Is It Possible To Polish With An Eccentric Sander

Can the machine be polished with an eccentric sander

Moved from a neighboring community.
Apparently, for more than four years of operation, my Olympic Gold has never been polished and the body paintwork has lost its original shine and acquired a lot of small scratches. I was not going to give my Gold for professional polishing to the service, because they asked there for a complete polishing of the body from 10K rubles.

I watched a lot ofs on YouTube and re-read a huge number of entries on the Drive and decided that everyone, including me, can polish the body of my car.

From consumables I needed:

The most convenient tool for polishing is considered to be a professional polishing machine, which differs from a conventional angle grinder only by the presence of a speed controller and a comfortable handle, but its cost is several times higher. True, there are several more tools that can also be used to polish the car body.
Of the tools I had only an eccentric sander and an ordinary drill with a speed regulator, of course, you can still polish the entire body with your hands, but this will take a lot of time and effort, and the result may not satisfy you.

To begin with, I love keeping my car clean. It doesn’t matter if it’s new or old, slow or fast, I bought it for a year or many years. After the purchase, it becomes a part of my life, my partner, assistant and just my mobile office and even a mobile home. Therefore, I am more than anxious about car maintenance, from consumables and replacement of outdated interior / exterior elements and ending with regular washing and taking care of its appearance.

I was pushed to buy my own polishing machine by local dealers with their super-efficient polishes (someone can do it in an hour), combined with body treatment with magical well-publicized nano-ceramics. All this, of course, for a lot of money. By the way, a colleague at work gave a thousand euros for such a polish on his 2015 M3 and received a five-year warranty. This body protection and commitment is worthy of respect. Just to keep this “warranty” the guys will need to call in once every six months and pay a symbolic 100-150 euros. Yes, only for maintaining the properties of this very ceramics. It is already clear what they will do there. to cover the body with a new layer. It’s funny, but people, as they say, hawala and demand continues to give rise to more and more new offers.

I don’t really believe in fairy tales and I’m used to controlling the process myself. Control, or even better, participate in it. Therefore, taught by experience, I only believe in abrasive polishing and inexpensive “so short-lived” (only lasts a few months) hard wax or more advanced modifications based on it, such as Fusso Coat. According to the manufacturer, it should also last 12 months, but this is all relative. If you wash your car ten times in a year without harsh chemicals, it will last a year. And if you wash it a couple of times a week, and also with a powerful degreaser, then after several washes this product will be successfully washed off along with the foam. Only a can of good wax costs no more than 50 and lasts for years. And believe me, a real high-quality abrasive polishing of all zones / areas of the body in at least two steps (and often three or more are needed) cannot take less than at least 5 hours from one master. And provided that he himself will wash the car, wipe the polish and wax ten times, then this will definitely take at least 7-9 hours.

I settled on the Italian Rupes LHR15 Mark II eccentric typewriter. Ordered from eBay directly from Italy. Delivery came out 380 euros, about 27,000 rubles. The machine is popular and on the Internet you can easily find detailed.reviews.

The machine has the following parameters:
– power 500 W
– disk rotation speed up to 5300 rpm
– platform travel 15 mm
– disc diameter up to 180 mm
– weight 2.2 kg

Additionally purchased:
– Clay Bar Light by Chemical Guys
– Degreaser from Sonax
– Local remedy Prick Bort
– Applicators for waxing
– Rags
– Scotch tape
– Sprayer for water
– Lamp
– Means for glasses Rupes G401
and other little things.

The process turned out to be not at all complicated, but very long and very laborious.

The beginning is very prosaic. a degreaser and a contactless car wash.

Then cleaning with synthetic clay. for seven years the varnish was surprisingly clean.

It is not enough to make or repair many products or surfaces. It is imperative that you also give them a characteristic shiny look, polish. For this purpose, special devices are often used.

Rating of the best models

Summing up the review of the varieties of polishing and grinding technology, we can confidently say that they are very diverse. Still, there are a number of models that deserve close attention. Among the inexpensive versions, it is worth mentioning the Sturm AG1014P. This device, although marked with the logo of the German brand, is assembled in China. The designers were able to create an excellent mechanism capable of removing dirt and unnecessary coating, as well as artificially aging wood.

