Thread: How to use a random orbital sander

There are many things which are quirky about orbital sanders.

Make sure sheets are pulled tight and secure if clamped type
watch your hand motion usually direction of grain light touch for finishing
wear a mask
they often grab and next thing they are on their side dancing along the almost finished sanded surface leaving dings and dents

This is a Random orbital sander isn't it? Not an orbital? ROS are very easy to use, let the disc run without too much pressure and you will be very pleasantly surprised by the ease of use.

What Christopha said.
Use quality discs and if possible hook up to a vacuum to remove the dust.

Originally Posted by Chesand

What Christopha said.
Use quality discs and if possible hook up to a vacuum to remove the dust.

Essential information, the light touch thing is also very important. Let the paper cut the material, don't force it. No need to force any tool really. Quality of the paper you use can make a big difference.

Also, follow a pattern for best results. For example, sand across the width overlapping each pass by a little, then sand along the length overlapping each pass a bit. Check the scratch pattern. If even, move to the next finer grit and repeat.

Cheers

Make sure you line up the holes on the paper with that of the sanding pad. Also, if you are not using a vacuum cleaner check that dust bag regularly to ensure it is not too full.

Just out of curiousity - what sander did you get? I'll be in the market for one soon.

Andy

and something I didn't know until recently, a ROS should be started while in contact with the work.

Cheers
Michael

Thanks for these awesomne responses! Very much appreciated.

I bought a 150mm Makita ROS model 6030 for $300 locally, and have purchased the 50 piece variety kit from The Sandpaper Man - good quality Norton papers ( see below)

I have never heard that before that the sander should be started while it is in contact with the work piece. Thank for that Michael!

Qty 50 - 150 mm diameter 9 hole Hook & Loop disc Variety Pack
• Quantity of 50 discs in a minimum of 5 grades selected from the following;-
• 60, 80, 120, 180 grit Astra D 9 hole Hook & Loop
• 240, 320, 400, 600, 800, 1200, 1500 grit Norton A275 9 hole Hook & Loop

SKU DV1509HVARIETY50
Quantity in stock 1 item(s) available
Weight 0.52 kg
Price: $41.63
including GST

Groeneaj, I looked at the fine woodworking site and they have done a Tool Test on 6inch RO Sanders at Tool Review: 6-in. Random-Orbit Sanders - Fine Woodworking PDF Cover Page.

My Makita didn't fare too well, being difficult ot control, esp with a vacuum hose attached. Of course, the Festool was the best overall, but the Bosch 3727DEVS was the best for a single mode operation, especially for fine sanding. Vacuum not recommended in this mode.

Very interesting point with starting the sander whilst in contact with your work - I never knew that either!

That kit from the Sandpaper man looks good - definetely getting one when I get my sander.

ROS I even read it right sorry Jillib

Originally Posted by JillB

... have purchased the 50 piece variety kit from The Sandpaper Man - good quality Norton papers ( see below)

I have never heard that before that the sander should be started while it is in contact with the work piece. Thank for that Michael!

Sandpaper man also has grades and sizes that seem to be impossible to get elsewhere.

All excellent advice about sanding to a pattern, letting the machine do the work and starting on the work surface.

Another thing to remember, that a few neglect to do, is to make sure to ensure you remove the dust from the previous grit before moving to the next finest. Otherwise you may leave grit particles from the previous grit on the job. I use a painters brush and a lightly dampened soft clean cloth.

Cheers

Originally Posted by wheelinround

ROS I even read it right sorry Jillib

Working too hard Ray
Is the ROS suitable for finishing work though or will you still need a finishing sander of sorts?

yep start on the timber (lightly) and stop on timber, light passes are the go dont force it, you want it to still "orbit" if it isn't then you are pushing too hard, clean the Velcro hooks on the base of the sander or they will clog up, keep an eye on the sandpaper base because if it loosens and comes off fractionally it will wear out the Velcro hooks on the sander very quickly, all up a good sander, never run it up to speed free hand (off timber) it will shoot the sandpaper off at a rapid rate of knots and scare the bejabbers out of you