Rating belt sander for wood. How to choose a grinder: professional advice. The best household wood sanders

Photo: rozetka.com.ua

Belt sander It is customary to call special equipment that is designed for grinding surfaces, cleaning, fitting, marking, giving different shapes, leveling and polishing, and even sharpening. uncomplicated grinder device similar to the design of an electric planer. Its working element is a grinding tape, which is glued into a ring that is put on the rollers connected to the drive motor. These devices are classified according to the width of the tape, the number of speeds and energy consumed, according to the scope and other indicators.

It is likely that many have already used a belt sander before, and cannot boast of a positive experience. To work with the device was not a burden, you need to follow a few rules and understand the intricacies of using this equipment. To enjoy the work of a grinder, you must be able to choose the right tools and accessories. You need to know, for example, which tapes are best used for working with certain materials, and what power the machine should have to achieve the desired result, etc.

Scope of belt grinders

Among the variety of grinding equipment, being the most popular, belt machines are designed for rough processing of wood and other materials. With their help, they:

adjustment of cut lines;
precise cutting;
leveling, and also make preliminary grinding of rough surfaces;
forming parts;
sharpening;
removal of layers of wood, plastic, glass or metal.

When making a rough surface treatment, tape machines, due to their power and speed of rotation of the working surface, are able to quickly remove wood layers of various thicknesses. To do this, it is necessary to put on the rollers a coarse-grained tape of the width that corresponds to the parameters of the grinder. This equipment does an excellent job of cleaning the surface after processing with a planer, it can align the butt parts of the workpieces and their ends. Grinders can be extended door frames, not afraid of accidentally cutting off the excess, they do an excellent job of cutting grooves, etc.

Belt machines can quickly and effectively level putty surfaces, clean old paint. If you need to sand window frame, a door or a battery to the base, then you will not find a better device for these purposes. Due to the technical characteristics, which are very diverse, these devices are used to peel off paint from large areas of car bodies during car repairs. Robust housing allows you to fix the device on a table or stand for processing small sizes workpieces with manual feed.

Choice of grinder

Choose a grinder necessary depending on the type of work to be done. For example, for processing large areas, it is more appropriate to use devices with a wide belt, and for processing a narrower surface, it is better to use a device with a narrow sanding belt.

Specifications, Consumables

Knowledge of the technical characteristics of these simple devices will facilitate their selection and help to better carry out the planned work. Usually choose a belt sander based on technical specifications such as:

Power;
Tape length;
Tape width;
Belt speed;
The ability to adjust the speed;
Availability soft start;
Manufacturer.

Machine power varies from 350 to 1200 watts and you will need to select a device depending on your needs. Another parameter that affects the quality of work is the rotation of the belt, which is carried out at a linear speed of 75 - 500 m/min. Some models have a speed change function, thanks to which you can do the job better. The smooth start of the electric drive when the device is turned on will also help you improve the quality of work. But there is a large number of models, low cost, in which there are no such additional functions, but the quality of grinding remains on top.

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An important element belt sander is sanding belt, without which the device will not be able to perform its functions. It should be noted that one of the defining characteristics is the shape, width, length, grain size of the material from which the abrasive is made and the tape itself. Not only the quality of work, but also the service life of this accessory depends on the totality of all the characteristics. In grinders, a looped tape is used, which is based on cotton, nylon, fabric, lavsan, polyester, paper, fiber or other materials.
The abrasive can be made of aluminum dioxide (electrocorundum), silicon carbide or zirconium oxide. To date, the standard width varies from 30 to 140 mm. The most common is 76 mm. Tape length can be 457 mm, 533, 610 or 620 mm.
An important characteristic is the size of the abrasive particles. For initial rough processing, a tape with a grit of 40 or 60 is used, alignment will require an abrasive with values of 80 or 100, and for finer processing, a material whose grit ranges from 120 to 320 is used. All tapes are marked by color according to their parameters.

All devices are equipped with a special device - a dust collector, into which dust is fed into the bag with the help of a fan. A vacuum cleaner can be connected to any model, which is able to provide better dust extraction, but some models come with special nozzles.

The subtleties of the grinder, setting and efficiency

Before you start processing wood, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the subtleties that will help you work with the tool. If you need to do a rough finish, it is best to sand at a slight angle to the wood fibers, this will ensure a quick cut of the layer. required thickness. In order to make the surface smooth, it is necessary to guide the tool along the wood fibers. Almost all models are designed with a center of gravity shifted closer to the bottom, so pressing the machine during operation is not required if you do not want to make a notch or groove. It is recommended to perform the work with smooth, unhurried circular movements, without plunging the device deep into the wood. Do not abruptly change the speed, pull the tool and change the direction of grinding. To protect the power cord from getting under the work surface, throw it over your shoulder.