An electric motor with a power of 1400 W rotates at a speed of up to 3000 turns per minute. The total weight of the tool is only 3.35 kg. Soft start options and trigger lock are available. The rotations in the loaded mode are maintained at a stable level. advanced (professional) option. Bosch GSI 14 CE.

A significant amount of money will need to be paid for the Makita BO6040. With this apparatus, you can remove rust and polish various flat surfaces. BO6040 is considered the ideal option for refinishing car paintwork. Determination of the number of vibrations and the rate of rotation of the shaft is carried out using an electronic system. Gentle processing thanks to smooth start-up.

Subtleties of choice

To choose the right polishing machine, you need to pay attention, first of all, to the power. This figure can vary from 0.8 to 2.5 kW. You should also take into account the pace with which the disc is spinning. The maximum value is 10 thousand revolutions per minute.

For inexperienced and inexperienced users, it is advisable to give preference to machines with automatic adjustment. Such a tool allows you to polish anything without fear of damage. But it is still worth practicing on old, obviously unnecessary, parts and surfaces. Battery-powered systems are more mobile than plug-in systems.

The following will help you choose the right polisher.

It is customary to distinguish pneumatic and electric polishing machines by the type of drive. The good thing about the pneumatic design is that the compressor drive does not require power consumption. In addition, such a device is the most stable and does not impose special requirements during operation. However, electric devices have an important advantage. increased mobility (due to the lack of binding to the air supply hoses). Removable rechargeable batteries allow using the device even where there is no stable power supply.

Attention should be paid to eccentric (orbital) polishing machines. experts consider such devices to be the most productive. The ability to work with a wide variety of surfaces is also very important. The orbital grinding and polishing system is equipped with a round shaped platform. On this “support plate” the grinding parts are fixed. Working plates are made from:

• Fleece;
• Sponges;
• Felt;
• Corundum;
• Fur and other raw materials.

To fix the sanding block, both Velcro and a clip can be used. The first method is appreciated for its convenience, and the other for its economy. It is worth remembering that eccentric machines generate a significant amount of dust. Therefore, some manufacturers equip their products with channels through which it will be diverted. The main function of the sole is fine sanding (produced by rotational movements), and the auxiliary back and forth processing helps to improve the result.

The eccentric sander has different power levels, ranging from 150W to 1000W. For the simplest manipulations, you can limit yourself to low-power devices. no more than 400 watts. intensive motor operation is only needed for rough grinding of hard materials. Some devices are capable of delivering more than 2000 W of power, however, these models can only work in “wet” mode.

In most cases, eccentric polishers are equipped with 125 mm discs. This solution is distinguished by the most rational vibration amplitude during finishing. However, the most serious work is successfully performed only with devices that allow the use of circles with a diameter of up to 215 mm.

Eccentric polishing systems offer a wide range of applications. They work as efficiently as vibration systems. The power of the orbital polishing machine is comparable to belt mechanisms. It is important that it can also grind the treated surfaces. When selecting eccentric devices, one must not forget about the difference between household and professional models.

The versions used at home are mostly for wood polishing. As a rule, these are relatively low-power systems that can only operate with frequent breaks. If it is firmly known that you will have to process metal and stone, you should give preference to the professional versions. These eccentric polishers are very heavy. But they can act for a very long time, while stably saving the working resource.

Floor sander and polisher can efficiently process concrete and natural stone.

High-quality devices of this format are capable of:

• Align the base;
• Prepare it for finishing;
• Grind the surface to perfect condition;
• Consolidate and harden the treated layer.

When preparing to sand the floor, consider the grain size and mechanical strength of the diamond tool. When grinding, increased pressure on the surface to be treated is of great importance. Therefore, a more valuable option turns out to be cars that can be weighted with additional loads.

High quality grinding and polishing machines (including Hodman brand) are equipped with planetary gearboxes and high-powered motors. Good mechanisms use chrome-plated steel tool holders. These holders must be attached so that the movement occurs smoothly and quickly, even on uneven surfaces. This condition significantly increases the controllability of the machine.

