Choosing an orbital sander for wood

How to choose a belt sander

A little higher, we had the imprudence to call this type of instrument artillery, but in fact it is a real “tank”.

The working element of this abrasive device is an abrasive tape, which is glued together in the form of an endless segment moving along two rollers and resembling a caterpillar on a tank. Such equipment is much stronger and more powerful than analogues, has a reliable and simple design (V-belt transmission and bevel gear), small center of gravity, high belt speed.

choosing, orbital, sander, wood

With a belt sander, you can easily peel off a few mm of material, make an edge on a workpiece, remove old varnish or rust. Everything is subject to her. wood, polymers, metal, building minerals.

You can correct the planed timber, remove paint from the floor covering, level the putty wall. But it is worthwhile to understand that high performance is not the best quality of processing, so you cannot do without scratches and sinks. You will have to use an orbital or vibration sander for the final sanding.

It’s no secret that the performance of an electrically driven tool is directly affected by the power of the motor. the higher the power, the more we can squeeze out of the device. In the case of a tape device, you can choose between models with an engine from 500 to 1200 watts.
The Chinese instrument often has overestimated power readings, and if they really have the declared watts, they are often not balanced with other characteristics of the device. As a rule, record power is advertised only by those manufacturers whose devices have other notable functions.
Another important characteristic for this type of machine is speed. It should also be taken into account when assessing the capabilities of the equipment. A high speed car will do a lot more, but it cannot be pinned down unless the high speed has a lot of power in its reinforcement. This is due to the fact that the higher the speed, the lower the force.

Manufacturers who are responsible for the creation and release of new models try to correctly balance these indicators, making them changeable, which is possible thanks to smart electronics. The belt speed can be from 160 to 540 m / min.

In this case, a natural question arises. why create fast, but low-power tools? After all, a high-performance machine is more difficult to operate. it is difficult to hold it, it is larger and more expensive. And even if you press it hard, it is easy to ruin the entire workpiece. Let’s look at it from the other side. When used correctly, this agile sander can handle large surfaces in a short time.

If you are not sure about the load on your belt sander, choose a model slightly slower, which you can press on, making it more versatile. Even more options are available for models with a preset speed mode. You can choose for yourself a machine with step or smooth adjustment.

Electronic systems

Now is the time to talk about a smart system that helps work with tape devices. Such machines do not have a rich filling in comparison with other types of this tool. Usually everything is limited by adjusting the belt speed. The switch for this function is made in the form of a scaled wheel or slider. There are models that provide overheating protection.

But it is much more interesting to work with devices that have interesting functions. If you choose a belt sander with a number of additional features, you can get a stand or clamps in the kit, which are needed to fix the machine permanently. The grinding frame acts as a stop to help prevent damage to the workpiece. A miter or rip fence is suitable for creating a precise bevel or perfectly flat surface.

Some units have a thin, forward-facing roller with a small diameter to minimize dead space in corners. Automatic centering of the tape allows you not to peel off the tape at the most crucial moment. Convenient to use and an additional handle, the tilt of which can be changed, and the handle itself can be removed, which will increase the functionality of the machine in hard-to-reach places.

Working surface size

Special attention should be paid to the dimensions of the surface, i.e. soles, as well as the width and length of the tape. 10cm soles are used for professional power devices, due to which they are more productive and stable. For hobbies, devices of 7.5 cm are suitable.Long and wide soles in belt sanders have a special design, which consists of an elastic plate and a backing, which makes the contact of the abrasive and the part more reliable.

Let’s not forget that there are also ribbons. these are electric files that do not have great power and are not particularly versatile, but they are very valuable due to their compactness (for example, the width of the tape is 0.9 cm).

All belt-type machines have a dust extraction system, but this does not always work as efficiently as it should. For this reason, the dust is fought either by connecting a vacuum cleaner through a branch pipe, or it is collected in a bag that is built into the filter. In very cheap models, the impeller does not cope with its function. for this reason, the channels are quickly forgotten, and many harmful small particles remain in the air.

