Changing and adding sandpaper to the sander is essential for more effective sanding. You will find lots of grits and grades of sandpaper available on the market. Each type of sandpaper holds different effects. According to the applicator, they also vary in terms of shapes like rectangular and circular. All the questions regarding this topic will be solved after getting ideas about how to change sandpaper on sander, which is written in this article vividly.
The Methods To Change Sandpaper On Sander
For having a smooth rough, or uneven surface, you may need a coarse grade paper at the initial stage of your project. It would be best if you did not also forget to bring perfect grit paper to finish the chore of smoothing out a varnish cover. This work will help you get a final coat with a high sheen and a very smooth looking.
Step 1: Release The Front Clamp
A finishing block sander has front and rear clamps, which are spring operated. Before removing the old paper, you need to release the front clamp. Then, you can insert the new paper. It would be best if the new paper is even with the mounting plate on the top of the block.
Step 2: Fold The Paper
Follow this step under the plate and clamp. It would be best to hold the back end down with pressure to pull the front end until you can eliminate slack. Therefore, it will be easy to secure the front clamp.
Step 3: Release The Back Clamp
Once you are done with securing the front clamp, it is time to release the back clamp. This process will result in creating slack once again in the paper.
Step 4: Secure Back
Finally, you can fold the end of the paper under the plate and clamp it. Don’t forget to pull it tightly and press firmly at the end.
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Replacing Sander For A Powder Sander
Replacing sheet sandpaper for a powder sander is also accessible just if you can follow the procedures listed above. Both the processes are pretty similar, except you have comparatively more flexibility in replacing ¼ sheet sander and managing it.
Step 1: Clamp An End Shut
The sander you took for your job should not be connected to a power source when adding paper. You should open one end and insert the sheet sandpaper ideally. Before clumping it shut, insert it between the clamp and the surface of the sander.
Step 2: Bend The Sheet Sandpaper
As you are proceeding, you have to bend the paper. The reason is that the fed end can be easily inserted under the arm at the other side of your sander.
Step 3: Stretch The Sandpaper
It would be best if you stretched the paper full force before inserting it under the hold-down arm. Make sure it is tight. However, too tight or loose paper may cause the fold along the clamp to tear, which will make your project all in vain. So, maintain things very carefully to get the job done successfully.
Read: How To Use A Belt Sander To Sharpen Knives: 7 Easy Steps
Changing The Sandpaper On A Finishing Sander
It is not a difficult task to change or replace the sandpaper on a finishing sander. A finishing sander is an electrical tool that many carpenters use to smoothen, polish, or shape wood, metal, or plastic. This tool has a rectangular-shaped base that facilitates your work to save time and money. Changing the sandpaper on a finishing sander is straightforward if you can follow some steps.
The Necessary Equipment
- Sandpaper
- Utility scissors
Step 1: Hold The Finishing Sander
As the first step, you need to hold the finishing sander. Then, look at both ends to see if there are retaining clamps. The finishing sanders are of different styles of clamps and clips. However, all the models of finishing sanders are the same in attaching sandpaper onto their base.
Step 2: Place The Finishing Sander
To adjust the position of the sander, you must place it on top of the sandpaper. Adjusting the sander’s position lengthwise is essential. Provide enough length and width of sandpaper you will cut. The measurements should be proper to cover the whole surface of the sander’s base.
Step 3: Fold & Cut The Sandpaper
Take accurate measurements of the size with utility scissors. Fold, cut, and place the sandpaper onto the sander’s base with the sandpaper’s smooth part. Now, check whether the length of the sandpaper is parallel to the length of the sander. No extra sandpaper should not be there.
Step 4: Attach One End Of The Cut Sandpaper
As you have got the cut sandpaper, now, you can attach one end of it onto the clumping mechanism on top of one end of the sander. The clamping mechanisms for all the sander styles are not the same. So, to know what clamping mechanism your sander requires, follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the owner’s manual. This is how you can get ideas about the exact policy of attaching the sandpaper to the clamping mechanism.
Step 5: Wrap The Other End Of The Sandpaper
As you are done with attaching one end of the sandpaper, you can wrap the other end of the sandpaper now around the base of the sander.
Step 6: Lift The Clamping Mechanism
Lifting or opening the clamping mechanism is the final step of the entire process. You need to attach the sandpaper’s end to the clamping mechanism. If you want to avoid slack, pull the sandpaper with proper pressure when inserting it into the clamps. The reason to avoid slack is that slack can decrease the effectiveness of the sandpaper on a sanding surface. Lastly, plug the sander into an outlet and turn the item on to check whether everything is alright.
Also read: What Does Hook And Loop Sander Mean: Differences & Benefits
FAQs
When should you change your sanding pad?
It would be best to change your sandpaper immediately when it is clogged with the material you are sanding. It must also be changed if the abrasive side is worn down to smooth the surface.
How to figure out if the sandpaper is worn out?
You can understand that the sandpaper is worn out when it is no longer flat or until it is clogged by the dust, dirt, or debris that doesn’t allow your job to be done efficiently. It’s time to change the sandpaper when it fails to give output as it is used to.
When doesn’t the sandpaper stick to the sander?
You will find that orbital sanding pads aren’t likely to stick to the sander when debris or tears are still in the material. This problem can be solved by removing the three screws on the bottom of the sander to replace the pad.
Final Words
Choose the correct sandpaper to give you the finish you desire for your project. The type of sandpaper will determine how you can attach it to the sanding plate. The information above about how to change sandpaper on sander might be helpful for you to make your project perfect. If you can follow the steps, you will attach and change the sandpaper on the sander when necessary.
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