We devoted previous articles to screwdrivers, angle grinders, chain saws, jigsaws, mixers, spray guns, miter saws, jackhammers, and hammer drills. Today, all our attention will be focused on the tool that uses sandpaper.
Sand or distress wooden part, remove paintwork, remove rust, grind off burrs, rub putty, process plastic, polish stone - all this and much more can be done by modern grinding machines. So, we offer the slogan: “Choose a grinder with us, choose like us, choose better than us!”
Sanding: This process causes discomfort for many, even at the mere mention of it. What can I say, grinding is a monotonous, labor-intensive, painstaking, dusty, sometimes noisy, slightly harmful operation, but, unfortunately, inevitable. Modern requirements finishing work has reached unprecedented heights, no one doubts the fact that the planes must be perfectly even and smooth. Finishing high-tech coatings are increasingly striving for thin layers and only highlight the shortcomings of the base. Even enlarged, with ready-made decorative coating leafy building materials have to be joined, followed by caulking/puttying or seam sealing followed by sanding. Domestic builders, finishers and shop workers (manufacturers of furniture, carpentry, stone products, bulk polymers, metal) are slowly but surely getting used to new standards, previously unknown.
Fortunately, the hardware did not lag behind for long: the working people are helped to cope with the task by a highly specialized, relatively inexpensive tool - grinding machines, which we can no longer do without. Gone is the painfully familiar sandpaper, attached to a wooden block, or held in one’s hands. The leaders of capitalist production have produced many, many wonderful professional grinding devices designed for any occasion, without neglecting home craftsmen who love to create anything. with my own hands. Understand the variety of grinders and make right choice It’s actually not difficult, the main thing is to know what a particular tool is intended for, and also to clearly understand what tasks you will set for the grinder.
It is customary to distinguish three main types of grinding machines: belt, eccentric (orbital), surface grinding (vibrating). They all have their own specialization and form a unique cascade of capabilities, ranging from fast rough processing to delicate finishing grinding. Many of those who are closely associated with grinding “on duty” have in their arsenal a full set of tools of this class. Belt sanders are the heavy artillery for removing large layers from large surfaces. PShM are focused on finishing. And ESMs are capable of producing even better results, bordering on polishing, but, compared to vibration machines, they have a different operating principle and a different filling.
Belt sanders
Above, we inadvertently called the belt sander heavy artillery; in fact, it would be more appropriate to say “tank”. The working element of this well-recognized tool is an abrasive belt, glued together in the form of an endless ring, which moves along two end rollers and clearly resembles the track of a tracked vehicle. Such units are relatively powerful, they have a relatively simple reliable design(angular gearbox plus V-belt drive), low center of gravity, solid driving speed abrasive material. Using a belt sander, you can easily remove a layer of material of a few millimeters, make an edge or rounding on a workpiece, or remove old paintwork or rust. The following are subject to it: wood, metal, polymers, mineral building materials... Clear paint from floors - yes, correct planed timber - please, level up a putty wall with defects - no problem. However, it is worth understanding that high performance is not best friend quality, there will definitely be scratches and chips. For finishing sanding you will need to use an orbital or surface sander.
It is no secret that the performance of an electric tool is directly proportional to the power consumption of its motor - the higher it is, the more we can squeeze out of a particular unit. In the case of LSM, the consumer has the opportunity to choose from models with a motor from 0.5 to 1.2 kW (Skil Masters 7660MA - 1200 W).
Please note that tools from Chinese brands are often declared with inflated engine power ratings, or, if there really are stated watts, they are not balanced with the rest of the characteristics of the device. Record-breaking power is boasted by those manufacturers who have nothing else to show, except perhaps the heavy weight and bulkiness of the “unique” product.
The next important characteristic for a belt sander is speed. Obviously, it also needs to be taken into account to determine the capabilities of the tool. A fast machine will do more, but it will not be possible to pin it down if its outstanding speed is not supported by additional power. This is all due to the notorious torque, which says that the more speed a tool has, the less power it has left. A responsible manufacturer carefully balances these characteristics, making them mutually changeable, for which smart electronics are sometimes responsible. The belt speed in these grinders can be in the range of 150-550 meters per minute (Fiolent MSHL1-100 - 550 m/min.).
The question may arise: why produce fast, but relatively weak blades at all? It’s just that a super-productive (fast and at the same time strong) car is more difficult to control, it is heavier, larger, and more expensive. If pressed excessively, it can easily ruin the workpiece. In turn, maneuverable high-speed lightweights are convenient in short terms, often “on the spot”, treat a large surface area. If you don’t yet know what kind of loads await the grinder, choose a slower model that can be pressed a little, so it will be more versatile. Even more versatile are blade grinders with the ability to preset the speed mode (Sparky MBS 976, DeWalt DW433). Among them there are options with smooth or stepped adjustments.
It's time to talk about electronic systems, which help in working with belt sanders. These machines are not rich in electronic filling, compared to other types electric tools. Everything is usually limited to regulating the speed of the belt. The switch responsible for this function is made in the form of a slider or a wheel with divisions. There are models with overheating protection (Metabo BAE 75). With some stretch, this includes the function of fixing the start button in the on position.
The situation is much more interesting with mechanical “bells and whistles”. The kit may include a stand or special clamps designed for stationary fastening of the tool (very convenient for processing small parts). The grinding frame serves as a kind of limiter that helps to avoid damage to the workpiece. A rip fence or miter gauge is useful for obtaining an accurate bevel or a smooth, parallel surface. The thin front roller in some LBMs (Black&Decker KA88) has a small diameter, which makes it possible to reduce the dead zone to a minimum during internal corners. Automatic centering of the belt (the cunning barrel-shaped shape of one of the rollers) does not allow the latter to treacherously slide off at the most inopportune moment. An additional handle with variable tilt or removable will significantly increase the functionality of the machine in “squeezed” places - sometimes noticeably.
Special attention should be paid to the dimensions of the working plane - the sole, respectively, the length and width of the tape. Wide soles (100 mm) are typical for powerful professional models, making them more stable and productive. The hobby class is usually limited to 75 millimeters. The long and wide sole of expensive blades has complex design, consisting of a substrate and an elastic plate, which allows for constant uniform contact of the emery with the part; such a tool “holds the plane” well. It is necessary to mention “ribbons” with narrow equipment - these are the so-called “electric files”, which are not very powerful and versatile, but specialists value them for their unprecedented compactness (for example, Makita 9032 with a tape only 9 mm wide).
