Has anyone had success using an orbital sander to trim hooves?
I was looking at them in Lowes and they seem far less…cumbersome than an angle grinder.
They look just less BIG and are not as heavy as an angle grinder.
So why don’t more trimmers that do abrasive trimming use an orbital sander.
It seems you can still use about any kind of grit and paper.
Sounds pretty scary to me to be honest! :eek:
Possibly because they’re working on horses’ feet not kitchen cabinets and joinery and engineering work!!
Ok…assuming you actually think abrasive trimming is ok;)
Would an orbital sander be less scary than an angle grinder?
No! But then to be honest I’m not a fan of abusive trimming.
Thomas I know people have mixed emotions on it-I am not going to run out and sand away hooves. I promise.
Just asking questions and thinking.
Why would the sander be the same as the angle grinder? The sander seems much smaller and easier to maneuver.
LMH,
An orbital sander would take forever even with the most coarse grit. Plus I doubt many horses would stand for the vibrations.
Have you seen the cordless angle grinders? Some of the new lith ion powered ones are quite small and would do a much better job.
My two cents…
PS and YES I have used an angle grinder on a foot. It’s not a normal practice but there is call for it now and again.
[QUOTE=Brian Purrington;4302832]
PS and YES I have used an angle grinder on a foot. It’s not a normal practice but there is call for it now and again.[/QUOTE] Me too but on an animal that was abused and neglected to such an extent that it’s feet were curled right over and back into the flesh on it’s legs.
[QUOTE=Thomas_1;4302841]
Me too but on an animal that was abused and neglected to such an extent that it’s feet were curled right over and back into the flesh on it’s legs.[/QUOTE]
Well see, you are more open minded than LMH gives you credit for…:winkgrin:
How are you Thomas?
my farrier uses some sort of grinder on my oldest shetland (25plus)and my middle daughters “foundered forever” elderly trail horse…
it is quick in the blink of an eye and they do not have to
feel.every.single.rasp.stroke
they are always good about it (even done manually) and we consider it medically (maybe not “necessary”) a good idea…
best
[QUOTE=Brian Purrington;4302845]
Well see, you are more open minded than LMH gives you credit for…:winkgrin:[/QUOTE] Don’t know that open minded is what is required for handling power tools. But I do know how to do that. I also know enough to know they’re not for routine feet trimming.
How are you Thomas?
Very well thanks. Not long back from a great holiday in Cyprus.
thanks brian.
Now, can I bother you to a link to what kind of grinder you are describing?
Just to compare, Thomas, not to use.
[QUOTE=Thomas_1;4302853]
Don’t know that open minded is what is required for handling power tools. But I do know how to do that. I also know enough to know they’re not for routine feet trimming.
Very well thanks. Not long back from a great holiday in Cyprus.[/QUOTE]
Ah, Holiday…
Someday I will get one.
[QUOTE=LMH;4302854]
thanks brian.
Now, can I bother you to a link to what kind of grinder you are describing?
Just to compare, Thomas, not to use.;)[/QUOTE]
LMH,
This should get you started…
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HX36FA
You can also just google… lithium ion angle grinders
Stick with name brands…
thanks.
oh. those are a little pricier.
oh.
I find a rasp and nippers works best on daily stuff. I usually only go to power tools for extreme cases.
Do you use power tools on a regular basis?
no I don’t! I just keep looking at them and have spoken with trimmers that have.
They swear they are 100 times easier.
BUT I have visions of…well you can imagine.
It is like the call of the darkside-I look over the fence but rarely jump.:winkgrin:
Well, if yer not into significant theraputic and/or founder work you dont have any real reason for use of a grinder. The investment would not be worth it.
Stick with rasp and nippers.
Regards
The cordless models are always pricier than the corded ones. Heavier too, generally.
Of course, it’s always nice not to have to worry about a cord when it comes to horses and feet 
LMH, I have dreams of a powerful, cordless palm sander type thing that would do the job with so much less sweat and a lot less time for the horse with its foot off the ground. Particularly when the green-headed flies are buzzing around and the humidity is 120%.
Perhaps you need to invent such a product? I would buy it!
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