Choosing a grinder to choose for a summer residence and at home? Overview and Views: for wood, plaster, floor, timber walls and logs. Help in choosing Videos

It is possible to age a piece of wood, grind it, remove the varnish coating, remove rust, wipe the putty, process plastic and polish the stone using modern grinding machines. But how to choose a grinder for a summer residence and at home?

What is grinding

Grinding as a process for many people does not have the most pleasant impressions, even with a simple mention. What can I say. this is a monotonous, painstaking, laborious, and slightly harmful operation, but it cannot be avoided. Modern requirements for finishing works have increased so much that no one doubts that the planes should be perfectly smooth.

Topcoat manufacturers try to make sure that only one layer is needed, which will smooth out all the imperfections of the base. Even sheets with a decorative coating need to be connected together, which entails putting putty on, and, as inevitable, sanding. The builders and finishers of our country are slowly but surely beginning to master all the newly introduced standards and techniques for achieving them.

Fortunately, progress is not lagging behind: such a useful and inexpensive tool as a sander helps to cope with such a task. The hated sandpaper for grouting, or the timber clutched in the hands, remains in the past. Equipment manufacturers indulge us with a variety of tools that are designed for many types of repair work, and sometimes it is difficult to choose the tool that is right for you. So how to choose a sander? Dealing with this issue is not difficult, the main thing is to understand what this or that tool is needed for, and to understand what exactly you want to get running out.

Vibratory (surface grinders) machines

Let’s also take into account the quality of processing. Vibratory sanders are much better in this regard, but still intermediate between orbital and belt units.

With the help of surface grinders, you can grind a surface that is made of any material. wood, plastic, metal, stone. Due to their relatively large working surface, these devices are suitable for large work areas.

The secret of the demand for such machines lies in their moderate pricing policy, the availability of add-on elements, as well as the absence of unused (“dead”) zones (the extended flat sole perfectly handles corners).

The main working element is a plate, which performs linear and reciprocal movements with a small amplitude. The motor in such a tool is located vertically, which makes it possible to translate the rotational movements of the shaft into translational vibrations of the platform.

Basically, the power of such CMM ranges from 0.16 to 0.3 kW, and they are also light, maneuverable and compact. This level of strength is usually more than enough. But such a unity of thought for all manufacturers would be strange. for this reason, one can find models of vibratory grinders with a power of 0.6 kW. Although they are larger and heavier, they can run for a long time without overheating at low speeds.

Amplitude

Another important indicator is the range of motion of the sole. It differs in different devices, but still has a small value. Typically, the platform moves by 1-3 mm, and in models with greater mobility, the numbers increase to 5-7 mm. The larger the amplitude, the faster the surface is sanded, this makes the processing rougher.

A small nuance is the frequency of the sole stroke. At high speeds, the machine quickly removes thick layers of coating, and at lower speeds, it allows you to achieve smoothness. Some of the manufacturers introduce regulation of the platform movement frequencies, and sometimes exceed the 20,000 strokes / min mark, which makes it possible to process a variety of materials according to their characteristics.

Platform dimensions

When thinking about which vibratory sander to choose, try to pay attention to the platform.

With the dimensions, in fact, everything is simple, since there are only two options: “standard” and miniature models, the area of ​​the plate in which is 10 cm 2. Baby cars will be ideal for tight, narrow spaces.

The quality of the outsole determines the shape. In budget devices, the platform is made of high-strength plastic or steel, while more expensive analogs are cast platforms made of alloys with magnesium and aluminum. A high-quality sole has precise balancing, which can be easily determined by low vibration at idle. We should not forget about the lining, ideally it will be made of a porous polymer, since it “holds the plane” better than rubber.

A separate subspecies is considered a machine with a deltoid platform, in the common people they are called an iron. Due to their small size and excellent cross-country ability, such models are widely used for processing complex and small surfaces, for example, furniture, staircase elements, car body, carpentry.