All belt machines have a dust removal system, but not all of them work equally effectively. The fight against dust is carried out either using a vacuum cleaner connected through the pipe, or by collecting it in a bag with a built-in filter. Of course, a vacuum cleaner is preferable, especially when sanding mineral substrates. In ultra-cheap models, the impeller responsible for air suction does not cope with its function, the channels quickly become clogged, and a lot of harmful “flour” remains in the air.
Surface grinding (vibrating) machines
If we take into account the cleanliness of the processing of parts, then surface grinders occupy an intermediate position between belt and orbital ones. With their help, they carry out finishing grinding of flat surfaces made of a wide variety of materials - plastic, wood, stone, metal... Thanks to the relatively large working plane, the PSM is suitable for working with serious quadrature. The secret to the popularity of vibrating sanders lies in their moderate cost, the availability of equipment elements, and the absence of dead processing zones (the flat out-mounted sole easily handles corners).
The main working body of a surface grinder is a plate, which makes frequent reciprocating movements with a small amplitude. The motor in such machines is located vertically, which makes it possible, using the “eccentric-counterweight” tandem, to convert the rotational movements of the shaft into translational movements of the platform.
Most vibrating grinders traditionally boast a motor power of 150-300 W; they are quite maneuverable, moderately light and compact. This level of power plant is almost always sufficient. However, such unanimity among manufacturers would be, at least, strange - there are models with a power of up to 600 W (Makita 9046). They are, of course, heavier and larger, but can work at low speeds for a long time without overheating.
The most important indicator of the PSM is the amplitude of the sole stroke. IN different models it may vary, although it is invariably a relatively small value. On average for the class, the platform moves by 1-3 mm; in more mobile models figures of 5-6 mm may appear (Festool RS 100). A larger amplitude helps to polish the surface faster, but such processing will also be rougher.
Another nuance is the frequency of the sole stroke. At high speed the machine will quickly remove a relatively thicker layer, while at lower speed it is easier to achieve a precise finish sanding. Some manufacturers make the platform movement frequency variable, exceeding 20,000 strokes per minute (Bosch GSS 280 AE L-BOXX), which allows you to adapt to the processing various types materials, tailored to the characteristics of specific surfaces.
When choosing a vibrating sander, special attention must be paid to the platform. With its dimensions, everything is quite simple, there are two options: a kind of “standard” and “mini” models - the plate area is about 100 mm 2 (Makita BO4557, Sparky MP 250). Toddlers are good for tight, tight spaces. Obviously, the sole must be of high quality, perfectly flat, with clear geometric shapes. Budget machines are equipped with a platform made of steel or high-strength plastic, while more expensive analogues are equipped with cast platforms made of alloys containing aluminum or magnesium (Festool RS 100). A good sole is characterized by precise balancing, which is easily determined by a low degree of vibration when operating without load (idling). It is also important what the pad is made of, the most suitable option- this is a porous polymer, it “holds” the plane better than rubber.
Vibratory grinders with a delta-shaped platform are included in a separate class; they are popularly called “irons” (Hitachi SV12SH, Makita BO4565). Due to their miniature size and good maneuverability, they are used for processing objects with small parts and complex surfaces, such as furniture, carpentry, staircase elements, and car body. Their triangular platforms are rotary - you can continue to work unevenly “eaten” by the sandpaper petal (Festool Deltex DX 93E) or removable (with quick installation another type of platform - for concave/convex surfaces, for structuring, polishing, rubbing).
Emery can be attached to the site in different ways. It is more convenient when the paper is secured with Velcro, but special equipment is relatively expensive. The option with spring-loaded clamps is somewhat more complicated, but you can use inexpensive sanding paper that you cut yourself (you just need to make holes in the right places for dust removal).
The fight against fine dust, which inevitably forms when using a grinder, poses many challenges for developers. They have to work hard to protect all mechanisms. IN in this case special motor sealing, protected bearings and switches, an impenetrable housing, and a channel system with forced dust extraction are used. To remove dust from working area and does not saturate the air, it is directed into a collection bag or filter; in most cases, a vacuum cleaner can be connected to the nozzle - this is the most effective method protection.
Eccentric (orbital) sanders
This type of sander is designed for high quality processing. Delicate grinding and even polishing are their element, although the performance of such devices can be no less impressive than that of vibrating machines. They can handle any material; most often you will find ESMs among woodworkers and car painters. When working with profile, volumetric, curved objects, eccentric sanders have no equal, and they also have no problems with planes. The only place where such a machine fails is in corners and small recesses - the “plate” simply won’t reach there.
Just like surface grinding units, “orbitals” have an eccentric and a counterweight, with the help of which the round grinding plate not only moves around its axis, but also along an “orbit” with a small amplitude. Interestingly, axial movement usually occurs by inertia, and in some models it is forced (via a gear transmission - Kress 900 MPS). This complex movement of the working blade, coupled with the highest rotation speed, is what makes it possible to obtain a surface of excellent quality, without depressions, waves and scratches.
From 200 to 900 watts - this is how much the motors of modern electric motors consume. Those that are more powerful will naturally be more productive; they can easily handle a larger sole, up to 150 mm in diameter (for example, the 400-watt Bosch GEX 125-150 AVE or Interskol EShM-150/600E).
Bosch GEX 125-150 AVE
Orbital machines also have differences in the speed of translational motion. If we talk about rotation, this figure can be from 4 to 14 thousand eccentric revolutions per minute for models with adjustment (Metabo SXE 425), and about 12,000 for models without it. If we talk about the concept of “fluctuation”, then these figures will be half as much. In fact, everything is simple here: the higher the speed, the rougher the processing will be, but the faster the work can be done.
The eccentric of orbital machines may not have the same “span” - from 2 to 7 mm (Festool WTS 150/7 E-Plus). This is called the amplitude of the oscillation. The smaller it is, the less vibration the device generates, the more compact the plate moves, the smaller the area we process, but the cleaner the grinding will be. In some ESMs, the operator can set a certain amplitude, affecting the productivity and fineness of grinding.
Compared to their counterparts (LSM and PShM), “orbitals” are usually well equipped with electronics. We have already talked about setting speed and amplitude, in addition to this, a professional instrument is equipped with a system automatic maintenance frequency (Bosch GEX 150 Turbo) so that it does not drop under load - this is constant electronics. Some models have an electrodynamic brake (AEG EX150ED K), which, after turning off the “start” button, instantly stops the work plate, preventing damage to the workpiece and reducing the possibility of injury. For powerful professional machines, a starting current limiter can be provided (Makita BO6040 ), which smoothly accelerates the tool, preventing a starting jerk and protecting the network from short-term, but significantly increased load.
