I've used both, hands down the 12" disk sander with a 2-5hp motor is the best.
Use caution the first one hundred you do. After that you will kinda get the hang of it.
Truer words never spoken.
Use tape and just learn to kiss into the tape with a hundred grit disk.
For some of the spongier pads (Limbsaver comes to mind,) a 60 grit disc works better.
Watch out for the toe of the stock. that's what makes it or breaks it. I don't use a rest.
Exactly - me either.
Also have a good strong light source hanging over the sander. No shadows allowed here.
I've got a 200 watt bulb directly overhead and the sander's positioned to get the light exactly at the junction of the disc/pad.. LIGHT, is EVERYTHING!!