Random Orbital Sanders - Is it Just Me?!

[Doctor]

I don't seem to have a problem either Dan, mines the fixed version rather than a portable one like yours :lol: :lol:

 

[OPJ]

Why on earth if, as you say, it was flat 'out of the cramps' did you use a belt sander on it? Even 120 grit on a belt sander is very aggressive.

Sorry for not mentioning it before, Steve, but I am using softwood (redwood, to be precise). Interesting comments on the early and late growth - I'll have another look in a minute but you guys may be right! :shock: :wink:

Okay, to say it was dead-flat out of the cramps was a bit of an over-statement... It wasn't bad; I've certainly done a lot worse!! One of the knives on my thicknesser may be out slightly as there was a slight ridge between some of the boards. I should explain that once I'd scraped the glue off, I started sanding with my ROS and that is when I first noticed these "irregularities". The belt sander did get rid of them but, I went back over it again with my ROS and there they were once more! :roll:

Thanks, guys. I guess I'll have to clear some space on my bench and try to do this by hand then (at least I know now for next time! :wink.

 

[FatFreddysCat]

One thing to consider is changing the sanding pad. Most ROSs seem to come with a "medium" pad which has a degree of flexibility. These can dub over the edges even if you are being careful. Replace the medium pad with a hard pad and resist the temptation to "feather-in" by tipping the machine over and let the abrasives do the work and you may see a major improvement