One of the very nice options is the removable network cable, adjustable or removable front handle, locking start button, functional dust removal.
Be sure to pay attention to the type of sanding pad. Firstly, if you need particularly delicate processing, do not chase a large plate; by the way, it has a larger dead zone and an amplitude of about 5-7 mm. The plate, made of metal, has stability, high strength and excellent heat dissipation. The elastic plate copes well with convex surfaces. All of them have Velcro for fixing the sandpaper and holes for dust extraction. These holes from individual manufacturers may vary in size, number and location; according to this feature, you need to select the appropriate equipment.
If financial issue is not the least important, then for a home workshop you can purchase a model from the “hobby” category. Good examples are offered by Makita, Black&Decker, Skil, Sparky, Bosch. Look towards the domestic manufacturer - Interskol and Fiolent have noticeably improved in terms of the quality and functionality of their tools.
Pay attention to the weight and dimensions of the product you are interested in, especially if a lot of work is planned “on the spot”, on weight, on outstretched arms. Give preference to a car that is not too powerful, but rather a faster one; it will be lighter, more compact and cheaper. But for regular operations on a workbench, the large weight of the device will be more of a plus than a minus.
Be sure to “feel” the grinder thoroughly and find the one that best suits your ergonomics. Decide on the type of main and additional handle; most likely you will have to choose between a “mushroom” and a “brace”. See if the switches are conveniently located and how they work, how easy it is to change the equipment, and whether the power cord is in the way.
Check the moving parts of the product for play. Look at the accuracy of the fit of the body parts. Turn on the car in a tool store, at least at idle speed, evaluate the level of noise and vibration. Ask about the cost, range and possibility of interchangeability of consumables.
Weigh all the pros and cons, take your time with the choice, then the whole repair will go smoothly.
Today, the market offers a large number of different tools designed for grinding various surfaces. One of the most popular is the belt sander or simply sander. Those who want to purchase a high-quality and reliable LSM for their use will have to choose among huge assortment. But there are no special secrets or difficulties in how to choose a belt sander. This tool, like any other, has a number of main and secondary characteristics. Knowing and understanding what this or that characteristic is responsible for, you can easily determine which LSM suits you best.
Purpose of a belt sander
When choosing a belt sander, you need to know in advance how and what it will be used for. Without this, it will be quite difficult to choose the right model. And when you consider that each sander has different performance characteristics, it becomes even more difficult to choose.
The purpose of a belt sander is to sand and remove old paintwork from smooth wood and metal surfaces. The operating principle of this machine is extremely simple and consists of a cyclic movement of an abrasive belt looped on a roller mechanism. Using a blade grinder you can perform grinding smooth surfaces both large and small areas. The belt sander is mainly used for coarse and intermediate sanding with the removal of a large layer. Using a belt sander, you can prepare the surface for finer sanding with an eccentric or vibration sander.
Important! For the most part, LBMs are designed to work with flat surfaces. But there are a number of belt sanders designed for processing convex surfaces. Examples of such sanders are the Metabo RB 18 LTX 60 and AGP WS 760. They are positioned as belt sanders for rough grinding, satin finishing and mirror polishing of surfaces.
It is also necessary to decide how often and under what loads the blade will be used. This will determine what type of belt sander you should purchase. So, for rare use with short work cycles, you can purchase a household grinder. They are relatively cheap, but the working life of such blades is designed only for short-term use. The more expensive and at the same time the most reliable sanders, designed to work in difficult conditions, are professional ones.
Main characteristics of a belt sander
When choosing a belt sander, you need to pay attention special attention its main performance characteristics. These include power, rotation speed, width and length of the abrasive belt, as well as the weight of the machine. The quality and speed of work execution directly depend on these characteristics.
Blade blade power
The defining characteristic of any power tool is its power. Most manufacturers indicate it in the model name. This parameter affects most other characteristics. The rotation speed, electricity consumption, weight and, most importantly, the quality and period of continuous operation of the grinder depend on it. The power range of belt sanders is from 500 W to 1700 W.
Among low-power LSM, it stands out especially belt sander Makita 9032. This sander is sometimes called a power file because it has a narrow belt that allows you to reach narrow and hard-to-reach surfaces. But still, the lion's share of the belt sander market is machines with power from 700 W to 1500 W. This segment includes belt sanders Makita, Metabo, Bosch, Festul, Interskol and many others. When choosing one brand or another, it will be quite difficult to determine the best sander. If you focus only on the power of the grinder, then the more powerful the grinder, the better. But it is worth remembering about other characteristics, which together will allow you to determine the most suitable belt sander for certain requirements.
LSM belt rotation speed
This is the second most important characteristic for belt sanders. After all, the speed of surface treatment and the quality of work depend on it. The rotation speed of the abrasive belt directly depends on the power of the sander itself. At the same time, in addition to power, the rotation speed is also affected by the width of the belt itself.
LBMs with speeds from 75 m/min to 2000 m/min are available on the market. But it should be noted that high-speed machines use narrow abrasive belts, while low-speed machines use wide belts. Most belt sanders on the market have belt rotation rates ranging from 300 to 500 meters per minute. The optimal indicator for a household grinder is a speed of 400 m/min. One of the machines that combines high rotation speed, wide belt and power is Belt grinder Fiolent MSHL 1-100.
But the downside of high speed and power is rough surface grinding. For comparison, you need to look at surface and eccentric sanders. A surface grinder grinds about 1 gram of processed material per minute, and the power of this tool rarely exceeds 400 W. The eccentric removes 2 - 5 grams, and the power range is 300 - 600 W. But, for example belt sander Fiolent with a power of 1200 and a speed of 550 m/min, it has a production of 12 - 15 grams per minute. Therefore, when choosing a belt sander, it is necessary to adhere to the golden mean in terms of power and belt rotation speed.
LSM weight
Enough important characteristic is the weight of the grinder. This indicator largely affects the convenience and quality of the work performed and depends on the power of the grinder itself. The more powerful the blade, the greater its weight. Of course, in most cases, a blade grinder is used for grinding horizontal surfaces, where it stands securely on the surface. But there are a number of jobs, for example, grinding door slope or window frames when the sander needs to be suspended. And in this case, a lot of weight will be more of a disadvantage.
Most machines weigh up to 4 kg. And only high-power belt sanders over 1000 W weigh 5 kilograms or more. For example, belt sander Makita 9404 has a power of 1100 W and a weight of 4.7 kg. Or belt grinder Interskol LShM-100/1200E with a weight of 5.6 kg. The large weight of these blades is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The fact is that when starting the machine, if it is on work surface, it may be torn out of the hands at high speed, resulting in injury to the operator. Therefore, the machine is first turned on and then placed on the surface to be treated. At the same time, for grinding, the large weight of the machine can be an advantage and will be enough for high-quality processing.
