No More Orbital Sander Swirls; Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements and More; 3 Laundry Things We're Doing Wrong

On Today's EpisodeWe cover everything from tips for the workshop to laundry room mistakes that we all should correct!Using an Orbital Sander the RIGHT Way [00:00 - 07:48]We’ve all seen the little swirls left behind from an orbital sander. Seeing those is a huge bummer because they show through the finish, whether that’s polyurethane, stain or paint. The good news, It’s not Sanders' fault! Swirling scratches happen because we are using the sander incorrectly. Learn all about common mistakes and how to avoid them in this segment. TOP TIPS For Eliminating Swirls (Pig Tails) When Using Orbital Sander Start RightHold the sanderPlace it flatly on the surface to be sanded and then power it onWhen it is on the surface, with slight hand pressure, the disc spins at a much more controlled ratesWhen it is in the air, it spins very quicklySetting it down while it’s moving at that speed can cause skips, gouges, etc. when it contacts your woodAlso, you may not set it down evenly

Correct Speed, Keep it Flat, and Use the Right PressureCORRECT SPEED IS IMPORTANT!Often swirls happen because we move too fastWe go back and forth quicklyInstead, sand with the grain at a SLOW and STEADY PACE!Especially as you near the final sandRule of thumb: 1” per secondKEEP IT FLATSometimes we tilt the sanderTry to angle it in to put more pressure on certain areasVery likely to gouge the piece or create swirls (or both)Instead . . . keep it even! Nice and flat on the surfaceUSE THE RIGHT PRESSURELet the sander do the work!Don’t get overly aggressive!Light pressure–just enough for guidance and controlDon’t bog down the motor!If you hear the motor slowToo much pressure!Will result in swirlsInstead, let it work itself over the surface

Work Through Your GritsCommon MistakeThere isn’t a one-size-fits-all grit usually!Instead, start low–with a coarser gritAnd move your way through the different grits until you finishLet the various grits each do their job and then move to the next one!Don’t skip grits trying to save time – or, if you do, don’t skip more than oneSO, to make it clear:Start with an 80 or 100 grit to remove the finish on a pieceThen, move to 120 grit, then 150 grit, then 180, and finally 220 or higher if necessaryYes, that means you’ll have to amass extra sanding discsBut, it will produce beautiful flawless results!

Dust Extraction and Dust RemovalDust from your sanding can get trapped beneath the discs, creating swirlsRemove it!Attach a shop-vac attachment to your sanderTo remove dust as you goAlso! Be sure to remove dust in between gritsWhen you change sandpapersTake time to remove the dust from the surfaceWipe with a soft bristled brushBlow off with an air hoseVacuum off

Stop RightIt’s important to start rightWith the sander evenly on the surfaceWith light handpressureBefore turning on . . . .Also important to stop right!Stopping while the sander is spinning on your surface is like slamming the brakes on your carThe tire marks in this instance are the swirls you leave behindSo lift the sander off the surface before hitting the power button!Think of it this way:Start ON, Stop OFF

Double CheckOld maxim–measure twice, cut onceSame idea applies here!Nothing more frustrating than applying your stainOnly to...