Orbital sanders are a popular tool DIY enthusiasts and professionals use for sanding wood, metal, and other materials. They are designed to move in a circular motion, which helps to create a smooth and even finish on the sanded surface.
Over time, the sanding pad on the orbital sander can become clogged with dust, debris, and other particles, reducing its effectiveness and leading to uneven sanding. That’s why keeping the pad clean and free of debris is important.
So, how to clean the orbital sander pad?
Clean your orbital sander pad with a crepe rubber block or a Sander Sitter with a crepe pad. Rub the block against the pad in a circular motion or attach the crepe pad to the underside of the Sander Sitter and let it run for a few seconds to polish and remove any buildup gently.
Below, we’ll explore different methods for cleaning an orbital sander pad. By the end of this post, you’ll better understand how to keep your orbital sander pad clean and in good working condition, which will help you achieve the best possible results on your next sanding project.
Pro tip: One of the easiest ways to keep your orbital sander pad clean is to attach a vacuum to the sander. This will help to remove dust and debris as you sand, preventing it from building up on the pad.
Using a vacuum with your orbital sander has several benefits:
- It helps to keep the disks clean while sanding, which can improve the quality of your work.
- It reduces the amount of dust and debris in the air, which can benefit your health.
- It can help extend the life of your sanding disks by preventing them from clogging with dust and debris.
Clean the Pad With a Crepe Rubber Block or a Sander Sitter With a Crepe Pad
You can clean your orbital sander pad with a crepe rubber block or a Sander Sitter with a crepe pad. Here’s what you need to know about these tools:
A crepe rubber block is a coagulated latex block rolled out in crinkled sheets. It is designed to remove dust and debris from sanding pads by gently rubbing the block against the pad.
To use a crepe rubber block, turn off your sander and rub the block against the pad in a circular motion. The crepe rubber will help remove any buildup on the pad, extending the pad’s life and improving the quality of your sanding.
A Sander Sitter is designed to hold a running or spinning random-orbit sander in place while the user adjusts their workpiece. This eliminates the need to turn off the sander and wait for it to wind down, saving time and increasing efficiency.
The Sander Sitter’s rubber-padded underside can also clean and restore sanding pads by polishing them while they spin on the sander. This can extend the life of the sanding pads by as much as 400 to 500 percent, saving money and reducing waste.
To use a Sander Sitter with a crepe pad, attach the crepe pad to the underside of the Sander Sitter and turn on your sander. Place the Sander Sitter on the spinning pad and let it run for a few seconds. The crepe pad will gently polish it, removing any buildup and restoring effectiveness.
Using a crepe rubber block or a Sander Sitter with a crepe pad can help to extend the life of your orbital sander pad and improve the quality of your sanding. These tools are affordable and easy to use, making them a great addition to any DIY enthusiast or professional’s toolkit.
I found a unique way to clean an orbital sander pad shared by David Thomson in Woodworkers Journal from Carson City, Nevada. If you want, you can try this method to clean your sanding pad:
You can use a nit comb to remove dust and debris clogging the sander pad. Nit combs are sold at pharmacies for removing head lice eggs, and the metal tines are much closer together than a standard hair comb. Drag the nit comb across the sander’s pad vigorously; the tines will clear the debris easily without harming the loops. This method is a simple and effective way to clean your sander pad and ensure that your sanding discs cling properly. This method can also be used to clean other hook-and-loop items.
Conclusion
Keeping your orbital sander pad clean is crucial for optimal performance and quality results. Experiment with the methods discussed above to find what works best.
Regardless of the method, keeping your sander pad clean will extend the life of your sanding disks or paper and ensure your sander is working at its best.