

The other separation between random orbital sanders and their regular relative is the abrasive paper shape. The beauty of a random orbital sander is that it leaves virtually no scratch marks, which are common signatures regular orbital finishing sanders leave behind. While regular sheet-stock or quarter-sheet sanders sand in a predictable orbiting pattern, random orbital sanders oscillate in a non-predictable or random motion. There are two distinct differences, however. Random orbital sanders are close cousins to regular orbital finishing sanders.

These power tools will not remove wood as savagely as a belt sander, but they will polish a woodwork piece to nearly the same gleam as a fine finishing sander. That is because random orbital sanders are so versatile. If you ask most experienced woodworkers what electric sander they would choose if they could only pick one, they would probably say a random orbital sander. Most woodworkers prefer a mid-sized belt such as the 3” x 21” or the large 4” x 24”. It is essential to size your belt sander to fit your needs. Otherwise, the belt sander’s lateral action can ruin the work. It is crucial to belt-sand with the wood grain rather than across it. Tension controls and alignment guides keep the belt in place while the electric motor spins the sanding belt in a forward motion.īelt sanders are highly effective tools for removing roughness and preparing woodwork for less aggressive tools in the process like random orbit and finishing sanders. Sanding belts fit within the tool housing and surround the motor’s driving wheel at the rear and a free-wheeling guide wheel at the front. They use a fully looped sanding belt instead of static abrasive sheets such as in disc, orbital or finishing sanders. However, in controlled and capable hands, these tools don't run amok.īelt sanders work on a continuous loop principle. Belt sander design allows them to remove large amounts of material in a very short time. You might also spend a lot of toy-manufacturing time with a palm sander.īelt sanders are the rough guys in a woodworking shop. Fine work like toy making requires unique tools such as disc sanders.
Airtool for wood design professional#
