Choosing the right orbital sander: buying guide

As with any power tool, the orbital sander is equipped with a motor. The rotation of the latter is converted, via an internal mechanism, into lateral and longitudinal movements, in fact oscillating the plate on which the abrasive will be fixed. Unlike the belt sander, intended to roughen the support, you especially want to dwell on finishing work, for a rendering close to perfection, you need a: Vibrating sander.

orbital sander buying guide

The principle of the orbital sander

As mentioned previously, it consists of a motor, a movement conversion mechanism called an oscillating cam, and a plate on which the abrasive will be fixed. The abrasive fixing system differs depending on the model, the most common consisting of pinching the abrasive sheet to hold it. In addition to these 3 essential elements, motor, oscillating cam and chainring, manufacturers are paying more and more attention to the ergonomics of the machine for a precise and comfortable grip.

The advantages of the orbital sander are numerous. Sanding will no longer require any effort on your part! No pressure to exert, you just have to direct the machine towards the affected areas. It is undoubtedly a versatile tool, allowing you to work on flat surfaces, edges, curves or even angles. Generally light, it is therefore very easy to handle. In addition to being a tool within the reach of all, experienced handymen or beginners, its cost remains very attractive. You will therefore be able, for a more than interesting value for money, details of which you will find in a small comparison at the end of this buying guide, to obtain an irreproachable finished quality.

The main disadvantage of this type of sander remains its low power. However, in principle this is not what is required of a orbital sander. To strip or polish, it will be necessary to turn to other tools, more suitable, even if the most powerful models can claim it. If the amount of material on the support is too large, if it is to remove hard materials such as varnish or glue, the belt sander will be more suitable.

For which use to choose a vibrating sander

A vibrating sander will allow you to obtain an excellent finished surface on a wide variety of materials. Obviously, wood and its derivatives are part of it. But not only, metalwork is also possible, as well as coatings.

As mentioned previously, it is intended for medium to fine sanding work. This tool is generally used just before applying varnish or paint. Do you want to repaint your shutters, renovate your staircase steps, varnish a piece of furniture or even restore freshness to your beams? The vibrating sander will offer you a perfect finish, and will prepare your support to receive its paint or varnish. Providing a raw look to metal, which is very fashionable, is also possible. Following the use of plaster, and before painting the wall, it is essential to go through the sanding step. Here again, the orbital sander is the ideal tool, whether it be punctually following the filling of a hole, or for larger work after having made the joints of the plasterboards.

The frequency of use of this type of sander will depend on the profile of the purchaser, the work to be done, and, of course, the purchase price. So there is something for everyone! However, finishing being his field of predilection, one can reasonably think that intensive use is only rarely required of this type of machine, although the medium and high-end models withstand long efforts without batting an eyelid.

The different types of orbital sanders

The surface of the plate is commonly between 93mm and 115mm wide, for a length of 185mm to 230mm. These dimensions therefore condition the total size of the sander, which nevertheless remains a fairly small tool.

Getting to grips with the tool is essential, and on this point, the manufacturers have made considerable efforts on ergonomics and handling. Of course, the latter also depends greatly on the weight of the machine, which is generally between 1 Kg and 3 Kg. The handling can be optimized thanks, for example, to the SoftGrip system of the BOSCH brand, making the tool pleasant. in use.

The power of a belt sander varies from 150 to 300 W. The more power the machine develops, the less it will force when called upon. For light work, a power monster will be useless. On the other hand, for intensive use, it will be necessary to move towards a higher power, of the order of 240 to 300W.

The speed of the sander depends greatly on the power of its motor. We are talking here about the oscillation speed of the plate. The latter ranges from 6 to 000 oscillations per minute. The higher this number, the faster the job!

Several materials are assembled to give birth to the sander. There are here, rigorously selected for their properties, plastic, rubber, steel, aluminum, or even copper.

As you can see in this buying guide, the working principle of a orbital sander is the same from one model to another. However, a few options and accessories set them apart from each other. The dust bag, or the vacuum cleaner outlet are part of it, and, for the most advanced models, the vacuum sole! There is also the electronic variator of the oscillation speed, or the self-gripping sole.

Which range, which brand and which price for your orbital sander?

For an entry-level model, count from 10 to around 40 €. Generally low power, these products are suitable for DIY from time to time, in a soft way. Here you will find the brands of DIY superstores such as DEXTER OR MAC ALLISTER.

The mid-range probably represents the best value for money. There are sanders of reasonable power, between 200 and 240, allowing almost intensive use for a variety of jobs. It takes between 40 and 75 € here, the products will present significant options such as the suction pad or the speed variator. The manufacturers present in this segment are well known to DIY enthusiasts, SKILL, BLACK & DECKER…

Finally, the top of the range is intended primarily for professionals, prices vary from 75 to 160 €, sometimes even beyond. The machines in this segment will be powerful (240 to 300W), and equipped with all the options and accessories to respond in the best possible way to intensive demand. In this range, you have the right to ask for the best quality, and you will have it, through recognized names such as BOSCH, MAKITA or even DeWALT.

What are the best brands and the best orbital sanders on the market?

In the event that you have made up your mind to purchase a orbital sander, you are most likely going to want to know which are the best orbital sander for your purpose. With this in mind, we have created a comparison of the best orbital sanders. You can browse this article so that you can compare the best models and make the right choice.

What are the criteria for choosing the right orbital sander

It is wise to make a comparison of the machines before purchase, according to the points below.

The choice of handles is important. First contact with the sander, a good grip is essential to work in good conditions. SoftGrip systems are preferred for better comfort.

The more powerful the sander, the less effort it will have to provide? The more powerful the machine is to sand or strip.

The oscillation speed of the platter is also important. In fact, the higher it is, the less time spent on the surface to be sanded.

The weight of the machine is not decisive as a large weight often means many options. Handling, however, should not suffer.

The presence or absence of an electronic variator is a major factor, in fact, you can adjust the oscillation speed according to your needs, and thus obtain an optimal treatment of the surface.

The models equipped with suction or filtration will give you certain comfort in use, by considerably limiting the dust given off by sanding.

Finally, the presence of a self-gripping plate is still important, it will greatly facilitate the change of the abrasive sheet, and will save you time.

You will understand, the tool you need to sublimate any type of surface is a: Orbital sander.

Discover the solutions if your orbital sander no longer vibrates.

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