Belt or vibration sander. Wood sander for grinding and polishing lumber. What type of equipment to choose
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When it comes to grinding machines, the most common one that comes to mind first is the angle grinder. The famous “grinder” is the most popular and versatile tool among craftsmen. But her abilities, although they seem limitless, do not always correspond to the task. Therefore, engineers designed and introduced into production a number of additional electrical devices that are designed to mechanize the hard work of the grinder and polisher. One of them is a wood sander. Not every specialist will be able to choose a quality tool for the job, so when purchasing you should take into account a number of characteristics.
Types of grinding machines: how to choose the right one among the variety
Grinding machines are a group of power tools designed for surface processing of materials - roughing, grinding and polishing. They are used in various industries, construction and for domestic needs. The main materials for which grinding machines are used are wood, metal, plastic, stone, glass, etc.
There are several types of grinding machines, which differ in their design features, as well as their scope of application.
Tape
LBMs are used for continuous grinding of large surfaces. Thanks to its high productivity and power, using a tape machine you can peel off rough surfaces - unplaned boards, rusty metal products, dense plastic. They are practically not used for polishing.
Belt sander
Since this type of grinding machine has a fairly large mass and a heavy lower platform along which the sandpaper moves, you do not have to exert much physical effort during the work. The operator’s task is to move the tool evenly across the surface being processed. Staying in one place can cause unwanted deepening. The technical characteristics of a belt sander vary depending on the model. Power ranges from 500 to 1300 W. Belt speed from 70 to 600 m/min.
Belt grinding machine device Professional models are equipped with a speed controller, of two types: stepped or smooth. Often the kit includes additional handles that allow you to work in different conditions. Disposal of dust generated during grinding can be solved in two ways. Or it accumulates in the dust collector located on the tool body. Or a construction vacuum cleaner is connected to the machine, which sucks out small chips directly as they form.
In addition to the standard manual mode of using a blade grinder, it is also used in conjunction with a special frame, which protects the workpiece from damage. In addition, a special stand that fixes the machine in a stationary position is widely used. This is a kind of vice that secures the blade upside down - with the sandpaper facing up or vertically. This position allows the fast-rotating sanding belt to be used to sharpen and finish the edges of cutting tools or, for example, skates and hockey sticks.
Two types of belt sanding machines have a narrower specialization and allow you to solve non-standard tasks. The first is a file-shaped blade, with a thin, elongated working surface that can penetrate hard-to-reach places, narrow crevices, etc.
Example of a Metabo band file The second type is the so-called brush sander, which differs in that instead of sandpaper, it treats surfaces with a brush. The bristles can vary from soft wool to hard metal. It is used to remove rust, apply structure to wooden workpieces, etc. Despite the fact that a brush machine differs in appearance from a belt machine, their operating principle is the same.
Brush grinder Surface grinding (vibrating)
The fundamental difference between this type of grinding machine is that the abrasive material is driven by a motor with a small eccentric mounted on the shaft. As a result, the working platform makes a large number of oscillatory movements (vibrates) with a small amplitude (up to 2 mm). The frequency reaches 20,000 vibrations per minute.
Vibratory grinding machine "Energomash PShM-80300" Expensive professional machines of this type are equipped with a motor speed controller, which makes it possible to adjust the grinding mode taking into account the properties of the material being processed. Power consumption can be from 180 to 700 W. The difference from a belt sander is that the quality of grinding is more “fine”; it is impossible to damage the workpiece by careless movement. The sandpaper is attached to the platform plane in two ways - with Velcro or with clamps. On the working surface of most models there are holes connected to a dust exhaust channel, at the end of which a dust collector bag or vacuum cleaner hose is attached.
Attaching sandpaper with Velcro A vibration machine is used for grinding not only wooden products, but also metal and stone (for example, plaster products). If the tool is equipped with a vibration speed controller, plastic products can be processed at low speeds. Most often, for this kind of grinding machines, mesh sandpapers are used, which have different grain sizes and cell sizes. The optimal size is selected depending on the task at hand. Polishing of metal and glass is carried out using felt materials using GOI paste, wooden surfaces are polished with fine-grained sandpaper.
Application of Vibratory Sanding Machine for Furniture Processing Video: How to use the Interskol vibration grinder
Eccentric (orbital)
Makita eccentric sander with variable speed control As the name implies, the design feature of the orbital machine is the rotation of the grinding plane around an axis, which in turn also rotates. Thanks to this, the grinding becomes very fine, while the productivity remains quite high. Since the diameter of the rotating platform is small, it is possible to grind surfaces of a concave or convex configuration. Such devices are often used when processing putty in cars and cleaning round wooden elements - balusters, railings, columns, etc. An additional attachment made of flexible elastic material can be attached to the rotating platform. This expands the tool's capabilities for processing curved surfaces. The grinding wheel is secured to the tool base using Velcro. Just like in a vibration machine, the design of the OShM includes the function of recycling dust (which is released in large quantities). It can be collected either in a dust container or removed using a vacuum cleaner.
Polishing a car body with an eccentric sander The power consumption of orbital sanders can range from 150 to 750 W. Some models include an additional handle, an electronic soft start circuit and a rotating shaft braking system.
The use of eccentric machines is very wide - from rough rust removal to fine matting of varnish surfaces. Various polishing sponges, wool caps and abrasive cloths are available for them. With their help, you can bring the surface to any desired state, from glossy to matte.
Corner
Angle grinder "Energomash" The most common type of grinding machines. The name comes from the fact that the working rotating surface is located at an angle of 90° relative to the axis of the tool. The “grinder” gained great popularity due to the fact that it can be used to cut many construction and plumbing materials. For this purpose, special cutting discs are used.
Since angle grinders can have greater power, they are successfully used for grinding work on metal, concrete, etc. There are many different attachments that are designed to process a particular material. Wooden surfaces are usually sanded using flap sanding discs.
Sanding discs for wood The grinder is equipped with an adjustable protective cover, which is not recommended to be removed. At high disk speeds, any damage is fraught with the risk of sharp pieces flying away and soft tissue injury. When working with an angle grinder, you should always wear glasses and gloves, in compliance with all safety standards. It is prohibited to use non-standard discs whose size does not correspond to the technical specifications of the tool.
Video: using a grinder to sand wood
The electronic part of professional models often includes functions such as a soft start system and speed control. High-quality angle grinders include in their design an automatic disk balancing system, which significantly reduces wear. Often the kit includes additional handles; the body has several holes for installing handles.
Deltoid
DShMs are indispensable for restoration work, as well as for grinding narrow and hard-to-reach places. For example, when sanding parquet, it is impossible to sand the corners of the floor with anything else. The deltoid (triangular) shape of the working surface allows you to sand wooden window frames, furniture corners, etc.
Hard-to-reach places are treated with the help of DSM The principle of operation is similar to a vibrating grinder - the platform vibrates at a high frequency at a distance of about 2 mm. A variety of sanding and polishing sheets are attached using Velcro. Since the size of the working platform is small, it is possible to process curved surfaces with its help. Like all modern tools, the DShM is equipped with dust removal channels and vibration frequency adjustment. Some models have a rotating mechanism with which the working platform can be rotated 120 degrees.
Video: Using a delta sander
What kind of sandpaper is used for sanders?
Sandpaper is one of the oldest tools of mankind. The first mention of it dates back to the 13th century in handwritten parchments in China. An unknown author described in detail the recipe for making NB from shark skin and ground shells using natural glue.
Modern sandpaper was invented in 1833 by the English inventor John Oakey from Walworth (London). His first invention consisted of sand and broken glass glued to paper. The indefatigable innovator has patented a number of sanding developments, including shoe polishing cloths, furniture polishes and chemicals for cleaning dishes.
Since then, the “sandpaper” has undergone many modifications, but the basic principle has remained unchanged. An abrasive grain powder is attached to a paper, fabric or other flexible base, which is used to process a particular material. The production of this product has acquired a global scale, and therefore a certain certification and labeling system has emerged. To create an abrasive layer, various hard materials are used: electrocorundum, silicon carbide, garnet, and also fine diamond chips.
Variety of types and shapes of sandpaper The main characteristic of sanding paper is the grain size, which characterizes the productive qualities of sandpaper.
The grain size can range from 2.5–5 microns to 1 mm, and is indicated by a number on the marking in tens of microns (corresponding to the minimum grain size). The number is followed by the letter “N”. The finest sandpaper is designated by the letter “M”; it is also called “zero”.
Using the table, you can select the grain size necessary for processing a particular material.
NB purpose table, purpose, grain size
| Purpose | Marking according to GOST 3647–80 | Marking according to ISO-6344 | Grain size, microns | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coarse-grained | ||||
| Very rough work | 80-N | P22 | 800–1000 | |
| 63-N | P24 | 630–800 | ||
| 50-N | P36 | 500–630 | ||
| Rough work | ||||
| 40-N | P40 | 400–500 | ||
| 32-N | P46 | 315–400 | ||
| 25-N | P60 | 250–315 | ||
| Primary grinding | 20-N | P80 | 200–250 | |
| 16-N | P90 | 160–200 | ||
| 12-N | P100 | 125–160 | ||
| 10-N | P120 | 100–125 | ||
| Final sanding of soft wood, old paint for painting | 8-N | P150 | 80–100 | |
| 6-H | P180 (P 220) | 63–80 | ||
| Fine-grained | ||||
| Final sanding of hardwood, sanding between coats | 5-N,M63 | P240 | 50–63 | |
| 4-N,M50 | P280 | 40–50 | ||
| Polishing final coats, sanding between coats, wet sanding | M40\N-3 | P400 | 28–40 | |
| M28\N-2 | P600 | 20–28 | ||
| Grinding of metal, plastics, ceramics, wet grinding | M20\N-1 | P1000 | 14–20 | |
| Even finer grinding, polishing | M14 | P1200 | 10–14 | |
| M10/N-0 | P1500 | 7–10 | ||
| М7\Н-01 | P2000 | 5–7 | ||
| М5\Н-00 | P2500 | 3–5 | ||
Sandpaper marking in Russia is carried out in accordance with GOST R 52381–2005.
Video: How to use a belt sander
How to use a sander on wood and other materials
The operation of a grinding machine is usually described in detail in the product technical sheet. Each tool has its own nuances, so in each particular case it is necessary to carefully study the instruction manual. General precautions are as follows:
When working with a grinding machine, it is necessary to use sound-absorbing headphones to prevent injury to the eardrum.
Only use tools that are known to be in good working order. It is unacceptable to start working on a machine with signs of mechanical damage or a broken or frayed power cord.
If metal parts that cause sparking are being processed, there should be no flammable or combustible materials in the immediate vicinity of the work site.
Eye protection from dust or sawdust is necessary. Construction glasses made of safety glass will help with this.
Replacing or cleaning the dust container should only be done with the tool turned off, after the engine has completely stopped.
It is necessary to protect the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs from dust. For this purpose, it is imperative to use a respirator during work.
Construction gloves will help protect your hands from possible injuries.
When choosing a grinding machine, you should consider the degree of stress to which it will be subjected. If the time you use the tool does not exceed 2–3 hours a day, you can purchase inexpensive amateur models. If operation is expected for 4 or more hours a day, it would be optimal to purchase a professional unit designed for long-term use.
On the farm, you often have to sand something and remove old paintwork. Most work with wood. Few manufacturers sell perfect products. Maybe a carpenter. And if there are perfectly processed boards, their price is such that you will inevitably want to sand them yourself. Even taking into account the fact that the work is tedious and uninteresting. Therefore, a wood sander is one of the tools that should be in your home arsenal.
Types, purpose, features of work
There are different types of sanders that do the same type of work but with different results. There are tools for coarse (preliminary), medium (intermediate) and fine (finish) grinding. Part of the tool can even perform .
To choose a wood sander, you first need to decide what type of work you need it for. For rough grinding - leveling out unevenness, differences in height - one type is suitable, for finishing grinding - bringing it to perfection - another type. Moreover, both problems can be solved using different types of equipment.
Angle grinder - angle grinder
The well-known grinder can also be used for sanding wood. It copes well with the rough grinding function. Of all the possible tools, this is the most productive. If you need to quickly level large wooden surfaces - sanding the floor, wall, frame - this is work for an angle grinder. The downside is that the surface turns out to be very uneven, and it takes a long time to level out all the holes and humps. If this still “passes” on the log house, then the result for any carpentry work is unsatisfactory. Unless you can purchase another tool, you should not use an angle grinder for sanding wood.
For wood, use red sanding wheels - this is a special abrasive
There are special attachments for grinders for sanding wood. The best option is flap or disc wheels with sandpaper of different grits. When they are installed, the working plane is below the protective casing, it is safe to work, and you can move in any direction. Carefully handle areas with protruding nail heads and screws. We lower the tool from above and carefully move it. A sharp movement can easily break the grinding wheel, so be careful.
By changing the grain size of the grinding wheels used, you can carry out coarse and medium (intermediate) grinding. The work will take less time than if you use any other wood sander. But it may take more time to bring it to a smooth surface, since, with a lack of experience, there will be more flaws.
When sanding wood, the sandpaper becomes clogged and the speed of work decreases. In addition to a decrease in speed, there is another sign - the smell of burnt wood. It is not necessary to immediately change the disk; you can restore its functionality. To do this, grind the metal for a few seconds. Everything stuck to it—resin, wood fibers, dust—burns off, the surface is cleaned, and the processing speed increases again. This trick, by the way, can be used with other grinders.
If you have to clean and change the wheels frequently, install a Velcro attachment on the grinder. Replacing the sandpaper is much easier and faster - unstick/stick in a matter of seconds. But working with the nozzle is more dangerous. Due to its height, the grinding area is above the level of the protective casing; it does not fulfill its functions. During the launch, it happens that a precariously fixed circle or even the nozzle itself flies off. They weigh little, the injuries are not serious, but they are still injuries. An angle grinder with a smooth start helps reduce risks, but, all the same, you need to work with gloves, protective clothing with tightly buttoned sleeves, boots that cover your feet, and safety glasses.
Belt sander
It is called so because the sandpaper has the shape of a belt that moves continuously using rollers. That’s why such a wood grinder is also called “endless.”
The wood belt sander is designed for rough and intermediate surface leveling. By installing sandpaper with a finer grain, you can achieve a medium-finish finish. This is sufficient for joinery that cannot be painted. To bring it to perfect condition, you need a different type of wood sander. Moreover, to eliminate long longitudinal scratches, you will have to carry out step-by-step grinding, changing the grain size several times - the scratches remain deep.
A belt sander is good if you need to remove the old coating - paint and varnish
What are the benefits of a belt sander for wood? It has good performance. The tape on it is installed in such a way that one side allows you to sand close to the wall. What are its disadvantages? Due to the design, not all points can be “reached”. For example, corners, shaped recesses, grooves and other small parts. It is not always possible to “climb” between two parts (when processing railings, for example). Another drawback is that most belt sanders have a considerable weight, and it is difficult to work with them while sanding vertical surfaces. But on the horizontal plane they are the most productive.
The following disadvantages are a high noise level, not the largest grinding spot. It is so noisy that working without headphones is extremely uncomfortable. Why is there a small sanding spot when it looks quite large? Even with a large belt width, it grinds only in the center - the part in front and behind is not used due to the fact that it is raised to feed the rollers.
The wood belt sander has some special features in its operation. To reduce the depth of the furrows it leaves, it must be driven along the fibers. Then finishing sanding takes less time. And one more thing - if you get lazy while working and leave the machine in one place for a long time, a solid “hole” will form. Despite this, this is the most productive wood sander that is often used.
Orbital (eccentric)
An orbital sander for wood has a round sole with Velcro, onto 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. The dust is collected in a bag, a cassette-type container; almost all models allow you to connect a construction vacuum cleaner.
The operation of an eccentric wood sander is based on simultaneous rotation and back-and-forth movement (reciprocating motion). This achieves a fairly good speed for intermediate and finishing wood processing. When working with this type of grinder, the platform moves in a spiral or orbit. That’s why these tools are also called orbital sanders.
Eccentric grinders are good for processing curved or profile surfaces - the machine is light in weight, makes little noise, is easy to control, and with the angle of the disc you can reach recesses, notches, etc. With all this, she also processes large surfaces at a good pace. When installed, coarse-grain sandpaper can be used for both coarse and intermediate sanding. The speed is lower than that of the tape one, but still quite acceptable. There are such machines with different radius of movement (eccentricity) - from 3 to 8 mm. Selecting this parameter determines the main purpose (more on this below).
The disadvantages of this type of machine are the inability to work in corners. The round platform simply does not fit there. Also, there is an area of uncertain sanding along the edges—it won’t be possible to sand close to a wall or vertical surface.
Vibrating
The vibratory sander pad can be rectangular or triangular. When working, it makes circular movements with a small amplitude - it vibrates, which gives this type of equipment its name. This wood sander is used for fine finishing - for varnishing or painting, but is characterized by low productivity.
A vibrating wood sander 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 begins to hit the obstacle. In this regard, the triangular one is more suitable for working in corners and hard-to-reach places, but you still can’t fit it tightly to the wall.
Another disadvantage of vibration devices is the so-called “lamb”. If a grain of sand or other solid fragment gets under the surface, it leaves small circles on the wood - “lambs”. It is difficult to remove these marks. You have to use increasingly finer sandpaper, 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 a vacuum cleaner is usually connected to quickly and timely remove foreign fragments.
Oscillatory
Strictly speaking, this is not a sander, but it can be used for sanding. Moreover, those places that are inaccessible for other types of machines - corners (even sharp ones), places directly next to vertical walls. For grinding, a specially shaped triangular platform is installed on the tool, on which sandpaper on a self-adhesive base is fixed.
During operation, the platform moves in a horizontal plane with a very small amplitude - the vertices of the triangle deviate by approximately 1.7° (this is an average of 2.5 mm). Due to this small movement, grinding occurs. This machine can be used for sanding in corners and close to vertical surfaces. Moreover, you can remove not only wood, but also smeared and dried glue. In general, an oscillating machine is used for finishing grinding in hard-to-reach places - due to low productivity and the sanding spot, it is unrealistically long to process more or less large surfaces with it.
What type of sander to choose
To summarize, we can say that for housework and construction work, ideally you need two sanding machines - for rough and fine finishing. The most commonly used pair is tape + eccentric. If you are planning to start making furniture, then you cannot do without an oscillator.
If you don’t like the result of a belt sander, you can purchase two orbital sanders with different eccentricities. For rough grinding, a tool with an eccentricity of 6-8 mm is suitable, for finishing grinding and even polishing - 2-4 mm. The only disadvantage of this solution is that good eccentric grinders are expensive.
If the budget is limited, and the farm has an angle grinder, rough grinding can be done with its help, and for intermediate or finishing use orbital or vibration. Just keep in mind that vibration is the least productive, although it is the cheapest. If possible, buy an orbital one - it is more versatile and gives better results.
Technical selection criteria
Any tool is divided into classes that differ in working resource (and price). Likewise, a wood sander can be domestic or professional. Household ones are designed for short-term continuous operation with breaks. Basically, it is recommended to work no more than 3 hours a day, taking periodic breaks of 15 minutes.
Professional models are designed to work for 8-12 hours, breaks are rarely needed or not needed at all. The working life of such a tool is many times greater. For this purpose, durable and reliable (read: expensive) materials are used. In addition, the productivity of such equipment is much higher; as a rule, there are a greater number of adjustments.
When choosing, the first thing you have to decide is what class your car should be. It must be said that some manufacturers have quite good household grades, and some also have semi-professional lines. This is an intermediate class; as a rule, for private use it is optimal in terms of price/quality ratio. Some models are used even by professionals.
General selection options
Although wood sanders differ, there are general points that you need to pay attention to when choosing. Here they are:
These are general points to pay attention to. Now about what is important for different types of grinders.
Tape
When choosing belt sanding, you need to look at the following parameters:
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 brushes. Sometimes spare brushes are even included in the kit.
Popular models of belt sanders
| Manufacturer | Model | Power | Tape dimensions (width/length) | Belt speed | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interskol | LShM-76/900 | 900 W | 76 mm / 533 mm | 250 m/min | 3.2 kg | 55-90 $ |
| Makita | 9911 | 650 W | 76 mm / 457 mm | 270 m/min | 2.6 kg | 100-150$ |
| Bosch | PBS 75 AE | 750 W | 75 mm / 533 mm | 350 m/min | 3.5 kg | 120-160$ |
| Interskol | LShM-100/1200E | 1200 W | 100 mm / 610 mm | 400 m/min | 5.6 kg | 100-150$ |
| Makita | 9404 | 1010 W | 100 mm / 610 mm | 440 m/min | 4.7 kg | 200-270$ |
Eccentric (orbital)
In addition to all the general parameters described, there are some nuances in choosing an eccentric machine for sanding wood:
The selected model must be tested in the store. To do this, install a sandpaper disc on the platform and turn on the tool. Vibration should not be felt at all. This means that it is well balanced and will work comfortably.
Popular models of eccentric grinders
| Manufacturer | Model | Power | Disc rotation speed | Platform vibration frequency | Disk size | Platform travel (eccentricity) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita | BO5031 | 300 W | 12000 rpm | 24000 kol/min | 125 mm | 2.8 mm | 90-120 $ |
| Makita | BO5041 | 300 W | 12000 rpm | 24000 kol/min | 125 mm | 3 mm | 100-200$ |
| Metabo | SXE 450 TurboTec | 350 W | 13100 rpm | 8500 rpm | 150 mm | 6.2 mm | 185-220$ |
| Bosch | GEX 150 AC | 340 W | 12000 rpm | 24000 kol/min | 150 mm | 4 mm | 175-220$ |
| Bosch | GEX 125-1 AE Box | 250 W | 12000 rpm | 24000 kol/min | 125 mm | 2.5 mm | 70-90$ |
Vibrating
First of all, you need to choose the shape of the sole. It can be rectangular (most often), square or iron-on. The sandpaper fastening system here is a clamping system; you simply stretch a piece of sandpaper of the required size and fix it with clamps. For normal operation of dust removal, holes must be made in the stretched paper in the right places (holes in the platform). It is best to use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust, since the presence of dust under the platform leads to a large number of scratches. That is, instead of grinding, we get a damaged part. This is an important point.
What to pay attention to:
The vibration sander is used only for finishing sanding and has low productivity. Only fine grain paper can be placed on it. Rough processing must be carried out using another tool.
Popular models of vibration grinders
| Manufacturer | Model | Power | Platform vibration frequency | Tape (sole) sizes | Platform progress | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interskol | PShM-115/300E | 300 W | 10500 kol/min | 230x115 mm | 35-50$ | |
| Makita | BO3711 | 190 W | 22000 kol/min | 228x93 mm | 2 mm | 60-75$ |
| Makita | BO3700 | 180 W | 20000 kol/min | 230x93 mm | 2 mm | 50-60$ |
| Bosch | PSS 200 AC | 200 W | 24000 kol/min | 230x93 mm | 2 mm | 50-70$ |
| Hitachi | SV12V | 300 W | 20000 kol/min | 228x114 mm | 2.4 mm | 100-130$ |
A wood sander is an indispensable tool when performing finishing work in a country house. Using a sanding machine allows you to speed up the process of sanding and polishing wooden surfaces - wall cladding, floors, furniture, decorative elements. Wood sanders are convenient and compact, allowing you to perform high-quality leveling of any wooden surface.
There are several main types of sanders for household use; their different designs and operating principles determine their purpose. For construction and repair, carpentry and carpentry work, the following types of grinding machines are used:
- Belt sanders (LSM) are tools for aggressive and rough processing of wooden, plastic, and metal surfaces.
- Vibratory grinders (VSM) allow for softer processing due to circular movements with small amplitude. The grinding surface of the orbital sander has a rectangular shape, which makes it easier to process corners.
- A type of flat vibratory sander is a delta sander; it is distinguished by a triangular shape of the sole. The delta sander is convenient for processing small and hard-to-reach areas, corners, recesses and recesses.
- An eccentric sander refers to a tool that allows you to grind a surface to a polished state due to a combination of rotational and oscillatory movements of the sanding pad. But an eccentric sander is not suitable for processing small surfaces and internal corners.
Application of belt sanders
Belt sanders are used where it is necessary to quickly remove a fairly thick layer of material, for example, to sand an unplaned board or remove old paint from surfaces. LSMs are also used for precise fitting of parts and processing of the cut line.
The material is processed using an abrasive belt, closed in a ring and stretched on rotating rollers. When moving, the tape removes a fairly thick layer of material, comparable to the work of an electric planer. The thickness of the removed layer depends on the grain of the abrasive belt.
When choosing a blade grinder, you need to pay attention to two parameters: the width and length of the abrasive belt used and its rotation speed. The area of the processed surface depends on the width, and the aggressiveness and degree of processing depends on the speed. The standard tape sizes for LSM are: 76x457 mm, 76x533 mm, 76x610 mm. The belt width of semi-professional sanders may be larger - 100 mm, but they are rarely used for household needs. The belt speed is usually in the range from 150 to 500 meters per minute, the power is from 400 to 1200 W. Useful functions include smooth regulation of the belt rotation speed and an automatic belt centering device, which prevents it from slipping off the rollers even during rotational movements.
There are two types of abrasive belt for blades, with an abrasive layer of aluminum oxide or zirconium. Zirconium tape provides a deeper but more aggressive finish and promotes scratches that need to be treated with a less gritty tape. For processing metal surfaces, it is better to choose a zirconium tape; it can be used to sharpen cutting surfaces.
Surface processing using a belt sander is carried out as follows: place the machine on the surface to be processed without distortions, and, without putting pressure on the machine, make smooth longitudinal or circular movements along the surface of the material. If precise fitting of parts is necessary, grinding is carried out with short-term translational movements or using a bounding frame.
Application of orbital sanders
The operating principle of these tools is similar: grinding is carried out through light circular and oscillatory movements of the grinding surface with an amplitude of up to 5 mm. Sheets of sandpaper with different grain sizes are used as an abrasive material, secured to the sole using clamps or Velcro.
Vibratory sanders provide high quality processing and are used for grinding almost any material: wood, plastic, metal, plaster and putty, as well as for removing corrosion products and old paint and varnish coatings.
The degree of processing depends on the amplitude of vibrations: for rough processing, an amplitude of 4-5 mm is chosen, for fine grinding - 1.5-3 mm. For household models, the rotation speed is usually adjusted in the range of 2000-5000 rpm, and the oscillation speed can be in the range of 25,000 per minute. The ability to regulate the eccentric amplitude, rotation speed and oscillations are very useful options for a VSM.
An important parameter is the power of the VSM; it is usually in the range of 150-600 W. The higher the power, the greater the productivity and continuous operation time of the tool. Another important factor determining the use of a VSM is the shape and area of the grinding pad. It can be square, rectangular or deltoid.
The use of eccentric (orbital) sanders
Orbital sanders are similar in principle to rectangular orbital sanders, but are distinguished by greater productivity and a finer degree of grinding and polishing due to the complex oscillation path. Surface treatment is carried out with a grinding disc with a diameter of up to 150 mm; special sanding wheels with different grain sizes or grinding felt attachments are used as an abrasive attachment.
The power of orbital sanders is usually 200-650 W, the speed is up to 13,000 per minute, the eccentric oscillation speed is up to 24,000 per minute. Regulating the number of revolutions and oscillations, as well as adjusting the amplitude of the eccentric, like the VSM, are very useful functions.
All grinding machines are characterized by the formation of large amounts of dust during operation. Some models are equipped with holes in the sole for collecting dust and a dust collector. This option is very useful when working indoors, so if possible, you should pay attention to models with dust collection. Also important is the length of the cord - if the cord is short, you will have to constantly use an extension cord. You can also choose a cordless sander. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the shape of the handle and the weight of the tool, holding it in your hands for some time, trying out the inclusion and regulation of modes.
Video - review of wood sanding machines
The online store Kuvalda.ru offers belt sanders for wood that meet the requirements and quality standards. With us you can pay for goods by bank transfer or in cash, as well as by card. The catalog of belt sanders for wood is constantly expanding and supplemented with the latest models. Our online store offers convenient and fast delivery throughout Moscow and the Moscow region. To quickly search for products, use the search function by categories, sections and subsections, as well as in the search bar by search word or number. Experienced managers will help you navigate the presented products and tell you technical details and delivery conditions. Thanks to our wide range of wood belt sanders, you will find everything you need. We are happy to answer your questions about our prices and range. We welcome your suggestions and wishes to improve our service.