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b"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\\u2019ve 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\\u2019s polyurethane, stain or paint. The good news, It\\u2019s 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 Right
Hold the sander
Place it flatly on the surface to be sanded and then power it on
When it is on the surface, with slight hand pressure, the disc spins at a much more controlled rates
When it is in the air, it spins very quickly
Setting it down while it\\u2019s moving at that speed can cause skips, gouges, etc. when it contacts your wood
Also, you may not set it down evenly

Correct Speed, Keep it Flat, and Use the Right Pressure
CORRECT SPEED IS IMPORTANT!
Often swirls happen because we move too fast
We go back and forth quickly
Instead, sand with the grain at a SLOW and STEADY PACE!
Especially as you near the final sand
Rule of thumb: 1\\u201d per second
KEEP IT FLAT
Sometimes we tilt the sander
Try to angle it in to put more pressure on certain areas
Very likely to gouge the piece or create swirls (or both)
Instead . . . keep it even! Nice and flat on the surface
USE THE RIGHT PRESSURE
Let the sander do the work!
Don\\u2019t get overly aggressive!
Light pressure\\u2013just enough for guidance and control
Don\\u2019t bog down the motor!
If you hear the motor slow
Too much pressure!
Will result in swirls
Instead, let it work itself over the surface

Work Through Your Grits
Common Mistake
There isn\\u2019t a one-size-fits-all grit usually!
Instead, start low\\u2013with a coarser grit
And move your way through the different grits until you finish
Let the various grits each do their job and then move to the next one!
Don\\u2019t skip grits trying to save time \\u2013 or, if you do, don\\u2019t skip more than one
SO, to make it clear:
Start with an 80 or 100 grit to remove the finish on a piece
Then, move to 120 grit, then 150 grit, then 180, and finally 220 or higher if necessary
Yes, that means you\\u2019ll have to amass extra sanding discs
But, it will produce beautiful flawless results!

Dust Extraction and Dust Removal
Dust from your sanding can get trapped beneath the discs, creating swirls
Remove it!
Attach a shop-vac attachment to your sander
To remove dust as you go
Also! Be sure to remove dust in between grits
When you change sandpapers
Take time to remove the dust from the surface
Wipe with a soft bristled brush
Blow off with an air hose
Vacuum off

Stop Right
It\\u2019s important to start right
With the sander evenly on the surface
With light handpressure
Before turning on . . . .
Also important to stop right!
Stopping while the sander is spinning on your surface is like slamming the brakes on your car
The tire marks in this instance are the swirls you leave behind
So lift the sander off the surface before hitting the power button!
Think of it this way:
Start ON, Stop OFF

Double Check
Old maxim\\u2013measure twice, cut once
Same idea applies here!
Nothing more frustrating than applying your stain
Only to discover swirls you missed!
Much harder to fix at that point
So take the time to do a quick double check
A couple methods work well:
Use mineral spirits
Basically just get a rag damp and wipe the surface
Swirls should be readily exposed
And the mineral spirits evaporates out quickly
Or, use a light on a low angle LED work light, flashlight, or just hold the piece up to the window

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