Often, when performing grinding work, horseshoe-shaped recesses occur. This is usually due to touching the edge of the work surface. To solve this problem, it is recommended to use new or, in last resort, peeled tapes. The abrasive grit should not exceed 120. It should be borne in mind that in rare cases, the workpiece may remain without scratches and notches along the edges. Therefore, grinding work must be carried out before cutting the element to the final size.

Sanders with a smooth speed change function allow you to work at maximum speed, and you can slow it down in delicate places without stopping work, without turning off the tool.

Despite the simple device, the grinder still requires a small settings. For example, you should always keep an eye on correct installation directional tape. You can find out about the direction by the arrow, which is drawn on reverse side. Any tape, directional or not, must be centered on the rollers. To do this, you need to turn the machine working surface up and turn it on. If the tape does not move smoothly, then the machine must be fixed, observing safety precautions, turned on and manipulating the guide roller to center the tape. It is possible to more precisely center the working surface already directly in the process of performing work. Some models are equipped with automatic tracking and do not require manual alignment, although they are more expensive.

Efficiency The use of a tool depends on how fully it is used. With the help of a grinder, you can not only process wood surfaces, but also sharpen cutters, axes, knives, shovels, chisels and other tools. Before working with a metal surface, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the device from dust, as the metal may spark during operation.

It is necessary to process plywood and all surfaces finished with this material very carefully, at minimum speed.

Sometimes they ask the question - "Which car is better to buy - tape or eccentric?" These are complementary grinders. For primary processing, a belt is used, and for final grinding- eccentric. If there is little work to be done, it is worth choosing an eccentric one, they are more versatile.

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If possible, it is better to use a vacuum cleaner instead of a dust collector, which does not cancel glasses and a respirator. And to fix the tool in a comfortable position, it is more expedient to use a special stand, which can be individually selected for any machine.

Care and cleaning of draw frames includes cleaning the tape with a special bar. Usually if you use a succulent processing tool tree species, then the tape quickly becomes clogged. To clean the abrasive, it is necessary to fix the device with the working surface up, and then draw the bar along the tape against its movement.

If the waste dust is collected in a bag, then it must be cleaned after each use of the tool.
Any device you work with requires some care. Keep your equipment clean!

Safety

Despite the fact that grinders are safe equipment, it still does not hurt to follow some rules. During any grinding operations, it is necessary to protect the organs of vision and breathing.

To work with a grinder, you must use headphones, as the noise level that the device emits can harm your health;
To protect the respiratory organs and eyes, it is necessary to use special masks or respirators and goggles, which are not recommended to be removed until the dust collector is free from dust;
Before shift sanding belt or cleaning the dust collector, it is necessary to disconnect the device from the mains;
Before working with metal, it is necessary to free the room from flammable objects, materials and substances, since the metal being processed can spark;
When connecting the equipment to the network, you must make sure that the power button is in the off position. For all machines, the power buttons can be fixed in the on position.

Be sure to follow safety precautions, as this will preserve your health and reduce the risk of accidents to a minimum.

Sanding is a very labor intensive task. Well, if you have the right paper and a sanding block, of course. But this method of grinding has long been in the past, now power tools are used for this. If you are processing old furniture, prepare for painting terrace board or removing a terrible old varnish from a hardwood floor, a sander can make the job a lot easier. In some cases, with such a tool, you can even save money and do work that other people are paying for.

Bosch PBS 75 A - the best grinder

Pros: versatile, reliable
Cons: small dustbin

This traditionally well-designed device from Bosch is designed to be used in a variety of situations: upside down, on the wall, on the ground. Automatic belt tightening and leveling keep everything under control, and the 710W motor is enough for the most demanding jobs.

tool produces low level vibration to minimize finger trembling after prolonged sanding. The dust collector in this device is not very powerful, so be sure to wear eye protection. You can buy a Bosch belt sander for a lot less than this one, but we think the tool from Bosch is very reliable and worth the money spent on it.

Black and Decker KA86 - budget

Pros: price
Cons: very dusty

This model is the bestseller, because its cost is 4300 rubles, and the company sells it for a little more than half of this amount. For the money this is good value for money. Yes, this grinder cannot be used for industrial purposes, but for everyday simple work, it will do just fine.

