How To Use A Random Orbital Sander | Ten Important Facts
A Random Orbital Sander is an extremely versatile tool that is helpful for getting an incredibly smooth finish without any scratches on to your projects. It offers diverse applications, so metal working, plastic working, or woodworking is possible. The operation of these types of sanders is based on a pad, which oscillates from side to side. At the same time, it turns in a circular motion for creating a virtually swirl-free sanded surface. Thus, the tool allows you sanding 90-degree joints. You can also use it for many wooden items such as stiles, rails, and cabinet face frames. A thorough knowledge regarding how to use a random orbital sander is essential for operating this tool perfectly.
These sanders are helpful for cutting more aggressively than other sanders. You can make better cuts by applying very less pressure on it. Consequently, working with this tool is not so tiring like belt sanders or traditional pad. At the same time, it is helpful for doing more work effortlessly.
If you are purchasing an air driven random orbital sander, it requires 14CFM or more air flow for operating it. The air flow required for an average home shop compressor ranges from 4 to 10 CFM. Normally, these types of sanders come in two basic shapes.
How to Use a Random Orbital Sander Correctly?
You should follow the below-mentioned tips for using these types of sanders correctly. These guidelines are:
- At first, you need to turn on the sander.
- Before making contact with the material, allows it to spin up to speed.
- You should move the sander in left-right action. The direction should be towards the grain.
- You should not press down on the sander, only light pressure should be applied.
- Avoid tipping the sander on its side.
- The sanding pad should not be more than ¼ to 1/3
Tips to Use a Random Orbital Sander
Secure the Work Item
Sanders, mostly, use disposable sandpaper discs. The diameter of the sandpaper disc is 5-inches. It is attached to the bottom of the sander. You should secure the material before turning on the sander. Securing the material is helpful for getting a more finished surface. At the same time, it is also helpful for preventing injuries due to slips.
Turn-on Ventilation
Ventilation is one of the most important features of a sander. You should turn on the ventilation while doing the work. It is helpful for keeping your area clean and keeping you safe. Therefore, you should always purchase a sander that comes with the ventilation function. This is also helpful for giving longer life to the tool. You should turn on the sander only once you get a firm grip on the handle. It is also essential to turn on the sander only after it touches the wood.
Keep the Sander Moving
After turning on the sander, it is important to keep it moving and overlapping constantly. If you keep the sander in one place for too long, it will lead to an uneven surface. You should also ensure to keep the sander flat at all times. Do not try to tilt the tool when you move it. Unwanted circles should be strictly avoided. It is also not good to create an undesirable appearance
Finishing the Edges
You should always keep away from the edges of the material. If you want to make rounded edges, this work can be done later. When you try to make round edges while working on the surface, it will damage the sander and the material looks unsightly.
Create an Even Surface
You should also keep away from pressing the tool down too hard into the wood. If you do so, creating an even surface will be very difficult. This will also cause potential damage to the sander. The discs will also wear out sooner.
Finishing
After finishing the work, you should take the tool off the wood once the sander turned off. You should also ensure that the sander stops spinning completely. After turning off the tool, you should clean it, if necessary. Then, it will be ready for the next use.
Dust Collection
Most of these sanders come with holes on the sanding media. It is helpful for collecting dust by pulling the particles off of the sander and the working material. A bag is attached to the back of some Sanders. But, some are available with a type of filter. A hose attached to an active dust collection system is the best option.
These types of sanders are extremely efficient tools. The popularity of these tools has been increased tremendously for the past few years. You can set up sand in these sanders very smoothly and quickly. The random action of this machine is helpful for leaving very few sanding marks on the face of the wood.
If You want to buy a Orbital Sander, this post will help you to choose the Best Orbital Sander. In this post we talked about, Why should you buy one orbital sander from our selected Top Five Orbital Sanders?
Random Orbit
These sanders are unique because of the amazing features of this machine. It has the ability to sand in a completely random orbit. The speed offered by this machine is up to 25,000 RPM. It also offers a completely random motion, which allows the sander to leave a smooth finish without creating sanding marks. Belt sanders or palm sanders leave sanding marks behind. Therefore random orbit is beneficial that these two sanders.
Sandpaper
Sanding disks are used by most of these sanders. Typically, these disks are fixed in a 5-inch diameter to the foam-rubber pad. Hook and loop connections are used for this purpose. Usually, these disks have 8 holes in a circular pattern. Sanding disks are available in a number of grits.
Features
You should consider certain features while purchasing a random orbital sander. The dust collection is the most important feature while purchasing such a tool. The unit must be accompanied by a dust collection bag or a filter. At the same time, you can able to connect it to a portable vacuum or a dust collection unit. Thus, you can make sanding much cleaner.
If the unit has a sealed switch, it is helpful for keeping dust from getting into the switch. In such a way, you can avoid difficulties while turning on or off the machine. You should also purchase a well-balanced sander and it should be very comfortable in your hand. Before purchasing, you should turn on the sander for feeling the vibrations. You are aware that all Sanders will vibrate.
But, excessive vibration will make you extremely fatigue while working on large sanding projects.
Some higher-end sanders come with variable speed controls, which is highly useful while working on heat-sensitive materials. You should also select a sander with a trigger lock, which allows locking the power on while using it.
Conclusion
Sanders are designed for working with minimal pressure. If you press it down, it will lead to the slowdown of RPM. As a result, the sander will become less efficient and it will reduce the life of the motor. You should apply pressure on the basis of the weight of the machine and the weight of your arm resting on it. While selecting a sander, you should check the body configuration, the size of the motor, and the pad size. All these factors must match your workload. You should select the best sander for doing your job perfectly. At the same time, you must be aware of how to use a random orbital sander rightly.