Sometimes such platforms are made rotary (to continue work with an unused piece of emery) or removable (to install a different type of platform for other surfaces, and rub them, polish, structure).

Mounting method

The abrasive is attached to the pads in different ways. Most often, Velcro is used for this, since specialized equipment is very expensive. Spring-loaded clamps are more difficult to use, but you can use inexpensive sandpaper, which you will cut yourself (the main thing is to make holes for dust extraction).

Fighting fine dust particles is an unfinished battle for many manufacturers. For this reason, developers try to think over the protection of all mechanisms and spend months creating the perfect design. In the same case, the motor is sealed, switches and bearings are protected, an impermeable housing is made and a system of channels with a dust extraction is created.

To prevent dust from getting into the air, it is sent to a dust collector or filter, and the device is also equipped with a branch pipe for connecting a construction vacuum cleaner, which is the most effective method.

Types of grinders

There are 3 main types of grinders:

  • tape;
  • orbital (eccentric);
  • surface grinding (vibration).

All of them have their own specialization and their own cascade of possibilities, which are aimed at both fast roughing and delicate finishing. For those who, due to work, are associated with this area of ​​work, they have several types of this tool in their arsenal.

For example, belt sanders are heavy artillery to remove large layers of coating from huge areas. Vibrating machines are aimed at finishing, and eccentric machines are aimed at a result that is equal to polishing, but compared to surface grinders, it has a slightly different operating principle and design features.

How to choose an orbital sander

This type of machine is the last link in the chain of quality processing and is designed to create a perfectly smooth surface.

Polishing and delicacy when grinding are their true elements, although the performance of such devices is somewhat lower than in the models described above. They cope with all types of material, which is why such machines are most often found in auto-makers and carpenters.

There is no equal for this type of grinder, since they do not have any problems with the surfaces of any coating. The only thing that this car can fail in is in shallow depressions and corners. such a “plate” simply will not go there.

As well as in other types of grinders, in orbital devices there is a counterweight and an eccentric, with the help of which the round plate not only performs movement around its axis, but also in an “orbit” with a small amplitude. Even the movement along the axis is usually inertial, and in some models it is forced. Such a complex movement algorithm allows obtaining high quality surfaces without waves, grooves and scratches.

The engines of such machines vary in power from 0.2 kW to 0.9 kW. Those that are more powerful have an order of magnitude higher performance, and will pull the sole with a diameter of 15 cm.

Even in the speed of forward motion, orbital sanders have differences. When it comes to rotation, the indicator can be from 4,000 to 14,000 rpm with the regulation function, and up to 12,000 rpm without it. If we talk about fluctuations, the numbers will be half as much.

Important: the higher the speed, the rougher the processing, but the faster the execution time.

The range of the eccentric of the orbital device is not the same. from 0.2 to 0.7 cm. This is the amplitude of the oscillation. The smaller the amplitude, the slower the cymbal moves, the lower the speed, but the better the quality. In some models, the operator can set the amplitude itself, thereby affecting the productivity and fineness of the work.

Compared to the two previous types of machines in orbital counterparts, everything is fine with electronics. An automatic frequency control system is often built into such an instrument so that it does not drop under load. This is the merit of constant electronics.

In some models there is an electrodynamic brake, which, after turning off the “start”, immediately stops the grinder, thereby preventing damage and reducing the likelihood of injury.

For professional machines, a starting current limiter is sometimes provided, which accelerates the tool smoothly, does not make a starting jerk, and protects the network from overload.

Nice options include a detachable network cable, as well as a removable / adjustable handle, dust extraction, start button fixation. Pay attention to the sanding sole. If you need a delicate type of processing, do not give preference to large plates, since they have a larger dead zone and an amplitude of 0.5-0.7 cm.

The metal plate is stable, durable and conducts heat well. The elastic plate is perfect for curved surfaces. All models have velcro for abrasives.

