Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft shared the woodworking tips featured in this video.
Jodee walks through four practical changes that dramatically improve random orbital sanding performance, covering pads, pad size, dust collection, and sanding discs.
The tips focus on getting crisper edges, more stable sanding, longer-lasting abrasives, and a cleaner shop without turning the segment into a full tool-buying guide.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Inspire Woodcraft:
Choose a firmer pad to hold crisp edges
Soft pads are forgiving for contours but they tend to roll over corners and round edges unintentionally, which can ruin a part’s intended profile.
A firmer replacement pad behaves more like a sanding block, making it much easier to maintain sharp transitions and clean tapers when desired.
Using a hard pad requires a slight change in technique, since it transfers pressure more directly to the work and exposes mistakes sooner. Builders should experiment on scrap to learn when to use firm versus softer pads so the finish matches the design intent.
Consider a larger pad for stability
Increasing pad diameter gives a bigger footprint and reduces the tendency for the sander to tip or sit unevenly on a workpiece, which helps keep surfaces flat and edges consistent.
A larger pad can also rebalance the tool’s feel, especially when a dust hose is attached, so it tracks more naturally across a panel.
There are trade-offs to think about, including disc sizing and cost, but in many cases a larger pad is worth trying—some users even fit a larger pad to a smaller sander for improved stability. Always confirm compatibility and consider manufacturer guidance if warranty concerns matter.
Hook up dust extraction
Attaching a vacuum or dedicated dust extractor is one of the simplest upgrades with the biggest payoffs: it reduces airborne dust, keeps grits from clogging, and helps sandpaper last longer.
Cleaner discs and a cooler-running sander mean fewer changes and more consistent cutting over a sanding session.
Good suction can also help the sander stay flat on the work surface, improving control and preventing localized gouging. This is a relatively low-cost improvement that benefits both the build quality and the shop environment.
Upgrade the sanding discs
Higher-quality abrasives cut faster and hold their edge longer, which reduces sanding time and produces a more even surface.
Options like ceramic- or precision-shaped abrasives often outlast standard discs and can work with a range of hole patterns for dust extraction.
Trying a multi-pack of a premium disc is a low-risk way to see if it fits the workflow and the sander’s hole pattern. Better discs can make an immediate difference even without changing tools or other accessories.
Putting the upgrades together
Combining a harder pad, a larger footprint, reliable dust extraction, and quality discs compounds the benefits: crisper edges, more consistent sanding, fewer disc changes, and a cleaner shop.
These changes are adaptable—use different combinations depending on the part, and keep a softer pad on hand for delicate contours and a firmer pad for edges and panels.
In some cases the project will still require the original pad size for tight or tapered work, so having options makes it possible to switch approaches without compromising the final result. Overall, the upgrades focus on control and efficiency rather than buying a new tool for every task.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.