Manual rotary mechanisms are used for polishing cars. Along with them, orbital systems can be used. The difference between them is the number of rotation axes (1 and 2, respectively). The lines of leading companies include both rotary and circular models. Each variety is good for its specific task.

Rotary apparatus is better than orbital one:

• By the level of performance;
• By a variety of substrate diameters;
• By the maneuverability of the working part;
• To save the efforts of the builder;
• By noise level;
• Joint safety;
• By the duration of operation.

It should be borne in mind that rotary systems have a rather low performance. This is why they generate less heat. The risk of damage to the varnish is also reduced. The appearance of “holographic” defects is almost excluded. Such a tool is great for soft polishing, however, it hardly helps to polish hard varnishes.

With all the importance of polishing a car, a few more words must be said about wood processing machines. Such devices have various applications. Some options help level out irregularities, while others are for finishing.

The wood is processed with eccentric machines. They, despite their lightness and lack of special noise, perfectly help to process curved areas, as well as profiled surfaces. The corners of the discs can be easily pulled into recesses and notches. However, in this case, the tool can process a large block of wood in a short time.

Sometimes wood is polished and sanded with vibration systems. They are equipped with triangular or rectangular soles. Vibrating mechanisms assist in finishing. However, the performance of such devices is unreasonably low. In addition, a vibrating machine, even a triangular one, cannot work close to a wall or other obstacle.

The stone polishing and grinding tool invariably has working parts with diamond particles. For full processing, a whole set of discs with grains of various fractions is required. When selecting tools, pay attention to:

• The color of the processed stone;
• Working part resource;
• The amount of work;
• Efficiency, regularity and intensity of manipulations.

For working on concrete, those tools that are intended for manipulating natural stone are not suitable. Specialized fixtures can give the concrete surface an ideal smoothness and increase its strength. At the same time, the permeability of the material to water decreases. Despite all the differences between specific models, the designs are pretty close. The rotating assembly is complemented by an abrasive element capable of removing the top layer of artificial stone.

Using polishers and grinders you can:

• Smoothen fresh concrete screed;
• Smooth out the mass for finishing;
• Remove cracked, rapidly deteriorating layer;
• Get rid of minor deformations;
• Increase adhesion for subsequent coating with paints and varnishes.

Fixtures and spare parts

Regardless of the specific model of the polishing machine, its auxiliary equipment plays an important role. Among the attachments, the bag stands out for its role. It allows you to collect as much debris, dust and waste as possible. As a result, the work is done as cleanly as possible.

Adhesive backing pads allow the sanding discs to be attached to the holders. Special flexible shafts help to work in hard-to-reach places. For the grinding itself, brushes or rollers made of nylon, metal and special composites are used. Polishers are supplied with main and additional handles. But when choosing such components, you must carefully check so that they facilitate the work, and do not complicate it.

The sole for a vibration machine, as already mentioned, can be made in the form of a triangle or rectangle. The first type manifests itself better in a confined space, the second. in cases where it is necessary to process the maximum area. If the initial power cord is short, you will have to use an extension cord continuously. Of course, all spare parts and auxiliary components must be purchased only from official manufacturers.

Features:

The polishing machine can be used in a wide variety of fields. In particular, this device is used for finishing and for improving the appearance of surfaces. The wide functionality of the tool is provided by changing attachments and pastes. Tasks such as:

• Shine a mirror or window glass;

• Improving the appearance of the car;

• Wood products polishing.

Regardless of what kind of task is being solved, the polishing machine has a fairly typical structure:

• Housing;
• Drive mechanism;
• Pair of handles;
• Removable polishing wheel.

The appearance of such a device is similar to an angle grinder. However, the big difference is the use of completely different discs. It is natural that with an increase in the size of the working part, the processed area also increases. Also important characteristics of polishing machines are the grain size of the installed discs and the total power of the device. As the technical characteristics increase, so does the price.

Usage tips

You can use a polishing machine for processing car bodies only after applying a special polish to the surface. In terms of chemical composition, this drug is quite complex. In preparation for work, you need to prepare a couple of polishing wheels: one for rough, and the other for subtle effects. A small amount of paste is applied to the discs. Therefore, it is impossible to process large areas in one step.