Dimensions of LShM abrasive belt
The rotation speed and power of a belt sander are related to another characteristic - the width and length of the abrasive belt. This seemingly simple indicator affects several characteristics at once. Including the quality and productivity of work. The wider the belt, the lower its speed and the more power required to operate. At the same time, machines with a narrow belt have high speed with relatively low power.
The standard tape width is 75 mm, 100 mm, 115 mm. The length is also more or less standardized. In this case, the multiplicity step along the length is 5 mm. But some models of belt sanders have non-standard sizes, which can be 232 mm or 142 mm along the length of the abrasive belt. Which causes certain difficulties when purchasing consumables. A good example is belt sander Skil 1215AA, whose tape size is 76x457 mm. In contrast to Skil, belt sander 9404 companies Makita has dimensions of 100x610, which makes it quite easy to find consumables for it. The tape sizes are quite important. Firstly, it is easier to find consumables for a standard size. Secondly, long length and the width of the tape will allow you to process a large surface until the tape is completely worn out. But, remembering the relationship between power, belt rotation speed and its width, you can find a blade with optimal values of these parameters.
Additional functions of the belt sander
Each manufacturer tries to add unique and useful features, which will favorably distinguish it from all the others. Such additional options often have a lesser impact on the quality and productivity of work, but make the work noticeably more comfortable. Such additional functions include speed control, the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner, soft start and much more.
Power supply for the grinder
Today, battery-powered construction tools are the norm, and belt sanders are no exception. This approach is very justified, and for those who have to work in conditions without electricity, a cordless sander will come in handy. An example of such a LSM is.
Rotation speed adjustment
One is related to the rotation speed important function machine, namely the ability to adjust it. This additional feature is very useful for a belt sander. By adjusting the rotation speed of the abrasive belt, you can control the quality of the work performed, which allows you to do both rough and finer grinding of the surface. Present on the market various models and some of them don't have this feature. But when choosing one model or another, preference should be given to a blade grinder with the ability to adjust the speed of rotation of the belt. An example would be belt sander Makita 9911, allowing you to adjust the speed in the range from 75 m/min to 270 m/min.
Dust removal method
The belt sander is unique in that dust is removed by suction by the engine cooling fan. Each manufacturer approached this working moment in its own way. This has resulted in some models having one significant drawback- dust settles on the rollers and moving parts, which leads to their rapid wear and the need for replacement or lubrication. When choosing a particular grinder, you need to pay attention to the method of collecting and removing dust. The container or bag itself should not be located near rollers or other moving parts. And if this is what the designers intended, then you should make sure that it is easy to access for cleaning the tool. An example of such a design would be belt grinder Caliber LShM-750. It should also be noted that if it is necessary to disassemble the blade for repair or lubrication of parts, you can lose the warranty on it, which happens quite often. Therefore, before purchasing such a model, ask the seller about the possibility of lubricating and disassembling parts of the unit yourself without losing the warranty.
Possibility of connection to a vacuum cleaner
All grinders of one type or another have a special dust collector, but there are models that are equipped with dust removal using a vacuum cleaner. For example, Bosch belt sander, model PBS 7 A, has in its arsenal both a dust collector and the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner. When choosing a particular model, you should make sure that this useful option is available, or at least that there is an adapter for the vacuum cleaner. After all, thanks to it, you can increase the period of work without cleaning the bag, which will only have a positive effect on the speed of work.
Starting current limitation
As noted earlier, the belt sander is turned on in midair and then only lowered to the surface. On low-power and light grinders the starting moment is not felt very strongly, but on heavier and more powerful grinders the machine jerks. To eliminate this effect Many manufacturers equip their tools with a starting current limiter, or as it is also called a “soft start” system. It allows the blade to gain momentum gradually, making it much easier to start working with a heavy and powerful tool. When choosing a belt sander, this option will not play a significant role on the quality of the work, but will make it easier to start.
Method for replacing the abrasive belt
In the process of working with blade grinders, you have to change the abrasive belt more than once. To do this, it is sometimes necessary to remove the protective cover or loosen the tension rollers in order to remove the old one and install a new tape. In most cases, this does not take much time, but you don’t really want to keep a pair of keys on hand and fiddle with them when replacing the tape. Of course, manufacturers found a way out of this situation and created models of machines where the belt is replaced without any additional tool. When choosing a belt sander, you should pay attention to the method of replacing the abrasive so that it is as comfortable as possible for you and does not complicate the process of working with the blade.
Tape position and tension regulator
When considering the size of the tape, we mentioned the possibility of adjusting its tension. This option, despite the fact that it is additional, is important when choosing a LSM. Many quick change belt models do not have any manual adjustments for belt tension or alignment. And not every user knows how to properly adjust the tape tension. Therefore, manufacturers have developed automatic centering and belt tension. This greatly simplified the work with such machines and allowed even beginners to use them. When choosing between several models, you should give your preference to a machine with automatic adjustment position and tension of the tape.
Additional equipment
In addition to useful additional functions Manufacturers try to highlight their products with the help of various useful accessories. This can be either a branded suitcase for the sander or various removable parts, such as a sanding frame, a clamp or additional handles. But more important is a set of sanding belts, a spare dust bag and a vacuum cleaner adapter. In any case, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the configuration of a particular model. Perhaps it is the presence of some little thing that will make you make the right choice for yourself.
One of the most successful blade grinders with optimal power parameters, belt rotation speed and the ability to adjust it, a wide and long belt, is belt sanding Bosch machine GBS 75 AE Set Professional. This professional tool, despite being quite high price, boasts excellent performance and excellent reliability. It should be especially noted that this machine meets such requirements as a dust collection bag located away from the rollers and the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner, automatic centering and belt tension, low weight, speed control and much more. If the Bosch belt sander seems too expensive to you, then it can be used as an example when choosing another, cheaper model.
We devoted previous articles to screwdrivers, angle grinders, chain saws, jigsaws, mixers, spray guns, miter saws, jackhammers, and hammer drills. Today, all our attention will be focused on the tool that uses sandpaper.
Sanding or aging a wooden part, removing paint and varnish, removing rust, grinding off burrs, rubbing putty, processing plastic, polishing stone - all this and much more can be done with modern grinding machines. So, we offer the slogan: “Choose a grinder with us, choose like us, choose better than us!”
