Directions How to Use the Rotary Disc Sander

A rotary disc sander is a power tool that has a circular sanding surface that is made from a disposable sandpaper pad. You would use a rotary disc sander on woodworking projects, car refinishing projects or any project that would require sanding that cannot be done by hand but does not require the strength of sandblasting. Learn how to safely use a rotary disc sander before working with one.

Things You'll Need

  • Broom
  • Rubber bands
  • Goggles
  • Gloves
  • Workbench
  • Clamps
  • Cement blocks
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Sweep up any debris in your work area prior to beginning work. A rotary disc sander generates a great deal of force when you place it on a surface, and if you are standing in liquid or on some other unstable surface, you could fall.

    • 2

      Remove any loose-fitting clothing and put on safety goggles and work gloves. If you would prefer to wear your loose-fitting clothing, use rubber bands to keep any part of your clothing from hanging down into your work area. If you get loose clothing caught in a disc sander, you can injure yourself and damage the sander.

    • 3

      Secure the object you will be working on to a workbench using a strong clamp. If the object is too large to fit on a bench but still requires anchoring to be safely sanded, use cement blocks to hold the piece in place.

    • 4

      Remove anyone who would be in front of or behind the object you are sanding. Not only is there a danger that the piece will come loose from the clamps and be propelled in harm's way, but pieces of debris are continually flying off an object being sanded and the debris could injure anyone in the room.

    • 5

      Check the sanding disc adapter to make sure that the disc is firmly in place. If the sander has accessories such as a dust collection unit or a silencer, be sure that they are also securely in place. Installation of accessories and sanding discs can vary from model to model, so check your user's guide for proper instructions.

    • 6

      Apply the disc slowly to the surface you are sanding. Practice on a test surface prior to doing your actual sanding to be sure you have a feel for how much torque the sander creates.

    • 7

      Move the sander around the surface in a smooth and consistent motion. If you leave the sander on one spot for too long, your surface will be uneven when you are done.

    • 8

      Pull the sander completely away from the surface and turn it off from time to time to check on your work.

    • 9

      Stop to check your clamps, or the positioning of your cement blocks, every so often to make sure everything is still secure as you are working.

Tips & Warnings

  • Work in a well-ventilated area to allow sawdust to clear as you are working. Wear a mask if the dust becomes thick.

Related Searches:

References

Comments

You May Also Like

  • How to Use a Sander

    Sanding can be a messy job. It can also be dangerous if you aren't careful. Here's how to use a sander with...

  • How to Use an Industrial Disc Sander

    Industrial disc sanders are used in many different types of shops. Wood, plastics, and metals can all be shaped using this tool....

  • How to Use a Disc Sander

    Many people know how to use a disc sander and think that it takes common sense, but few know how to use...

  • Safety Instructions for a Rotary Disc Sander

    Rotary disc sanders produce small particles that fly off the material you're sanding. Because these particles can damage your eyes, always wear...

  • Operating Instructions for a Stationary Rotary Disc Sander

    Rotary disc sanders generally have a flat work surface and a vertical sanding pad that spins to sand wood and metal. The...

  • How to Use Disc Sanders

    Disc sanders grind off the surface of the material you're working with, leaving a smooth finish. Woodworkers use disc sanders for quick...

  • How to Use a Disk Sander

    A disc sander is a hand-held rotary tool with a rapidly spinning, round sanding surface that requires disposable sandpaper "discs." These tools...

  • How to Use a Belt & Disc Sander

    Belt and orbital palm sanders pack a lot of power in different situations. For major stripping and finishing projects, your belt sander...

  • How to Make Sanding Drums

    Sanding drums, cylinders coated with a sanding surface used to sand sides and corners, are available and relatively inexpensive in most hardware...

  • How to Use a Sanding Disk on a Drill

    Sanding disks are available for mounting onto hand-held electric or air powered drills. Once the sanding disk holder is properly installed, a...

  • Disk Sander Facts

    Rather than relying on elbow grease to sand wood, metal and other surfaces, electrical tools such as disk sanders help complete the...

  • How to Reglue Sanding Belts

    Sanding belts take a lot of abuse. They get old, and the glue holding them together fails. You don't need to throw...

  • What Is a Roatry Disc Sander?

    A rotary disc sander is a type of power tool used for smoothing the surfaces of wood and other materials. There are...

  • Belt Disc Sander Safety

    Belt and disc sanders are used to finish off wood and metal by removing rough ends and smoothing edges. They require training...

  • Hand Sander Safety

    Sanding prepares a surface for primer, paint or finishing. Hand sanders utilize a motor to make sanding quicker and more efficient than...

  • How to Remove the Self Sticking Sanding Disc From a Disc Sander

    Rotary sanders, orbital sanders and random orbital sanders all have one thing in common: They all operate through the use of sanding...

  • How to Sand a Car With an Air Sander

    Air sanders, sometimes called dual-action (DA) sanders, are one of the most useful tools for the body-repair mechanic or the ambitious amateur...

Related Ads

Featured