As with most tools of this kind, there is a dust bag, but it is ineffective, so be sure to use goggles and a mask when working. The engine is powerful, 720 W, there is also an automatic belt tightening function. For 4300 rubles, you are unlikely to find something better.

Makita 9404/2 - for serious work

Pros: very powerful
Cons: for serious work

If you hire professionals to work around the house, then they will most likely have tools from Makita. With its large sanding surface and powerful 1010W motor, this superior tool makes even the toughest jobs easier.

The dust bag is great at picking up dust, and the Makita belt sander itself seems to last forever, but beware - it weighs a whopping 4.7 kg, so it is unlikely to be used for a long time. But for internal works, such as the elimination of the old coating, such weight and power will only be a plus.

A wood sander is an indispensable tool for finishing work. Thanks to its use, the process of polishing and grinding is greatly accelerated. wooden surfaces. The unit itself is convenient and compact, which makes it possible not only quickly, but also to qualitatively level walls, floors, furniture and other wooden surfaces.

To date, there are four types of grinders, which differ in scope, design, principle of operation and other criteria. For carpentry and joinery, as well as repair and construction types of work, the following types of grinding machines can be used:

LSHM - belt grinders;
VShM - vibratory grinders;
OShM - orbital sander;
Delta grinder.

The choice of the machine is directly affected by the scale of the upcoming work (for home or professional use).

Belt sander

The belt sander is ideal for professional use.

The design of the tape type includes two rollers (leading and driven), which, in the course of their movement, actuate the tape fixed on the sole of the tool. Depending on its pricing policy, this tape can be made from various materials.

An important technical characteristic of all grinders is their speed, which depends directly on the power of a particular model. For LSHM, this value can be in the range from 500 W to 1200 W at a speed of 75-500 m per minute. Most manufacturers equip their products with a special regulator that allows you to control the speed of the tape.

The dimensions and other features of this tape also depend on the capabilities of the tool. Therefore, in the selection process, the following factors must be taken into account:

Lenght and width. The larger their value, the more functional the model is. However, with the growth of these indicators, the mass of the machine, as well as its parameters, also increases.
The degree of granularity. Usually, professionals recommend having several varieties of them in stock, which are designed for fine and rough grinding. Thus, you can count on the expected result of the work.

In general, LSM are industrial units with a fairly high power. With their help, you can process large areas in a short period of time and, as a result, get ideal smooth surface. It will not be easy for a person without experience to control the grinder, which can lead to damage to the wooden surface.

Belt type machines are ideal for rough and fast processing of wood, metal and plastic surfaces.

Vibratory grinder

The most popular variety among all grinders.

In terms of the frequency of processing wooden surfaces, the vibration machine is slightly inferior tape type. With its help, the final (finishing) stage of grinding wooden, plastic, metal or stone flat surfaces.

The main part of the machine is a plate that makes frequent reciprocating movements. The rotation of the shaft itself is translated into translational movements of the platform due to the vertically located motor.

What to look for when choosing this tool:

Sole quality. The grinder should have a perfectly flat, high-quality sole with a clear geometry. Cheaper options include a plastic or steel platform, expensive ones include magnesium and aluminum alloys.
The material from which the cover is made. A porous polymer overlay is considered best, while rubber works worse with a plane.

The vibrating grinder qualitatively processes any surface. This best option for processing hard-to-reach places.

Orbital sander

The Bosch GEX 125-150 AVE model has a power of 400 W, which will easily stretch the sole up to 15 square meters. cm.

An orbital or eccentric machine is distinguished by a round sole, while the sanding element itself is attached with a special Velcro. The unit includes a counterweight and an eccentric that actuate the sole in several directions.

The product can work in two ways:

By orbiting;
By rotation along the axis.

Axial movement in most models occurs by inertia, less often by force. As a result of its complex movement and the high speed of the machine, a high quality surface is obtained without a single flaw. Dust is removed outside through special holes on the grinding wheel, as well as on the sole itself. To collect it, containers or a vacuum cleaner are used.

Model features:

The power of the grinder can vary between 200-900 watts. The higher the value, the more productive the tool will be.

Forward speed. Grinders with adjustment can have this indicator in the range of 4000-14000 rpm, without adjustment - up to 12000 rpm.
Sole type. If delicate grinding is required, then you should not choose a large sole, which also has a dead zone and an amplitude of up to 7 mm. For processing convex surfaces, it is advisable to use an elastic plate.