Sanding: This process causes discomfort for many, even at the mere mention of it. What can I say, grinding is a monotonous, labor-intensive, painstaking, dusty, sometimes noisy, slightly harmful operation, but, unfortunately, inevitable. Modern requirements for finishing work have reached unprecedented heights; no one questions the fact that the surfaces must be perfectly even and smooth. Finishing high-tech coatings are increasingly striving for thin layers and only highlight the shortcomings of the base. Even enlarged sheet building materials with a ready-made decorative coating have to be joined, followed by caulking/puttying or sealing the seam, followed by sanding. Domestic builders, finishers and shop workers (manufacturers of furniture, carpentry, stone products, bulk polymers, metal) are slowly but surely getting used to new standards, previously unknown.
Fortunately, the hardware did not lag behind for long: the working people are helped to cope with the task by a highly specialized, relatively inexpensive tool - grinding machines, which we can no longer do without. Gone is the painfully familiar sandpaper, attached to a wooden block, or held in one’s hands. The leaders of capitalist production have produced many, many wonderful professional grinding devices designed for any occasion, without neglecting home craftsmen - those who like to create something with their own hands. Understanding the variety of grinders and making the right choice is actually not difficult, the main thing is to know what a particular tool is intended for, and also clearly understand what tasks you will set for the grinder.
It is customary to distinguish three main types of grinding machines: belt, eccentric (orbital), surface grinding (vibrating). They all have their own specialization and form a unique cascade of capabilities, ranging from fast rough processing to delicate finishing grinding. Many of those who are closely associated with grinding “on duty” have in their arsenal a full set of tools of this class. Belt sanders are the heavy artillery for removing large layers from large surfaces. PShMs are oriented towards finishing. And ESMs are capable of producing even better results, bordering on polishing, but, compared to vibrating machines, they have a different operating principle and a different filling.
Belt sanders
Above, we inadvertently called the belt sander heavy artillery; in fact, it would be more appropriate to say “tank”. The working element of this well-recognized tool is an abrasive belt, glued together in the form of an endless ring, which moves along two end rollers and clearly resembles the track of a tracked vehicle. Such units are relatively powerful, they have a relatively simple, reliable design (angular gearbox plus V-belt drive), a low center of gravity, and a solid speed of movement of the abrasive material. Using a belt sander, you can easily remove a layer of material of a few millimeters, make an edge or rounding on a workpiece, or remove old paintwork or rust. The following are subject to it: wood, metal, polymers, mineral building materials... Clear paint from floors - yes, correct planed timber - please, level up a putty wall with defects - no problem. However, you should understand that high performance is not the best friend of quality; there will definitely be scratches and sinkholes. For finishing sanding you will need to use an orbital or surface sander.
It is no secret that the performance of an electric tool is directly proportional to the power consumption of its motor - the higher it is, the more we can squeeze out of a particular unit. In the case of LSM, the consumer has the opportunity to choose from models with a motor from 0.5 to 1.2 kW (Skil Masters 7660MA - 1200 W).
Please note that tools from Chinese brands are often declared with inflated engine power ratings, or, if there really are stated watts, they are not balanced with the rest of the characteristics of the device. Record-breaking power is boasted by those manufacturers who have nothing else to show, except perhaps the heavy weight and bulkiness of the “unique” product.
The next important characteristic for a belt sander is speed. Obviously, it also needs to be taken into account to determine the capabilities of the tool. A fast machine will do more, but it will not be possible to pin it down if its outstanding speed is not supported by additional power. This is all due to the notorious torque, which says that the more speed a tool has, the less power it has left. A responsible manufacturer carefully balances these characteristics, making them mutually changeable, for which smart electronics are sometimes responsible. The belt speed in these grinders can be in the range of 150-550 meters per minute (Fiolent MSHL1-100 - 550 m/min.).
The question may arise: why produce fast, but relatively weak blades at all? It’s just that a super-productive (fast and at the same time strong) car is more difficult to control, it is heavier, larger, and more expensive. If pressed excessively, it can easily ruin the workpiece. In turn, with maneuverable, high-speed lightweights, it is convenient to process a large surface area in a short time, often “on the spot.” If you don’t yet know what kind of loads await the grinder, choose a slower model that can be pressed a little, so it will be more versatile. Even more versatile are blade grinders with the ability to preset the speed mode (Sparky MBS 976, DeWalt DW433). Among them there are options with smooth or stepped adjustments.
It's time to talk about electronic systems that help in working with belt sanders. These machines are not rich in electronic content, compared to other types of electric tools. Everything is usually limited to regulating the speed of the belt. The switch responsible for this function is made in the form of a slider or a wheel with divisions. There are models with overheating protection (Metabo BAE 75). With some stretch, this includes the function of fixing the start button in the on position.
The situation is much more interesting with mechanical “bells and whistles”. The kit may include a stand or special clamps designed for stationary fastening of the tool (very convenient for processing small parts). The grinding frame serves as a kind of limiter that helps to avoid damage to the workpiece. A rip fence or miter gauge is useful for obtaining an accurate bevel or a smooth, parallel surface. The thin front roller in some LBMs (Black&Decker KA88) has a small diameter, which allows the dead zone in the inner corners to be reduced to a minimum. Automatic centering of the belt (the cunning barrel-shaped shape of one of the rollers) does not allow the latter to treacherously slide off at the most inopportune moment. An additional handle with variable tilt or removable will significantly increase the functionality of the machine in “squeezed” places - sometimes noticeably.
Special attention should be paid to the dimensions of the working plane - the sole, respectively, the length and width of the tape. Wide soles (100 mm) are typical for powerful professional models, making them more stable and productive. The hobby class is usually limited to 75 millimeters. The long and wide sole of expensive blades has a complex design, consisting of a backing and an elastic plate, which allows for constant, uniform contact between the sandpaper and the part; such a tool “holds its plane” well. It is necessary to mention “ribbons” with narrow equipment - these are the so-called “electric files”, which are not very powerful and versatile, but specialists value them for their unprecedented compactness (for example, Makita 9032 with a tape only 9 mm wide).
All belt machines have a dust removal system, but not all of them work equally effectively. The fight against dust is carried out either using a vacuum cleaner connected through the pipe, or by collecting it in a bag with a built-in filter. Of course, a vacuum cleaner is preferable, especially when sanding mineral substrates. In ultra-cheap models, the impeller responsible for air suction does not cope with its function, the channels quickly become clogged, and a lot of harmful “flour” remains in the air.
