Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
The holes on the bottom of a random orbital sander have a very important job. They allow the dust collection system to pull sanding dust through the sanding disc. That's important because it helps keep the paper cleaner and can even help reduce pigtails caused by dust trapped under the disc.
You could spend a frustrating amount of time peeling a sanding disc off and repositioning it until all the holes line up...or you could make this simple jig with a piece of plywood and a few dowels.
The first thing we'll do is find a sanding disc that lines up with the holes on your sander. Every random orbital sander is a little different, and not all sanding discs use the same hole pattern, so you need to find a pattern that works for both.
I'll only be using four holes because that's all you need to accurately locate the disc. I'll mark those holes, transfer them to a 5-inch by 5-inch piece of plywood, and drill them out.
Now you don't need dowels that are exactly the same size as the holes. In fact, it's better if they're just a little smaller so the sanding disc slips on easily. Glue the dowels in place...
...and really that’s it.
Place the sanding disc grit-side down over the dowels, lower the sander onto the jig, press the disc in place, remove the jig, give the disc one final press...and you're ready to sand.
A square piece of plywood works perfectly for this, but I found that adding a scalloped edge makes it easier to grab with your fingers.
Like step by step projects? Check out the second channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Bill Patterson
D. Lundman
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
The holes on the bottom of a random orbital sander have a very important job. They allow the dust collection system to pull sanding dust through the sanding disc. That's important because it helps keep the paper cleaner and can even help reduce pigtails caused by dust trapped under the disc.
You could spend a frustrating amount of time peeling a sanding disc off and repositioning it until all the holes line up...or you could make this simple jig with a piece of plywood and a few dowels.
The first thing we'll do is find a sanding disc that lines up with the holes on your sander. Every random orbital sander is a little different, and not all sanding discs use the same hole pattern, so you need to find a pattern that works for both.
I'll only be using four holes because that's all you need to accurately locate the disc. I'll mark those holes, transfer them to a 5-inch by 5-inch piece of plywood, and drill them out.
Now you don't need dowels that are exactly the same size as the holes. In fact, it's better if they're just a little smaller so the sanding disc slips on easily. Glue the dowels in place...
...and really that’s it.
Place the sanding disc grit-side down over the dowels, lower the sander onto the jig, press the disc in place, remove the jig, give the disc one final press...and you're ready to sand.
A square piece of plywood works perfectly for this, but I found that adding a scalloped edge makes it easier to grab with your fingers.
Like step by step projects? Check out the second channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Bill Patterson
D. Lundman
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
