Orbital Sander Finish is Too Rough

Safety First: Remove the battery or disconnect from power  

Important: Always wear the correct protective equipment before maintenance. Dust mask or respirator P2, FFP2, or N95. 

Using the right grit sandpaper 

Ensure you are using the appropriate grit sandpaper for your project. 

Coarser grits (lower numbers e.g. 60) remove material quickly but may leave a rough finish. 

Finer grits (higher numbers e.g. 240) provide a smoother finish. 

Check for worn sandpaper 

Inspect the sandpaper for signs of wear or clogging. 
If it’s worn or clogged with dust and debris, replace it with fresh sandpaper. 

Set the appropriate speed 

Adjust the sander’s speed to suit the task. 

Higher speeds are better for rough sanding. 

Lower speeds are better for finishing work. 

Apply correct pressure 

Use even, consistent pressure when sanding. 
Avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause the sander to skip and leave rough marks. 

Sand in the right direction 

Sand with the grain of the wood whenever possible. 
Sanding against the grain can result in a rough surface. 

Maintain your sander 

Check the sander’s pad for wear or damage. Replace if damaged or uneven. 

Ensure the dust collection system is functioning properly. A buildup of dust can affect performance. 

Clean the sanding surface 

Make sure the surface is clean and free from debris or protruding nails or screws. 

Avoid excessive tilting 

Keep the sander flat on the surface to ensure an even sanding pattern. 
Overlapping sanding passes helps achieve a smoother finish.