The final stage in the preparation of building materials or finalization of the structure is often accompanied by surface cleaning. Grinding and polishing operations provide a decorative effect, remove foreign layers, and, if necessary, change the shape of the product in accordance with the requirements. The simplest tasks of this kind can be solved with improvised abrasives like a file or sandpaper, but for complex deep refinement, you will need a grinder, which is available on the construction equipment market in different versions.
Angle grinders (angle grinders)
Also known as "Bulgarian" - it is widely used, serves as a universal assistant in private households, and in productive versions with a powerful engine is capable of performing complex professional operations. The body of the tool has a cylindrical shape, which facilitates physical manipulations with the structure. Somemodels allow the possibility of lateral integration of an additional handle for power support of the tool.
The working part is a mount for disc attachments. In standard versions, the angle grinder is equipped with abrasive discs for cutting hard metal, ceramic and even stone. Polishing work on cleaning surfaces is carried out with brush nozzles, which, unlike cutting discs, are mounted on the unit spindle, but are not fixed with a clamping nut with a flange. The high power and design features of the angle grinder allow it to be used in finishing and installation work.
Orbital sanders
The design of this device directly goes into the working disk, which in the process of work makes not only a circular, but a reciprocating motion. This orbital rotation feature improves grinding efficiency and polishing accuracy. As the reviews show, after processing there are no even the smallest traces of abrasive action, as, for example, in the case of angle grinders. Fixation of round discs is made on the sole of the machine.
Working equipment is a small-format consumable, which also distinguishes it from discs for the grinder. This is a more delicate abrasive in terms of mechanical impact, which is not suitable for rough cleaning, but does a good job of polishing. When choosing an orbital sander, it is important to keep in mind that the attachment can be directly fastened with Velcro or a clip. If during processing it is planneduse several different types of circles with quick replacement, it is better to choose Velcro. The clip, in turn, benefits from a more affordable price and versatility in terms of compatibility with different types of nozzles.
Belt sanders
The body shapes of the models of this group may be different, but all of them provide for the presence of a wide sole in the design, on which the abrasive material is mounted. This is the tape, which in the process of movement has a mechanical effect on the workpiece. As a rule, the working sole is oriented downwards - the center of gravity of the tool is also directed to it, which minimizes physical effort on the part of the user.
The operator can machine surfaces horizontally and vertically by changing the configuration of the handles accordingly. As for the intended purpose, the belt sander effectively removes excess layers of wood, plastic and even metal blanks. By picking up a coarse-grained tape, you can also clean the walls, eliminating old paint, putty or wallpaper.
Brush grinder
Lightweight unit with a cylindrical body-handle, the working part of which is represented by an abrasive roller. The consumable in this case is a rotating roller with a bristly granular surface. During operation, the user is practically not required to exert pressure on the tool, which greatly facilitates the process. Two handles are provided for guiding.
The nature of the mechanical action will bedepend on the selected roller type. There are composite, felt, corundum, nylon and metal brushes for processing different surfaces. For example, wood brush sanders are used to finish flooring. An ordinary board is not only leveled and cleaned, but also acquires a decorative effect of aging. It is achieved by carefully stripping the wood structure, which reveals the pure texture of the material.
Vibratory grinder
A feature of this tool is the presence of a soft base in the form of a tile that reciprocates. Plus, the working sole through the eccentric mechanism can perform circular rotation at high speed with the effect of vibration. As a result, a greater productivity of mechanical action is achieved, which makes it possible to service surfaces made of solid materials. So, if you need a grinder for walls, then a vibration unit can be suitable as a tool for cleaning concrete or brick for further priming. This equipment is also used in bodywork at auto repair shops. When properly set up, the machine will provide a fine finish on soft metal.
Delta grinders
Unlike all previous models, this tool has the smallest working surface. It is represented by a triangular sole that oscillates at high speeds. Also, the body is small, so the operator can easily guide the device inhard-to-reach areas. As a nozzle on the sole, abrasive sheets and plates of varying degrees of grain size and shape are used.
The main consumable is often felt, and a special one for delicate polishing. The design features of this type of grinder determined the scope of its application. It is optimally suited for precise work with small parts or surfaces that are in hard-to-reach places. Small and manoeuvrable body allows precise handling in narrow spaces.