Belt sander

It is called so due to the fact that the sandpaper is in the form of a tape, continuously moving with the help of rollers. Therefore, such a sander for wood is also called “endless”.

The wood belt sander is designed for rough and intermediate leveling of the surface. By installing a finer grit sandpaper, you can achieve a medium finish. This is sufficient for joinery that cannot be painted. To bring it to perfect condition, you need a different type of wood sander. over, to eliminate long longitudinal scratches, you will have to carry out stepwise grinding, changing the grain several times. the scratches remain deep.

A belt sander is good if you need to remove the old coating. paint varnish

Why is a wood belt sander good? It has good performance. The tape is installed on it in such a way that it turns out to be sanding close to the wall with one side. What are its disadvantages? Due to the construction, not all points can be reached. For example, corners, grooves, grooves and other small parts. It is not always possible to “crawl” between two parts (when processing handrails, for example). Another drawback is that most of the belt sanders have a solid mass, it is difficult to work with them on weight, sanding vertical surfaces. But on the horizontal plane. they are the most productive.

The next disadvantages are a high level of noise, not the largest sanding spot. It makes so much noise that it is extremely uncomfortable to work without headphones. Why a small polishing spot, because it looks large enough? Even with a large belt width, it grinds only in the center. the part at the front and back is not used due to the fact that it is raised for feeding onto the rollers.

It can be turned into a grinder

The wood belt sander has features in work. To reduce the depth of the furrows that it leaves, it must be guided along the fibers. Then finishing sanding takes less time. And one more thing. if you gape in the process of work and leave the machine in one place for a long time, a solid “pit” will form. Despite this, it is the most productive wood sander that is often used.

Popular eccentric sander models

Manufacturer Model Power Disk Rotation Frequency Platform Oscillation Disk Size Platform Stroke (eccentricity) Price
Makita BO5031 300 watts 12000 rpm 24000 rpm 125 mm 2.8 mm 90-120
Makita BO5041 300 watts 12000 rpm 24000 rpm 125 mm 3 mm 100-200
Metabo SXE 450 TurboTec 350 watts 13100 rpm 8500 rpm 150 mm 6.2 mm 185-220
Bosch GEX 150 AC 340 watts 12000 rpm 24000 rpm 150 mm 4 mm 175-220
Bosch GEX 125-1 AE Box 250 watts 12000 rpm 24000 rpm 125 mm 2.5 mm 70-90

Vibrating

The sole of the vibration sander can be rectangular or triangular. During operation, it makes circular movements with a small amplitude. it vibrates, which gave the name to this type of equipment. This wood sander is used for fine finishing. for varnishing or painting, but has a low performance.

A vibrating sander for wood with a rectangular surface allows you to process large areas, but with its help it is not possible to sand wood near vertical planes and walls. it starts to beat against an obstacle. Triangular in this regard is more suitable for working in corners and hard-to-reach places, but you still cannot bring it tightly to the wall.

The vibrating machine is used for finishing

Another disadvantage of vibrating systems is the so-called “lambs”. If a grain of sand or other solid fragment gets under the surface, it leaves small circles on the wood. “lambs”. Removing these marks is difficult. It is necessary to use sandpaper of increasingly fine grain, gradually removing scratches. But if in the process something gets under the sole again, the process is repeated again. Therefore, before work, the surface is thoroughly cleaned and the plyosos is usually connected. for quick and timely removal of extraneous fragments.

Orbital (eccentric)

The orbital sander for wood has a round sole with Velcro, on which sandpaper discs are attached. The discs are the same as for the grinder, so they are interchangeable. There are holes in the sole of the machine to remove dust. Dust is collected in a bag, cassette-type container, almost all models allow you to connect a construction vacuum cleaner.

