Thread: Fixing scouring pads to orbital sander

I've done it on a ROS with a hook and loop base. Then I had to use the shop vac to remove all the scouring pad (ScotchBrite) from the hook and loop pad. I've been told that a pneumatic blow gun also works. It is a PITA regardless of the method used.

In your case, just the weight of the sander resting on the ScotchBrite pad should do the trick. Start with the green or purple and gradually move toward gray and then white.

Use a bit of very light oil as a medium to prevent the ScotchBrite from clogging. I'm not sure of the terminology in OZ but the should be similar to air tool oil, sewing machine oil or "3 in 1" brand oil.

I am sorry , but I have to ask, displaying my ignorance. What is a ROS?

Random Orbit Sander

Originally Posted by JillB

I have an orbital sander witha base 230 mm x 115mm. It has a rubber base. I wish to fix a scouring pad/s to this to remove surface rust from my sawbench top, and would be open to any sugestions as to how to do this.

regards,
Jill

PS I know that hard scrubbing with lots of elbow grease is character forming, but the arthritis in hands and shoulder makes this problematic - besides, I have had enough character building activity to last my lifetime thanks

wht not just use the sanding paper on the rust, i have been doing this for years on my lathe tablesaw,bandsaw, no problems at all then rub over with oil ,works like a charm.bob

I agree that the sand paper is a better option.....a good use for half knackered sheets of paper.

if however you are set on the scotchbrite, some sort of velcro type hook material is the go.

But you are better off with one of the abrasive pad materials designed for powertools....it is stiffer and has more body.

I have used the scotchbrite pads on the ramdom orbit, they are fine at low speed and as long as you keep the preasure on at sligtly higher speeds, but if you arent carefull they take off like a frisby in any direction they find amusing.

If you want to use them at high speed, majic murf informes me the best option is to contact cement them to a used sanding disk.

cheers

Many thanks for the above comments, they are very helpful.

In the end I sprayed the top with WD40, put the heavy duty Scotchbrite scouring pad on the table, placed the orbital sander with the rubber base on top of the pad and switched it on. To my surprise it worked well. The trick was to hold the sander horizontal and maintain firm pressure, otherwise the scouring pad tended to slip out. t didn't do a frisbee act, but that would have been fun.

I like the suggestion of contact cementing a couple of pads to a used sheet. Now why didn't I think of that, ayh? ( you can tell the Qld'ers with their ayhs)

regards, and thanks,

Jill