A random-orbit sander’s chief purpose is to sand wooden surfaces, but it can be used on various other materials, too.
Wood
First and foremost is wood. Wood is by far the most common material for a random-orbit sander to be used on, as sanding jobs are the fundamental tasks these tools were made for.
Plastics
With the addition of a soft buffing pad, plastics can be polished and buffed.
Many natural and synthetic surfaces (including stone, marble, and plastics) can be made to shine with the correct polishing attachment.
Non-ferrous metals
Non-ferrous metals, including copper, brass, aluminium, and zinc, can all be buffed, polished and even ground using a random-orbit sander. (Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain any notable amount of iron).
Sheet steel
Even materials as tough as sheet steel can be ground, sanded, buffed, and polished with a random-orbit sander.
Random-orbit sanders have the versatility and power to remove layers of metal and paint from a surface, or they can simply be used to buff up your sports car.
They are frequently used to strip paint, and remove rust from steel surfaces.
