The Difference Between A Grinding Machine And A Polishing Machine

Product catalog Product catalog Grinding machines. Part 2: Orbital sanders, delta sanders, orbital or eccentric sanders, polishers In the previous article on

Grinding machines.

In the previous article on grinders, the story was about angle and belt grinders. Today it’s time to talk about the rest of the species.

Vibrating grinders.

The use of these machines is associated with finishing work on various surfaces, from wood to metal. Oscillating sanders are used in a wide range of works thanks to sanding sheets with different grain sizes.

Principle of operation: vibration of the grinding plate, provided by the rotation of the eccentric, which is attached to the motor shaft. The rectangular base plate makes it possible to machine large areas.

There are two ways of attaching sanding sheets to the surface of the base plate: either with clamping levers, or with Velcro, if there is a replaceable sanding plate, then both methods can be used.

The main technical characteristic is power: power from 160 to 600 W. Other important features:

Delta sanders

The principle of operation of these machines is similar to that of vibration machines. They differ only in the special shape of the sanding plate, which allows surface treatment in hard-to-reach places. Delta sanders are mainly used in restoration work: window frames, old furniture, blinds.

The power of such machines ranges from 100-280 W, the engine rotation speed can also be adjusted, and they are equipped with the ability to remove dust. But the possibility of attaching a sanding belt is only one velcro. Some models are equipped with the possibility of full use of sanding paper, thanks to the rotation of the sanding plate by 120. Delta sanders use not only sanding sheets, but also sheets of other materials. For example. From cleaning cloths, using which you can remove rust, structure small and hard-to-reach areas of wooden frames, matt varnish. For attachments assembled from plates, even the narrowest slots do not interfere. Round and concave shapes can be machined with flat or oval tongue sanding plates.

Orbital or eccentric grinders.

They are used in a very wide range of works. The fact is that they are distinguished from other types of grinders by one feature: two types of movement of the grinding plates are used in the work: eccentric movement and rotation. Thus, the sanding is very fine and without scratches, although the removal rate is quite high. Some models are equipped with a circular sanding plate (or sanding pad), which makes it possible to process convex and concave surfaces. The power consumption of such machines is from 155 to 400 watts. As with other types of grinders, the motor speed (and, accordingly, the processing speed) is regulated and the possibility of dust removal through the holes in the sanding sheets is provided. The additional handle makes the work more convenient. Some models have a braking system that noticeably softens the jerk when starting. In other models, a smooth acceleration system is built in.

For orbital sanders, webs of various grain sizes are produced, giving ample opportunities for processing various materials; grinding cloths designed for matting varnishes and cleaning metals from rust; wool caps and polishing pads for glossing delicate surfaces. The method of attaching any kind of canvas is Velcro.

This type of grinder is similar in design to angle grinders or grinders, but unlike the latter, it has a lower speed and higher torque. Polishing grinders, as the name suggests, are used for polishing and grinding surfaces of various types: ceramic, wood, metal and others. Some models are equipped with a speed control system and stabilization of turns under load. The arcuate handle above the gearbox makes the work more convenient.

Types of parquet grinders and their features

Parquet grinders or scraper machines run exclusively on electricity, so the main sanding work is done in residential premises. Electric motors installed on the scraper have low grinding noise and do not emit carbon dioxide, unlike gasoline engines.

Scrapers for rent are divided into:

Drum. This type of machine includes the SO-206 parquet grinder, and it is worth noting that it requires some experience and skills to work with it. Sanding takes place with sandpaper, which is fixed on the drum of the machine. For the inexperienced, it will be difficult for the user to cut the sandpaper to the size of the drum and fix it correctly;
Tape. Very similar to drums, but the main difference is the easy installation of sanding paper. These machines include the Hummel Lagler or CO-301. Sanding takes place with the help of a continuous glued tape, which processes the surface better and is very easy to install in the machine. Renting a parquet grinder of this type is suitable primarily for those who are faced with such work for the first time, since the ease of operation and the quality of grinding are at the highest level;
Surface grinding. These machines are used on smoother wooden surfaces. Grinding is done by rotating the emery disc parallel to the plane being processed. It is best used in the final stages of sanding after drum or belt sanding. A surface grinder for rent will allow you to remove minimal irregularities and drops, wood pile that appears during grinding and the first opening with varnish of the floor covering. The disadvantage of such machines is the high cost of grinding discs.

Also, for sanding the floor in hard-to-reach places, you will need to rent a belt sander, and after opening the parquet with varnish, renting a polishing machine will help give the floor a perfect shine and uniform color.

