Stan
That's a issue for sure. Disk I am running stuck a 80 one side 120 the other. I can reverse the disk and get a bit smother finish, not as smooth as it needs to finish. Plus reversing I have to adjust the 4 jaw each time to keep it turning smooth.
You want the aggressive grit to hog down, but take it too far it tear's the pad surface causing a whole lot of work to sand out smooth plus making the pad smaller. That's why I go to the belt sander to finish. Mines a small one 1x42 however used to smooth only, free hand back side of the sander, belt is not supported.
Main thing I use that sander for is tool sharpening, same way grind with a jig one big tool, to the small sander for finish.
Ideal would be all 3, big disk, big belt, small belt all running different grits. Was in a pro sharpening shop the other day. They don't change the belts, move down the line, tool to tool as they go to finer grits.
Boats
