Belt Sander Vs Orbital Sander. Which One Is Better For Your Needs?
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Woodworking projects often require sanding. This is why orbital and belt Sanders are so popular. These tools are more than just a way to smoothen the surface. They also have different features that might not be suitable for your particular project.
Our woodworkers compare the Orbital Sander and Belt Sander to find which power tool is more efficient in sanding.
Belt Sander Overview
Belt sanders are larger than other models in design. It is not surprising that it produces more power than other types of sanders.
There are two types of power belt sanders on the market: the handheld and stationary. Both belt sanders move in a looping motion, which smoothens the top wood grain.
Belt sanders can also be used to remove material in large pieces. We recommend this tool for larger and more difficult surfaces. This is also why they are called finishing sanders.
How A Belt Sander Works
Two drums are powered by an electric motor that drives the sanding belt. The drums are moved in a loop motion that allows the sanding pad smoothen rough surfaces. These are the differences between the two types of belt sanders.
Stationary Belt Sander
These wood sanders, true to their name are best used in a stationary place. If you don’t want the belt sander to move around, it must be kept on a stable foundation.
For regular tasks, however, benchtop models can be sufficient.
We recommend that you work with smaller stocks as inexperienced woodworkers might have trouble holding larger boards in a stable position.
To achieve the desired sanding results, you must prepare the wood and push it against a rotating sanding belt. The operator must know how the material will be fed into the sander machine, unlike other tools that move.
Handheld Belt Sander
A handheld belt sander is the same as the stationary model but it’s the tool you want to use for large surfaces. Instead of moving the material into a belt sander, you can simply place the board on the ground and then move the sander across it.
It is also lighter than a stationary belt-sander, which allows for more control and portability during sanding operations.
These Are The Key Features Of Belt Sanders
Speed
You’ll see that the speed of a belt sander is measured in feet per minute when you examine its labels. You can speed up your woodworking shop by purchasing belt sanders that have higher speed specifications.
High-speed belt sanders can be difficult to use because of the operator’s lack of experience. It is important to think about cutting speed in order to avoid any safety hazards, just like other powered machines.
Our experts recommend that you use models with variable speed options if you need a flawless finish on flat surfaces. This feature allows you to adjust the speed of the belt sander according to your project’s needs and desired results.
Sandpaper
Our teams discovered that 8 cm is the typical width of belt sander sandpaper. You can find sanding blocks that are less than 8 cm for mini belt sanders.
Dust
Most belt sanders have two options for getting rid of dust in workshop: a vacuum port or a bag. To collect the dust, connect a vacuum cleaner.
Some models also have passive dust collection systems. This will automatically trap sawdust in the dust bag and keep your workshop clean, while the belt sander does its work.
Varieties
You can choose from either a stationary or handheld model, as we mentioned. It is important to remember that belt sanders are more focused on power than other types.
Power
Because they have huge power amps, belt sanders are ideal for heavy-duty sanding. These wood sanders have power ratings of 8 to 11 amps.
Recommendations
A belt sander is the best way to sand hardwood floors. Because it is a powerful, aggressive tool, it is more appropriate for larger furniture prices than those with smaller budgets.
A Belt Sander’s Advantages
Rapid Removal of Rough Wood in Wide Areas
A belt sander is a large tool that can be used to smoothen uneven surfaces and remove paint.
User-Friendly
The sander is very easy to use. This tool is easy to use and doesn’t require any adjustments.
Durability
These sanders are powerful and well-designed for harsh sanding conditions.
The Advantages Of A Belt Sander
Not the best for fine sanding
However, the belt sanders power is not suitable for fine sanding. The belt sanders can leave marks on the material, so they are not recommended for wood with intricate details.
Too loud
This sander can leave sanding marks and be very loud when in use. We recommend that you use ear protection if you don’t want to suffer from hearing damage.
Orbital Sander Overview
An orbital sander is a tool that can carry sheets and discs, instead of a belt. This handheld tool moves in a circular motion to create smoother surfaces. An orbital sander can leave swirl marks on your material because of this.
These machines are more portable than other options and can be carried around easily. Orbital sanders can be difficult to use.
How An Orbital Sander Works
Before we get into the details of orbital sanders, it is important to know that there are two types. The first is the random orbital, which spins the sand pad in an irregular pattern.
The sheet sanders are another option. These tools are not like random orbital sanders. They have pads that can only be used in the same orbits.