The speed for rough processing should be minimal, and as the work approaches the logical end, it increases. An even distribution of the polish is achieved if you work using the “cross” method. initially horizontally and then vertically. The approach to wood polishing should be different. To get a good result, you should carefully study the features of a particular machine and the manufacturer’s recommendations. You should also take into account the features of a particular type of wood.

ESM power

The main characteristic of any power tool is its power. And eccentric sanders are no exception. It is this that should be considered in the first place when choosing a grinder. The high power of the ESM allows you to use the tool longer and with greater efficiency. In addition, the quality of the work performed, the speed of rotation of the sanding pad, as well as the weight of the machine depend on this parameter.

The power range of eccentric sanders is from 160 W to 900 W. But low-power and high-power ESM can be enumerated on one hand. The most common grinders with power from 300 W to 600 W. The most popular of the ESM segment with a power of 300. 600 W is the Bosch eccentric sander. When choosing, you should pay attention to ESM with high power ratings. over, if the difference in power is 20. 50 W, then there will be no special differences in the quality of processing. But if the difference is 100 W or more, then preference should be given to a more powerful instrument. The quality of work, their duration and service life of ESM will be high.

ESM rotation speed

This parameter of an eccentric sander is directly related to its power. The quality of the work performed and the convenience of work depend precisely on the rotation speed. But there is one important point here. When buying, they usually try to choose a typewriter with high rpm, believing that the higher the better for the job. But this applies more to productivity than to the quality of work. Very high ESHM speeds are suitable for roughing the surface, but for perfect grinding, low speeds are required.

There is one more feature associated with the rotation speed that should be taken into account. It lies in the fact that the rotation speed will be the lower, the higher the power of the machine. For example, the bo6040 eccentric sander from Makita has a power of 750 W, and at the same time its rotation speed is only 1600. 5800 rpm. At the same time, the Bosch GEX 125-1 AE eccentric sander has a power of 250 W and a rotation speed of 7,500. 12,000 rpm. When choosing an ESM, it is necessary to remember this feature and focus on the purpose for which the machine will be used. Will it be a high speed sander for rough sanding or a low speed sander for finishing sanding.

Speed ​​control

Today, almost any power tool has this function and ESM is no exception. Even in pneumatic ESHM there is a possibility of speed control, realized in the form of pressure levers. For eccentric sanders, the ability to adjust the speed makes it possible to use the tool for both coarse and fine grinding. Which, in turn, allows you to save on the purchase of several grinders.

Dust collector option

The result of the work of the grinding machine is not only a flat and smooth surface, but a rather large amount of fine dust. Of course, manufacturers have taken care of the availability of a dust collector for her. But everyone has their own and not always convenient.

So, for example, Makita’s eccentric sander is equipped with three types of dust collectors. plastic, rag and paper. But Bosch grinders only with plastic dust collectors with the possibility of replacing them with a vacuum cleaner. When buying an ESM, you should always consider the option of a dust collector, which will be convenient for everyone in particular. The dust collector itself, of course, does not affect the quality of work, but even when cleaning it, you don’t want to bother too much.

EShM type

For the work of ESM, various energy sources are used, depending on this, there are several types of eccentric grinders. It can be a power or battery powered electric machine, or it can be a sander that uses compressed air. This variety allows using ESM both where there is electricity and where it is not. Choosing this or that option, you need to clearly understand why and where ESM will be used.

If everything is more or less clear with electric grinders, then a little should be said about pneumatic. The eccentric pneumatic grinding machine is mainly used on an industrial scale, since it requires the installation of additional equipment in the form of a compressor or cylinders with compressed air. These ESHM perfectly serve in a garage, service station or in a furniture workshop. Their main advantages are their low weight, it is only from 600 g to 1000 g. As well as a small number of moving parts. Since, using compressed air, the need for an electric motor has disappeared, there are correspondingly fewer parts. This affected both weight and service life. To all this, the low weight allows for a longer and more comfortable use of the tool itself. One of the manufacturers of such ESM is the Dynabrade company, with its Dynorbital eccentric grinders.

