How to choose a grinder? AUTO refinisher specialists tell you how to choose a grinding machine for installation work on metal or wood
Brand name
The most expensive tool does not mean the highest quality and most effective, since the cost of each specific machine is made up of many factors, not the least of which is a famous brand. That is why professionals in their field often give preference to tools and consumables from manufacturers that are less well-known in the mass segment, who offer industrial-quality tools for the same money, significantly surpassing machines from the mass market.
In addition, it is worth considering the fact that many mass European brands often transfer their production to the countries of Southeast Asia, that is, a machine under a big name may well be made in China or Taiwan, but cost as a tool from the EU. At the same time, a purely Taiwanese or Korean instrument of similar (and often quite decent) quality can be found at a much lower price.
A task
The range of tasks that you plan to solve with its help will help you decide on the type of grinder that you need. It should be borne in mind that there are multifunctional machines (for example, the well-known angle grinder), machines with various attachments, as well as highly specialized machines.
Belt sander
If you are faced with a difficult, but single task, then you can try to solve it using the existing tool or contact the specialists. But if the same tasks arise with a certain regularity, then it is better to purchase a specialized tool that will improve the quality of processing and have a positive impact on overall efficiency.
How to choose a grinding car?
The choice of a grinder depends on a number of factors, the importance of each of which can hardly be overestimated. In this article, we will dwell on the most important of them.
Which wood sander to choose: for work, for home
The brush grinder stands out among other grinders, since it is difficult to attribute it to any of the types. The working surface of this tool is a rotating brush that processes metals or wood (different types of brushes are used for different materials). Whereas in the case of metal, a brush is used to remove a layer of rust or paint, the wood sander is usually used to structure and give an aging effect.
Wood grinders: which one to choose?
The sander is a tool that is widely used in everyday life and industrial purposes for processing a variety of surfaces, from granite to plastic. In everyday life, a sander is most often needed when working with wood. In order to choose the right model, you need to study as much information as possible about the types and features of grinders.
Belt sander
Diagram of a belt sander.
It is beneficial to choose such a tool if you need to effectively remove large layers of material (for example, old paint), grind boards, process cut mowing lines and properly adjust the surfaces of parts.
These units are very powerful, and if the master does not have enough experience, then there is a danger of spoiling the surface to be treated. Working with a belt sander requires some skill. But with a little practice, you can quite easily, quickly and efficiently process a significant area.
When choosing a sander of this type, you need to make sure that you have the necessary equipment: models produced by different manufacturers are equipped with abrasive belts of various sizes.
Inexpensive models have a basic set of features:
- Speed control switch.
- Thermal protection of the motor.
- Attachment for connecting a vacuum cleaner (or dust collector).
Which wood sander should you choose?
Construction or restoration work requires the purchase of a tool for finishing wood (wood sander), but which model to choose? It depends on its purpose, since the tool is multifunctional. The selection criteria are largely influenced by the features of the surfaces to be treated: their size or the complexity of the design with many hard-to-reach places. Important is the size of the budget allocated for restoration or construction, as well as the experience of the master, his skills in working with the tool for grinding wood.
If a grinder is required for home use (minor repairs, hobbies), choose simple and quite budget models.
They are lightweight and small in size. For processing large volumes of construction or industrial work (for example, in a furniture workshop), it will be more successful to purchase powerful units.
There are the following types of woodworking sanders:
- Tape;
- Vibration;
- Eccentric;
- Corner;
- Renovator;
- Brush.
Vibrating sander
A vibrating machine is a tool for a more delicate effect on the surface of a tree. The work surface is often rectangular in shape, making it convenient for sanding corners.
The main criteria for choosing this particular type of machine are:
Diagram of a vibratory grinder.
- Dimensions of the working surface (sole). This parameter directly affects the speed of the work performed.
- Sole shape. The rectangular surface can be supplemented with a triangular wedge for working in hard-to-reach places.
- The range of motion of the machine: with its increase, the processing speed increases. But this can affect the quality of the grinding.
- Method of fixing an abrasive surface. There are several possible options: clamps, Velcro, combined method.
