Designations such as orbital sander, disc sander, and vibratory disk sander are used to refer to finish sanders. You will also find a fine grinder, a master grinder that is affordable, easy to use and an effective tool. Technically, this is an orbital sander, which means it sands in a circular pattern.
Some fine sanders work differently, sanding back and forth in a straight line, much like hand sanding. Some fine sanders can switch from linear to orbital and back again with the flick of a switch. Do you need to be able to do both? Experts agree that straight-line sanding is less likely to leave small cross-grain swirls, so it’s better for a final pass than orbital sanding (although if you use thin paper and lightly press on the orbital sander, scratches will be minimal).
This finish sander comes in a variety of sizes, usually determined by the required cross-section of standard sandpaper: one-half, one-third, one-fourth, one-fifth, or even one-sixth.
Most of these sanders are held with one hand, powered by an electric motor, and hold the appropriately sized sandpaper in dual jaws that press the paper tightly against rubber pads at the bottom of the unit. (Some tools have an additional handle on the front for two-handed operation.) All of these tools do a perfectly acceptable job, although some are faster or slower than others, or easier or harder to use. Some offer only one speed, others two, and still others offer variable speed.
But I have come to love a different type of fine sander, a clever take on the familiar orbital sander. The basic design of this grinder has been used in car workshops for many years, but it is only now that it has become widespread in woodworking shops. Known as an eccentric sander, this sophisticated tool is now available to just about anyone willing to invest in a basic fine sander.
The sandpaper used in an eccentric sander is disc-shaped, but it’s the action of the machine that really sets it apart from its predecessor. The coffee grinder motor rotates the shaft on which the counterweight is mounted. Combinations of counterweights, rotating shafts, and offset thrust bearings create randomness. Variations in motion. Less technically speaking, it spins and wobbles, never repeats twice, and is nicely made and neat enough to barely scratch the grain. Another advantage of eccentric sanders is that they can remove large amounts of material without scratching the surface.
The different motions also help clean the sandpaper, which means it lasts longer. Special sandpaper discs are required: these are sold with a pressure-sensitive (adhesive) backing and have Velcro (Velcro) fasteners. The latter can be removed from the grinder and used again and again.
Most models come with a dust collector attachment (some manufacturers offer this as an inexpensive option). It also reduces the frequency of paper clogging dust in the machine, resulting in a cleaner workplace. I recommend it.
In addition to models powered by electric motors, air-powered eccentric sanders are also available. You will need a compressor and air hoses to power this variety, but if your workshop is well equipped then this is a quieter and lighter alternative.
Some power-driven orbital sanders are built-in models with a vertically mounted motor (they are similar to circular palm sanders). Rectangular models are a bit like a reciprocating saw because the motor and its housing are perpendicular to the drive shaft. Angle models are more expensive, but they are also more versatile because they have more powerful motors and provide a more secure two-handed grip.
To use the grinder, turn it on and run it at full speed. Then place it on the surface to be sanded. Move it in the direction of the fibers, applying light pressure to the tool. (Keep in mind that the tools described here are for applying a fine surface to the workpiece, not for shaping it, so don’t apply too much pressure.) Always keep the base of the grinder flush with the surface being sanded to avoid uneven surfaces.
Post time: Jul-24-2023