How to use an orbital sander and what jobs is it for?

Do you need to know how to use an orbital sander? First of all, a orbital sander is very reliable when sanding wood, plastic and metal surfaces.

Orbital sanders use blades of sandpaper, and many include built-in dust collectors. Discs are attached using pressure sensitive adhesives or a hook and loop system.

On models equipped with a dust collection function, the tool sucks the discharged dust through the holes in the paper, and feeds it into a bag or filter container.

Orbital sanders are often called quarter-sheet sanders because they accept a quarter of a standard 9 × 11-inch sheet of sandpaper.

The orbital sanding pattern is produced by simultaneously rotating the sanding disc and moving it in small ellipses. This ensures that no single part of the abrasive material travels the same path twice during the same rotation. Due to this sanding action, the tool does not leave swirl marks and is not sensitive to the direction of the wood grain.

It’s easy to mistake a random orbit sander for an orbital sander – the two names sound the same, and the tools share a common design, compact housings with rounded palm grip caps.

However, there is a small but very important distinction between the two tools: An orbital sander has a square sanding pad and a random orbit sander has a round pad.

With a clamping mechanism, this sanding tool offers full freedom when choosing the type of sandpaper, so in the following article we will explain the details to consider when performing a task with this machine.

1. Validate the adhesion of the sandpaper

When using the orbital sanderYou can generally use disposable sandpaper discs. The fastening or adhesion systems to the velcro, facilitate the exchange of the paper. With that said, before turning on the orbital sanderMake sure the sandpaper is secure.

Validate the adherence of the sandpaper to the tool, guarantees a better finish, and prevents the paper from slipping while you work on it, as well as any other accident.

2. Starts venting and holding the tool

Orbital sanders have a vent or filter function. This helps keep the area clean and safe at the same time. Make sure when you buy one orbital sander, have a reliable filter. Ventilation also helps keep the sander in good condition.

A dust trap compartment allows you to work in a clean environment without excess dust. In some models the filter comes with a vacuum cleaner, which still improves the cleaning of the area.

Hold the handle firmly before turning on the orbital sander, and fit it gently onto the material you are working on. If you have uneven surfaces, this can be more difficult to correct in the long run. That is why it is important that you have experience and know how to control the sander, as well as adjust its movements so that it constantly moves from one surface to another.

3. Keep a constant movement

After turning on the orbital sander, keep it moving. Move it and overlap it on the surface you are working on.

If you keep the sander in a single place for a long time, it can leave an uneven mark on the surface.

Another important recommendation is to always keep the sander flat and parallel to the surface. Do not tilt the tool when it moves along. This is to avoid unwanted circles and also to create an ugly look or poor finish.

If you work with wood, experts recommend moving the sander along with the grain of the wood for a smoother finish.

It can be difficult to get rid of the circles after working with the sander, so it is important that you also check the power of the sander, its elements and all the details for its handling. It can be challenging at first, but you will also get used to it as you use the machine.

4. Match a surface

If you want to make a flat surface, don’t press the tool too hard. Please note that when using a orbital sander, you don’t require too much force. It is one of the easier to use tools and that is why you should check how you use it.

Pushing too hard on your sander can create an uneven surface and damage the work. You can also damage the sander and wear it out, sooner than necessary.

5. Finish the edges

Reaching for the edges while working on the surface can be quite tricky, and it can also make the surface look bad and even damage the sander.

Try to stay away from the edges as much as possible at the beginning of the project. Start with the largest surface first, and when they are even you can start with the edges. Learn to control your handling and also keep in mind that the sander is resistant, so you must sand with great care, but with security.

Filter from a sander.

6. Safety when finishing work

Although most sanders have a dust collection bag, it is advisable to wear a dust mask or better yet a dual cartridge respirator when sanding wood, especially if the surface is painted or varnished.

After you’re done working, check the sander to make sure it’s off before doing anything. When it’s off, clean it well before using it again.

It is important to clean the sander after use, as it may cause unwanted accidents in the future.. Dust specs in the debris compartment or on the sander can ignite sparks and cause a fire in some cases.

This is also true when working with metal, as metals create sparks and wood dust can easily catch fire.

An orbital finish sander is lightweight, easy to control with one hand, and relatively quiet. On the other hand, because it is relatively docile, a orbital sander It is not particularly useful for heavy material removal. It is designed to sand wood plastic, rounding over sharp edges, sanding hardened putty, and knocking down dry coats of paint or varnish.

The electric or battery sanders they are the fastest and easiest way to sand wood. You may find that orbital sanders have been around for a long time and have been used many times. This is a great tool, a favorite for those who do housework, and a good ally for those looking for an easy-to-use tool.