It doesn’t leave any marks, which is a good thing about a random orbital polisher. Because it does not follow a single orbiting pattern, there is no need to be concerned about its movements during use.
Orbital Sanders: The Key Features
Speed
Speed specifications for regular and random orbital sanders are measured in orbits per minute (or OPM). This indicates how many times an orbital sander rotates in a minute.
Ordinary orbital sanders should have a minimum of 10000 OPM. This is a standard speed range for these tools. However, a variable output model is preferred for greater user control.
Power
Although orbital sanders are powerful enough to perform basic tasks such as rounding edges and other sanding tasks, they should not be used for more difficult materials.
For rough areas, you can use belt sanders initially and then switch to orbital or orbital sanders when it is necessary to sand more complex corners.
Handle Variety
Orbital sanders can be fitted with design handles that fit snugly in your hand.
A grip design orbital sander is also known as a D-handle. This is because the tool can be held on the back instead of the top.
Orbital sanders with pistol grip handles are the best option for you if you want one-hand operation.
Accurate Work
Orbital sanders are more precise than other alternatives because they work on repeated angles. It is also lighter and more convenient to use, making it easier to concentrate on precision while using it.
Recommendations
If you need to work on tight corners or rounding edges, smaller and more precise orbital sanders may be the best choice.
An Orbital Sander’s Advantages
Sanding Disc and Sandpaper
Attaching sandpaper to an orbital sander is easy because you only need stick-and-peel or velcro depending on which model you have. Sandpapers aren’t expensive or difficult to find so it is a very useful tool.
The Shape and Size
It works well with the orbital-sanders tool shape because most materials can be made in either a square or rectangular format. Users can reach tight corners and edges with greater ease due to its size.
The Smoothness
An orbital sander can be moved back and forth to give the material a smooth finish, without the need for sanding marks.
An Orbital Sander’s Disadvantages
Time Consuming
An orbital sander does not have a lot of power. Its speed is not as fast as other sanding options.
Restrictions on the Removal of Materials
The orbital sander is not designed to remove or tear material, so it has a limit on how much it can sand.
Twisting Marks
An orbital sander, as mentioned above, works in a circular motion which causes twist marks on the material.
What Is A Random Orbital Sander And How Does It Differ From An Orbital Sander. What Is The Difference Between An Orbital Sander And A Random Orbital Sander.
Also, random orbital sanders can also make circular movements. Their orbits are less consistent and more abrasive. These are the best places to use these tools.
- Fine sanding and stripping wood pieces
- Sanding work without twisted marks
- More material removed than with regular orbital sanders
- Different wood projects are more suitable
Power
We have compared orbital sander to belt sander and explained why the latter is more suitable for finishing touches, and does not require as much power as the former.
Belt sanders can be used to remove more layers of material. It all depends on what sanding task you are trying to accomplish.
Sanding Function
The material can be sanded faster using the looping motion belt sanders. This is a better option than orbital or circular sanders which use sanding paper to move in circles.
Sanding Grit
While both tools can be used to accommodate all sandpapers on the market, an orbital can handle almost any grit. Belt sanders require a certain size of sandpaper, something you may not be aware of.
Speed
It can be difficult to compare these tools because they are measured in different speed metrics. It is evident that belt sanders are faster due to their power range.
Precision
You should choose a lighter and more portable tool such as orbital sanders if you need to sand fine details.
Uses
We have already compared the differences between orbital and belt sanders in this evaluation. To prove our point, we will list their specific functions.
Here’s what you can do with orbital sanders.
- Sanding smaller areas and angles.
- To round and shape the edge.
- For intricate workpieces.
- Wooden hardwood floors can be refinished.
- Flat and wide wooden boards
- For extremely rigid material surfaces.
Dust Collection
These tools are different in their design and features but they all have the same thing: dust collection functions. It all depends on which model you are buying, whether it has dust bags or vacuum ports.
How To Choose The Best Sander For You
Our tool experts reiterated that the type of project you are working on will determine the type of sander you need. If you have to sand large areas, such as massive material removal, the belt sander will be your best choice.
Orbital sanders are a better option if you have to sand small details or workpieces.
Conclusion
There is no need to choose between orbital or belt sanders. These tools are essential in any woodworking workshop.
Our experts agree that both machines are worth the investment, even though they can be costly. Woodworking is not limited to a single job or process.