Surface grinding (vibrating) machines
If we take into account the cleanliness of the processing of parts, then surface grinders occupy an intermediate position between belt and orbital ones. With their help, they carry out finishing grinding of flat surfaces made of a wide variety of materials - plastic, wood, stone, metal... Thanks to the relatively large working plane, the PSM is suitable for working with serious quadrature. The secret to the popularity of vibrating sanders lies in their moderate cost, the availability of equipment elements, and the absence of dead processing zones (the flat out-mounted sole easily handles corners).
The main working body of a surface grinder is a plate, which makes frequent reciprocating movements with a small amplitude. The motor in such machines is located vertically, which makes it possible, using the “eccentric-counterweight” tandem, to convert the rotational movements of the shaft into translational movements of the platform.
Most vibrating grinders traditionally boast a motor power of 150-300 W; they are quite maneuverable, moderately light and compact. This level of power plant is almost always sufficient. However, such unanimity among manufacturers would be, at least, strange - there are models with a power of up to 600 W (Makita 9046). They are, of course, heavier and larger, but can work at low speeds for a long time without overheating.
The most important indicator of the PSM is the amplitude of the sole stroke. It may vary in different models, although it is invariably a relatively small value. On average for the class, the platform moves by 1-3 mm; in more mobile models figures of 5-6 mm may appear (Festool RS 100). A larger amplitude helps to polish the surface faster, but such processing will also be rougher.
Another nuance is the frequency of the sole stroke. At high speed the machine will quickly remove a relatively thicker layer, while at lower speed it is easier to achieve a precise finish sanding. Some manufacturers make the frequency of movement of the platform variable, exceeding 20,000 strokes per minute (Bosch GSS 280 AE L-BOXX), which allows you to adapt to the processing of different types of materials and the characteristics of specific surfaces.
When choosing a vibrating sander, special attention must be paid to the platform. With its dimensions, everything is quite simple, there are two options: a kind of “standard” and “mini” models - the plate area is about 100 mm 2 (Makita BO4557, Sparky MP 250). Toddlers are good for tight, tight spaces. Obviously, the sole must be of high quality, perfectly flat, with clear geometric shapes. Budget machines are equipped with a platform made of steel or high-strength plastic, while more expensive analogues are equipped with cast platforms made of alloys containing aluminum or magnesium (Festool RS 100). A good sole is characterized by precise balancing, which is easily determined by a low degree of vibration when operating without load (idling). It is also important what the pad is made of; the most suitable option is a porous polymer; it “holds” the plane better than rubber.
Vibratory grinders with a delta-shaped platform are included in a separate class; they are popularly called “irons” (Hitachi SV12SH, Makita BO4565). Due to their miniature size and good maneuverability, they are used for processing objects with small parts and complex surfaces, such as furniture, carpentry, staircase elements, and car body. Their triangular platforms are rotary - you can continue to work unevenly “eaten” by a petal of sandpaper (Festool Deltex DX 93E) or removable (with quick installation of another type of platform - for concave/convex surfaces, for structuring, polishing, rubbing).
Emery can be attached to the site in different ways. It is more convenient when the paper is secured with Velcro, but special equipment is relatively expensive. The option with spring-loaded clamps is somewhat more complicated, but you can use inexpensive sanding paper that you cut yourself (you just need to make holes in the right places for dust removal).
The fight against fine dust, which inevitably forms when using a grinder, poses many challenges for developers. They have to work hard to protect all mechanisms. In this case, special motor sealing, protected bearings and switches, an impenetrable housing, and a channel system with forced dust extraction are used. To ensure that dust is removed from the work area and does not saturate the air, it is directed into a collection bag or filter; in most cases, a vacuum cleaner can be connected to the nozzle - this is the most effective method of protection.
Eccentric (orbital) sanders
This type of sander is designed for high quality processing. Delicate grinding and even polishing are their element, although the performance of such devices can be no less impressive than that of vibrating machines. They can handle any material; most often you will find ESMs among woodworkers and car painters. When working with profile, volumetric, curved objects, eccentric sanders have no equal, and they also have no problems with planes. The only place where such a machine fails is in corners and small recesses - the “plate” simply won’t reach there.
Just like surface grinding units, “orbitals” have an eccentric and a counterweight, with the help of which the round grinding plate not only moves around its axis, but also along an “orbit” with a small amplitude. Interestingly, axial movement usually occurs by inertia, and in some models it is forced (via a gear transmission - Kress 900 MPS). This complex movement of the working blade, coupled with the highest rotation speed, is what makes it possible to obtain a surface of excellent quality, without depressions, waves and scratches.
From 200 to 900 watts - this is how much the motors of modern electric motors consume. Those that are more powerful will naturally be more productive; they can easily handle a larger sole, up to 150 mm in diameter (for example, the 400-watt Bosch GEX 125-150 AVE or Interskol EShM-150/600E).
Bosch GEX 125-150 AVE
Orbital machines also have differences in the speed of translational motion. If we talk about rotation, this figure can be from 4 to 14 thousand eccentric revolutions per minute for models with adjustment (Metabo SXE 425), and about 12,000 for models without it. If we talk about the concept of “fluctuation”, then these figures will be half as much. In fact, everything is simple here: the higher the speed, the rougher the processing will be, but the faster the work can be done.
The eccentric of orbital machines may not have the same “span” - from 2 to 7 mm (Festool WTS 150/7 E-Plus). This is called the amplitude of the oscillation. The smaller it is, the less vibration the device generates, the more compact the plate moves, the smaller the area we process, but the cleaner the grinding will be. In some ESMs, the operator can set a certain amplitude, affecting the productivity and fineness of grinding.
Compared to their counterparts (LSM and PShM), “orbitals” are usually well equipped with electronics. We have already talked about setting the speed and amplitude, in addition to this, a professional instrument is equipped with an automatic frequency maintenance system (Bosch GEX 150 Turbo) so that it does not drop under load - this is constant electronics. Some models have an electrodynamic brake (AEG EX150ED K), which, after turning off the “start” button, instantly stops the work plate, preventing damage to the workpiece and reducing the possibility of injury. For powerful professional machines, a starting current limiter can be provided (Makita BO6040 ), which smoothly accelerates the tool, preventing a starting jerk and protecting the network from short-term, but significantly increased load.
Very nice options include a removable power cable, an adjustable or removable front handle, a locking start button, and functional dust removal.
Be sure to pay attention to the type of sanding pad. Firstly, if you need particularly delicate processing, do not chase a large plate; by the way, it has a larger dead zone and an amplitude of about 5-7 mm. The plate, made of metal, has stability, high strength and excellent heat dissipation. The elastic plate copes well with convex surfaces. All of them have Velcro for fixing the sandpaper and holes for dust extraction. These holes from individual manufacturers may vary in size, number and location; according to this feature, you need to select the appropriate equipment.
