Rotary sander-polishers with an angle head are the tool of choice for fibreglass repair and maintenance. They’re efficient machines that deliver good productivity.

  • Great for rapid shaping, sanding and final polishing
  • Quick change between sanding and polishing
  • Well-balanced for extended use
  • Alternative size heads available

We’ve selected three machines that we consider to be ideal for work on boats. They each have a large 180mm head and variable speeds with a range down to 1000 or 600 rpm, slow speeds being essential for good work on fibreglass.

Variable speed sander-polisher

Heavy duty six-speed rotary polisher with 180mm diameter head. A great value sander-polisher with full specification and a three-year warranty.

This sturdy machine has been extensively tested and is highly recommended with good control from the wrap-around handle.

The Velcro backing pad accepts 180mm sanding discs, compounding and polishing foams, or tie-on polishing bonnets. Spindle lock makes changing heads easy. Accepts any of our listed pads, bonnets and discs.

Six speed settings from 600 to 3200rpm make it suitable for all surfaces, including fibreglass, wood and steel. It’s an ideal yard machine and terrific value.

Technical details

  • Operating voltage: 230V 50Hz
  • Power rating: 1200W
  • Double insulated, CE marked
  • Six speed 600 – 3000rpm through thumb wheel selector
  • Head: 180mm (7 inch) diameter on M14 x 2mm thread
  • Weight: 3Kg
  • Power cable: 3m
  • Supplied with velcro backing pad and soft lambs wool polishing bonnet
  • Right- or left-handed wrap-around handle

Variable speed sander-polisher £59.99
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Professional Sander-Polisher

Sealey brand professional grade variable speed sander-polisher capable of years of trouble-free service. Nominal power rating 1300W. Comfortable to use for extended periods with low vibration and 2-position handle.

Six-speed settings on dial-up control 1000 to 3200rpm. Alloy bevel gear head with composite motor housing. Supplied with nominal 170mm backing pad and side handle. Easy head change with convenient spindle lock. Accepts any of our listed pads, bonnets and discs.

Technical details

  • Operating voltage: 230V 50Hz
  • Power rating: 1300W
  • Double insulated, CE marked
  • Thumb-wheel speed control 1000 – 3200rpm
  • Head: 170mm (7 inch) diameter on M14 x 2mm thread
  • Weight: 3.5Kg
  • Power cable: 2m
  • Supplied with rubber backing pad
  • Right- or left-handed handle

Professional sander-polisher £139
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Makita Sander polisher

For the discerning user, this Makita tool has a superb specification and an excellent reputation.

Electronic control provides continuously variable speed through the trigger as well as a no-load speed dial and a button to lock the preset speed. For ultimate performance, this is the machine to choose.

Technical details

  • Operating voltage: 230V 50Hz
  • Power rating: 1200W
  • Double insulated, CE marked
  • Continuously variable speed 0 – 3000rpm
  • Head: 180mm (7 inch) diameter on M14 x 2mm thread
  • Weight: 3Kg
  • Supplied with velcro backing pad and soft lambswool polishing bonnet

Makita 9237CB sander-polisher £234.95 NO LONGER AVAILABLE
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250mm Orbital Polishing Machine

A superb boat polishing machine that’s nicely balanced, light and and very comfortable to use.

The action is extremely efficient – the 250mm diameter pad does 3000 oscillations per minute (no load speed) – equivalent to an extremely large bionic hand!

Use the smooth cotton bonnet for applying wax, and the synthetic lambswool for buffing, compounding and polishing.

Technical details

  • Operating voltage: 230V 50Hz
  • Power rating: 90W
  • No load speed: 3000 oscillations per minute
  • Pad diameter: 250mm (10 inch)
  • Weight: 2.2kg
  • Supplied with two bonnets, one cotton, one synthetic lambswool.
  • Manufacturer product code: 261362

The machine we currently supply has a a black casing with red power button. Additional bonnets are supplied in a pack containing one cotton and one synthetic lambswool. The lambswool is ideal for final buffing.

250mm orbital polishing machine £39.00
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Replacement bonnets 250mm pack of 2 £4.95
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Sander-Polisher accessories

Interchangeable heads on the sander-polishers enable you to select the correct size backing disk or foam pad for your application. At any speed setting, the larger disks have a higher peripheral speed than smaller ones, so use large disks and high speed with care – especially on fibreglass. We recommend 150mm pads for compounding.

In the trade, foam pads are generally used in preference to bonnets for applying and buffing compound, polish and wax. Pads are either secured to the standard backing disc with Velcro hook and loop, or come complete with their own backing disk that simply screws into place instead of the standard one. Bonnets are either secured with a drawstring or a hook and loop for the standard backing disc.

  • Compounding, scratch removal – use firm foam pad or cotton bonnet
  • Pre-wax or UltraGlaze prep – use medium foam pad or cotton bonnet
  • Wax and final polish – use soft foam pad or lambswool bonnet

Sanding polishing set, 180mm

Multipurpose kit including replacement backing disc for use with sander polishers. Includes 180mm hook and loop backing pad, 3 x sanding discs (40, 80 and 120 grit), 2 x polishing bonnets (synthetic and wool) and polishing sponge.

Sanding polishing set, 180mm £13.50
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180mm (7 inch) pad and bonnet to fit standard backing disc

Lambswool polishing bonnet, 180mm hook & loop £4.95
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Soft polishing foam, 180mm hook & loop £3.50
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150mm (6 inch) pads with threaded backing disc

Firm compounding pad, 150mm, M14x2 thread, white £4.50
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Medium compounding pad, 150mm, M14x2 thread, blue £4.50
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Soft polishing pad, 150mm, M14x2 thread, red £4.50
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180mm Hook & Loop Sanding Discs

Hook & loop sanding discs attach quickly and securely to the hook & loop backing disc. Packed in tens.

180mm sanding discs, hook & loop 120 grit, pack of 10 £4.55
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180mm sanding discs, hook & loop 240 grit, pack of 10 £4.55
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180mm sanding discs, hook & loop 320 grit, pack of 10 £4.55
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180mm sanding discs, hook & loop 400 grit, pack of 10 £4.55
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