A grinder is a very practical device, widely used by professionals as well as DIY hobbyists. What is an orbital sander, what is it used for and how does it differ from an eccentric sander?
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Can you polish paint with an orbital sander?
A characteristic feature of orbital sanders is their ease of use. A motor-driven foot with specific grit sandpaper attached to it allows for quick smoothing of even delicate surfaces. The foot is set in an oscillatory, i.e. pendulum, movement, which means that it moves steadily back and forth. Thanks to the repeatability of movements, high vibration frequency and low amplitude, various surfaces can be smoothed very precisely.
An orbital sander is a device used to smooth flat, relatively even surfaces. It will perfectly prepare wood, plaster, stone, and some devices - also concrete.
One of the most interesting uses of orbital sanders is painting paint. In this variant, the device is often used by painters and even people who want to take care of their own vehicle. In such a situation, special pads dedicated to polishing are used instead of sandpaper. When choosing a device that can also be used to polish your car, it is worth making sure that it has speed regulation.
What are the differences between an orbital sander and an eccentric sander?
An alternative solution to an orbital sander is an eccentric sander. The difference between the devices is related to the principle of operation. While in the first variant the foot moves only forward and backward, in eccentric devices there is also rotation, i.e. around its own axis. Eccentric devices enable operation not only on flat, but also convex and concave surfaces. All thanks to the replaceable, flexible plate. Eccentric sanders are used to smooth not only wooden surfaces, but also stone and steel surfaces.
The difference between the two device variants is also related to the specific nature of work. When using eccentric sanders, it is necessary to use appropriate pressure, but you should know that these models are very sensitive to pressure, so if it is too high, it may slow down the operation of the equipment.
How to choose the right orbital sander?
When looking for an appropriate solution, you should analyze available devices and their parameters in terms of individual needs. The most important will be the power of the device's engine, the number of oscillations per minute, as well as the size and shape of the foot and the number of cycles.
One of the important parameters is also the size of the foot. Depending on what work will be performed and how often the device will be used. For sanding larger surfaces, a device with a larger base will be a much better solution. This will allow you to complete the entire task faster. However, the downside of this solution is precision. The larger surface of the foot will not allow you to reach hard-to-reach places, so an orbital sander with a smaller foot will be much better for precision work. For people who deal with various surfaces and care about both precision and work speed, models with interchangeable feet that can be changed quickly and efficiently, depending on needs, may be a great solution.
The number of oscillations per minute in good quality devices ensures more effective work. The higher the number of oscillations specified by the manufacturer, the more accurate and efficient the work will be. A big advantage is the ability to adjust the speed, depending on the type of work performed.
Scheppach OSM600 spindle orbital sander
When looking for professional solutions, it is worth paying attention to the Scheppach OSM 600 spindle orbital sander . This device that requires electricity will be appreciated by both professionals and hobbyists. The Scheppach grinder allows you to perform work requiring high precision of operation, because the work table guarantees stable operation. A big advantage here is the ability to adjust the table, which increases the comfort of operation. The device operates at a speed of 2000 revolutions per minute and the oscillation stroke is 16 mm.