ESHM weight

As previously noted, the weight of an eccentric sander directly depends on its power. It’s just the engine. The more powerful it is, the heavier the machine. Weight does not directly affect the quality or productivity of the work. But this parameter is important for the comfortable work of the master. So ESHM with a large weight will be more difficult to process vertical surfaces, as well as the ceiling. For processing horizontal surfaces, this parameter has little effect on the comfort of working with it.

Inrush current limitation

The result of the work of the grinder should be a flat and smooth surface. But from the moment of launch until the start of work, the master does not always have time to adjust and make the necessary effort. As a result, the surface can be damaged, leaving unwanted grooves that will have to be sanded down. Therefore, many manufacturers equip their grinders with a soft start system. This approach is justified, especially if the eccentric wood sander. It’s all about the vibration that occurs immediately after turning on the machine. The presence of a soft start allows the ESM to gradually reach operating speeds and adapt to them for the master.

Second handle

The specificity of working with an eccentric machine provides for pressure on it from above. Even the very shape of the instrument is wholly and completely directed towards this. But quite often the starting mechanism and the electric motor are somewhat off-center, which creates certain difficulties in operation. In this regard, ESHM manufacturers have added an additional handle that compensates for pressure from the other side and makes it easier to work with the machine. The handle itself can be removable or stationary. It all depends on the model. For example, the Makita BO5040 / 5041 grinder has a removable handle, while the Bosch PEX 400 AE is equipped with a stationary additional handle. Of particular note are the DWT sanders. They have equipped their ESM with side handles, which provide additional convenience when working with vertical surfaces.

Pressure indicator

One of the additional functions useful for a beginner is the pressure indicator. This is especially useful for those who have not yet learned how to feel their pressure on the instrument. This indicator, in the event of excessive or insufficient pressure, will allow you to correct it in order to perform grinding properly. This function will be useful for professionals as well. It will allow you to assess the degree of your skill in working with ESM and facilitate the grinding process itself.

Additional features of eccentric sanders.

Some models allow for changing the sole. For example, installing soles with a diameter of 115 and 125 mm, designed for different volumes and types of work.

Ergonomics. Some manufacturers equip their tools with special vibration pads on the handles to reduce vibration. Powerful models may have an additional handle on the body for more convenient operation. Lightweight grinders usually only boast a circular top handle and a rounded body that can be gripped with one hand. They have no additional handle. And the possibility of its connection is not provided. Handles can be in the form of a clamp, an arc or a rod.

Additional handles can be partially folded back (e.g. for edge grinding), brought into different positions and even rotated around the body.

A soft start or maintaining a constant number of revolutions greatly facilitates the work) ‘. You can choose the number of revolutions and vibrations taking into account the material. Particularly convenient is the full-wave electronics, which provides smooth speed control. And the function of setting low speed allows you to process heat-sensitive materials.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before switching on the eccentric sander.

For surface polishing, it is advisable to use a model equipped with control electronics, which allows you to adjust the vibration frequency. The fact is that during such work, the vibration frequency should be less than during grinding. And if the user polishes the surface at “high speed”, the engine overheats or the material to be processed is damaged.

It is recommended to grind varnished surfaces at the lowest speed. They are very sensitive to high temperatures, so for optimal results, care must be taken that the temperature does not rise. Experts advise using clean abrasives in such cases and not pressing too hard on the grinder, so as not to create additional friction.

For grinding plastics, abrasive wheels with a grain size of 240 and higher are used. When processing metal surfaces, the grain size of the abrasive wheel must be at least 600.

Features of vibration grinders

The principle of operation of an eccentric sander is not very different from an orbital sander or grinding wheel. This means that together with the known movements of the orbital sander, it performs the rotational movements of the grinding wheel. This sanding method results in high productivity and a particularly smooth working surface.

The secret to an excellent surface finish lies in the combination of rotational and vibration movements: the rotary movement removes the material, and the vibration creates a smooth surface. In this case, the circular sanding pad is movably attached to the drive shaft and rotates around its axis parallel to the working surface freely or under pressure. Pressure guidance increases chip removal performance so that even rough grinding work can be carried out.

