Sanding tools make the sanding job easier and finer for you. There is various type of sanding tools out there. Among them, random Orbital sander is quite easy to work.
Random Orbital sander is an electric hand sander possessing a wonderful mixture of vibrating action of an orbital sander and rotation of a disc sander. Not to mention, this unique combination offers you the best of the functions from both orbital sander and disc sander. You are getting two in one as it promises to give smooth finishing and remove stock.
If you use a random orbital sander continually, chances are higher that it would lessen the probability of leaving swirl marks on the surface.
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What Is a Random Orbital Sander Used For?
This question might pop in your head that when choosing a random orbital sander? If you want to sand on wood, plastic, or metal material yet doubtful about which sander is best, then the straight answer is random orbital sanders. It is not dangerous for plastic, metal, or woodworking.
Furthermore, when your requirement is ultra-smooth finishing, you better go for a random orbital sander because it is best at delivering silky-smooth finish creating a uniformed surface.
Besides, you can use a random orbital sander for painting jobs. It also restores headlight transparency. To put it shortly, these are the purposes for which you may choose random orbital sanders.
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.
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:
- Never put excessive pressure on the sander by your hand; it will distort any part.
- Apply pressure but evenly and take it slowly.
- Use the correct tool while servicing with the random orbital sander. Do not damage the "O" ring while working.
- If a replacement is needed, use only genuine ARO replacements.
- Always be extra cautious while ordering the tool. Mention the exact part number, tool number, description, and serial number.
- While dissembling the sander, remove the sanding pad, lock ring, pull the motor and retaining ring.
- If there is no dust cleaner with the sander, use a vacuum to clean the sander.
- 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.