The compact sole is able to handle even hard-to-reach surfaces.

Plate material. Best Choice is a metal plate that has high strength and reliability, conducts heat well, and is also particularly stable.

The orbital type is designed to carry out the process of polishing and grinding at a high level.

Delta grinder

This type of grinder is designed to process surfaces not only from wood, but also from metal, plastic and stone. According to principle

Compact and versatile delta sander.

they work similar to vibration models. Their feature is the shape of the plate, which makes it possible to produce high-quality grinding work even in hard-to-reach places.

The movements of the sole are carried out at high speed and have a reciprocating look. For both home and professional use, it is advisable to choose a powerful model with the ability to control its speed. Thus, it becomes possible to work with several types of surfaces.

A wide range of modern products allows you to choose models with special holes for dust removal, the possibility of installing additional nozzles, swiveling soles and other work features.

The delta grinder is designed for polishing and cleaning any surface, even in hard-to-reach places.

Important details. Before choosing a particular model, it is worth checking all moving parts for backlash, as well as the degree of accuracy of fitting the body components.
Noise and vibration level. To evaluate these indicators, it is worth turning on the selected model directly in the store. Only in this way can the performance of its work be assessed.
The cost of accessories. It is worth clarifying in advance what the cost will be possible repair, Supplies and accessories that may be needed in the process.

Do not rush into choosing a grinder. Only after carefully weighing all the pros and cons, you can get quality tool, allowing to produce repair work at a high level.

We have devoted past articles to screwdrivers, angle grinders, chain saws, jigsaws, mixers, spray guns, trimmers, jackhammers, perforators. Today, all our attention will be riveted to the tool, wielding emery.

Sand or grind wooden detail, remove paintwork, remove rust, grind off burrs, wipe putty, process plastic, polish stone - all this and much more is within the power of modern grinding machines. So, we offer the slogan: "Choose a grinder with us, choose like us, choose better than us!"

Grinding: This process causes discomfort for many, even at the mere mention of it. What can I say, grinding is a monotonous, time-consuming, painstaking, dusty, sometimes noisy, a little harmful operation, but, unfortunately, inevitable. Modern requirements for finishing work reached unprecedented heights, no one questions the fact that the planes must be perfectly even and smooth. Finishing high-tech coatings are increasingly striving for thin layers and only emphasize the flaws of the base. Even enlarged, with ready decorative coating sheet building materials have to be joined, followed by sealing / puttying or sealing the seam, followed by grinding. Domestic builders-finishers and shop workers (manufacturers of furniture, joinery, stone products, bulk polymers, metal) are slowly but surely getting used to new standards, unknown before.

Fortunately, the materiel did not lag behind for long: a highly specialized, relatively inexpensive tool helps the working people to cope with the task - grinders, without which we can no longer do. Painfully familiar emery, fixed on wooden block, or held in hand. The leaders of capitalist production have brought to the surface many, many wonderful professional grinding machines designed for any occasion, without depriving home craftsmen who like to create something 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 grinders: belt, eccentric (orbital), surface grinders (vibration). All of them have their own specialization and form a kind of cascade of possibilities, directed from fast rough processing to delicate finishing sanding. Many of those who "on duty" are closely connected with grinding have in their arsenal a complete set of tools of this class. Belt grinders are heavy artillery for removing large layers from large surfaces. PShM focused on finishing. And EShMs are able to give even better results, bordering on polishing, but, compared to vibration machines, they have a different principle of operation and a different filling.

Belt sanders

Above, we inadvertently called the belt grinder heavy artillery, in fact, it would be more appropriate to say "tank". The working element of this well-recognized tool is an abrasive tape glued in the form of an endless ring, which moves along two end rollers and clearly resembles a track of a caterpillar machine. Such units are relatively powerful, they have a relatively simple reliable design(angle gearbox plus V-belt drive), low center of gravity, solid speed of movement of the abrasive material. With the help of a belt grinder, you can easily remove a layer of material of several millimeters, make an edge or rounding on the workpiece, remove old paintwork or rust. She is subject to: wood, metal, polymers, mineral building materials ... To clean the floors from paint - yes, correct the planed timber - please, align the putty wall with marriage - no problem. However, it should be understood that high performance is not best friend quality, there will definitely be scratches and shells. For finishing grinding, it will be necessary to use an orbital or surface grinder.

It's 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 LSHM, the consumer has the opportunity to choose from models with an engine from 0.5 to 1.2 kW (Skil Masters 7660MA - 1200 W).

