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Sanding with a sander: tips per type

Orbital sander

DeWalt orbital sander

An orbital sander is suitable for light sanding of large surfaces, for example, to remove layers of paint or to roughen a primer layer. Let the machine do the work and apply only light pressure. There is no point in trying to sand faster by pushing the machine while working. You regulate the speed according to the material: slow for soft materials and fast for hard materials. Always sand with an orbital sander along with the grain of the wood.

Belt sander

Makita belt sander

A belt sander is much more powerful than an orbital sander. It really is the machine for the rough work. If you have never worked with a belt sander before, it is good to practice on a piece of scrap wood first because if you press too hard, the machine can ‘chew’ itself into the wood. Do not stop a belt sander in one place; switch it on before placing it on the workpiece and switch it off only after lifting it off. Make sure you stand firm and hold the machine with both hands to control it properly. With a belt sander, you also sand with the grain of the wood. For an even result, allow the sanding strips to overlap slightly.

Delta sander

Bosch delta sander

The delta sander gets its name from the triangular sanding pad, which resembles the Greek letter Δ. You can reach even the smallest corners with a delta sander, thanks to its pointed shape. However, this type is less suitable for sanding large surfaces, as the sanding pad and the power are too small. Like an orbital sander, a delta sander works through a linear motion, from front to back.

Turn the delta sander on before placing it on the workpiece and keep the machine parallel to the work surface without applying too much pressure. Most delta sanders have a swivel base. Point it forward when sanding corners and edges, and direct the flat side forward when making longer sanding movements over square surfaces.

Eccentric sander

Ryobi eccentric sander

The eccentric sander has a round sanding pad that makes both a vibrating and a rotating movement. This makes sanding not only faster but also more even. An eccentric sander is ideal for polishing. Due to the rotating movement of the sanding sole, you do not have to sand with the grain of the wood with an eccentric sanding machine.

Tip: Move the machine in an 8-shape over the workpiece. This strengthens the eccentric function and gives the material the most beautiful finish.

Multi sander

Ryobi multi sander

A multi sander comes with interchangeable sanding pads. For example, you can use this machine as an orbital sander at one time and as a delta sander at other times while taking account of the operating instructions that apply to these machines.

General sanding tips

man checking smoothness of sanded wood
  • The result of a sanding job depends on several factors. The power of the machine plays a role, but more important are the correct movement of the machine over the workpiece and the correct sandpaper. Adjust the grain size to the desired result — coarse or fine — and replace worn sandpaper in time.
  • A good sander is equipped with dust extraction. There are two systems — the dust disappears in a dust bag, or you can connect a vacuum cleaner to the machine. Professional advice: always work with dust extraction. Not only is this more pleasant and healthier for you, but dust extraction also increases the sanding capacity and extends the life of the machine.
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