What Is an Electric Sander?
An electric sander is an electric tool that grinds and polishes wood, metal, and other materials by rotating, reciprocating, or vibrating a sandpaper or cloth file.
Due to its ability to grind and polish in a short time, an electric sander is useful in the manufacturing, construction, and DIY industries. Since there are different types in terms of grinding strength and the shape of the grinding section, using the type appropriate for the purpose of the work will lead to the expected finish.
In addition, there are power-supply types and battery types. Therefore, it is advisable to select the type that best suits the work environment.
Uses of Electric Sanders
This tool is used for a wide range of applications, from general DIY to professional sites. Although sanding can be done using sandpaper, using electric sanders for large work areas will not only improve work efficiency but also produce a uniform finish.
When wood is freshly cut, the surface may be rough, scratched, or dirty. By sanding the surface with electric sanders and smoothing it out, subsequent painting and finishing materials can be applied more easily. It is also often used for chamfering and shaving materials.
While a planer smooths the surface of wood by cutting a thin slice off the surface, electric sanders smooth the surface of wood by scraping it with a fine file. The finished surface will soak up the liquid, so a coat of paint or finishing material must be applied.
Principle of Electric Sanders
Basically, electric sanders have a file (sandpaper) or cloth file attached to their base, and the file is rotated, reciprocated, or vibrated to sand the material. Since the power source is electric, the work effort can be greatly reduced compared to manual operation.
A pulley is fixed to the motor’s rotating shaft. A pulley is a so-called pulley, which is a part that transmits power from the motor, the power source, using a belt.
The pulley is located off-center (eccentric) from the motor’s axis of rotation, so it rotates while oscillating slightly (eccentric motion).
Types of Electric Sanders
1. Orbital Sander
Orbital sanders are sanders that vibrate a square pad. Orbital sanders are mainly suited for sanding soft materials.
Because it vibrates finely, it prevents over-shaving. The large pad area makes it ideal for sanding large objects. Commercially available paper files can be used.
2. Corner Sander
The structure of the corner sander is similar to that of the orbital sander. However, the ground surface has a pointed tip like an iron. It is suitable for sanding small and narrow areas and for sanding already assembled parts.
3. Random Sander
Like the orbital sander, the random sander has a pulley attached to the motor shaft. However, it is eccentric to a greater degree than the orbital sander, causing more powerful vibrations, and the pad is rotating, making it more abrasive.
It also has a narrower ground contact area than the orbital sander, and its circular shape makes it suitable for polishing not only flat surfaces but also gently curved surfaces. By replacing the file with a sponge or wool puff, it can also be used for polishing and waxing.
4. Belt Sander
Belt sanders are sanders that rotate a belt of sandpaper attached to front and rear pulleys (pulleys) to perform powerful sanding. Due to its strong sanding power, it is suitable for rough sanding and paint removal rather than finishing work.
The belt is available in narrow and wide widths, allowing for the sanding of small and large parts. Safety attire and protective equipment should be worn when using the belt, as it can be dangerous if fingers or other objects get caught in it.
There are also types that can be used as tabletop sanders when fixed to a desk.
How to Choose Electric Sanders
When selecting electric sanders, the precision of the sanding and the size of the area to be sanded should also be considered.
1. Uses
- Finishing
Orbital sander, corner sander, random sander - Rough Grinding and Paint Removal
Belt sander, random sander - Curved Surface
Random sander - Narrow Area
Corner sander
2. Power Supply
There are two types of power sources: one is connected to the power source with a power cord and the other is battery-powered. The power cord type is suitable for long-time use, while the battery type is suitable for easy handling.
3. Dust Collection Capability
Electric sanders generate a lot of fine dust from wood and metal. Wearing goggles or a mask prevents dust from being inhaled or getting into the eyes. Recently, many models have been equipped with a dust collector, which is very convenient.
Other Information on Electric Sanders
Points to Keep In Mind When Using Electric Sanders
By changing the coarseness of the file, it is possible to use single electric sanders for everything from rough grinding to final polishing. When using electric sanders, it vibrates very strongly. To prevent accidents, the switch should always be turned on while holding the sander with both hands.
Grinders are similar to electric sanders, but these are devices that perform “polishing, grinding, cutting,” etc., by rotating a grinding wheel.