Please note that the Chinese instrument trademarks often declared with overestimated engine power, or if there really are voiced watts, then they are not balanced with the rest of the characteristics of the device. Record-breaking power is boasted by those manufacturers who have nothing more to show, except perhaps for the heavy weight and bulkiness of the “unique” product.

The next important characteristic for a belt grinder 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 crush it if the outstanding speed is not backed up by additional power. It's all the fault of the notorious torque, which says that what more speed the tool, the less power it has left. A responsible manufacturer carefully balances these characteristics, making them mutually changeable, which is sometimes the responsibility of smart electronics. 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 even release smart, but relatively weak LSM? It's just that a super-productive (fast and at the same time strong) car is more difficult to control, it is heavier, larger, more expensive. With it, with excessive pressure, it is easy to spoil the workpiece. In turn, maneuverable high-speed lightweights are convenient in a short time, often “in place”, to process a surface of a large area. If you still don't know what loads await the grinder - choose a slower model that can be pressed a little, so it will be more versatile. Even more versatile are LSMs 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 the work of belt grinders. These machines are not rich in electronic stuffing compared to other types of electric tools. Everything is usually limited by controlling the speed of the belt. The switch responsible for this function is in the form of a slider or a wheel with divisions. There are models with overheating protection (Metabo BAE 75). With some stretch, this can include the function of fixing the start button in the on position.

Much more interesting is the situation with mechanical "bells and whistles". The kit may include a stand or special clamps designed for stationary mounting of the tool (very convenient for processing small parts). The grinding frame serves as a kind of limiter, which helps to avoid damage to the workpiece. A rip fence or miter fence is useful for getting a precise bevel or flat, parallel surface. The thin front roller in some LSMs (Black & Decker KA88) has a small diameter, which minimizes the dead zone during inside corners. Automatic centering of the tape (the cunning barrel-shaped shape of one of the rollers) does not allow the latter to treacherously slide at the most inopportune moment. An additional tilt or removable handle 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 characteristic of 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 LSHM has complex structure, consisting of a substrate and an elastic plate, which allows you to have a constant uniform contact of the emery with the part, such a tool “keeps the plane” well. It is necessary to mention the "ribbons" with narrow equipment - these are the so-called "electronic files", which do not differ big power and versatility, but experts appreciate them for their unprecedented compactness (for example, Makita 9032 with a tape only 9 mm wide).

There is a dust removal system in all tape machines, but not all of them work equally effectively. The fight against dust is carried out either with the help of a vacuum cleaner connected through the nozzle, or by collecting it in a bag, built-in filter. Of course, a vacuum cleaner is preferable, especially when sanding mineral substrates. In ultra-cheap models, the impeller responsible for air intake does not cope with its function, the channels quickly become clogged, and a lot of harmful “torment” remains in the air.

Surface grinding (vibratory) machines

If we take into account the cleanliness of the processing of parts, then surface grinders occupy an intermediate position between belt and orbital grinders. With their help, finishing grinding of flat surfaces made of a wide variety of materials is carried out - plastic, wood, stone, metal ... Due to the relatively large working plane, the PSM is suitable for working with serious quadrature. The secret of the popularity of vibratory grinders lies in their moderate cost, the availability of equipment elements, as well as the absence of dead zones of processing (a flat outsole 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 translate the rotational movements of the shaft into translational movements of the platform.

Most vibratory grinders traditionally boast a 150-300 W motor, they are quite maneuverable, moderately light and compact. A similar level of power plant is almost always enough. However, such unanimity of 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 they can work at low speeds for a long time without overheating.

The most important indicator of PSHM is the amplitude of the sole. IN different models it may vary, although it is invariably a relatively small quantity. On average, in the class, the platform moves by 1-3 mm; in more mobile models, figures of 5-6 mm may appear (Festool RS 100). A large amplitude helps to grind the surface faster, but such processing will also be rougher.

Another nuance is the frequency of the sole. At high speed, the machine quickly removes a relatively thicker layer, and at a lower frequency, it is easier to achieve a precise finish sanding. Some manufacturers make the frequency of the movement of the platform variable, exceeding 20,000 strokes per minute (Bosch GSS 280 AE L-BOXX), which allows you to adapt to processing various kinds materials, under the features of specific surfaces.