Choice

Professional models are designed for continuous continuous operation. The quality of the materials used for their manufacture, the reliability of components and electronics is much higher,

Than household grinders. Professional-grade tools are designed for intensive multi-shift work and therefore have higher operational requirements. They are usually larger and their engine is more powerful.

Grinding machines for the average consumer are designed to work from time to time. They are rated for 20 hours of use per month and typically have less power and weight, lower performance, and fewer additional features. Advantages of home systems. yen acceptable for a home craftsman and ease of use.

You should pay attention to the manufacturer’s warranty and the availability of service centers where you can repair the tool or perform technical maintenance. Be sure to decide on the scope and specifics of the work to be performed. If the tool is supposed to be used every day, it is better to purchase a professional-grade model.

A household tool will not cope with overwhelming tasks and will fail ahead of time. over, the warranty for such a machine will not apply (if the service center finds out that the tool was used in excess of the mode recommended by the manufacturer). The scope of work performed also affects the functional features of the tool.

How and what to choose an eccentric sander. Features, brands and useful features. Technical characteristics of eccentric sander

A significant parameter affecting performance is the diameter of the vibration circle, which is also called the working, ground or eccentric stroke. The higher the stroke, the higher the productivity. The force with which the user presses on the tool during work also affects the result of grinding.

It should be noted that high chip removal performance is not always required. For example, when working with painted or varnished surfaces, accuracy is more important. The vibration circle diameter data indicates the accuracy with which you can work.

For clean sanding, strong pressure inhibits the rotation of the sanding pad, which ensures an especially good final result. The basic rule is: the smaller the circle, the cleaner the sanding, and vice versa. Thus, a small vibration circle is more suitable for clean grinding, and a large one (in combination with a powerful motor) for machining large surfaces with high chip removal rates.

Attention! The higher the speed of the grinder, the faster, but also the rougher the surface finish. Powerful tools deliver high performance.

How to do something yourself, with your own hands. Home master’s site. With your own hands. How to do it yourself

Grinder brake system.

Eccentric machines from some manufacturers will first interfere with the surface treatment, and then turn on. Sanding pad brake, in other words, automatic braking system, prevents the formation of grooves when placing the pad on the material, even if the machine is already on.

The diameters of sanding discs for eccentric sanders, 115, 125 and 150 mm, are the most practical. Often the instrument name itself contains an indication of the cymbal size. Sanding pads with a diameter of 115 and 125 mm are especially good for working concavely, convex surfaces, as well as all kinds of curves. Trays with a diameter of 150 mm, on the other hand, are more suitable for rough work and are intended for large flat surfaces. In general, with a large sanding pad diameter, depending on the grain size of the grinding wheels and the vibration circumference, the grinding performance is higher. If precise work is required in tight spaces, a machine with a smaller plate diameter is preferred.

Most eccentric sanders have a dust extraction function. It can be produced in several ways: through the soleplate, using a dust extraction device, or using a hose and dust bag. There are models in which you can detach the dust container or change its position.

Manufacturers offer a wide range of grinding accessories. They can be included in the standard equipment of the machine or purchased additionally. Accessories include all kinds of twists: abrasive, self-adhesive or clamping, on a paper or rag basis, as well as various grain sizes. The finer the grain, the rougher the finish.

For polishing in eccentric sanders, special polishing wheels are used. There are also special circles for processing wood and paintwork, a cotton cloth for removing rust and coarse dirt, a cloth for rubbing in polish, a polishing sponge for rubbing in wax, a special cloth made of felt for polishing “to shine”, etc.

Method of attaching consumables.

Removable sheets are attached to the sole of the eccentric sander. Fastening them to the working plane of the tool is carried out using a clamp or Velcro. Clamp models are cheaper and more versatile because they are easier to match with consumables. However, Velcro fastening is much faster and more convenient.

Choosing a tool. an eccentric sander

With an eccentric sander, you can grind and polish wood, metal, organic glass and various varnished surfaces, as well as remove paint from any material.

This tool is suitable for many tasks in the workshop. After all, a clean, smooth surface is not only a design move, but also a strict requirement for some repair work, for example, surface preparation for painting.