During repair, and during the operation of certain products, it is often necessary to bring the surface to a perfectly smooth state. You can do this 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 grinding machine. These devices are available in several types, have different purposes and are used at different stages of surface treatment.
Belt sander
Most often work on a tree with a tape machine. This is due to the fact that it is easy to handle such a device: the center of gravity is located low, replacing the sanding belt is simple, and the dust is collected in a special bag. Some models provide for connecting a hose to the apparatus from a vacuum cleaner. This is a very convenient dust removal method. All this allows you to process significant surfaces in a short period of time.
A wood sander can have different power (from 500 to 1200 W) and belt speed (from 75 to 550 m / min). Some models provide for the adjustment of these parameters, which allows you to choose the operating mode for each machined surface and the task to be performed. For beginners, a frame for limiting the depth of grinding is useful - it will not allow you to remove a larger layer of wood than necessary.
Sanding belts have different grain sizes. It is advisable to have different types of this consumable in the kit: coarse-grained for rough processing, medium- and fine-grained for finishing and finishing surfaces. It is good if the
sander for wood has flat edges - this makes it possible to process products and surfaces in the corners.
Vibratory or flat grinders
This wood sanding machine 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 attached in different ways: on some models with clamps, on others - with Velcro. In both cases, the replacement takes place in a matter of seconds.
The grinding platform can be made of special impact-resistant plastic, metals and alloys. When choosing a tool, pay attention to the sole: it should have the correct shape, be free of dents, chips or other damage.
The power of this type of grinder is less: 130-600 watts. Useful is the function of adjusting the stroke frequency, which allows you to choose the optimal mode of operation for each surface. The dust collection system is similar: in a special bag or using a vacuum cleaner. Some models have removable platforms of different shapes, which allows you to process curly products.
Vibratory sander for wood allows finer surface treatment (compared to belt type machines), but has 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 using this type of machine, the dust is very fine, so it is advisable to use a vacuum cleaner, not a bag. The eccentric sander for wood has an automatic stop of the sole, speed control and an additional handle. This makes the work more comfortable and safe. But the circular shape of the grinding element does not allow to process the surfaces in the corners. This is the main disadvantage of this type of machine.
When repairing, manufacturing carpentry and surface finishing, a wood grinder helps to speed up work. The reviews of masters and amateurs are unambiguous: this tool allows you to achieve excellent results in the shortest possible time.