What is the difference between a belt sander and an orbital sander

A more economical alternative includes sanders that use clamps to hold the sandpaper to the sanding pad. For this type of sander, standard sheet sandpaper can be used after it is cut to size. For more information on the different types of sandpaper and coarseness grades, see our frequently asked questions for this video.

So there you have it. Now you have the confidence to take on any do-it-yourself project that requires sanding. And everything will go smoothly because you know how to choose the right sanding equipment for the application. Do you think that it is unrealistic to have a rest during your student years? Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me.

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The article you have shared here very good. This is really interesting information for me. Thanks for sharing! Your email address will not be published. Palm sanders, also known as finish sanders, move the pad in small, circular orbits. It is crucial to belt-sand with the wood grain rather than across it. It is essential to size your belt sander to fit your needs. Here are three popular belt sanders:. If you ask most experienced woodworkers what electric sander they would choose if they could only pick one, they would probably say a random orbital sander.

That is because random orbital sanders are so versatile. These power tools will not remove wood as savagely as a belt sander, but they will polish a woodwork piece to nearly the same gleam as a fine finishing sander. Random orbital sanders are close cousins to regular orbital finishing sanders. There are two distinct differences, however. While regular sheet-stock or quarter-sheet sanders sand in a predictable orbiting pattern, random orbital sanders oscillate in a non-predictable or random motion.

The beauty of a random orbital sander is that it leaves virtually no scratch marks, which are common signatures regular orbital finishing sanders leave behind. The other separation between random orbital sanders and their regular relative is the abrasive paper shape. Most random orbital sandpaper discs are 5 in diameter , but there are some 6" diameter discs on the market as well.

You would make the best use of a random orbital sander in large-area pieces. This might be flat panels on cabinets or stocky legs on furniture. Random orbital sanders are the perfect intermediary on projects where belt sanders are too rambunctious and small finishing sanders are too passive. Another advantage of random orbital sanders is their one-handed operation, as opposed to requiring both hands as belt sanders do. Here are three popular random orbital sanders:.

Disc sanders cover a wide range of uses. There are several different disc sander models and configurations, but all have a common denominator: the disc-shaped abrasive surface that gives the sander its distinctive look. While random orbital sanders are all disc sanders, not all disc sanders have random orbital motion capability. Some disc sanders have non-orbital sanding faces that spin in a fixed motion.

These sanders are best for rougher work where a lot of material needs removal before moving on to a finer surface. Stripping paint from old furniture is a good example of what regular disc sanders do well. One model type called an angle grinder or right-angle disc sander lets you sand areas otherwise impossible for larger and bulky power tools like belt sanders.

Large disc sanders normally require two-handed operation. Smaller disc sanders are easy to control with one hand while the other remains free to grip the work.

Disc sanders can be corded or rely on power from rechargeable batteries. Here are three examples of excellent electric disc sanders suitable for woodwork:. For fine finishing work on whatever wood projects you build, you will need a proper finishing sander.

There are some tasks belt, disc or random orbital sanders cannot achieve. When it is time to put on a high-polished look, you will have to make sure your sanding is as smooth as possible. You will get that with a quality finishing sander. As with the other sanders, today you have a reliable choice between the corded electric tools and cordless finishing sanders.

You also have an excellent selection of top-quality brand names like Milwaukee, Bosch, Dewalt and Makita to chooe from. No matter what type or quality brand you choose in a finishing sander, they will all have similar features. True finishing sanders have a square or rectangular sanding pad. You can quickly change grits or sandpaper compositions with the snap of your fingers. You can also select between in-line action and orbital motion. Here are three good choices for electric finishing sanders:.

No electric wood sander, regardless of make or action, can work without sandpaper. As with the quality of your power tools, you get what you pay for with sandpaper. Abrasives, of which sandpaper is part of the family, have unique terminology and ratings. Here are the basics of what you need to know about sandpaper and other abrasives.

In that case, selecting the right sandpaper is crucial. So is having a hand-saving rubber sanding block. What about dust? Any kind of sander generates a lot of it, and it can be harmful to breathe it in. An orbital sander will usually have some kind of dust collection system. Passive dust collection usually consists of a dust collection bag which will collect the sawdust as you go.

A good orbital sander will have filters and sealed switches, too. This prevents dust from entering the mechanism of the tool, shortening its life span. A random orbit sander is slightly different than regular orbital sanders. They use a circular sanding pad instead of a square one, and the movement is different — a random orbit sander spins and rotates at the same time, to reduce marks on the finished product.

A finishing sander is a much smaller, lighter tool. Makita makes great-looking, reliable tools. This random orbital sander is no exception. It has variable speed control, which is great. If you want a random orbital sander, this could be a great choice for you. A belt sander looks different to an orbital sander. They consist of an electric motor, which turns a pair of drums, to which is attached a loop of sandpaper.

Belt sanders are also powerful, capable of removing a lot of material rapidly and working with large surface areas. A stationary belt sander is usually mounted on a workbench and are known as bench sanders. To use it, you must bring the material to the sander, holding it against the sanding belt as it turns. This is obviously better suited to small pieces of wood. You can use it as a tool sharpener, too, as it can work with metal as well as wood.

A handheld belt sander is, as the name suggests, a bit more portable. You use two hands — one on the trigger, and the other on the forward handle. You can then gently ease the sander down. The higher the number, the faster it can spin. Again, a variable speed belt sander is great if you want to switch up the speed for different tasks. Belt sanders are incredibly powerful. Power is measured in amps, and they usually have around amp motor. The more powerful, the tougher the wood the machine can work with, and the faster it can work.

You have to be careful when using a belt sander, as they have a high amount of torque the force used to turn the belt.

Unlike orbital sanders, a belt sander uses a loop of sandpaper. The most common size is a 3-in. Wide sanding belt — these are the most versatile. The smaller the loop, the smaller and lighter the tool, which is good for smaller tasks. The larger you go, the bigger the surface area you can work with — this is great if you have large pieces of wood to work with. Belts can be made from aluminum oxide or zirconia these are sharper and tougher and tend to last longer.

By changing the grit, you can vary the use of your belt sander. A coarser grit is great for quickly removing layers of material or removing varnish or stains. Like orbital sanders, belt sanders create a lot of dust. Some belt sanders come with a dust collection bag, which simply collects the dust into one place.