What Should I Avoid When Using an Orbital Sander?
What Should I Avoid When Using an Orbital Sander?
When using an orbital sander, there are a few different things to stay away from to get the best possible finish or outcome on your project. If orbital sanders are not used properly, it can cause damage and unwanted problems for you.
How Much Pressure Should I Use With an Orbital Sander?
Although you may be tempted to use lots of pressure when orbital sanding to make the time go faster or get more stock removal faster, you should definitely avoid that. Too much pressure can lead to problems such as uneven sanding, loading, overheating, swirls, etc. The reason this happens is due to the fact that when you push down too hard on the sander, the tool has to work more to actually spin and rotate – creating more friction. If you are looking to remove more stock at once, use a coarser grit instead of using too much pressure. Using an orbital sander should not require elbow grease; let the machine glide over your project.
Should I use fast or slow motion with my orbital sander?
The short answer is neither. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, you may want to get done faster and move the sander too quickly; however, this can lead to a bad end result which will only lead to more work for you. You may miss spots or have an uneven surface if you are not going at a steady pace. Going too slow can also create problems like uneven work and over sanding. Finding the right control and pace to use will be the best for you in the long run.
What PSI or RPM Should My Orbital Sander Use?
When using an orbital sander, the right speed is going to determine how well your project will turn out in the end. If you are using a pneumatic sander, it is key to have adequate air pressure along with lubricating the machine frequently. The sander should be at the highest speed level to refrain from getting swirls – unless you need a slower speed for certain projects. The PSI of a pneumatic orbital sander is generally set to 90. Electric sanders allow you to change speed settings and the RPM. For most projects , woodworking projects, the ideal RPM should be 10,000.
Should I use My Orbital Sander at an Angle?
Using an orbital sander at an angle is one of the mistakes that many people tend to make. You shouldn’t use it at angle like you would an angle grinder, rather you should use it against a flat surface. Orbital sanders are used with sanding discs or sheets, so make sure you are using them flat. Using it at an angle may cause the surface to have places that are more sanded then the others. Not only will it mess up your project, yet it will also damage the actual sandpaper – whether it is discs or sheets.
When or How Should I Start My Orbital Sander?
The correct way to start your orbital sander is by making contact with the surface of your project before turning it on. Compared to starting it, you want to stop the machine after it has left the surface of your workpiece. These are good things to remember, as turning it on the powertool in the air and stopping it when it is still on the project will lead to problems such as swirls or unevenness.