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Adam Variable speed
January 1st, 2006 11:42 AM
January 1, 2006 Variable speed


The relatively new introduction of variable speed sanding machines gives us an additional purchasing choice.

Most people have the fixed speed devices.

The fixed speed machines do an excellent job on wood and, after a thorough cleaning of any wood dust, metal.

The variable speed aspect of the machines, in my experience, allows the power sanding of heat sensitive materials like thermoplastics. The variable speed can actually slow down the removal process, to give the user to check sanding progress more frequently for a given amount of stock removal, while still maintaining a wicked faster power removal rate, compared to hand sanding.

In general sanding applications, the variable speed feature provide a "virtual" grade of sand paper.

Power sanders offer fixed and stepped selection of grits.

This allows a little more control of the sanding stages from coarse grit to increasingly finer grits, for the user's desired surface finish.

My "in between" sanding needs are covered by saving old power sander media, that is still in good condition, for a slightly duller or virtual in between grit sanding.

This is why many professionals use "hook and loop" backed Random Orbital sanders, instead of the slightly less expense papered "pressure sensitive adhesive" backed disks.

Hook and loop equipped sanders allow the removal and reinstallation of paper. Pressure sensitive paper is for one time use.

So, variable speed is slightly more expensive. If a broad range of material is being sanded, then the reduced speed capability is fantastic. If the user does not have years of experience or is sanding expensive material, slowing down a power sander can be desirable.

If you would like to look into another aspect of fast wood stock removal, combined with good material finish, look into "hand scraping".

I hope this has helped.
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