The eccentric sander allows for the processing of curved surfaces

The work of an eccentric sander for wood is based on the simultaneous rotation and movement back and forth (reciprocating movements). This achieves a good enough speed for intermediate and finishing wood processing. When working with this type of grinder, the platform moves in a spiral or orbit. Therefore, this tool is also called orbital grinders.

Eccentric sanders are good for curved or profiled surfaces. the machine is light in weight, makes little noise, is easy to control, the angle of the disc can be used to reach grooves, scraps, etc. With all this, she also handles large planes at a good pace. When installing coarse sandpaper, it can be used for coarse and intermediate sanding. The speed is less than that of the tape, but also quite acceptable. There are such machines with different radius of movement (eccentricity). from 3 to 8 mm. Selecting this parameter and determine the main purpose (more on this below).

There are small and compact, there are powerful, decent dimensions

The disadvantages of this type of machines are the impossibility of processing in the corners. The round platform is simply not included there. Also, there is a zone of uncertain polishing at the edges. it will not be possible to polish close to a wall or a vertical surface.

How to choose a sander for wood

On the farm, you often have to grind something, clean off the old paintwork. Most of the work is with wood. Few manufacturers sell perfect pieces. Perhaps a carpenter. And if there are perfectly processed boards, then their price is such that you will inevitably want to polish them yourself. Even taking into account the fact that the work is boring and uninteresting. Therefore, a wood sander is one of the tools that should be in the home arsenal.

General selection options

Although wood sanders differ, there are general points to consider when choosing. Here they are:

  • Power consumption. It is a proxy indicator of performance. The smallest power sander for wood has a power of 120 W, the most powerful. about 1.2 kW. But the power also depends on the type, so the belt is usually more powerful, because it takes more effort to stretch the belt, and also energy is spent on the operation of the compressor, which removes dust from the working area. So the power of the grinder should be compared for the same type of model, but not for different.
  • Cord length. Everything is simple here. The longer the cord, the more mobile the tool is.
  • The presence of rubber pads on the handles. They contribute to a more comfortable grip on equipment. The handles should fit well in the hand.

Vacuum cleaner connection

The speed regulator is located on the handle

These are general points to pay attention to. Now about what is important for different types of grinding machines.

Tape

When choosing belt grinding, you need to look at the following parameters:

    Length and width of the tape. Belt width. from 6 mm to 100 mm. A narrow blade can handle small parts, a wide blade increases productivity. The length of the tape depends on the model. It is clear that the longer the tape, the longer it works without replacement. When buying a second belt sander, try to find a model with the same length. fewer consumables are required.

The width of the tape can be different

Additional handle allows for tighter control of the tool

You also need to pay attention to how convenient it is to change the tape. There are also models that allow you to quickly change the brushes. Sometimes spare brushes are even included.

Orbital sander

Orbital sander, or in other words eccentric, is equipped with a round base. The attachment of the grinding element (wheel) is carried out with Velcro. The work process is carried out in two ways.

  • By rotating around an axis.
  • Orbiting.

Dust removal in such models is carried out through special holes located in the sole and in the grinding wheel itself. To collect dust, you must use a special container. Or use a vacuum cleaner.

Please note that this type of grinding tool is designed to perform grinding as well as polishing at a very high level.

Vibrating version of the grinder

The grinding speed of a vibration machine directly depends on the area of ​​the working surface.

One of the important criteria when buying this type of grinder is the area (size) of the working surface. The speed of grinding will directly depend on this indicator. The standard shape of the sole of these models has the appearance of a rectangle.

But there are also tools in which you can replace the rectangular sole with a triangular one. This property of the grinder allows you to easily process surfaces of an angular nature and limited space.

Another important indicator is the travel of the sole (platform). The speed at which it moves affects the length of the sanding process. These models offer three basic options for attaching the sanding sheet. These are: the so-called Velcro, clamp and combined version, including the first and second method.

The fastest and easiest is the fastening called Velcro. But the clamping option will allow you to mount exactly the size that you yourself have chosen.

A device such as a speed regulator allows you to independently control this indicator, choosing the desired grinding mode for each type of work.

