Mud Hog type sander

[studebaker]

I am thinking about buying one of the Mud Hog type sanders for
initial sanding and leveling of fillers. What do you guys recommend?

[Len]

We use the National Detroit ND900 with 36 or 40 grit sandpaper.

http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/tnND900.jpg
Link to the ND900 (http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ND900&Category_Code=TFSL)

[cjohnson]

I've had a Hutchins Eliminator (Hutchins version of a Mud Hog) for years and it is my favorite tool for the initial shaping of filler. It is also very good for stripping paint too.

[Phil V]

The National detroit DA900 is a low speed geared eliptical ORBITAL 8" sander and the Hutchins Eliminator is an 8" slow speed geared ROTARY sander ( no oribtal ). Both are excellent top of the line sanders. The Hutchins will hog down bondo a little faster than the ND mud hog but its easier to get a panel relatively flat with ND mud hog compared to the Hutchins eliminator. For stripping paint the Hutchins is definately the best choice of the two.

I have owned and used both brands of sanders and for all around use I personally prefer the ND DA900 but the Hutchins Eliminator comes in at a close second choice.

[Len]

You're right Phil, a rotary is faster but it really won't do a very good leveling job. The eliptical does a much better job on filler. That's one of the reasons I don't recommend the Makita for filler work.

[TimG]

I've had my ND mud hog for 20 plus years,used daily,and have NEVER replaced anything on it aside from a couple pads and a couple covers!
I mainly use it to remove paint for filler,and for getting filler close on the first pass,I've used it to strip cars also.
I have a ND DAQ I bought used around the same time,relaced the lower bearing a couple times,pads/covers,and it is still in daily use.
Go w/ the ND!