Double Pad Sander for Wood Finishing

A double-pad sanding machine, also called a straight-line sander, is the sanding machine that has 2 pads. It is the machine that is best to do sanding before the rubbing process It can do sanding with very good result. The double pad sanding machine works in a different way with the orbital sander and palm pad sander. The machine has two sanding pads to hold the sandpaper that will sand the coating film surface. The double pad is moving forward and backward while it works. With its forward and backward movement, he produces a more smooth and even surface with a more consistent result. The sanding marks resulted will be more uniform according to the movement of the pad sander. It is the best sanding machine to sand the finishing layer. The double-pad sanding machine is the best sander when a flat and high-gloss finish is needed. With the proper application, the machine can do sanding for the finishing layer (sealer or top coat) consistently to give a flat and even finish.

The double pad sanding machine is available in 3 sizes: 6 lbs, 7.5 lbs, and 30 lbhs. The 30-pound machine is the good machine to do the rubbing process. This machine can be used to sand the coating film in the first rubbing process. The #800 grade sandpaper of finer is attached to the pad and used to sand the dry film surface. The machine can do consistent sanding to obtain a smooth and flat surface. The result obtained is a flat and smooth film surface with consistent sanding. The sanding marks, which can be less visible since they are camouflaged with the wood grain pattern,. 

30 lbs. double sanding machine

The sanding machine can also be fitted with a scotch brite to be used in compound applications. When the machine is operated, the scotch brite will rub the surface and do compounding with more consistency. The rubbing with compound will make a higher sheen on the surface. Because it is most frequently used in the rubbing process, this machine is also well known as the rubbing machine. 

For more information about the rubbing process, you can go to our previous article : rubbing and polishing for wood finishing

 15 lbs sanding double pad  machine

The machine with a smaller size is more used to do sanding between clear coating applications. Sealer or top coat can be sanded with a 7.5-pound or smaller-size double-pad sanding machine with the best result. It will produce a flat and smooth surface with consistent sanding marks as the bigger machine.
This machine has less aggressiveness compared with the orbital sander or palm sander. This machine also has a relatively more expensive price compared with the palm sander or orbital sander. Therefore, it is a more widely used machine for sanding the layers of clear coating, especially when we want a high gloss finish. 

Tips on using the double pad sanding machine:

•  Use the appropriate sandpaper.

This machine is a tool to help move the sandpaper. The sanding quality will be largely determined by the proper use of the sandpaper. Use proper and good-quality sandpaper accordingly to the finishing step. To sand the sealer or top coat between clear coat applications, use sandpaper with grade # 280 or 320. For sanding the film layer on the first rubbing process, use sandpaper with # 800, # 1200, or higher grade. We can use wet sanding by using liquid as a sanding lubricant and heat absorbent in the sanding process.

•  Handle the machine properly

Put and attach the sandpaper to both of his pads. We can put some sandpaper layer on each pad. Make sure we put the same amount of sandpaper on each side of the pad sander to make sure the sanding machine has an even surface. Put the machine on the coating surface and turn on the machine. Move the tool consistently with the stroke direction according to the wood grain pattern. The pad will move strokes forward and backward according to the grain pattern. The pad movement will give a consistent sanding, a more even surface, tidy sanding marks, and a fast process. 

Don’t press the machine too much. The machine has a weight that can provide enough pressure for the sanding process. Just feel the movement and direct the machine to do the sanding.
Make sure there is enough air pressure available to run this machine. This machine is an air-pressure-powered machine. See the specification of the air pressure and the volume needed. Make sure we can provide the compressed air needed.

• Maintenance of the machine

This sanding machine requires proper maintenance to keep it working well. Always clean the machine after it is used. Check the machine and give oil to lubricate the motor regularly. Keep the machine by putting this machine on a flat surface to keep his surface flat. The uneven pad surface will result in uneven sanding.