Avoid swirl marks

When you’re producing or restoring furniture, cabinets, flooring, or other wood-related items — swirl marks can be your nemesis. They detract from the quality of your piece and may even upset your customer, which can hurt your business. But it’s not just your technique that may be impacting the quality of your product. (Although specific techniques can impact your wood.) Learn four ways to avoid swirl marks in your woodworking project.

What are swirl marks?

Swirl marks are those visible scratches that you can see with the naked eye. Swirl marks are sometimes known as fishhooks, pigtails, or half-moons. At Elevated, we have products and ideas to keep your tough projects moving while ensuring the highest quality.

1. Keep discs updated

Damaged or worn pads can cause issues and rework. Ensure your abrasive pads are updated. Change your backup pads out frequently.

2. Maintain your sander

Sanders need to be maintained, including ensuring bearings are oiled using the proper lubricants.

3. Ensure consistent air supply

Ensure the air delivery system is adequate for the needs of the tool(s) running on that system. Whenever possible, use high-flow air hose quick connections.

4. Use the correct technique

Start the sander on your workpiece. When sanding is complete lift the sander off the workpiece before stopping the tool. Don’t use excessive pressure; you should be using 4 pounds (or less) of downward pressure. Let the sander do the work. Always run the sander flat, never on edge or at an angle.

Elevated can help

Elevated Industrial Solutions (Elevated), formerly known as Lane Supply Company (Lane), has advice, ideas, and even products to help with your tough projects. We want to save you time and money while improving your finished product.