Like belt models of grinders, vibration ones for the most part have a device for connecting to a vacuum cleaner. It allows you to improve the quality of the dust collection procedure.

In addition to the above possibilities, careful collection of dust particles will significantly extend the life of your grinding tool. As for the container for collecting dust, it is made either from fabric or from plastic. If this is a plastic version, then it is also equipped with a paper filter. Experts believe that a plastic dust collector meets higher requirements and is the most practical option.

A delta sander is essential for working in hard-to-reach, narrow places and corners.

If you have never worked with a sander before, you can choose the option equipped with a device that beeps if there is an increase in pressure on the tool. Such a system will help an inexperienced worker eliminate possible damage to the treated surface. Please note that with this option, the degree of processing quality decreases, and there is also a real threat of damage to the machine itself.

Like any other electric tool, a sander has a certain amount of power. The difference between the models within 20 W will practically not affect the work, but a more significant gap in the power values ​​will already be noticeable. The more power, the more reliable the power tool. The ergonomic side of the sander is also not in the last place. Convenience and comfort during work will depend on it.

A type of vibration sander is a delta sander. This grinder model is a kind of vibration options. Its sole has a triangular shape, resembling in its appearance an iron.

It is a more convenient tool for carrying out work in hard-to-reach places. With regard to its choice, in the purchase process it is necessary to evaluate the same criteria as when purchasing a standard vibration sander.

  • Belt Sanders
  • Some features
  • Vibrating grinder
  • Orbital sander
  • A little about safe work
  • Types of grinders: professional or household?

One of the types of grinders is orbital. It is designed for high-level precision work and will suit the true master of his craft.

Belt Sanders

Let’s start with a grinder model, which is a variant of a band tool.

Draw frame grinds the surface with a rotating belt at the base of the machine.

Professionals believe that these are quite powerful units in the field of grinding work.

  • Using such a tool, you can effectively, easily and, most importantly, quickly be able to process a large wooden surface.
  • The quality of removal of the top layer is at a high level, the treated surface acquires a perfectly smooth appearance. This type of tool belongs to the category of industrial machines, their use can significantly reduce the processing time.
  • It will not be easy for an inexperienced master to cope with this grinder, since its use requires a certain skill and at least a little experience. When you start work for the first time, you can get a damaged surface instead of saving time.
  • Where does the name belt sander come from? The definition of “tape” is due to the design features of the tool. In more detail, its constituent parts are two rollers, one of which acts as a slave, the other as a master.

    As a result of their movement, the tape attached to the sole rotates. If you choose a cheaper model, then the sole of such a tool will most likely be made of magnesium, more precisely, its alloy. But the more famous and expensive models of grinders, complete with a sole, have a backing, the task of which is to control the uniform pressing of the belt.

    Grinder belts are available in different grit sizes, which allows you to choose a belt for a specific type of surface.

    Another important characteristic of grinders is the speed of work. It directly depends on the power of the tool. Belt sanders are available in different power ratings, from a minimum of 500 W to a maximum of 1200 W. In this case, the belt speed varies from 75 to 500 m / min. Most manufacturers equip their models with a belt speed controller.

    Now let’s talk about such a factor as the width and length of the sander belt. The capabilities of the tool will directly depend on this parameter.

    • The longer and wider the belt of the grinder, the more functional it is, but at the same time its weight category and dimensions increase.
    • When choosing this or that tool, it is very important to pay attention to the indicators of the size of the tape, since due to inexperience you can purchase the so-called slow-moving specimens.
    • When it comes to tape grain, there are also several options. To work with the sander is enjoyable and bring decent results, you need to acquire various types of belts, suitable for both rough and fine sanding.

    What sander to choose for wood: types, features

    Every man needs a wood sander at least once in his life. Of course, if repair is a very distant concept for you, then you will hardly ever need a sander. But a real master, accustomed to doing everything with his own hands, this tool is simply necessary.

