Various methods and tools for sanding and polishing wood products

The owner cares about the presentability and beauty of the car no less than problems with the electronics or engine, so polishing the car body is done carefully and regularly. A properly selected polishing attachment for a drill will be able to carry out the work carefully, ultimately obtaining an excellent result.

A properly selected drill attachment can perform the job carefully.

DIY felt circle for sharpening

The polishing process is carried out upon completion of many works.
This is a rather labor-intensive and time-consuming technology. Doing it manually requires a lot of patience. In addition, to obtain a high-quality result, you must have at least some experience and skills. For example, after painting a car, final polishing is carried out. After the cutters are completed, they are sharpened. A felt wheel for sharpening is a good assistant in these matters. But, without knowing the technology, you can ruin the previously done work. Let's try to understand all the features.

Rules for sanding wood

You can achieve high results when sanding a wooden surface if you follow certain rules. Among the most significant are the following:

1. Before starting work, the surface must be well moistened with warm water.
2. If there are large irregularities or depressions on the working surface, they must be leveled using a primer. Sanding can only begin after the primer has completely dried.
3. It is recommended to use medium or coarse abrasive at the first stage of work, and then fine. Thanks to this, you can achieve a smooth working surface.

The correct choice of tools and compliance with work rules allows you to achieve high results in wood processing.

A little about the material

As noted above, an indispensable assistant in the polishing business is a felt polishing wheel.
Most often, circles are made from well-pressed, high-quality wool. This is a fairly effective method of grinding, which is ensured due to the protein nature of the material used. Wool fibers are rich in a substance called keratin. It is characterized by the enrichment of basic carboxyl and amino groups. It is thanks to this that the possibility of chemical interaction with various components of the processed material is ensured. During the process, various suspensions or pastes can be used to enhance the polishing effect.

The protein origin of the material increases grinding efficiency, which is not achieved when using non-protein polishing materials.

Why do you need to polish a car body?

Polishing is the process of rubbing a car body with special lubricants that protect the paintwork and remove minor scratches. In order for the car not only to be clean, but also to shimmer in the sun, it is necessary to regularly carry out polishing operations. These operations allow you to solve a number of the following problems:

1. Avoid premature destruction of the paint layer
2. Protect the body from corrosion
3. Make the paintwork shiny, which allows you to effectively highlight your car
4. Remove minor scratches and abrasions of the paint layer

To carry out polishing operations, you will need the following set of tools and consumables:

• Power tool - this can be an angle grinder or grinder, drill, screwdriver, eccentric or polishing machine. When using an angle grinder to polish a car body, you need the tool to have a speed control option
• Car polishing nozzles are special devices made of soft materials, through which polishing paste is rubbed into the paint layer of the body. Exactly what types of nozzles for car polishing there are, how they differ, and for what purposes they are intended, is described in detail in the material
• Adapter, mandrel or plate - a device onto which the polishing attachment is attached. Such adapters have appropriate fasteners for installation in the chuck of a drill, screwdriver or on the spindle of an angle grinder and polishing machine. The adapter is used for removable drives, but there are also non-removable devices. They are less popular because they are more expensive. Fixed nozzles are equipped with fastening elements and therefore do not require the use of adapters. It is important to note that the plates are available in diameters of 115, 125 and 150 mm. In addition, they can have a hard and soft base on which a polishing disc is attached. The soft layer on the plate eliminates the beating effect (the vibrations of the power tool are smoothed out), which is especially important when working with sheepskin attachments
• Polishing paste is a consumable material that protects the paintwork of the body, removes scratches, and also achieves shine.

What fibers are used

Felt, which is used for polishing wheels, is divided into the following types according to its composition: fluff, awn, transitional hair and dead hair. Down felt contains fibers with the highest elasticity and has the largest number of flakes. The highest degree of coarseness is present in dead hair; here elasticity indicators are completely absent.

Some main composition characteristics are provided in the table.

