What Is an Orbital Sander?
An Orbital Sander is a power tool that grinds by vibrating a square pad in small increments. It is also called a finishing sander because it can grind flat surfaces to a smooth finish. The large area of the pad makes it suitable for sanding large objects.
Commercially available paper files can be used. Since it does not require strong force and does not have habitual movements, it is easy to handle even for DIY beginners.
The main attraction is that it can finish the work more neatly and quickly than hand sanding.
Uses of Orbital Sanders
An Orbital Sander is a tool used for a wide range of applications, from general DIY to professional sites. Although it is possible to sand by hand using an ordinary sandpaper, an orbital sander is suitable when the work area is large. Not only does it improve work efficiency, but it also provides a uniform finish.
Therefore, it is mainly for grinding flat surfaces of wood and metal, finish grinding, and sharpening putty on wood furniture. When wood is freshly cut, the surface may be rough, scratched, or dirty. Orbital sanders are used to sand the surface to a smooth finish, which improves the adhesion of subsequent paints and finishes.
Ann Orbital Sander smoothes the surface of wood by scraping it with a file. The finished surface soaks up the liquid and requires painting or applying a finishing material.
Principle of Orbital Sanders
An Orbital Sander is basically a sand file (sandpaper) or cloth file attached to the bottom surface, which is then rotated, reciprocated, or vibrated to grind the material. Since the power source is electric, it can greatly reduce labor compared to manual operation.
A pulley is fixed to the motor’s rotating shaft. Pulleys are so-called pulleys, which are parts that transmit power from the motor, the power source, using a belt. The pulleys are located off-center from the motor’s axis of rotation, so they rotate while oscillating slightly.
An Orbital Sander is capable of nearly 10,000 eccentric movements per minute. This allows the sandpaper to adhere to flat surfaces in a stable manner for clean sanding.
How to Select an Orbital Sander
Points to consider in selecting an orbital sander include the precision of the sanding and the size of the area to be covered.
1. Power Supply
There are two types of power sources: those that are connected to a power source with a power cord and those that are battery-powered. The power cord type is suitable for long-time use, while the battery type is suitable for easy handling.
2. Dust Collection Capability
Orbital Sanders produces a lot of fine dust from wood and metal. Wearing goggles and a mask prevents dust from being inhaled or getting into the eyes. Recently, many models are equipped with dust collectors.
3. How to Install Sandpaper
There are two types of sandpaper: the clamp type and the velcro type. In the clamp type, the sandpaper is clamped with the clamp lever on the body. The velcro type has velcro on the pad, which can be replaced by simply attaching the sandpaper.
There is also a dual-use type that can be fitted with both. Since commercially available paper files do not have holes for dust collection, it is necessary to drill holes with a punch plate (included or sold separately).
4. With Speed Control Function (Silent Function)
Since motor noise and vibration noise depend on the speed of the motor, the speed control function allows you to adjust the noise level. If you are using an orbital sander in a noise-sensitive environment, we recommend a model with a speed control function.
Other Information on Orbital Sanders
How to Use Orbital Sanders
Sandpaper is attached to the pad of the orbital sander. There are special sandpaper products that are compatible with the sander. When using commercially available sandpaper, the key is to cut it to the size of the base plate and stretch it so that it does not sag.
By varying the coarseness of the file, one orbital sander can perform everything from rough grinding to finish polishing. Note that the orbital sander vibrates strongly when in use. To prevent accidents, you should always hold the sander with both hands when turning it on.