How Does a Random Orbital Sander Work?

This blog post is about how a random orbital sander works. A random orbital sander is one of the most popular types of sanders on the market today for many different reasons. It's easy to use, affordable, and it can handle just about any type of wood or laminate flooring without damaging them too much. The best part? You won't have to worry about burning your fingers with this particular type of sander! There are so many benefits that come with using this specific type of sander that you'll be wondering why you haven't had one before now! Read on to find out more information on what makes these sanders such an amazing tool in any home improvement project around the house!

What Is a Random Orbital Sander Used For?

1. To smooth rough surfaces such as wood or fiberglass so that paint will adhere better to it.
2. To sand down the surface of an object before painting it to provide a smoother surface for finer detail when applying paint with a brush.
3. To remove old paint from a surface before repainting it.
4. To strip off drywall compounds from walls before redecorating or repairing them since wet sponges and towels will not adhere to the surface.
5. To sand flat surfaces to remove paint drips, gouges, or other irregularities before painting over them.
6. To smooth rough areas which would be hard to reach with a conventional sander, such as corners and edges of various objects.
7. To make irregularly shaped or curved surfaces more even before applying paint or varnish, so the final appearance of the surface is more uniform when finished by hand painting/varnishing or staining/sealing it.
8. To clean up seams where two pieces meet together after being fitted together to be appropriately glued without having lines from the seams showing.
9. To smooth wood to be sanded more easily with conventional sanders such as belt sanders or spindle sanders.
10. To remove excess glue from a finished project before finishing it using a hand-held scraper and wet sponge to scrape off the dried glue, after which the surface is wiped clean.

How Does a Random Orbital Sander Work?

A random orbital sander is the best choice when it comes to home improvement projects as well as outdoor mending works. It's because random orbital sander will reduce the amount of hard labor you put with bare hands. It works evenly and finely for both indoor and outdoor décor.

Maybe you could have chosen sanding blocks or sandpapers for your indoor or outdoor mending, but always remember; that using sand blocks and sandpapers will require much of your effort, which will be pretty frustrating for you. It's not that easy to get on with papers, plus it often doesn't stay on.

Sanding sponges are maybe a little a bit easier to work. Still, you need to invest maximum effort. All of these methods are okay, but using a random orbital sander can do wonders for you. You are getting fruitful result without sweating on your hard labors, what more can you ask for?

Now, the question arises that how does a random orbital sander work? A random orbital sander mainly works through the simultaneous spinning of the sanding disc, more like moving in a loop. This handheld power tool works through the sanding blades. The sanding edges provide the random sanding action.

Chiefly, it prevents leaving swirl marks. Also, the direction of the graining is not much of an issue when you sand with it. No matter the direction of wood grain is, the random orbital sander will give a smooth finishing for sure. That's why it is easily possible to sand two pieces of wood with different directions at the same time.

Did you know that a random orbital sander merges a belt sander and the speed of an orbital sander; in fact, an orbital sander has even more momentum to produce more beautiful finishes.

There are three types of random orbital sander; air-powered, electric-powered, and orbital floor sander. The electric-powered and air-powered sanders can be categorized as handheld sanders. The floor sander, on the other hand, is a large machine that will roll.

Most of the random orbital sanders, especially quality sanders come with vacuum attached to it. The holes on the surface of the sander swallow wood particles and debris. A detachable canister collects the sucked up particles within. As a result, you will get to work without the hassle of cleaning the machine sander from time to time. But do not make the mistake of not wearing the goggles just because of the attached vacuum. You must ensure safety, no matter what.

Commonly, random orbital sanders are 5 to 6 inches keeping peace with the disc size. When it comes to popularity, the 5 inches sanders are in favor because of its mobility. The pads in the random orbital sander are circular while the pads of orbital sanders are square. To control it, you need nothing but the palm of your hand. Give it a light touch; do not put over-pressure on it. Typically, discs are attached in two different ways in different sanders. One is in the hook and loop system, and the other is pressure-sensitive adhesives.

A random orbital sander cannot work without a power source. Power supply helps activate the motor inside the sander machine, and the engine initiates the rotation of sanding discs. Therefore, the drives with the attached pads move in constant circular motion resulting in a smoother finish. This rotation continues as the sanders sand the same path repeatedly. The whole process aims at delivering a more seamless finish without leaving any swirl marks.

Find out how a random orbital sander works in the video below:

Sandpaper for Random Orbital Sander

Sandpapers for random orbital sander are selective few. Verities of sandpaper girt work for a variety of purposes. That's why you can't just pick the superfine one and end the job. You will need a set of sandpaper for striping the hard scratch and smoothing out.

For random orbital sander, collect discs of 100, 150, and 220. For quicker removal, select sandpaper grit of 100. Moreover, for a more elegant finish, select sandpaper of 240 or 320 grit.

Using wrong grit for indecent material might just unnecessarily take off lots of stuff. Know the differences between the uses of 40 and 100 grit sandpaper. For example, if you are rooting for heavy stripping, then go with 40 grit sandpaper disc. To remove small imperfections, on the other hand, you can use 80-120 grit sandpaper, lastly, for finishing and smoothing touch use 360-600 grit sandpaper.

Maintenance Tips for Random Orbital Sander

We all want the best result, but for that, you must know some tricks and facts of maintaining random orbital sander. Even though random orbital sanders are super user friendly, don't just claim that you have nothing to learn. Let's take a quick look at the facts you should know:

1. Never put excessive pressure on the sander by your hand; it will distort any part.
2. Apply pressure but evenly and take it slowly.
3. Use the correct tool while servicing with the random orbital sander. Do not damage the "O" ring while working.
4. If a replacement is needed, use only genuine ARO replacements.
5. Always be extra cautious while ordering the tool. Mention the exact part number, tool number, description, and serial number.
6. While dissembling the sander, remove the sanding pad, lock ring, pull the motor and retaining ring.
7. If there is no dust cleaner with the sander, use a vacuum to clean the sander.
8. Do not tilt or angle your sander. It will worsen the functional equipment.

Final Words

The random orbital sander is one of the best machines out there to do the sanding job. It works better on wood, metal, even in plastic. Therefore, its primary purpose is to deliver ultra-smooth sanding. 

When it comes to maintenance, just pay a little bit of attention to controlling it. Too much pressure can wipe off a lot of materials, so do not blindly put much weight on it. I hope this article helped introduce the amazing random orbital sander and its usage.