During the repair, and even during the operation of certain products, it often becomes necessary to bring the surface to a perfectly smooth state. You can do it manually with sandpaper, but it will take a lot of time and effort. To speed up the process, you can use a special power tool - a grinder. These devices are available in several types, have different purposes and are used at different stages of surface treatment.
Belt sander
Woodwork is most often done with a tape machine. This is due to the fact that it is easy to handle such a device: the center of gravity is low, it is easy to change the sanding belt, and the dust is collected in a special bag. Some models provide for connecting a hose from a vacuum cleaner to the device. This is a very convenient method of removing dust. All this allows you to process large surfaces in a short period of time.
A wood grinder can have different power (from 500 to 1200 W) and belt speed (from 75up to 550 m/min). Some models provide for the adjustment of these parameters, which allows you to choose the mode of operation for each surface to be treated and the task to be performed. For beginners, a sanding depth limiter is useful - it will not allow you to remove more wood than necessary.
Sanding belts have different grits. It is desirable to have different types of this consumable in the set: coarse-grained for rough processing, medium- and fine-grained for finishing and finishing surfaces. It is good if the wood grinder has flat edges - this makes it possible to process products and surfaces in the corners.
Vibrating or flat grinders
This wood grinder has a flat rectangular platform. Surface treatment occurs due to the vibration of the platform on which the abrasive sheet is fixed (a piece of ordinary sandpaper cut to the size of the platform). The sheet is fastened in different ways: on some models with clips, on others with Velcro. In both cases, the replacement takes place in a matter of seconds.
The sanding platform can be made of special high-impact plastics, metals and alloys. When choosing a tool, pay attention to the sole: it must have the correct shape, be free of dents, chips or other damage.
The power of this type of grinder is less: 130-600W. Useful stroke rate adjustment function, which allowschoose the optimal mode of operation for each surface. The dust collection system is similar: in a special bag or with a vacuum cleaner. Some models have removable platforms of various shapes, which allows you to process curly products. A vibrating wood sander allows for a finer surface finish (compared to belt-type machines), but has a lower productivity.
Eccentric Or Orbital Sanders
This type of equipment is used for finishing products. The trajectory of the grinding element resembles an orbit, the speed of rotation of the disk is several thousand revolutions per minute. When working with this type of machine, the dust is very fine, so it is advisable to use a vacuum cleaner rather than a bag. The eccentric sander for wood has an automatic stop of the sole, speed control and an additional handle. This makes work more comfortable and safer. But the circular shape of the sanding element does not allow processing surfaces in the corners. This is the main disadvantage of this type of machine.
While renovating, carpentry, and surface finishing, a wood grinder can speed up the work. Feedback from masters and amateurs is unequivocal: this tool allows you to achieve excellent results in the shortest possible time.
