Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 4 of 4
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    14

    Default Sanders - random orbital vs orbital

    Here comes another newbie question (or several actually)...

    What's the difference between an orbital sander and a random orbital? Presumably, the random orbital has a different sort of movement, hence the "random". But is there a clear difference in the applications that each are suited to?

    Same question for 1/3 sheet and 1/4 sheet orbitals? Is it just a matter of 1/4 sheet being smaller & easier to handle?

    Which all leads to... If you had only one power sander, what type & size would it be?

    jonathan

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,756

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by planetjag View Post
    What's the difference between an orbital sander and a random orbital?
    Orbital just vibrates or rotates in small continuous circles in one direction. Random orbital rotates in small continuous circles in one direction as well as the whole head of the sander rotating in a semi-random fashion. If you hold the Orbital sanders steady on a surface they can leave little circular swirls or marks. A random orbital is less liker to do this since it's orientation continually varies relative to the surface.

    Quote Originally Posted by planetjag View Post
    Presumably, the random orbital has a different sort of movement, hence the "random". But is there a clear difference in the applications that each are suited to?
    Random orbitals are normally circular in shape so cannot get into corners like a square or pointed sander like the B&D mouse can. Both are useful in their own way.

    Quote Originally Posted by planetjag View Post
    Same question for 1/3 sheet and 1/4 sheet orbitals? Is it just a matter of 1/4 sheet being smaller & easier to handle?
    Smaller sander for smaller work.

    Quote Originally Posted by planetjag View Post
    Which all leads to... If you had only one power sander, what type & size would it be?
    I like to get my things as smooth as possible with hand tools and then hand sand for finish. Random orbitals are very good for finishing big surfaces eg the 320 grit between coats sanding.

    I think you mean "finishing" rather than power sander? If I could only have one power sander I wouldn't be without my big Makita belt sander. They really are impressive tools. I use mine for all manner of things, including shaping wood and metal, apart from final finishing.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Barboursville, Virginia USA
    Age
    77
    Posts
    2,364

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by planetjag View Post
    Which all leads to... If you had only one power sander, what type & size would it be?

    jonathan

    You've already got a good explanation of the diffs, but if I could only own one I would decide based on the kinds of jobs I was likely to be doing. For bigger jobs, a dual-mode ROS would be my choice. If I made mostly small items, a smaller ROS with a short throw to give a nice finish quickly. Need to sand in corners a lot? A detail sander works well there, or a 1/4 sheet orbital. Odd shapes? A profile sander is the go. So like most things, it's horses for courses.

    At the end of the day, one sander can't really solve all your challenges. That's why I ended up with 4 or 5 different kinds.
    Cheers,

    Bob



  5. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    14

    Default Thanks

    Thanks for the responses, and BobL you're right, my final question should have read "what type of finishing sander". I can't see myself having much use for a belt sander at the moment and I have access to a loaner only 15 minutes drive away when I do need it. There's also a 1/3 sheet there too. Both Makita.

    Given a tight budget (which after some research pretty much rules out a ROS) and the presence of the Makitas I can borrow if I plan ahead, I might just get a 1/4 sheet or detail sander so that I've got something close to hand for the little jobs that don't warrant a 1/2 hour round trip.

    So the next question becomes ... as far as I can see there's not a whole heap of difference between a 1/4 sheet or a detail. The overall size of the pad is not greatly different. The detail gets into corners, but you're committed to buying the right shaped velcro sheets. I didn't think to check if the 1/4 sheet ones have clips to take regular sandpaper. As I'm writing this I have just realised that the 1/4 sheets might be more powerful too.

    This tool acquisition process just creates dilemma after dilemma!

    jonathan

Similar Threads

  1. Random Orbital Sanders - Ozito, GMC or??
    By MelbMan in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 25
    Last Post: 2nd December 2007, 12:32 PM
  2. Random or orbital sanders- best for grain?
    By johncee1945 in forum FINISHING
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 16th November 2007, 07:58 AM
  3. Random Orbital Sanders - comparisons
    By Smed in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 27
    Last Post: 3rd January 2006, 08:44 PM
  4. Disappointed with random orbital sanders performance.
    By Daniel in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 9th August 2003, 10:50 PM
  5. Looking at random orbital sanders
    By Eastie in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 8th July 2003, 06:09 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •