Orbital sanders: features and tips for choosing

For repair work, manufacturers offer a huge selection of eccentric sanders. These tools are used to process various materials. Orbital sanders are of two types: electric and pneumatic, they are very convenient, practical and powerful.

The eccentric sander is designed for finishing various surfaces such as metal, stone, plastic and wood. These devices are distinguished by the fact that they carry out the highest quality grinding. The surface becomes absolutely smooth without any imperfections.

An orbital vehicle is a convenient, reliable and uncomplicated tool. The device has a small weight within 1-3 kg, it does not require a lot of pressure to work. ESM power varies from 300 to 600 watts. At low power, the device makes high revolutions, and at high - low. The main characteristic of an orbital vehicle is the range of motion. The average is 3-5 mm.

The maximum disc size is 210 mm. The optimal interval is considered to be 120-150 mm.... Orbital cleaning machines are used to clean plastic, wood and metal surfaces. Orbital devices are also used in auto repair shops and furniture factories. Ordinary users also choose similar devices.

The tool is used for final polishing and surface treatment. The orbital sander has a flat base. With the help of fastening or Velcro, the discs are fixed on the sole. Perforation is provided for dust removal. The kit includes a dust collector, motor, additional handle, rod and detachable power cable.

There is a start button on the handle of the grinder. This device has a regulator that controls the number of revolutions. And there is also a switch that changes the stroke of the eccentric. When the device is connected, the sole rotates around its own axis.

Today manufacturers offer many different modifications of orbital sanders. Eccentric machines are very popular among all materials handling equipment. Orbital grinders efficiently process metal surfaces, wood and plastic, and polish surfaces. As already mentioned, devices are used in car repair shops for polishing passenger cars and for preparing a car body for painting.

Basically, the pneumo-orbital sander is used in production. Compared to an electric grinder, pneumo-orbital has its advantages:

• its weight is significantly less, and thanks to this, this tool is easily used to level ceilings and walls;
• the pneumatic sander can be used in areas with a high explosion hazard, where the use of an electric tool is strictly prohibited.

However, for owners, this device is not as convenient as an electric one. There are several reasons for this:

• extra costs will be required for repairs, purchase and maintenance of an air compressor;
• space must be allocated for the compressor;
• to use the pneumatic machine in another place, you need to move it and the compressor;
• continuous sound from the compressor.

This tool works on the network, it is very convenient, it is easier and easier to carry. Electric grinders are plugged into a simple socket, so the market is dominated by electric models.

When choosing an eccentric sander, you need to carefully study its characteristics indicated in the document. The main parameter is the power of the device. The main range of models has a power from 200 to 600 watts. The more powerful the grinder, the more turns it will be able to make. You can grind objects with a huge area using tools with a power of 300-500 watts.

The next parameter for choosing a grinder is the rotation speed of the disc. In general, the interval varies from 2600 to 24 thousand turns. For furniture factories, car services and "garage" workshops, models are suitable in which the speed of revolutions ranges from 5 to 12 thousand. And also when buying a device, users consider weight and dimensions. Most of the orbital vehicles weigh from 1.5 to 3 kg. There are heavier and lighter grinders.

To select a specific model, you need to decide on the purpose of the device: whether it will be used for woodwork or for car body repair. If the workshop has a pneumatic compressor, then it is better to purchase a pneumatic device... In other cases, it is better to choose models with an electric drive.

When choosing eccentric air grinders, you need to pay attention to air flow, number of revolutions and working pressure. The number of turns directly affects the performance of the equipment and the cleanliness of the area. The higher this indicator, the more efficient the operation of the pneumo-orbital machine.

Power tools are massively used in construction work. They are needed to perform grinding, polishing and scraping operations on concrete, wood, metal and plastered surfaces. Grinding machines are difficult to do without. One of the most popular types of these devices is the orbital (eccentric) grinder.

To date, experts have compiled an overview of eccentric sanders, which includes extremely proven and practical models.

• The leader of the rating is eccentric functional sander Festool ETS EC 150 / 5A EQ... Its minimal weight and small dimensions with a power of 400 watts provide rotation up to 10,000 rpm. Disc diameter - 150 mm. The set includes a sanding pad, brake and dust collector. And EU design and high build quality contribute to the grinder's durability.

• The second line of the rating is occupied by Mirka Ceros 650CV grinder with a very modest size. The power of the device is 350 W, and the rotation speed is up to 10,000 rpm. Disc diameter - 150 mm.This grinder is very convenient and reliable, it can easily work in tight spaces. Thanks to its low weight and low vibration, the device can be operated with one hand without difficulty. The unit can be purchased for 36,234 rubles.
• Closes the top three grinder Bosch GEX 150 Turbo. Its main advantage is its power of 600 W with a rotational speed of up to 6650 rpm. This unit has a dust collector to which you can connect a vacuum cleaner. Bosch GEX 150 Turbo is a rather complex device, but it is considered one of the most productive grinders. The power tool is noisy, but ergonomic and practical, pleasant to use at work. Such an orbital sander costs 26,820 rubles.

• The fourth place went to a grinder of a well-known German company Bosch GEX 125-150 AVE... This model has a solid 400 watts of power with a maximum rotational speed of 12,000 rpm. The size of the disc is 150 mm. The kit includes a dust collector and a handle. During continuous operation, the Vibration-Control system protects your hands from the negative effects of vibration. The Bosch GEX 125-150 AVE is undoubtedly a powerful, high-quality and practical sander. The tool maintains speed well, does not clog and practically does not heat up. The price of the model is 17,820 rubles.
• The fifth line of the rating is taken by a light, modern grinder with good technical indicators. Rupes ER03 TE... With a power of 450 watts, the device produces from 6,000 to 10,000 rpm thanks to the adjustment. Disc diameter - 150 mm. There is a dust collector and a comfortable handle. The device can work for a long time and practically thanks to the engine ventilation system. Such a device costs 16,727 rubles.

By using the orbital sander for workshops and furniture shops, users must comply with a number of rules for the operation and safety of this equipment:

• do not use power tools in hazardous areas;
• do not expose the instrument to wet conditions and rain, as water can damage the instrument itself;
• handle the power cord carefully;
• carefully attach the dust collector to the tool;
• before plugging the product into the outlet, check the "On / Off" power button, which should be in the "Off" state;
• when working with a grinder, it is necessary to securely keep balance;
• when working with the device, you must use protective goggles, a respirator, safety boots, headphones or a helmet;

• the user must have a good attitude to the tool, it is strictly forbidden to use worn out or torn sheets of sanding paper;
• for ease of use, the device has an additional handle; you need to monitor the cleanliness and dryness of the handles of the device;
• regularly clean the orbital sander every time after use;
• keep the power tool out of the reach of children and non-trained people.

In the next video you will find a review and test of the Makita BO5041K orbital sander.