Need sander advice for a deck project - what should I get?

Hey everyone! I'm planning to refinish my old wooden deck this spring. I've got about 300 sq ft of pressure-treated pine that's weathered pretty badly. I used a random orbital sander on a small test patch and it took forever. Should I rent a belt sander or buy a decent ROS? Budget is around $100 but I can stretch if needed. Also do I need a dust collector? My neighbors are close by.

For that size deck, a belt sander will save you time but you gotta be careful not to dig into the wood. I found a used Bosch 1274DVS on Craigslist for $60 and it worked great on my shed walls. If you go ROS, look for a 6-inch with variable speed and a dust bag. The cheap ones burn out fast. You don't need a dust collector if you're outside, but a shop vac hooked up helps keep the mess down. Just my two cents.

I did my first deck last summer with a cheap ROS from Harbor Freight and it took me 3 weekends of sanding. My arms were dead. So yeah, listen to Wendy on the belt sander. But also get some good respirator and safety glasses - you don't want that dust in your lungs. And if u use a belt sander, start with 60 grit and work up to 120. They can eat wood fast so keep it moving.

Safety first! Before you even plug in, check for old paint or stain that might contain lead. Grab a test kit from the hardware store. Also, belt sanders kick up a TON of fine dust - wear a P100 respirator, not just a dust mask. I'd recommend renting a commercial-grade belt sander with a dust port and using a shop vac with a HEPA filter. It'll be done in a day and your neighbors won't hate you. Also, watch for nails and screws - they'll wreck your sanding paper fast.

Thanks all! I think I'll rent a belt sander from Home Depot for the weekend and grab a good respirator. I didn't even think about lead paint - good call Bob. And Wendys tip on the used sander is tempting but I'm worried about getting a lemon. Probably stick with rental for now. Wish me luck!