- Possibility of adjusting the speed of movement: it can be different for different woods.
- A way to get rid of shavings and dust.
The parameters of the grinders, which in this case you should pay attention to, are:
- Platform size (diagonal or triangle area).
- Tool productivity, which is directly related to vibration frequency (up to 2600 rpm).
- Weight (about 1 kg)
- Power (most often from 300 to 200 W).
Angle grinders
Angle grinders, popularly an angle grinder, can be distinguished into a separate class, since with the help of them you can not only grind various surfaces, but also cut materials such as metal, stone and concrete.
Despite this peculiarity, the angle grinder is not suitable for processing wood due to its low density.
Also, the advantages of such equipment over other grinders are the ability to install various attachments, a relatively low weight (up to five kilograms) and a high reliability.
Overview of furniture sanders and more
Grinding machines are a category of power tools designed for grinding and polishing of various materials such as wood, metal, stone, glass and plastic.
With the help of such equipment, you can remove old paint from the surface, cut slate sheets, process wood and chipboard elements, as well as marble and concrete.
Grinder device
- Outlet and inlet pipes
- Housing
- Shaft
- Sieve cylinder
- Working chamber housing
- Abrasive wheel
- Outlet and inlet pipes
- Bearing arrangements
- Electric motor
- Stanina
- V-belt transmission
- Bearing arrangements
Which sander is best for wood
There are several types of wood sanders. The design and principle of operation determine their purpose and the ability to perform certain types of work.
- Belt sanders are designed for rough sanding and fitting of parts. Surface treatment takes place with an abrasive belt stretched over rotating shafts.
- Vibration (surface grinders) machines. They have a flat sole, often of a rectangular shape, to which a sheet of abrasive material is attached. Suitable for large flat surfaces.
- Vibrating with deltoid sole. Vibration type angle grinders. They are used to work in hard-to-reach places and to process parts with complex configurations.
- Eccentric (orbital) grinders. They have a round sole with replaceable abrasive pads. Designed for finishing and fine sanding.
- Brush grinders. They differ from the rest in that a brush with metal or synthetic bristles acts as a working consumable. Such a tool is not intended for fine grinding. Its main function is the removal of paintwork and rough surface preparation.
Depending on the type of the proposed work, one or another type of tool is used. Professional craftsmen usually have at least two grinding devices in their arsenal for coarse and fine processing.
Brush sander for wood
This type of tool is used mainly for cleaning surfaces from old varnish or paint and structuring wood. Often the brushing machine is used when working with wooden furniture. With its help, the surface is aged, creating semi-antique pieces of furniture.
Cleaning takes place using a rotating cylindrical drum (brush) with metal or nylon bristles. Instead of a brush, it is possible to install an abrasive nozzle for grinding or a nozzle with a soft polishing material.
There are two design options for brushing machines. The first is a tool in a wide body that hides a shaft with a nozzle. The device is equipped with two handles with a trigger trigger in one of them. Such models have the ability to adjust the depth of processing.
The second option is almost identical to the angle grinder. The difference lies in the equipment on which the cylindrical brush is installed. The handle is positioned differently. It is installed parallel to the working shaft. The possibility of adjusting the working depth in such models is not provided.
Professional wood sander
Any professional tool differs from a domestic one in that it is capable of withstanding heavy loads and is designed for long-term operation in large volumes. Endurance and reliability depend on quality and specifications.
Models of hand grinders for professional use, depending on the type and purpose, can have a power of over 1000 watts. For example, the average power of orbital-type devices is about 350-450 W. Belt type machines consume from 500 to 1200 watts. There are also more powerful models.
An important indicator for the professional segment is functionality. Some models provide for the use of special equipment: interchangeable soles, guides, attachment devices, etc. This expands the capabilities of the instrument and improves its accuracy.
Equipping with options is typical: smooth speed control, various operating modes, automatic centering of the belt, the presence of a dust collector or the ability to connect to external devices for collecting dust.
All special grinders are professional. A special place is occupied by multifunctional devices. Usually these are small portable machines for grinding and polishing wooden parts.