Types of parquet grinders and their features

Scrapers for rent are divided into:

Drum. This type of machine includes the SO-206 parquet grinder, and it is worth noting that it requires some experience and skills to work with it. Sanding takes place with sandpaper, which is fixed on the drum of the machine. For the inexperienced, it will be difficult for the user to cut the sandpaper to the size of the drum and fix it correctly;
Tape. Very similar to drums, but the main difference is the easy installation of sanding paper. These machines include the Hummel Lagler or CO-301. Sanding takes place with the help of a continuous glued tape, which processes the surface better and is very easy to install in the machine. Renting a parquet grinder of this type is suitable primarily for those who are faced with such work for the first time, since the ease of operation and the quality of grinding are at the highest level;
Surface grinding. These machines are used on smoother wood surfaces. Grinding is done by rotating the emery disc parallel to the plane being processed. It is best used in the final stages of sanding after drum or belt sanding. A surface grinder for rent will allow you to remove minimal irregularities and drops, wood pile that appears during grinding and the first opening with varnish of the floor covering. The disadvantage of such machines is the high cost of grinding discs.

Polishing sander is a 2-in-1 tool efficient?

A polishing sander must process surfaces made of metal or wood, often these are the tools used for cars in order to bring the paintwork of the body into shape. What else is she capable of?

Grinder for polishing choose a reliable unit

When choosing a grinder for polishing, tool power is important. At high power, you can work for a long time and, moreover, without interruption. Also, high power helps maintain high speed. The diameter of the discs is also of great importance. Typically, standard tools have it from 175 to 230 mm. If the model has a disc with a slightly larger diameter, then it is better not to use it. The number of revolutions when working on this tool is also important, if there is a speed switch function, then the polishing quality will be much higher.

We will try to figure out how to choose the right polishing grinder. As a rule, the quality of a tool can be determined by price. The higher the cost, the more functions the grinder has and the higher the power. Modern models are available in power from 800 to 2500 watts. The performance and quality of work depends on the power. Pay attention to the number of revolutions. The maximum value usually reaches up to 10,000 rpm.

The most convenient are polishing grinders with an installed automatic speed controller, because this will help stabilize the speed. By pressing on the polished surface, you automatically reduce the speed of rotation of the disc, the regulator will not allow this to happen. If you adjust this manually during operation, then an additional load on the tool is created. Over, with manual adjustment, it is not possible to correctly calculate the required disk rotation speed and polishing intensity. All this will not have a very good effect on the surface paintwork.

Performance also depends on the size of the discs, on average, they range from 145 to 300 mm. Small discs are used if you need to process small parts, well, and large discs are suitable for processing large surfaces. Manufacturers have recently added additional features to their tools. Often on modern models you can see automatic soft start and spindle locking. If there is a blocking of the spindles, then you can always conveniently and quickly change the attachments, and with such work, you do not need to press the power buttons. With a smooth descent, the jerk will be much softer each time the engine is started. And this will not only help to reduce the load on the network, but also significantly extend the operational life.

What is the characteristic of a pneumatic polisher?

The most commonly used are pneumatic and electric grinders. The work of the pneumatic type of tool is carried out by compressors. Such grinders are the most resistant to different loads, easy to use and not difficult to maintain. Such devices are a bit like pneumatic grinders, and the main difference is the moderate speed of rotation of the working tool. Over, in polishing grinders, the mechanism for adjusting the speeds of rotation is much more stable, moreover, this tool is distinguished by a higher torque.

Modern models of pneumatic polishing machines are equipped with a special speed stabilization system. This is necessary if work is carried out with materials of different nature. The devices are also equipped with special protection, which prevents dust and waste materials from entering the mechanism. This type of tool demonstrates good performance in work, and all thanks to the powerful motor and good stability.

Electric sander polishing and other devices

Electric types of sanders are more compact and lightweight. Working with them, it becomes possible to significantly increase productivity and quality of work. Typically these machines have a powerful motor, electronic power control, multi-position side handle and a 2-pin European type mains plug.

Modern models of polishers are equipped with unique wear-resistant drive mechanisms, thanks to which they provide a high torque of the spindles. The advantage of such tools is that they are the most versatile in use, and there is the possibility of more precise control, and working with grinders of this type can be smoother and more even. As a result, we can say that they are much more convenient to use.

In addition to the main types of this tool, there are grinders for special purposes. Often, professionals in their work use such grinders as belt, vibration or surface grinders, eccentric or orbital, angle grinders or grinders. These types of tools can also be used to process surfaces, level them, but they can only be polished to a high quality. It often happens that in the process of work, various grinders are used, but the final work, that is, polishing, must still be performed with special models. These tools are ideal for basic finishing jobs.

What can a sander with a polishing function do?

The polishing sander easily removes paint and varnish, removes scratches or irregularities from surfaces, it also easily and evenly applies a protective coating. Often, different polishes and attachments are used with this tool. The standard designs of this device consist of the following elements: disc, body, main and auxiliary handles, switch and spindle lock button. For quality work, use additional nozzles. They are usually made of foam or felt.

