Orbital sander: how to hold it safely

Learn to hold and control an orbital sander safely for smooth, even sanding without gouges.

OS-01Know what the sander is doingAn orbital sander is a power tool with a flat pad that moves in tiny fast circles, not big sweeping strokes. This gentle motion means it won't dig deep gouges the way a belt sander can, which makes it a good tool to learn on. It still needs a light, steady hand though, so don't assume it's foolproof.

OS-02Fit the sanding disc and check the toolPeel off the old disc if there is one and press a new one onto the velcro-style pad, lining up the holes with the holes in the pad so dust gets sucked away properly. Give the disc a firm press all round so it won't fly off when spinning. Check the cable (or battery) is secure and the pad isn't loose or cracked before you plug in or switch on.

1 pack · Sanding discs (mixed grit pack)

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OS-03Get your grip and stance rightHold the main body with your dominant hand on the handle where the trigger is, and rest your other hand flat on the top or front knob if there is one. Stand with your feet apart, facing the direction you'll be sanding, so you're not stretching or twisting. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask - fine dust gets everywhere and you'll be breathing it in otherwise.

OS-04Switch on before the pad touches the surfaceStart the sander in the air, just above the wood, then lower it onto the surface once it's spinning at full speed. The mistake beginners make is resting the pad down first and then switching on - this can cause a sudden jerk or a dig-in mark right where you started. Lift it clear of the surface again before switching off, for the same reason.

OS-05Use light pressure and let the tool workRest the sander's own weight on the surface and guide it - don't push down hard. The beginner instinct is to lean on it thinking it'll sand faster, but this actually slows the pad down, causes uneven patches, and can leave swirl marks. If it feels like it's struggling or bogging down, you're pressing too hard.

OS-06Move it in slow, overlapping passesKeep the sander moving at all times in slow, wide overlapping strokes, like mowing a lawn. Never leave it sitting still in one spot, even for a second, as it will quickly sand a dip or a shiny patch. Overlap each pass by about half the width of the pad so you don't miss strips or leave ridges.

OS-07Check you've got it rightStop, switch off, and run your bare hand flat over the surface - it should feel smooth and even all over, with no ridges, dips, or shiny burnt-looking patches. Look at the surface at a low angle in good light; you should see fine, even scratch lines from the grit, not swirly circular marks (which mean you pressed too hard or lingered in one spot). If patches feel rougher than others, go back over them lightly rather than pressing harder.

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