When choosing a vibratory grinder, 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 well suited to tight, cramped 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, and more expensive analogues are equipped with cast platforms made of alloys containing aluminum or magnesium (Festool RS 100). A good sole is precisely balanced, which is easily determined by a low degree of vibration when working without load (idling). It is important what the lining is made of, the most suitable option- this is a porous polymer, it “holds” the plane better than rubber.

In a separate class, vibrating grinders with a deltoid platform are distinguished, they are popularly called “iron” (Hitachi SV12SH, Makita BO4565). Due to their miniature size and good “passability”, they are used for processing objects with small details and complex surfaces, such as furniture, carpentry, stair elements, car body. Their triangular platforms are swivel - you can continue to work with an unevenly “eaten” emery 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 fixed with Velcro, but special equipment is relatively expensive. The spring-loaded variant is somewhat more complicated, but you can use an inexpensive sanding paper, cut with his own hands (it is only necessary to make holes for dust extraction in the right places).

The fight against fine dust, which is inevitably formed when working with a grinder, poses many challenges for developers. They have to work hard to protect all mechanisms. In this case, a special sealing of the motor is used, protected bearings and switches, an impervious housing, a system of channels with forced dust extraction. To remove dust from working area and did not saturate the air, it is sent to 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 grinder is designed for high quality processing. Delicate grinding and even polishing is their forte, although the performance of such machines can be as impressive as those of vibratory machines. They will cope with any material, most often you will meet ESHM at woodworkers, car painters. In working with profile, volumetric, curvilinear objects, eccentric grinders have no equal, they also have no problems with planes. The only place where such a machine fails is in the corners and small recesses - the “plate” simply will not reach there.

As well as surface grinding units, "orbitals" have an eccentric and a counterweight, with the help of which the circular grinding plate performs not only movement around its axis, but also along the "orbit" with a small amplitude. Interestingly, the axial movement usually occurs by inertia, and in some models, it is forced (by means of a gear transmission - Kress 900 MPS). Such a complex movement of the working blade, coupled with the highest rotation speed, just allows you to get a surface of excellent quality, without recesses, waves and scratches.

From 200 to 900 watts - this is how much modern ESHM motors consume. Those that are more powerful, of course, will also be more productive, they can easily pull a larger sole, up to 150 mm in diameter (for example, a 400-watt Bosch GEX 125-150 AVE or Interskol ESHM-150/600E).

Bosch GEX 125-150 AVE

Orbital machines also have differences in translational speed. If we talk about rotation, then this figure can be from 4 to 14 thousand revolutions of the eccentric 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 goes, the smaller the area we process, but the cleaner the grinding will be. In some ESHM, the operator can set a certain amplitude, affecting the performance and fineness of grinding.

Compared to their counterparts (LShM and PShM), "orbitals" are usually well stuffed 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 fall under load - this is constant electronics. Some models have an electrodynamic brake (AEG EX150ED K), which immediately stops after the start button is turned off. working plate, preventing damage to the workpiece and reducing the possibility of injury. For powerful professional machines, an inrush current limiter (Makita BO6040 ), which smoothly accelerates the tool, preventing a starting jerk and protecting the network from a short-term, but increased load at times.

Very nice options include a removable network cable, adjustable or removable front handle, fixing the start key, and functional dust removal.

Be sure to pay attention to the type of sanding sole. Firstly, if you need especially delicate processing, do not chase after 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 will cope well with convex surfaces. All of them have Velcro for fixing emery and dust extraction holes. These holes from individual manufacturers may be different in size, quantity and location, according to this feature, you need to select the appropriate equipment.

If the financial issue is not of the last importance, then for a home workshop you can purchase a model from the category of "hobby". Good copies are offered by Makita, Black & Decker, Skil, Sparky, Bosch. Look towards the domestic manufacturer - Interskol, Fiolent have noticeably improved in terms of the quality and functionality of their tools.

Pay attention to the weight and dimensions of the product of interest, especially if a lot of work is planned "in place", on weight, on outstretched arms. Give preference not to a very powerful machine, but to 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 thoroughly “feel” the grinder, find the most suitable ergonomics for you. Decide on the type of main and secondary handle, most likely you will have to choose between a “mushroom” and a “bracket”. See if the switches are conveniently located and how they work, how easy it is to change the equipment, if the power cord is in the way.

Check the moving parts of the product for play. Look at the accuracy of fitting the body parts. Turn on the machine in the tool shop, at least for Idling evaluate the level of noise and vibration. Take an interest in the cost, assortment and the possibility of interchangeability of consumables.

Weigh all the pros and cons, take your time with the choice, then the whole repair will go smoothly.