If the financial issue is not the least important, then for your home workshop you can purchase a model from the “hobby” category. Good examples are offered by Makita, Black&Decker, Skil, Sparky, Bosch. Look towards the domestic manufacturer - Interskol and Fiolent have noticeably improved in terms of the quality and functionality of their tools.
Pay attention to the weight and dimensions of the product you are interested in, especially if a lot of work is planned “on the spot”, on weight, on outstretched arms. Give preference to a car that is not too powerful, but rather a faster one; it will be lighter, more compact and cheaper. But for regular operations on a workbench, the large weight of the device will be more of a plus than a minus.
Be sure to “feel” the grinder thoroughly and find the one that best suits your ergonomics. Decide on the type of main and additional handle; most likely you will have to choose between a “mushroom” and a “brace”. See if the switches are conveniently located and how they work, how easy it is to change the equipment, and whether the power cord is in the way.
Check the moving parts of the product for play. Look at the accuracy of the fit of the body parts. Turn on the car in a tool store, at least at idle speed, evaluate the level of noise and vibration. Ask about the cost, range and possibility of interchangeability of consumables.
Weigh all the pros and cons, take your time with the choice, then the whole repair will go smoothly.
06/08/2013 Pros: relatively quiet (neighbors don’t knock), collects dust well, build quality. Makita is Makita! Cons: graphite sole wears out quickly
I am a fan of this brand. This is my third tool of this brand, but my first sander. I decided to take it for apartment renovation, since I have beech parquet everywhere. I calculated the cost of hiring workers to repair the parquet and compared the price of this machine and it turned out that it would pay for itself after repairing one room. However, when sanding parquet, it turned out that the machine must often be allowed to cool down due to the heating of the graphite sole, which, when heated too much, simply falls off in pieces. Naturally, the repair time has increased. One 40 tape is enough to remove up to 2 square meters varnish (I only varnished it once when laying parquet). And he took Makitovskaya. Now I decided to take less expensive tapes; they last a little less, but because of the price they win. Now I have completed only one room out of three. I bought myself knee pads, otherwise I thought I would be left without knees. Large machines, of course, win, but their price... Bottom line, if you need to quickly repair your parquet, it’s better to hire them.
03/06/2015 Pros: good performance, a small amount of dust gets past the bag, no problems when working with inexpensive non-original tapes Cons: quite decent weight for me
I bought it for the floor, so I chose a heavier model, but the floor is still not its territory, boards, beams, countertops, doors, it’s fast and high quality, and the only drawback I fully felt now, I’m sanding the porch to update the coating before winter, so 5-7 minutes with the machine over your head while sanding the racks and shoulders just fills with lactic acid, but otherwise, it’s a decent machine. A year and a half: so much of the house has been sanded (including the floors), and it works great. The graphite and cork have almost worn off. There are no complaints about reliability and quality.
11/24/2015 Pros: With constant loads It doesn’t get very hot, it holds these loads well. There are no complaints about the motor. Cons: Ergonomics, belt adjustment, casting quality. I took it for grinding work at the dacha. I was choosing between Sparky and Interskol, but decided that I should take Makita for quiet, good work. It didn't work. Firstly, it is noisy. True, they are all noisy, but there is none of that famous Makitovo silence. Secondly, the casting quality is poor. But oh well, it's not that important. I don’t know why, but it’s uncomfortable for her to work - she’s constantly trying to run away somewhere and vibrates a lot. I don’t know what this is connected with, but it’s not very pleasant to work. The dust drain is clogged. Not even that. If you work with fine sandpaper on smooth wood, then it’s fine. Those. In a workshop setting this would be quite a workable topic. But as soon as we have the 40th skin and the board is very unshaven, then nothing will come of it at all. Of course, they all get clogged, but on my old AEG, at least huge chips clogged the dust drain. And here you don’t even need them - you spend more time cleaning than working. Well, the tape moves out, undermining the body - unfortunately, I read about this too late. As a result, I already have a mark from the skin. Along the way, I will also soon go to the service center with this matter, I don’t know how much part of the case will cost. What did I get for the eight-piece by taking the low-end model from Makita? A lot of inconvenience and inability to work normally. Please, here is the quality of Japanese brands.
06/30/2015 Pros: Simple, reliable and at such a price that the savings are almost 2 times compared to analogues. Again, a powerful machine Cons: The dust collector bag leaves much to be desired, and constant adjustment of the belt is tiring.
I bought it and don’t regret it. For those who are working with a tool for the first time, I strongly recommend not to be lazy and read all the safety rules, so that later you don’t write angry reviews in despair. And in general, to understand everything. It’s even better to consult with experienced people.
08/21/2014 Pros: - the long tip (110 mm) with tape rotates 100 degrees - which allows you to crawl into different places; - there is an adjustment of the rotation speed: at high speeds - the productivity is very high, the groove will be cut in an instant, so adjustment is necessary; - can be sanded in the very corner - right next to each other. This is achieved by manually adjusting the position of the tape on the guide rail (there is a special adjustment knob-screw); - can be used as a small file: grinding not only on the roller, but also with the flat side; - tape width can be 6 mm, 9 mm and 13 mm. This machine comes complete with only a guide tip (tire) with a 9 mm wide roller (Makita catalog code 125158-5). Additionally, I purchased 2 more replaceable tip guides with a roller 6 mm wide (code 125157-7) and 13 mm wide (code 125159-3). The tip is changed quickly and easily (although the price of each guide bar is about 2000 rubles). Cons: Price is too high. I had to look for additional guide tires (the tires must be included in the product package!). I have not yet discovered any other shortcomings in the operation of the 9032 grinder.
I bought it in the summer of 2012. Before purchasing, I thought that the 9032 grinder would not find wide use when working at home: it is a narrowly focused tool, and the price is decent. But it turned out that a lot hard to reach places, which this machine can easily cope with: grooves of various widths, grooves, corners, gaps between boards, hard-to-reach places - where you need to sand a little or not a little, but sanding by hand is difficult and tedious or you can’t get to it. I was looking for where to get the tape. The solution is simple. Buy a wide tape (of any roughness) 533 mm long and cut it with scissors to the desired width of 6, 9 or 13 mm (can be cut sharp blade along the ruler from the side of the fabric base of the skin). During operation, the tape does not fly off unless you deliberately displace the tape with the adjusting screw or press hard on the roller. I tried connecting a vacuum cleaner - there was less sawdust flying. My conclusion: despite the price, the tool is good, I often use it for hard-to-reach places (saves time), I don’t regret the purchase.