    A little about safe work

    We can assume that the model of a belt sander has a good level of safety, but this fact does not exclude compliance with some rules when working with it.

    If you are concerned about your health, always wear protective equipment such as earmuffs when operating your sander. They limit your hearing from the loud sounds of a working instrument.

    A respirator or mask is required for safe working with a grinder, and safety glasses are required for working with metal.

    Another security detail is very important. This is a respirator or mask. Since a lot of dust is emitted during this work, a high-quality mask can reliably protect your respiratory organs from its negative effects. In addition to the fact that it is necessary to work in a mask, it is not recommended to remove it until you get rid of the dust accumulated in the dust container.

    Do not forget that all manipulations with an electric tool can be carried out only after disconnecting it from the mains. This also applies to grinding machines, so changing the belt or cleaning the dust container can only be done after the tool is de-energized.

    Using a sander on a metal surface is acceptable, but it is necessary to clean the area around from flammable materials. This is important because the tool can spark when working with metal.

    Switching the power tool on and off must also be done very carefully. It is for safety reasons that grinders are equipped with a device responsible for blocking.

    Some features

    You can evaluate the quality of a belt for a sander by the following criteria: a high degree of elasticity, the edge of the belt on both sides is even (straight), and the joints are without irregularities and are very strong. If all these characteristics are suitable for the tape you have chosen, then its quality is at a good level.

    Belt models of grinders in their design have a device that allows you to collect dust during operation.

    It is usually located on the shaft of the motor (engine).

    The sawdust bag helps keep the machine clean and prevents dust particles from entering the machine.

    Through a special gap, dust particles enter the bag designed for this purpose. In addition, some types of grinders are also equipped with a branch pipe. With its help, the vacuum cleaner is connected, in this case, dust collection will be the most effective.

    If, when choosing, you notice that the pipe is not the same size as the hose of your vacuum cleaner, then you should not be upset. This fact cannot be a reason for refusing to buy a model you like. The problem is solved quite simply. You just need to purchase a special adapter, and if you want to make it yourself.

    If you have to work with large workpieces, then you should look for a model equipped with a special stationary installation. This option will greatly facilitate the work with the sander.

    For those who have no experience with this kind of tool, models that have a frame in their design that control the depth of grinding are suitable.

    And the version of a belt sander, the sides of which have a flat design, allows you to perform grinding work close (almost close) to the wall.

    If you need a sander to work on small surfaces, then there is no need to purchase a bulky unit, it is enough to choose a tool equipped with a narrow belt. Its small weight and dimensions determine its common name. an electric file.

    it should be noted that the work of a belt sander is performed in one direction.

    Types of grinders: professional or household?

    As for professional models of grinding machines, their main purpose is constant, long-term and uninterrupted work. The tool of the professional category is more reliable, only high quality materials are used in its production, the same applies to the electronic filling of the grinder.

    The power of a professional tool is very high and the dimensions are impressive. Naturally, with all these qualities, the cost of a power tool is also inaccessible for a home craftsman.

    Grinding machines for domestic use are suitable for work that is needed only occasionally, not constantly. The working time that they can withstand easily and without harm to their condition is approximately 20 hours per month.

    Since the power of these models is not great, the performance is kept at the same level. not very high. The advantage of household options is their weight category and compactness, which means more convenient and comfortable work.

    During the day, a household grinder can work for about 3 hours, no more. And one more thing: after working for 15 minutes, you need to take a short break. It is necessary for the machine to cool down.

    Despite their characteristics, household grinders are considered the most acceptable option for home use. If you do not have to work on a grandiose scale, then the acquisition of an expensive professional tool will be inappropriate.

    Wood is perhaps the most used building material. However, its surface processing by hand is a complex matter (despite its pliability), requiring.

    Sanding is a mandatory procedure to give the parquet a presentable look. With its help, you can level the wooden surface, clean out scratches and.