How to choose grinding attachments for an angle machine

Circles should be selected according to the main parameters:

• outer diameter (larger sizes speed up the processing process and increase service life);
• landing diameter (installation of a larger circle on a smaller one is possible using a special adapter);
• thickness (the greater the thickness, the longer the segment will last);
• grain size (the fraction must correspond to the type of processing: coarse abrasive for rough work, and fine abrasive for soft processing and creating a finishing coating);
• type of segment (special attachments for processing wooden surfaces are suitable).

Types of circles

The felt polishing wheel is divided into several types according to the percentage composition of fibers:

• fine-haired;
• semi-coarse-haired;
• rough-haired.

The best polishing wheels are obtained with higher density felts as they are more resistant to wear. Other types quickly become unusable. But it should be noted that their use when grinding, for example, the surface of a car is not permissible. The best in this direction are fine-wool felt circles. They are also good for polishing products made of non-ferrous metals or aluminum.

As for semi-coarse wool products, their area of ​​application is mainly aimed at sharpening delicate instruments. For example, surgical scalpels, parts for precision measuring instruments, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages

When choosing a polishing wheel for a drill, you need to understand their advantages and disadvantages.

When choosing a drill attachment, you need to know their advantages and disadvantages.

First, let's look at the main advantages and disadvantages of foam discs:

• foam rubber wheels get very hot on the surface and consume a large amount of polishing paste;
• The advantages include a large selection and low price.

For comparison, we will provide the pros and cons of a sheepskin nozzle:

• effective removal of scratches, low consumption of polishing paste and do not heat the surface;
• not suitable for the finishing process; they leave small scratches and stains on the surface;
• high cost and small range.

Features of the technology for using felt discs

Ensuring high-quality execution of the process is determined by the speed of rotation of the felt disk. The best option is if the machine develops a rotation speed of 5 – 10 m/s. Otherwise, the following problems arise:

• artificial hardening of the treated surface occurs, it becomes harder and less amenable to grinding or sharpening;
• When the rotation speed increases, polishing fibers are torn off the surface of the wheel under the influence of centrifugal forces, and the material is wasted.

Dry or wet sanding?

For intermediate sanding of finishing coatings - stain, varnish, polyurethane, etc. Traditionally, two techniques are used - dry or wet.

Dry grinding increases the efficiency of the abrasive and makes it possible to better control the work process, which is especially important during the intermediate sanding stages of delicate coatings. The disadvantage of this technique is the rapid clogging of the skin. Sandpaper with an anti-clogging stearate coating partially compensates for this problem.

When wet sanding wooden products, mineral oil, white spirit or ordinary soapy water are used as a moisturizer. With this technology, the abrasive becomes clogged much slower and, accordingly, lasts longer. But the mess formed from foam and shavings significantly complicates the grinding process. There is a need to constantly wipe the surface and carefully monitor the result of grinding.

The entire list of available felt circles

DIY felt disc

If desired, you can prepare a grinding wheel at home with your own hands from felt or felt material. For example, if there are old felt boots in the house, then from their tops you can cut out circles of the required diameter. Typically, the diametrical section size varies from 50 mm to 250 mm.

Discs with a diameter of 200 mm are in particular demand. It depends on the area of ​​its application and the technical characteristics of the machine. The thickness of the discs should be from 30 mm to 50 mm. Although this is not mandatory. The number of blanks depends on the size of the future disk.

Sequencing

Next we perform the steps in the following order:

1. We pay special attention to the technology of gluing workpieces. They need to be lubricated with glue, but the adhesive composition cannot be brought to the edges, since when it dries, abrasive particles may form. During polishing they can damage the surface;
2. After all the layers are coated, we connect them to each other and press them with a weight until the glue dries completely;
3. After this, a hole of the appropriate diameter is drilled in the center of the resulting disk;
4. Next, install the disk on the sharpening machine and clamp it with two nuts. The rigidity of the disk installation is ensured by washers, but it should be remembered that their diameter should not exceed a third of the diametrical section of the disk;
5. In order to make the circle removable, you can fix a small rod in its hole. In this case, it can be mounted on a drill.