To make the polishing even and smooth, use the appropriate paste and nozzle, and the process itself takes place in levels. Surface polishing begins with the application of the paste to a special polishing disc. Then, with its help, the paste is carefully spread over the entire surface. Then you need to create a protective coating on the entire surface to be treated with wax. Performing each level, you need to make sure that the remnants of the polish are removed. This process is best known to the body shop workers, where the car polishing sander is the main weapon.

What is it advisable to remember when starting work?

Working with this tool is often more manual, although many techniques are performed automatically. Surface treatment begins with the selection of a suitable disc and the speed of the tool itself, usually up to 1200 or 1500 rpm. The disc is installed and pressed tightly to the surface. Then you need to smoothly move it over the surface. It is important in the process of work to constantly monitor every movement. Remember the following when working with grinders:

If the pressure is uneven, this can affect the quality of the work, since the varnish or paint will be removed in shreds, and in the future the entire surface will be uneven;
Creating strong pressure is also unsafe, because in this way, the paintwork can be severely erased, after which additional multi-layer painting may be required.

Like any electrical tool, the polisher requires respect for the electrical network and should not work near flammable materials, poor or weak (often old) wiring or bare wires. With a long polishing process, sometimes let the tool rest, this will not inject fatigue on individual working units of the structure, extend the service life of the tool, and constant concentration also adds fatigue to you, which can adversely affect the final result.

Glass polishing technology using abrasive grinding and polishing paste

1 1 Glass polishing technology using abrasive grinding and polishing paste Application recommendations The presented technology for removing scratches, deposits and acid stains for various types of glass guarantees a high degree of efficiency, preservation of the optical transparency of the glass and ease of use. Water Use clean tap water when polishing. Attention! Using distilled water does not give the desired effect. Water has two functions at once: it helps the process of grinding and polishing; prevents the glass from heating. A slightly moistened surface is sufficient for the polishing process. Avoid excess water pressure that leads to hydroplaning and can only be compensated for by increasing contact pressure. Thoroughly flush the sanding area between different operations (changing the grit of the grinding wheel, changing to polishing, etc.). Water jets wash away sanding waste from the work area, thus increasing the speed of the process. Clean surface (keep away from dirt and imperfections on the surface) To avoid scratches, keep the equipment and work area clean. Remove any sanding residue from the glass surface before proceeding to the next finer processing step. This will prevent large particles from entering during the fine processing step. To clean the polished surface, use only a clean towel. Remember to remove plaque from the fasteners of the grinding wheels from time to time. Never place the polishing machine with the work surface down! Polishing machine (rpm) Sanding discs Polishing felt wheel Arms for grinding and polishing wheels Polishing powder Protective tape Protective glasses Spray gun 1

2 Basic rules For optimum results, strictly observe the following instructions: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the surface to be treated. Examine the damage on the glass surface carefully. Mark the defect area on the back (inner) side of the glass. All adjacent rubber seals and plastic parts must be sealed with masking tape before starting work to avoid contamination. When using the grinding wheels for the first time, dull the tops of the micropyramids, and also moisten them. Use the center section of the grinding wheels for this purpose. Do not touch the glass surface until the required rotation speed (rpm) of the grinder has been reached. When polishing, try to grab the entire surface to be treated with constant forward movements, in places slightly pressing on the machine. When polishing, do not stop in one place to avoid: overheating of the lens effect. Before stopping the sander, remove it from the glass surface and only then turn it off. Types of damage: Type Examples of damage Depth of scratches Abrasive at the start of treatment Deep scratches Medium scratches Scratches are clearly visible and can be easily identified with a fingernail. Scratches from sanding paper, sinks from air bubbles in the glass. Scratches are visible, but difficult to detect with a fingernail. Scratches from a rough scrubbing sponge or indentation from glowing metal sparks (cutting, grinding). 20µ (0.02 mm) Green 3 Deep scratches After thorough cleaning of the surface, mark the scratches and sanding areas. Place the green grinding wheel on the arbor holder. Blunt the sharp edges of the new sanding disc with the center disc or another sanding disc of the same mark / color, and moisten the sanding surface. Spray a small amount of water onto the glass. Attention! Start polishing the glass surface only after the disc has reached a working speed of 1200 rpm. Avoid putting excessive pressure on the clipper. The angle between the surface of the grinding disc and the surface of the glass should not exceed 5 °. As soon as you touch the surface of the glass, begin to perform progressive Attention! Make sure the scratch is completely removed! After removing scratches, the glass working surface becomes dull (shown below on a green background). Proceed with sanding small scratches to achieve a more even matte finish. Sanding small scratches Use only clean towels to clean the tool and the surface to be treated. After thorough cleaning, mark the scratches (or matte area) on both sides. When working on a matte surface, using a green sanding disc, make the mark approximately 1 cm longer to completely cover the previous sanding area. Use a light blue sanding disc to remove minor scratches. Blunt the sharp edges of the new sanding disc with the center disc or another sanding disc of the same mark / color, and moisten the sanding surface. Spray a small amount of water onto the glass. Attention! Start polishing the glass surface only after the disc has reached a working speed of 1200 rpm. Avoid putting excessive pressure on the clipper. The angle between the surface of the grinding disc and the surface of the glass should not exceed 5 °. As soon as you touch the surface of the glass, begin to perform the translational. Carefully perform the grinding of the marked area. Cover the previously sanded area.

