives you more control. On curved panels, machines can dig in too deep. Hand sanding lets you feel the surface and avoid mistakes. What do you all think? Am I just stuck in my ways, or is there still a case for hand sanding?

2 comments

2 Comments

caleb8263h ago

Yeah, machines on curved panels... that reminds me of the time I tried to cheat on a quarter panel with a dual action sander. Totally feathered the edge right out because I couldn't feel it dipping. Went back with a block and some 400 and saved it.

dakota4221h ago

Man, that's rough. I've been there too, rushing on a curve and paying for it later. I mean, one thing people don't always mention is how much your lighting and where you stand mess with your sense of the shape. If the light is flat, you'll miss those dips even with hand sanding, and then you're just guessing. Maybe it's just me, but I double check from every angle now before I go too far with the grit.