Machine performance
When choosing, two main parameters should be taken into account - power and rotational speed of the working equipment. In terms of power, it is worth designating the average range from 200 to 1500 watts. The aforementioned delta grinder has the smallest power potential, which is due to the small dimensions of the structure. To work with large areas and high mechanical impact, you will need a powerful tool, which is represented by angle grinders. The power potential of such a device on average varies from 1000 to 1500 W or more.
The speed of the nozzle determines with what material and for what type of grinding the tool can be used. The number of revolutions or oscillations varies from 0 to 12,000 per minute. Here you need to understand that low speeds are more suitable for soft material. In particular, a wood orbital sander with a felt wheel will be used at 4000-6000 rpm. A high speed is suitable for stripping or changing the shape of hardblanks.
Functional support
A set of additional options in the end can determine the quality of the processing result, as well as improve ergonomics and safety when handling the machine. At the basic level, it is worth considering the presence of a soft start system, setting the speed and balancing the nozzle. If you plan to use a high performance tool, then it is desirable to take into account the function of maintaining a certain number of revolutions under load. The electronic system will automatically control peak rotation, eliminating the risk of overload and overheating.
No less important in the management of the grinder and safety mechanisms. These include locking the start button, rubberized pads on the body, systems to prevent equipment from getting stuck in the target material, etc.
Reviews of Bosch models
One of the leaders in the segment, offering reliable, durable and functional devices. Users, for example, note the durability and safety of grinders from this company. Especially vibrating models have proven themselves, which perform high-quality fine finishing of wood and plastic. Separately, users praise the integration of new technologies. So, models with the Easy-Fit system allow you to quickly replace equipment, and with the help of the Constant Electronic speed controller, you can fine-tune the operating mode of the grinder. Reviews criticizing this product mainly note the high cost of the tool. Evencompact low-power Bosch devices are available for at least 3-5 thousand rubles.
Reviews of Makita models
Japanese grinding equipment is also famous for its high-quality element base and high service life. In the domestic sphere, tools for stripping walls and woodworking are in great demand. Also, users of the Makita grinder of the grinder type indicate an organic combination of high performance and ergonomic properties. These are low-noise, lightweight and functional devices, which are also provided with double insulation and convenient nozzle change mechanisms. Sanders of this brand support work with abrasive belts, discs, brushes and sanding paper.
Reviews of Metabo models
Another German manufacturer of power tools, which is familiar to Russian builders for high-quality eccentric models of grinders. Most of all, users praise the devices of the SX family, which are distinguished by a comfortable grip and reduced vibration transmitted to the hands. From the point of view of the physical handling of equipment in domestic conditions, this is the best offer. At the same time, Metabo grinders do not lose to competitors in terms of power. Thanks to the proprietary TurboBoost system, the power unit delivers high performance that can be connected for complex operations on hard surfaces.
Reviews on domestic grinders
As a one-stop solution forfor household repair operations, many recommend the Caliber UPM-1200/180 apparatus. With a power of 1200 W, the machine optimally copes with cleaning wood and metal surfaces, allowing you to precisely adjust the number of revolutions.
Company "Interskol" offers a belt sander for wood modification "LShM-76/900". As the practice of using this tool shows, it effectively removes paint and varnish coatings, has a leveling effect and, thanks to the built-in dust extractor, leaves a minimum of dirt.
As a low-cost and low-power solution for simple tasks, the model "Whirlwind UShM-115/650" is recommended. This is an angle grinder, the power potential of which is only 650 watts. But this is quite enough for cutting soft metal and grinding wood blanks. And the lack of performance and functionality is compensated by a low price tag of 1.5 thousand rubles.
Conclusion
The finishing process is a wide group of different operations that are combined using one or another abrasive. The characteristics of the power plant, the design of the tool and the configuration of the working equipment together determine what the mechanical effect will be in terms of the degree of pressure, the cleaning depth and the coverage area. For example, an electric grinder with a power of more than 1000 watts may be suitable for rough cleaning of metal and concrete surfaces. Moreover, for soft and fine polishing of plastic or wooden panels, suchthe tool can only be used if there is a speed controller for the initial rotation modes.
And vice versa, it would be advisable to use low-power orbital machines or delta grinders in responsible finishing of surfaces that are being prepared for subsequent leveling or laying decorative material. For such models, it is worthwhile to foresee the possibility of equipping with diverse polishing equipment.
