Why I HATE my random orbital sander (and how to fix it)

Solutions to three common problems (click to see more)

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[frankbaum]

As a cabinet maker, move your sander counterclockwise and slow, this will remove lose grit faster then going clockwise helping the lose piece of grit stay under longer leaving marks and also going counterclockwise your moving away from the rotation, cutting faster and much less buildup on pine or other pitch type woods. Trick I learned years ago that leaves 90% of swirls out.

[Chef_PC]

Man, you went into a lot more detail and information about that than 99% of other woodworking creators. That’s why I love your channel - you don’t hold out on the nerdy bits because it’s important to know the details to understand something.

[thedevilinthecircuit]

A really common cause of pigtails *and* excessive dust loading is when the user applies too much pressure on the tool. Allow the tool to float over the surface of the wood like a floor buffer. Let the weight of the tool do the work; all you have to do is steer the thing. Your sanded surface will be far smoother and your sandpaper will last a lot longer because the dust extraction will function properly.

[danallen]

From one teacher to another; your ability to communicate thoughts and knowledge is outstanding. Thank you!

[aaronb]

Thanks for making these videos Short. In other words, not dragging out the subject like so many other youtubers do.

[mikekernjr]

Started woodworking last year at 73. Stumbled onto your channel and enrolled in SNU (Stumpy Nubs University). Professor, you’ve really shortened my learning curve and at my age that’s important. Thank you!!!

[FranckSonata]

Well, I'm into wood-working only temporarily, superficially, just right now. Have a few jobs to do, wants to do them perfectly, so I do some research to reach perfection as far as I as an amateur are capable. Then I rather swiftly stumble upon this guy: Stumpy Nubs.
No doubt. He is COMPETENT. Trust me, I can judge: by appearance, by content, by his wording. I got no competence in this field but I trust this guy based on a life-time of experience in other fields. He got 887k subs but deserve even more. Yeah, so do support him as I will do. Thank you for producing this high-quality content.

[jamesnasmith]

Concise, articulate, well informed. Possibly the best out there.

[georgegrosshandler]

Mr. Nubs😏 does the best, easiest to understand, clearest descriptions I’ve seen on any of the YouTube videos!!
Thanks for your insights😁

[frankmakes]

What can also really wear down the velcro is sanding half your project without noticing the paper has some off. d'oh!

[soujrnr]

Great stuff, James! I'm learning new things every day by watching your videos! I'm a rank amateur, so everything I can soak up is great, and your channel is one I keep coming back to over and over again. No nonsense. No ridiculous antics, bells, whistles, and other foolishness. Just great content! Thank you very much!

[vociferonheraldofthewinter]

This video was ridiculously helpful. Most worthwhile 7 minutes that I've spent in a long time.

[vallejokid]

Finally bit the bullet and bought the carbide kit. It’s 15% off right now and your coupon saved me another 10%. So I saved about $60. Didn’t want to miss that deal.

[danielszemborski]

I don't think this dude realizes how knowledgeable he really is. Thank you, James!!

[rogermccaslin]

I always start on and stop off meaning start the sander while it is flat on the surface and lift it straight off before turning off the sander. If you don't, the edge can dig in and leave a "smile" in the surface that can show in the finish. This was from training by a 3M rep. I've been doing it this way in the marine industry repairing boats and prepping them for paint for decades.

Something else I've noticed is that new users don't change discs often enough. The grit gets dull or comes off the paper. You get to a point where it's no longer cutting efficiently and you are just moving back and forth, not really doing the job. If you pay attention, you can feel when the paper is not cutting.

[skyhawaii]

Hands down the most educating sanding video available to the public regarding paper and sanding up. Can you do another video on the difference between a 50 dollar sander and a 600 dollar sander. I have all of them. Toilet parts and electrical parts have a universal language and universal part logic. Why does every sander brand have to have holes in different areas. There is no such thing as dustless sanding if the holes don't match up. The main reason the hook and loop burns is that the holes don't match up. When they don' t, the exposed part of the pad where the holes don't match melts from friction/heat. How much does a festool sanding pad cost, a mirka pad I know, but I think the buying public should be informed. I sand a lot. It is of my professional opinion that tool manufactures and sand paper manufactures should agree to work on the same page. Every male and female I know of has there holes in the exact same place on there body. Sanders should be no different.

[jking]

I'm a 65 year old that has VERY limited experience in woodworking. I really appreciate your approach. While you remain very technical, you make it easily understood for us old newbies. THANK YOU!!

[rudyesq]

Just watched your presentation on common problems with Random Orbital Sanders...
now I feel ready to go buy my first ever sander.
Thanks!!

[ThekiBoran]

Whether a diy'er or a journeyman finish carpenter like myself, the learning never stops.

Storing your sander with a disc on it is a good idea and new to me. I thought I was being lazy leaving a disc on my sander but instead I was being smart. And sanding more slowly. I rarely have issue with swirls as I don't skip grits but I definitely will slow down especially at the lower grits. I did have grit marks in some bamboo once. It took forever and I got impatient. After I applied a clear coat I could just barely see some 60 or 80 swirls. Maybe it was a combination of not spending enough time at each of the lower grits and sanding too fast. Live and learn!

[maymei]

I am new at using power tools.... just received my electrical sander... Find your video very helpful but most of all your presentation/explanation make it fun and not intimidating for a rookies... Thank you ..Wish me luck... tomorrow will be my first time using a sander/random obital sander 😅😅😅