    The correct name for this power tool is an angle grinder, in common parlance. a grinder. Such a tool will not be superfluous in any home. After all.

    The use of grinders in furniture production

    Grinding machines are especially widely used in the furniture industry to give parts the necessary shapes and a smooth surface.

    After cutting out the contours of the part using a saw tool, usually a jigsaw, the surface of the workpiece is processed using a belt sander.

    However, such a tool is only suitable for roughing operations and does not allow achieving high surface quality in corners and niches. Therefore, for finishing, experts in furniture production use the so-called “irons” or vibration grinders.

    Due to their compact size and light weight, such devices are quite maneuverable, which allows you to get into the most difficult-to-reach places. But let’s talk about everything in order.

    Before choosing a grinder, you need to decide on the scope of its application. It depends on this what equipment you need and what characteristics you should pay attention to.

    In order to help you make the right choice, we will tell you about the types of such equipment, its area of ​​application and some features.

    Types of grinders

    Depending on the design, the nature of the surface to be treated, the principle of operation and the final result of the work, the following types of grinders are distinguished:

    • corner;
    • straight;
    • tape;
    • brush;
    • vibration grinders.

    Let’s look at each of these types in more detail.

    How to choose the right sander for your DIY project

    Which sander to choose. professional or household?

    A feature of this type of professional equipment is the high quality of components and assemblies.

    Thanks to this, as well as the robust design of the case, the professional grinders are designed for tough operating conditions. In addition, this class of tools differs from household equipment in a higher degree of wear resistance, large dimensions, weight and price.

    Household models of grinders will appeal to those who wish to purchase a quality tool at an affordable price. However, it is not possible to use such equipment in an intensive mode.

    When using grinders of this category, you should take a short break every 15 minutes of operation.

    This is necessary in order for the electric motor of the device to cool down.

    In addition to the price, the advantages of such a tool include low weight and convenient body design.

    Now that you know about some of the features of grinders, let’s look at their types, as well as the technological and design features of each of them.

    Vibration grinders

    Such equipment has a flat work surface that reciprocates in a horizontal plane. In this case, the amplitude of such movements is minimal, but the speed is maximum.

    The process of grinding the surface to be treated is carried out using a sandpaper, fixed on the sole with Velcro or fasteners.

    Such devices are equipped with an engine with a power of up to 600 watts, due to which they have a low weight and fairly good maneuverability.

    High quality of processing is achieved due to the fact that the presence of a fine-pored polymer lining of the sole ensures the most tight fit of the sanding cloth to the treated surface.

    The lower two types are not used in the production of furniture, but we could not miss them in this review.

    Belt Sanders

    Belt sanders are often chosen for professional or household processing of furniture products. The working tool, in this case, is an abrasive belt stretched between two rollers.

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    The weight of the belt sander can vary from three to five kilograms, and the power of the electric motor is from 650 to 1200 watts.

    The main advantage of belt sanders is a wide working surface, that is, the width of the belt.

    This indicator can be from 75 to 100 millimeters, which allows you to shoot up to fifteen grams of the processed material in one pass.

    Use a belt sander for roughing large wood, concrete, metal or plastic surfaces. Also, with the help of such a device, you can perform peeling or stripping operations.

    In case it is necessary to process a small-sized part, some models of these grinders provide the possibility of stationary installation.

    Brush

    Brush grinders are equipped with only one roller, on which a mesh made of metal or nylon is put on.

    Typically, this equipment is used to remove a layer of paint or iron oxide from a metal or wood surface.

    Also, such a sander is used to structure wood.

    Angle grinders

    Angle grinders, popularly “grinders”, can be distinguished into a separate class, since with the help of them you can not only grind various surfaces, but also cut materials such as: metal, stone and concrete.

    Despite this feature, angle grinder is not suitable for wood processing due to its low density.

    Also, the advantages of such equipment over other grinders are the ability to install various attachments, a relatively low weight (up to five kilograms) and a high reliability.