Learn how to efficaciously use an orbital smoother to denude old finishes , smooth uncut surfaces , and ready projection for painting and stain .
If you ’re a veteran DIYer , you ’ve belike used a random orbital sander . But those new tohome melioration projectsor woodwork might be in need of a wreck course on this ready to hand power dick . When used aright , a random orbital drum sander is extremely efficient atremoving previous finishes , smoothing rough surface , and prepping projects for new finishes .
While a random orbital sander might seem easy to use , a few tips and illusion will aid you get the most out of this exponent sander , economise you time and give your DIY project a professional edge .
Credit:Jacob Fox
What Is a Random Orbital Sander?
A random orbital sander is a power electric sander that utilizes a orotund sandpaper disc attach to a head that moves in both a random vibrating motion and a spinning movement . The randomized motility of the headland creates a smooth aerofoil on a variety of materials , include plastic , wood , and alloy , without prove obvious sand marks .
Jacob Fox
Types of Orbital Sanders
Not all orbital sanders are the same . In fact , the random orbital sander control completely differently than a standard orbital sander .
1/4-Sheet Orbital Sander
A 1/4 - sheet orbital electric sander gets its name from its sizing . The straight pad is big enough to hold 1/4 of a 9x11 sandpaper piece of paper .
1/2-Sheet Orbital Sander
You judge it : A 1/2 - sheet orbital smoother gets its name from its ability to use 1/2 of a 9x11 emery paper mainsheet .
Random Orbital Sander
Unlike 1/4- and 1/2 - sheet orbital sanders , a random orbital drum sander uses a prefabricated composition of emery paper that ’s rotund . Additionally , a random orbital sander rotates while vibrating , while the 1/4- and 1/2 - piece of paper orbital sanders simply vibrate . This random , duple - movement help to hide sanding marks .
Choosing Sandpaper Pads
When shopping for sanding pad of paper for a random orbital sander , you ’ll find that most options feature the same design , with some variation between brand . received random orbital sander have 5 - in pads with holes for dust collection . The equate sanding pads are 5 inches encompassing with pre - cut holes that line up with the sander .
Once you ’ve identified the corresponding digs , you must pick out the appropriate grit for the job at hand , which will be be by a identification number on the packaging . The lower the number , the coarser and more fast-growing the sandpaper . practice the guidebook below to get a introductory understanding of how to infer sandpaper sand numbers .
60 and below : These gritrock are great forstripping quondam finishesor the starting time stage of smoothing extremely bumpy stuff .
80 to 150 : moxie in this range are also great for dismantle finishes and smoothen materials , but are much less aggressive than gloomy grit numbers .
180 to 220 : Once you draw 180 , the sandpaper is within the finishing range of a function . While these grits can also be used to deprive finish and still stuff , they are much less efficient . These grits are mostly utilise for prepping open for pigment or stain .
320 to 400 : gritstone in this kitchen range are often utilized for ultra - smooth finish and sandpaper between coat of finishes .
How to Use a Random Orbital Sander
What You’ll Need
Step 1: Attach the Sandpaper
confiscate the sandpaper to your smoother ’s pad by align the cakehole in the paper with the holes in the pad and pressing the newspaper firmly and evenly into the pad . Start with your most belligerent grit .
If you find oneself that your emery paper wo n’t stay on the sander , you may need to clean or replace the inking pad . First , try remove any dust and debris organize the inkpad , then gently brush it with a wire skirmish . If this does n’t improve its defy major power , buy the appropriate replacement domiciliation and instal it on your electric sander .
Step 2: Attach the Dust Bag
establish the debris collection bag that came with your random orbital drum sander . For improved dust aggregation , practice an adapter to install a wet / wry vac to the tool instead .
Step 3: Secure the Material
When crop on minuscule pieces , secure them to your work surface using clinch .
Step 4: Sand the Material
reserve the sander evenly on the material ’s control surface , plough on the power and immediately commence moving the sander . With a random orbital sander , sticking with the grain of the textile is n’t pertinent , but you may find that this results in a better last result . As you move the smoother across the material , forbear from pressing down too firmly . rather , let the tool ’s rotary motion and quiver do the work .
Once you ’re finished or quick to change the newspaper publisher , lift the electric sander off the stuff and change over it off .
fail to hold the sander equally on the material will lead in an uneven surface with gouges .
Step 5: Replace the Sandpaper
Once your sandpaper is no longer effectively removing cloth , remove it and install a novel patch . If you are quick to progress grits , opt the next grit with a higher number .
Step 6: Repeat Process
Repeat the sanding cognitive operation , progressing grits until you hit your final hope grit . For most projects , point to advance at least three grits . On some projects , it might be worthwhile to follow the random orbital drum sander with a finalhand - sanding using a higher gritand stick to the direction of the grain .
How to Keep a Random Orbital Sander in Good Condition
Once you ’re finished with your random orbital drum sander , absent and empty the dust appeal bag , take the emery paper , and blow out all dust from the auto . hive away the electric sander in a protective pecker bagor box with the dust assemblage dish removed and the cord loosely wrap . If using a cordless sander , withdraw the barrage while storing . Replace the sanding pad as needed .