Video

When is polishing needed?

Such processing, despite many positive aspects, can correct only a limited list of defects. It is impossible to do without major repairs of body elements if they have pockets of corrosion, chips or damage through which the steel frame is visible. Before starting work, you should carefully inspect the machine and make sure that any defects can be eliminated. A car polishing attachment for a drill will be effective in the following cases:

• slight difference in shades obtained after partial dyeing;
• the presence of graininess and streaks of the enamel composition;
• the surface has roughness, scratches and cloudy stains;
• the paint layer became less bright and shiny.

It is worth noting that it is undesirable to overuse polishing. Since during its implementation the paint layer becomes thinner by about 5 microns. From the moment the car leaves the factory, no more than 20 polishing cycles can be performed. In this case, it is advisable to use a thickness gauge, especially when working with a used vehicle.

How to make a felt circle from felt boots and plywood

A felt circle for polishing metal can be made from felt boots and pieces of plywood. Moreover, a homemade felt circle is quite universal. It can be installed either on an emery machine or on an angle grinder.

To begin with, the author cuts out a square of the required size from a sheet of plywood. Then he marks the center and drills a hole in it for an M8 bolt. And then you need to draw a circle and use a jigsaw to cut out a round workpiece.

The edges of the workpiece must be sanded so that they are smooth. Then you will need to cut out another circle from plywood using a ready-made template. The blanks need to be glued together.

see also

Comments 17

good video, everything is clear, accessible, nothing superfluous, thanks comrade

So the felt doesn’t stay on with Velcro?

What is the sandpaper attached to or glued to?

It clings with teeth, like Velcro on clothes.

The other day I was polishing the cylinders of the compressor, made it as written from felt boots, cut the round timber with a crown, the result is impressive

... and then you will cut sausage for a snack with this knife! In such felt you can find all sorts of inclusions, and instead of polishing you can make very good scratches. In the army, we insulated cars with this kind of felt in the winter, it didn’t work out very well, and we simply called it “koshma.”

Don’t look at it on an empty stomach, I want condensed milk)))

How to make a felt circle for a small grinder

In a private home, garage or workshop, a felt wheel is usually used for polishing axes and knives. In general, the thing is necessary and useful, and you don’t have to buy it.

You can make a felt circle for a small grinder with your own hands. And this is not at all difficult, as it might seem at first glance.

As a basis, the author uses a disc with Velcro for grinding wheels, which goes on an angle grinder. First of all, it is necessary to completely remove the material with Velcro - only “bare” plastic and a nut for the angle grinder should remain.

Curved lines and profiles

Sanding difficult edges and profiles requires special flair and the right sanding tool. A boss with a sandpaper pad will not work here. It is often more convenient to work by simply taking the paper in your hand and holding its edges between your fingers so that they do not scratch the part.

When processing parts of complex shapes, it is advisable to use homemade “files”. They are made as follows. Narrow strips of sandpaper are glued onto strips or round sticks. With such “files” you can cleanly process the smallest curves or the narrowest recesses on turned parts.

Sanding sponges, which are sold in hardware stores along with sandpaper, are well suited for sanding rounded surfaces. The sponges have an abrasive coating of coarse, medium or fine grain on both sides, and a thin soft spacer between the coatings gives the sponge special flexibility and elasticity. There are also sanding sponges that are thicker and quite rigid: they are designed for sanding smooth, defect-free surfaces.

Wood dust is removed from the sponge by squeezing it. You can also wash the sponge, but wait until it is completely dry before using it again.

Coarse, medium and fine grit sanding sponges are particularly suitable for sanding curves and profiles.

The sanding jaws are so flexible that they fit tightly around any curve and even multi-stage profiles.

sandpaper for wood

If you hold the sandpaper with your hand, be careful not to let the edges of the paper scratch the wood.

Sanding "files" can be made from strips of suitable sandpaper glued to strips or round sticks.

Main stages of work

You need to glue a piece of felt to the disk. Then you need to cut it evenly along the contour of the disk and carefully trim the edges. In this case, the master uses superglue.

