Designations such as orbital sander, paddle sander, and vibratory sander are used to refer to finish sanders. You will also find a fine sander, a hand sander, which is an affordable, easy to use and 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 go from straight sanding to orbital sanding 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 swirling transverse scratches, so it is preferable to orbital sanding for final sanding (although if you use thin paper to lightly apply pressure to the orbital sander, scratches will remain). very small).
This type of finish sander comes in a wide range of sizes, usually defined by the part of a sheet of standard sandpaper they require: half, one third, one quarter, one fifth of a sheet of standard sandpaper One or even one sixth.
Most of these sanders are held in one hand, powered by an electric motor, and have the right size sandpaper set in dual jaws that press the sandpaper tightly against the rubber pads at the bottom of the unit. (Some have an extra handle on the front for two-handed use.) All of these tools are capable of doing a perfectly acceptable job, although some are faster or slower, easier or harder than others. Some offer only one speed, some offer two, and still others offer variable speed.
But I have come to love a different type of polisher, a clever take on the familiar orbital sander. This basic sander design has been popular in bodyshops for years, but is only now becoming commonplace 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 the random orbit sander is disc shaped, but what really sets it apart from its predecessor is the action of the machine. The grinder motor rotates the shaft on which the counterweight is mounted. The combination of weight, rotating shaft and eccentric thrust bearing creates randomness. Variations in motion. In short, it spins and wiggles, never repeats the same thing twice, and does it beautifully, neatly, almost without scratching the fibers. Another advantage of random orbit sanders is that they can remove a large amount of material without scratching the finish.
The different motions also help clean the sandpaper, which means it lasts longer. Special sandpaper discs 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 (an inexpensive option from some manufacturers). It also reduces the frequency of paper clogging the machine with dust and keeps the work area clean. I recommend it.
In addition to models driven by electric motors, eccentric sanders powered by pneumatic drive are also available. You will need a compressor and an air hose to power this variety, but if your workshop is so equipped, 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 let it run 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. (Remember that the tools described here are designed to give the workpiece a finishing surface, not to give it a basic shape, so do not apply too much pressure on them). Always keep the bottom of the grinder flush with the surface being sanded to avoid uneven surfaces.
Post time: Jun-20-2023