Finishing sanders either have a ___ motion, an oscillating motion, or a combination of motions controlled by a switch.

Finishing sanders either have a ___ motion, an oscillating motion, or a combination of motions controlled by a switch.

• A. Rotary
• B. Linear
• C. Orbital
• D. Random

Answer: (C)

Finishing sanders are defined by the motion of the sanding pad. The hallmark is an orbital motion, where the pad moves in tiny circular or elliptical paths. This keeps sanding smooth and helps prevent gouges or visible swirl marks, which is exactly what you want for a fine finish. Some finish sanders are designed to switch to a combination of motions, which is the random orbital setup that adds rotation to the orbital path to further minimize marks. But the fundamental motion that identifies a finishing sander is this orbital movement. In contrast, a rotary sander uses a full-spin rotational motion that can leave circular swirl marks, and a linear sander moves in straight-line belts, which aren’t typical for achieving a smooth finish.

Finishing sanders are defined by the motion of the sanding pad. The hallmark is an orbital motion, where the pad moves in tiny circular or elliptical paths. This keeps sanding smooth and helps prevent gouges or visible swirl marks, which is exactly what you want for a fine finish. Some finish sanders are designed to switch to a combination of motions, which is the random orbital setup that adds rotation to the orbital path to further minimize marks. But the fundamental motion that identifies a finishing sander is this orbital movement. In contrast, a rotary sander uses a full-spin rotational motion that can leave circular swirl marks, and a linear sander moves in straight-line belts, which aren’t typical for achieving a smooth finish.