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Original poster

Electric sander - is it broken or am I missing something?

19 replies

layzinaboot · 05/02/2023 11:03

I have dug out an old electric sander (see pic) for a DIY job. I can't remember when it was last used or whether it was working ok. When I switch it on, it buzzes loudly and vibrates, but if I hold it against a surface and slide it around gently it doesn't "sand". I've tried holding it against my hand and there is no abrasion. There's nothing helpful in the instructions. Does it sound broken, or am I missing something?

Electric sander - is it broken or am I missing something?
OP posts:
Oldraver · 05/02/2023 11:11

Stupid question...you have put sandpaper on it ? The not being abrasive on your hands doesn't sound like it

TakeYourFinalPosition · 05/02/2023 11:14

Oldraver · 05/02/2023 11:11

Stupid question...you have put sandpaper on it ? The not being abrasive on your hands doesn't sound like it

This is what I was about to ask. It doesn’t sound like you’ve got sandpaper on?

maximist · 05/02/2023 11:23

I can see sandpaper, but I can't see what condition it's in. Have you tried putting a new sheet on?

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HumourReplacementTherapy · 05/02/2023 11:25

I think you are missing the sandpaper 😬

Original poster
layzinaboot · 05/02/2023 11:25

maximist · 05/02/2023 11:23

I can see sandpaper, but I can't see what condition it's in. Have you tried putting a new sheet on?

The sandpaper is a brand new sheet.

OP posts:
Original poster
layzinaboot · 05/02/2023 11:27

The picture clearly shows there is sandpaper on it. I'm not that daft!

Electric sander - is it broken or am I missing something?
OP posts:
CrescentMoons · 05/02/2023 11:28

Are you pushing down on it hard?

MagpiePi · 05/02/2023 11:29

Is the sandpaper being held on properly? If not it could be that the sandpaper is staying still and the footplate bit is jiggling about inside it.

Original poster
layzinaboot · 05/02/2023 11:31

CrescentMoons · 05/02/2023 11:28

Are you pushing down on it hard?

No, you're not supposed to.

OP posts:
Fizzadora · 05/02/2023 11:31

You do have to press down quite hard and there are different grades of sandpaper. If you have got a fine grade one it's more for smoothing than proper sanding.

MagpiePi · 05/02/2023 11:32

Could be a gear type bit inside that’s broken and not transmitting the vibration to the plate?
Is the footplate bit actually vibrating independently?

Original poster
layzinaboot · 05/02/2023 11:32

MagpiePi · 05/02/2023 11:29

Is the sandpaper being held on properly? If not it could be that the sandpaper is staying still and the footplate bit is jiggling about inside it.

Its on as per the instructions. The vibration is not lateral, so it buzzes rather than rubs.

OP posts:
Original poster
layzinaboot · 05/02/2023 11:34

MagpiePi · 05/02/2023 11:32

Could be a gear type bit inside that’s broken and not transmitting the vibration to the plate?
Is the footplate bit actually vibrating independently?

This sounds like the sort of problem it might be, yes. There is power, but its not being converted into the right sort of motion.

OP posts:
LightSpeeds · 05/02/2023 11:35

What grade is the sandpaper?

Original poster
layzinaboot · 05/02/2023 11:43

LightSpeeds · 05/02/2023 11:35

What grade is the sandpaper?

The grades not relevant. It isn't moving from side to side, so its a mechanical issue. I'm coming to the conclusion that its broken, unless I've missed a second switch somewhere.

OP posts:
Original poster
layzinaboot · 05/02/2023 11:54

I've just watched a video about how sheet sanders are supposed to work and it said "the motor moves the sanding sheet in a circular motion at high speed". It's definitely not doing that! I guess I need a new one. But thanks for the suggestions.

OP posts:
akkakk · 05/02/2023 12:40

Yours isn’t an orbital sander (moves in a circular motion) it is a very simple sheet sander - moves it back and forwards…

orbital sanders (round sheets of sandpaper and round base) are not expensive and give a much better finish

Original poster
layzinaboot · 05/02/2023 12:57

akkakk · 05/02/2023 12:40

Yours isn’t an orbital sander (moves in a circular motion) it is a very simple sheet sander - moves it back and forwards…

orbital sanders (round sheets of sandpaper and round base) are not expensive and give a much better finish

I know it isn't an orbital sander. It's a sheet sander. It's still meant to have a circular motion. I've just bought a replacement from Homebase and it does the job.

OP posts:
akkakk · 06/02/2023 09:53

layzinaboot · 05/02/2023 12:57

I know it isn't an orbital sander. It's a sheet sander. It's still meant to have a circular motion. I've just bought a replacement from Homebase and it does the job.

Show quote history

I don't think it is a true circular motion - more a slight element of side to side to try not to leave big scratches... what is generally known as an orbiatl sander should of course more correctly be called a ROS random orbital sander, which has more random movement in it so that any scratches left aren't picked up as a pattern by the eye - there are some good makes and a lot of mediocre ones out there - middle of the road is £40+ good ones re £200-£300+

great though to hear that the replacement doe what you want...

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