4 Continue sanding until a uniform matt finish appears. When sanding with a finer grit, make sure it is at a 90 ° angle to the sanding surface (1-2). Attention! All defects of the first stage of grinding after the second stage must be completely removed. The haze area should become more uniform. Continue with the ultra-fine scratch sanding procedure for an even more even matte finish. Ultra-fine sanding of scratches (removal of subtle scratches) Use clean towels to clean the instrument and the surface to be treated. After thorough cleaning, mark the scratch (or matte area) on both sides. When working in the matte area using the blue sanding disc, make the mark approximately 1 cm longer to allow you to completely cover the previous sanding area. Use a brown (ginger) sanding disc to remove minor scratches. Blunt down the sharp edges of the new sanding disc using the center disc or another sanding disc of the same mark / color and moisten the sanding surface. Spray a small amount of water onto the glass. Attention! Start working on the glass surface only after the disc reaches 1200 rpm. Do not press excessively on the clipper. The angle between the surface of the grinding disc and the surface of the glass should not exceed 5 °. As soon as you touch the surface of the glass, begin to perform the translational. Carefully perform the grinding of the marked area. Cover the previously sanded area. Continue sanding until a uniform matt finish is achieved. When sanding with a finer grit, make sure it is at a 90 ° angle to the second sanding surface (1-2.) O Caution! All defects remaining after the second stage of grinding, after the third stage, must be completely eliminated. Then proceed to polishing with a glass finishing polishing paste. 4

5 2 Polishing with glass polishing powder Use a glass cleaner to clean the surface to be treated. After thorough cleaning, mark the area with defects (or matte area) on both sides. Attach the felt disc adapter. Use a felt pad to polish small scratches or remove plaque / acid stains. Use a small amount of water to wet the felt pad. Place the felt pad with the marked side on the Velcro adapter. Stir the previously prepared polishing paste thoroughly. Apply approximately 2 dessert spoons of pasta evenly to the felt pad. When the paste is slightly absorbed into the felt, the polishing process can begin. Start working on the glass surface only after reaching the rotation speed of 1200 rpm. As soon as you touch the glass surface, begin to perform translational. From time to time, as the liquid on the glass surface dries, or on the disk, perform additional wetting. Check the result. Polish all matte areas. The direction of polishing does not affect the result. Note that the polishing method using polishing paste takes longer than polishing using grinding wheels. Small debris from the treated surface can penetrate the soft felt disc, thus preventing further scratching. Residual polishing agent can be easily removed with alcohol. It is not recommended to use grinding wheels for the windshield. This can cause a lens effect. The windshield can only be polished with polishing paste. Having no experience in polishing, it is forbidden to start polishing glass on cars, because this can damage the glass. Before polishing cars, you need to learn how to polish glass on some other car glass. Five

6 instructions for polishing the windshield 1 We clean the glass, assess the damage, the size of the polishing, the cost of work: 5 When the glass is heated and the paste dries (visually visible), we cool the glass, wetting it with water: Then we continue to polish. 2 Wet the felt wheel, apply a little polishing paste on the wheel: 6 If necessary (slightly polishes, a small amount of polishing paste at the polishing point), add more polishing paste. We continue to polish. 7 Pre-smear the paste with a felt circle on the glass: 4 Finish polishing when the desired effect is achieved. Wash the glass: 8 Start polishing by constantly slowly moving the polishing machine over the glass: Polishing results: The windshield polishing result can be assessed by the following pictures: Repeat cycle 2-5 until the desired effect is achieved. The polishing time was about minutes. Polishing was carried out only with InS-Polish polishing paste and felt discs from M. IMPORTANT: when polishing glasses, it must be borne in mind that the polishing speed depends very much on the glass you are polishing. Because glasses are harder and less hard to say unequivocally how long it will take to polish this or that glass is impossible. It does not depend on the price of the car or on its year of manufacture, but depends solely on the GLASS that is installed on it. On average, the glass polishing time ranges from 50 minutes to hours. 6

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