What Is a Disc Sander?
A Disc Sander is a power tool used to sand and smooth surfaces. A typical type has a sanding disc attached to the spindle of the machine, and the disc is pressed against the material to be sanded.
There are a variety of types, including those that are installed on a workbench, those that are integrated with a workbench, and portable types that can easily be used for DIY purposes.
A similar product is a disk grinder, which is a tool that performs polishing, grinding, and cutting by rotating a grinding wheel.
Uses of Disc Sanders
Disc Sanders are often used in metalworking, woodworking, automotive, and other factory and home workshops. They are useful for finishing curved and irregular surfaces, deburring metal and wood, shaping, and removing material.
Principle of Disc Sanders
Disc Sander sanding is performed by rotating a sanding disc attached to a spindle at high speed and pressing material against it. Sanding discs are made of various materials such as aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and diamond abrasive. Appropriate abrasive grains can be selected according to the work to be performed.
Types of Disc Sanders
There are several types of disc sander, each with its own specific application and design. The six most common types are as follows:
1. ID Disc Sander
An ID (inside deiameter) disc sander is one in which the sanding disc is mounted on the machine spindle and the material is pressed against the disc.
2. OD Disc Sander
In contrast to an ID disc sander, an OD (outside deiameter) disc sander attaches a sanding disc to the machine’s outer circumference and presses material against the disc from the outside.
3. Combination Disc Sander
Equipped with both inside and outside deiameter sanding discs, the combination disc sander can be used according to the work to be performed.
4. Portable Disk Sander
This is a smaller version of the disc sander and is often used for small-scale sanding work or work in confined spaces.
5. Stationary Disc Sander
A larger, more powerful version of a disc sander that is often used for industrial applications and has features such as a tilting table and dust collection system.
6. Belt Disk Sander
A sander that integrates a sanding belt and a sanding disc in one unit, allowing the sander to switch between the sanding belt and the sanding disc.
How to Select a Disc Sander
When purchasing a disc sander, there are several important factors to consider.
1. Size
Disc Sanders comes in a variety of sizes, from small portable models to large industrial machines. You should consider the size of the material to be sanded and the space in which the machine will be placed.
2. Power
The power of a disc sander depends on its voltage (V). More powerful motors can handle larger materials and jobs that require powerful sanding.
3. Speed
The speed of a disc sander is usually measured and set in revolutions per minute (RPM). Increasing the RPM allows for faster sanding, but also increases heat buildup and the risk of burning wood or other materials.
4. Disc Size
The size of the sanding disc is an important factor to consider because it determines the surface area available for sanding. Larger discs can handle larger materials and thus can sand a larger area at a time.
5. Dust Collection Capability
Sanding generates a lot of dust, so a dust collection system is an important feature to consider. Some sanding machines have built-in dust ports, while others can be fitted with a dust collection system.
6. Table Tilt
Some disc sander models allow the table to be tilted for angled sanding, which is useful for certain tasks.
Other Information on Disc Sanders
Precautions for Using Disc Sanders
When using a disc sander, it is important to keep the following points in mind:
1. Wear protective equipment
Always wear protective glasses, a dust mask, and ear protection when using a disc sander. To avoid getting caught in the machine, clothing should be free of slack, jewelry should be removed, and hair should be tied up.
2. Secure the material
Ensure that the material is firmly secured before grinding to prevent it from slipping or flying off the machine.
3. Start the machine
Start the disc sander and wait until it is at full speed before bringing the material into contact with the sanding disc.
4. Use the appropriate abrasive
Select the appropriate abrasive for the work to be performed. Coarse abrasives will cut quickly but leave deep scratches. Fine abrasives, on the other hand, can shave slowly but leave a smooth finish.
5. Applying appropriate pressure
Avoid pressing the material too hard so that it is sanded efficiently by the sandpaper, as this slows the rotation of the disc and may reduce the efficiency of sanding.
6. Move the material evenly
Move the material smoothly and evenly over the sanding disc, using light force to keep it level.
7. Avoid overheating
Overheating the material or the sanding disc can cause burns and damage both the machine and the work piece. If the machine begins to feel hot or smell smoke or burning odor, stop work and allow the heat to cool.
8. When finished, turn off the machine
Turn off the disc sander and wait for the sanding disc to come to a complete stop before removing material or replacing sandpaper.