04/06/2015 Pros: Reliable metal-plastic body, the heavy machine removes even large differences without special effort, soft start I also really liked it, the Velcro on the power cord turned out to be very convenient. Cons: The machine is constantly clogged with dust, it is simply impossible to work with a bag, we work with a vacuum cleaner, but nevertheless we have to clean it 3-4 times a day. It is very sensitive to changes in the network, sometimes it simply does not start, I had to buy a stabilizer specifically for this machine. The toothed drive belt breaks from time to time; during the year of operation, 4 belts were replaced, which are sold complete with bearings and brushes. In short, all the craftsmen in our workshop are terribly unhappy with the model.
I do not advise anyone to buy this model, I now have a strong distrust of this brand. The seller convinced me and said that it was almost best manufacturer in Europe, he was at a seminar and everything was explained to them very popularly, I believed it. We have equipment from other manufacturers, we have something to compare with.
04/19/2014 Pros: powerful assembly Malaysia Cons: Poor weight distribution, the cord interferes with work, you have to wrap it around your hand, the tape floats, but most importantly, I disassembled the machine to lubricate the gearbox and bearings (although the warranty has not yet expired), and they are almost dry and still : seat for the bearing on the rotor it is simply cast in plastic and the bearings themselves are cheap from China (question to HITACHI - why write proudly PROFESSIONAL?) Before that I used MAKTEC 940 (the same MAKITA 9404 only made for Asia) until it was stolen - this is the unit, although it was assembled in China, but HITACHI, after moving factories to Asia, ceases to please with both quality and ideas (Although perhaps they make such a product for Russia - after all, the same chainsaws for America are supplied under the TANAKA brand and they are assembled in Japan and the warranty on them is not 1 year?? ?)
Well, that’s what Little Red Riding Hood thought, why am I afraid of the forest, I know, I love sex.
To make the right choice when buying a wood grinder, you must first of all pay attention to the characteristics and capabilities of the tool, which can be professional or household. The former are intended for intensive and prolonged use under the influence of high loads: only high-quality materials are used for their manufacture, and the level of reliability and strength of mechanical and electronic components is an order of magnitude higher when compared with household tools. Professional machines are much more powerful, more productive, heavier, but also more expensive.
Among household tools you can find really interesting tools, which, however, in a number of their characteristics will be inferior to professional devices. But there is also a pleasant moment - low cost. If you plan to use the grinder no more than several times a month for a couple of hours, then household tool– it’s your choice (to spend money on buying professional tool there's no point).
Exists a whole series devices intended for grinding: belt, vibration, eccentric, straight grinding, surface grinding, etc., used for processing various products made of wood and other materials.
Features of belt sanders
Draw frames are typically used for rough processing of flat surfaces. With their help, you can remove a thick layer of material (for example, completely remove paint or putty). This device is also in demand when processing window and door parts - for example, for processing internal rounded surfaces. Belt sanders are often used when it is necessary to sand a specific area on a car.
Selecting a belt sander depending on power
The key working element of the belt machine is the abrasive belt, which is glued into a ring. The width of this tape can range from 65-110 mm. The belt rotates thanks to a pair of rollers, the speed of which is about 150-400 m/min. That is, it can be argued that increased belt speed provides the greatest efficiency; The main thing here is the ratio of cost and engine power, because, for example, to move a belt at more than 300 rpm, you need an engine that has at least 600 watts of power.
But there is also negative aspects tape machines. Thus, the most powerful and productive units provide low quality processing (traces of depressions and scratches often remain on the surface). In some cases, after processing draw machine there is a need for finishing, which is best done using a vibrating or eccentric device.
Advice. The belt sander is capable of removing up to 15 g of material per second, which no other type of machine can do.
Features of vibratory grinders
A vibrating tool for performing grinding work is also often called a surface grinder. Such machines are used primarily for finishing - for example, for polishing flat surfaces. The vibration machine is capable of working with metal, plastic, wood, artificial and natural stone, composite materials etc.
The key feature of vibrating machines is the presence of a soft grinding base, thanks to which reciprocating movements are performed at high speed and with insignificant amplitude.
In most cases, a machine with a rectangular base is used, but you can also find a delta-shaped base, which makes it possible to work in hard-to-reach places.
Advice. When choosing a machine, you need to pay attention to the amplitude: the larger this indicator, the more productive the tool will be, but the most powerful machines process the surface too roughly. There are modules capable of changing the amplitude frequency, which gives them the ability to quickly and efficiently process materials.
What to look for when choosing an orbital sander
It is highly recommended to purchase a grinding machine with a dust removal system; fortunately, the vast majority of models are equipped with it. The importance of this system should not be underestimated, because when performing grinding work, a truly huge amount of dust is generated, which poses a danger to the life of the worker.
Attention! It is worth remembering that household machines can work for no more than a third of an hour, after which they need a rest (20-30 minutes).
Features of eccentric grinders
The key difference between an eccentric machine and the units described above is the presence of an eccentric mechanism, thanks to which it is possible to simultaneously perform reciprocating and rotational movements. Eccentric tools are best suited for processing profiles and curved surfaces; able to work with almost all materials, in particular wood, metal, plastic, etc.
It is this tool that is capable of performing the highest quality and most accurate grinding, but such a machine “gives in” to small corners and recesses - the working “plate” simply will not reach there. Engines modern cars consume from 200 to 900 watts, and those that ask for more will naturally be more productive. If we talk about the rotation of the “plate”, it usually fluctuates in the range of 4-14 thousand rpm (the higher the speed, the rougher the processing will be).
Eccentric machines are often well-packed with electronics - for example, a frequency maintenance system (prevents them from falling under load). Some models have an electrodynamic brake, thanks to which you can instantly stop work to prevent damage to the workpiece. IN professional models a starting current limiter can be provided, thanks to which the tool accelerates smoothly and does not create an overload that occurs during a sudden start.
If the price of the device is not the least important, then for frequent use in everyday life it is recommended to buy copies of the middle price segment of companies:
- Skil;
- Sparky;
- Bosch;
- You can also look at domestic manufacturers Fiolent and Interskol, which have recently raised the quality bar well.
When choosing, pay attention to the dimensions and weight of the device, especially if you need to do work “in weight”. Choose a faster car than a powerful one - they will be lighter and cheaper. If you need to perform work on a workbench, then you should choose a device with the greatest weight (this will be more of a plus than a minus). It is also worth paying attention to how the switches are located, how they work, how difficult it is to change the equipment, and whether the power cord gets in the way during operation.
How to choose a grinder - video
