Tools Of The Trade

Oscillating Machines

Disc machines use circular sanding paper,

screens, pads or polishing brushes — sizes

vary from around 15 to more than 22 inches.

They are walk-behind machines that abrade in a circular

pattern. There are also oscillating machines

available which move in an oval or back-and-forth

pattern. Oscillating machines provide a less aggressive

cut, but with more random and harder-to-see

scratch patterns.

Disc machines run at low speeds, usually in the

175-rpm range, and are used for finish sanding,

screening, screening between finish coats, and lowspeed

buffing. Some models are designed for dedicated

use as either sanders or polishers — be sure to

match the machine with your main application.

These machines generally do not have integrated

dust collection, although the newest models incorporate

this feature as a system.