A Complete Guide on Orbital Sander [2022 updated]

 An orbital sander tool can sand plastic, metal, and wood. Utilizing this popular hand-held power tool, woodworkers can grind down drywall and wood filler. 

It is perfect for polishing surfaces, clearing imperfections from wood, and other applications such as painting employment. 

Even if you are new or a professional in woodworking, we can all agree that an orbital sander is handy for any woodworker. It is an excellent hand-held power tool that vibrates and orbits in circular motions.

You can check other Best Bench Sanders of 2022. This article will help choose orbital sanders and how we correctly use them.

How To Select An Orbital Sander Tool

The orbital sander is universal, utilizing it on numerous materials. It is a strong tool that vibrates in circular and irregular motions to make a smooth surface. 

Orbital sanders defect fewer marks on materials, leaving your final product looking and feeling high-quality. The following key feature when selecting the suitable orbital sander tool.

• Initially, a Cordless or corded orbital sander
• Single or variable speed orbital sander
• An orbital sander with velcro or sticky backing

Note that an orbital sander is separate from a palm sander, so make sure you buy a “random orbital sander”. You can select more sanders tools using the Okayreview guide.

How To Perfectly Utilize An Orbital Sander 

You should understand that moving slow and careful is crucial if used to woodwork. This uses to using an orbital sander or different types of sanders. Ensure that you follow the following steps attentively.

Step 1: Select The Sandpaper For The Orbital Sander

Before buying an orbital sander, you must select which size best fits your needs. You likely know that they come in 5” and 6” diameter sizes if you already own an orbital sander. 

Step 2: Prepare The Materials For Sanding 

Now is the time to prepare the materials you will use in the project. The best is to ensure the plastic, wood, metal, etc., fabric to a work surface. Utilize clamps to keep them in place. If you have not implanted in a ventilation system, it is wise to do so. Please attach it to the orbital sander to manage the sawdust as you work.

Step 3: Protect The Sandpaper On The Orbital Sander

Connect the sanding discs to the orbital sander when you are prepared to start your project. Confirm that the holes of the sanding pad are in line with the holes of the sandpaper; otherwise, the sandpaper will not stay long.

Step 4: Sand With The Orbital Sander 

Before sanding, throw on your protecting gear. A couple of gloves, protective glasses, and a face cover will do. Put the orbital sander gently and carefully on the fabric and start carrying it along the wood grain or if you are performing with various materials, move it back and forth. Later, please turn on the sander and wait until it gets full speed or select the appropriate rate.

Slide the sander evenly and gently across the material. Do not push too hard or hold the sander in one place for too long; otherwise, it will harm or dent the material. Using too much pressure can bend or rip the sanding pad of the sander. Stain reduction or other large removals can take longer to sand down than an easy touch-up.

When you need to do large removals, you must follow the given methods.

• Please start with the lowest grit and sand it on the material until the stains and marks disappear entirely. 
• Make a pencil spot on the material and sand with the next grit size until the pencil mark is cleared. 
• Repeat the procedure until you reach 180 or 240 grit. 

Benefits And Drawbacks Of Using An Orbital Sander 

Benefits Of Using An Orbital Sander

• Fine sawdust collection.
• It delivers a smooth finish.
• Larger motors.
• Variable or single speeds.
• Readily removes marks and grooves.
• Easy to use than other hand-held power tools.

Disadvantages Of Using An Orbital Sander

• The sanding pad can waste and involve sanding quality, causing damage to the material.
• It is more costly to purchase.
• The sanding discs can be hard to find.
• Not easy operating in corners because of the circular pads. Using too much force can damage your material.

The Most useful Orbital Sanders 

Many brands are selected for having the best orbital sanders. The given portion will mention the top three best orbital sanders. 

1. Porter-Cable Random Orbital Sander 

The Porter-Cable Random Orbital Sander serves well on small to medium projects, and it is the ideal option for releasing material faster. This is a 5” orbital sander that is completely battery-powered and cordless. The easy-to-grip handle permits you efficiently use the sander. 

• 12,000 OPM
• The vacuum port clips to the hose
• Lightweight design and satisfying grip 

2. Skil 5” Random Orbital Sander

The Skil 5” Random Orbital Sander can stay longer and handle most materials very well. It is an irregular speed sander to control the sanding power. The dust collector is powerful and maintains your environment clean. The only con is that this orbital sander only operates one disk size.

 

• 13,000 OPM 
• Variable speeds
• 2.8 AMP motor

3. Makita Random Orbital Sander 

The Makita Random Orbital Sander is excellent for small to medium work, does not have many vibrations, and creates a smooth surface. It has three-speed locations allowing you to control your work on materials. 

• Three-speed settings
• Pad brake that decreases free spin
• Comfortable handle with an excellent grip

Conclusion

Orbital sanders, specifically random orbital sanders, are confirmed effective in sanding wood, metal, and plastic. You can sand down drywall joint compound and wood filler too. Polishing surfaces is another valuable advantage of the orbital sander. I hope this article helps you to choose the orbital sanders.