Can You Use a Random Orbital Sander For Car Polishing?

When it comes to the auto shop, woodshop, or garage the most used tool is the random orbital sander. This is because of its many uses like sanding, polishing, or buffing different including wood, metal, drywall and so much more.

You can use a random orbital sander to polish your car, as long as the sander has variable speed settings.

Why Should You Use a Random Orbital Sander For Car Polishing?

The variety of uses from the random orbital sander are made possible because of its specific movement design. The random orbital sander makes random pattern moves while going on an orbital circular motion.

It is the perfect tool for polishing cars, of course, you need some extra polishing tools. Keep in mind that before buying a random orbital sander make sure it has the speed setting. During work, you made need various speed motions.

In markets, there are many types of sanders available for buying such as palm sander, orbital sander, belt sander, and surely the random orbital sander.

All of them are designed for specific purposes with the necessary features and advantages according to the job. But the most effective of them is the random orbital sander for its use in both sanding and polishing.

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The best Speed For Polishing

As I mentioned earlier the sanders must have a variable speed setting so you can choose the right needed speed.

If you are polishing a car and you are using a power sander than you should use the random orbital sander with the polishing pads which has free speed or different speed options (12.000 OPM).

With the different speed settings, you can better control the buffing and polishing. The right speed usually goes from 1.500 to 4.000 OPM.

For those of you who already have excellent control over the sander, using more speed shouldn’t be a problem. Using random orbital sander chances to burn the paint goes from less to none. You may need to speed up if you have to remove rougher marks from the surface.

Using a slower speed is needed if you are polishing with a circular polisher. It is recommended a speed from 1.000 to 2.000 OPM.

Using this tool at higher speeds you risk heating it. A higher speed is not the only factor to worry about when using this tool, there are other factors such as features, experience, and time that affect the job’s outcome.

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Which random orbital sander to use?

A random orbital sander is designed in three types: electric, pneumatic, and cordless sanders. I suggest you use either electric or pneumatic sander.

Even though, pneumatic sanders are mostly used for professionals they can be quite a handful tool. If you choose to use an electrical sander make sure it is designed with the speed settings.

As it pertains, the cordless sanders are non-effective and non-suitable for heavy uses.

Pneumatic random orbital sanders are preferred for their perfect control and their lavish results. Their only flaw is their requirement for air compression to function.

So, if you lack air compression it is better to use the electric sander.

Related Read — Best Sanders For Paint Stripping

How To Use A Random Orbital Sander For Car Polishing?

Before starting to use the orbital sander to polish you need to secure first the necessary pads for the job.

There are three types of pads: Wool, foam, or microfiber buffing pads. After you have chosen the right pad you can begin the process of polishing.

• Examine the sander to make sure that everything is in its place and working properly.
• Connect the needed pad and apply polish across the surface of the pad.
• Without turning the sander on spread the polish evenly around the pad’s surface.
• When the polish is spread evenly turn on the sander and set it on medium speed.
• On small areas work with slower speed and put the right pressure on it to hear when the pitch changes.
• By being extra careful and gentle push the sander back and forth over the surface. By doing so you will smoothly blend the polish and avoid any unpolished areas.
• When you are done polishing switch the pad for the final touch and finish the compound.
• If the results are unappealing you can switch to a forceful pad and polish.

In conclusion, you can use a random orbital sander for car polishing. Secure the extra required tools such as polishing pads and a sander with various speed settings.

When polishing it is essential to maintain control over the sander for a high-quality result. However, more factors affect the outcome such as the time you invest, the skill level, and your practical experience.

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