Sanding is an important step in the woodworking process that can help you achieve a smooth surface. Your orbital sander, also known as a power sander, will be your best friend when it comes to ensuring your project has a nice finish.
What is the point of an orbital sander? It can be used for a number of tasks around the shop, from sanding down the top of a table to smoothing out rough edges on your latest project. In order to get the most out of your tool, you’ll want to learn how it works and what its limitations are.
In this article, I will explain everything you need to know about how to use an orbital sander so you’re ready for your next project!
How To Use Orbital Sander
Just like any other tool, an orbital sander also needs some techniques & skills to be operated. The following steps will guide you with the procedure of using an orbital sander
- First, turn on the sander. Before you start using it, let it get up to full speed.
- Place the sander on the surface of your project before turning it on. Otherwise, there’s a slight risk of making a spot in your project.
- Move your sander across the surface like any other sander.
- Don’t press too hard. Use the weight of your arm and let the sander do its work.
- Don’t tilt your sander.
- Move your sander slowly across the surface. Going fast will make swirls in your project.
Here’s an important tip for you before you finish the project:
- Always finish with the sanding by hand
You won’t get a smooth quality finish with a sanding machine. It leaves little swirl marks on the surface. Sanding by hand will make sure that your wood doesn’t have any swirl marks. You can use one of your sanding discs, use the same last grit you used on the sander.
Orbital Sander Safety
No matter what you do, safety comes first. Before you start using your sander, make sure you are following proper safety measures to keep yourself out of any danger. Wear the following equipment before you start your project:
1.Use A basic dust mask to prevent your nose & mouth from dust.
2. Wear goggles for keeping your eyes from any kind of injury.
3.Wear earplugs(This one is optional as Orbital sanders are not that much noisy).
What to look for in an orbital sander?
Choose a sander that fits your workload. The type of sander will vary in accordance with what materials or what sizes of material you’ll be sanding. But make sure that your sander at least has these features:
- Powerful motor
A powerful motor ensures smooth performance. If you want your sander to give the best performance under any condition, a powerful motor is much needed.
- Variable speed control
Variable speed control allows you to control the speed of the sander. You can increase or decrease the speed according to the project demand. This feature is very popular nowadays, as getting control over your sander’s speed gives you an advantage while working.
- Dust control system
The most common problem you have to face while sanding is, you have to deal with a large amount of dust. You want to keep your workshop clean, right?. So, a dust bag is a must for you. Most of the sanders nowadays have a built-in dust control system. So, you don’t have to buy it separately.
Conclusion
Orbital sander provides lots of benefits, which makes your job a lot easier. One of the most useful tools in woodworking. If you need to do sanding on a regular basis, then this one is a must to keep in your workshop.
Now that you know how to use an orbital sander, give it a try! You’ll be surprised at the power and ease of this tool. We hope we’ve covered everything for you about how to use an orbital sander. By following the basic steps stated above you can use it properly. Just be patient & enjoy your work!
FAQ
- What is an orbital sander good for?
An orbital sander is perfect for sanding edges & corners. Its square shape gives an advantage while sanding edges. It is also very suitable when you are going to restore old furniture. When sanding a large surface, with an orbital sander, the job will be done more quickly.
- Can I Use an orbital sander to remove paint?
Sanders are ideal for paint removal jobs. The small circular movement of an orbital sander removes the paint quite smoothly. You can use an orbital sander to remove paint from any surfaces.
- Can you use an Orbital Sander on wood?
An orbital sander is very much suitable to use in wood. The lightweight & easy to use features make it an ideal sander to use in woodworking projects. It is one of the most popular tools in woodworking. It can be used on wood surfaces, also can be used on metal & plastic surfaces.
- How do you get rid of orbital sander marks?
Go from lower to higher grits to remove the marks that the previous grit created. As you will move to the finer grit, it will remove the previous one’s mark. No matter what will be some little visible marks that you can not avoid.
- Can I sand drywall with an orbital sander?
You can use an orbital sander for drywall sanding. But it is suitable for small projects. Because large projects need a machine with more power & more precision. An orbital sander is not that powerful if you are planning to use it on a big project. For drywall sanding, drywall sanders are recommended. No matter the job is small or big, a drywall sander will do its job perfectly.
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