After the glue has set (it is advisable to wait about 4-5 minutes), you need to cut the felt in a circle with scissors. The edge of the circle is smoothed on sandpaper.

The felt circle is now ready to use. To do this, you need to fix the part that needs to be polished in a vice (or press it against the table with a clamp), apply GOI paste or another polishing paste to the wheel, and you can start working.

For details on how to make a felt circle for a small grinder with your own hands, watch the video on the website.

Source

How to sand wood with sandpaper?

Hand sanding takes time, but is highly precise and accurate. This method is suitable mainly for small surfaces with complex shapes, many folds and hard-to-reach places, grooves and decorations. For a beginner, the work will not be difficult, but more intuitive. Sandpaper is also the cheapest way to sand wood.

In addition to classic sandpaper, available in rolls and sheets, you can also buy sandpaper and abrasive cloth. The type of hand grinder should be selected according to the method you want to use. If you need dry lumber, you should choose paper. If you prefer wet work, choose a more flexible foil or soak the sandpaper for at least half an hour before sanding.

The wet technique is generally considered less aggressive to the wood. This prevents dust from forming and makes it easier to reach all the nooks and crannies. For wet sanding, use a higher grit than for the dry method.

The grinding process is classified as machining. Wooden furniture is sanded to smooth out uneven surfaces and remove old varnish and dirt. Remember that sandpaper comes in different grits. The smaller the grain size, the stronger the abrasive effect.

Larger grains mean stronger potency. Before purchasing tools, evaluate and decide what kind of results you want. Your actions will vary depending on what you want to do: matt the varnish layer, remove it completely, or change the color of the furniture by getting rid of the paint layer.

No matter what effect you want to achieve, remember to sand in the direction of the grain of the wood. Otherwise, the surface of the furniture may be scratched, which will not look neat. The entire object should be sanded evenly. Otherwise, you may have problems painting your furniture because the varnish will be lighter on areas that haven't been thoroughly sanded than on rougher areas. For the final sanding, you can prime the surface with diluted primer varnish. This will remove any hairs causing unwanted roughness.

How to make polishing wheels on sandpaper with your own hands

In this review, the master shows how you can make polishing wheels on sandpaper with your own hands. These wheels are perfect for rough polishing of various metal products. At the same time, making them is as easy as shelling pears.

In most cases, a set of two polishing wheels will be sufficient for a home workshop. The master makes the first circle from what was at hand - these are the tops of old felt boots (material - coarse wool).

To make a second polishing wheel for emery, felt is also used, but of medium hardness. First of all, the master cuts circles of the required diameter from felt. You need to make holes in the center with a punch.

Main stages of work

First, the master makes the first polishing wheel - from coarse wool (felt boots). In total you will need four blanks for it. They need to be glued together, clamped with a clamp and left until the glue dries completely.

The second polishing wheel is made from medium-hard felt in the same way. Additionally, you will need to find or make your own round pressure plates from metal or plywood.

Then the master places both circles on the emery shaft and processes the edges with a rasp. After this, you can begin rough polishing of parts and workpieces.

You can watch the video on our website for details on how to make polishing wheels on sandpaper with your own hands.

Types of polishing work

First, let's understand that car polishing is classified into two main types of work:

• Protective - such operations allow you to ensure reliable protection of the paint layer from minor mechanical stress, abrasions, and even to avoid the varnish losing its characteristics. Pastes used for rubbing car bodies include substances such as Teflon, wax, etc.
• Restoration is the most common type of work in which car owners resort to polishing the body of their car. They resort to restoration work to remove minor scratches and other types of deformation of the body paint, for example, paint fading in the sun. The principle of restoration work is to remove the top oxide layer. For this purpose, special types of polishing pastes are used. After carrying out restoration work on polishing the body, it is imperative to rub the body with protective paste

You need to decide on the type of polishing work in order to choose the right attachments. After all, the quality of work depends not only on the substance used, rubbed into the body, but also on the material from which the nozzle is made.