If you ask most of the homeowners what DIY activity they enjoy most, they are mostly likely not to tell you that sanding is the top activity they like. If you ask them which sander they use, they are not likely to mention an orbital sander. This should not be a surprise. In case you are the do-it- yourself active kind of a person, then there is no way you will avoid sanding. You will need a good sander.
However, using an orbital sander might not be such a good idea. Before using a tool, first you must know how to use it. Orbital sanders are different from straight line sanders, as the finish of sanding is quite different. This article will focus on orbital sanders and all what you need to know about them.
Here are the 10 things you should know about orbital sanders.
- An orbital sander uses a sandpaper disc that is round in shape.
The sandpaper is integrated with dust collectors to collect dust. This rounded disc sandpaper can sand in two motions which help reduce the swirl marks.
They include;
- A circular motion
- A back and forth motion
The moving pattern is produced from spinning the sanding disk. This is what ensures that no swirl marks are left since, no part of coarse material moves twice in the same rotation.
- A random orbital sander has the ability to join the speed and aggressiveness of a belt sander.
Nevertheless, ensure you remove the stock invariantly. Mark with a pencil to make sure you don’t keep on wasting time. You also save your energy and avoid frustrations.
- An orbital sander can also produce a finisher finish that can be provided by a standard, orbital finishing stander which has slow speed.
- An orbital sander can sand two pieces of wood and it can fasten them both at right angles. Always make sure that you sand with the grain instead of across it for smooth finish.
- There are only three types of orbital sanders. The different types are categorized according to the power they use.
They include;
- Electric Powered Sanders
- Air Powered Sanders
- Orbital Floor Sanders
Both the electric and air powered orbital sanders are held using the hand while the floor orbital sanders roll since they are big machines.
- The disks of an orbital sander are put together using adhesives or using a system of hook and loop with disks that are easy and fast to change. You can also reuse these disks. The adhesives are sensitive to pressure.
- An orbital sander is the most portable and flexible you can have. However when using it, make sure you don’t lean on it since that may reduce its speed. You are also likely to get a poor finish with the motor burning out fast.
- It has a grip that has the shape of a palm. Majority of DIYers would rather get an orbital sander for this. There are also other orbital sanders that have grips that are barreled. With this sander, you do not need a vacuum system if doing simple jobs, unless if you will be working in a garage or workshop.
- Orbital sanders have different models and you can get great orbital sanders on the market, online from various websites. Different sanders can have a pad with a diameter of 5 or 6 inches. Majority of DIY projects prefer those with 5 inch diameters since they are more sufficient.
- When using an orbital sander, do not make the mistake of allowing the sander to pass on the edges since you will miss some corners and end up getting a poor finish.
Last but not least, always be safe when using an orbital sander. The vibration could be harmful to your health. Always be in hearing protection, safety glasses and a dust mask. With the information above, you have an idea of how the orbital sander works and how you should use it. Always take the necessary precaution measures when using and if you need help, you can always ask.
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