Professional Builder Lee Jones investigates the latest developments in sanding technology from Mirka.
If the pandemic has taught the building industry anything it’s that we can adapt even the most entrenched working practices when required. In reality, in many areas that was already a process that was well underway, and which Covid-19 has only accelerated, with one such example being spray plaster. Not only does it represent a much quicker proposition but, with the well documented shortage of skilled labour, particularly in the wet trades, it also negates any difficulty in finding a traditional spreader.
It is a development from which Mirka is benefitting, with the company now working in partnership with Knauf. The material is applied by machine levelled with a spatula and then sanded, before applying another coat, and the recommended tool for that sanding element is the Mirka® LEROS. Spray plaster is typically applied at only a 2mm thickness which requires a fine finish, and, with its 5mm random orbital movement, that’s exactly what this wall and ceiling sander provides. Not only that but the unit also benefits from a brushless motor, a sanding head with 180-degree flexibility and a light weight of just 3.5kg – all with dust-free sanding.
The LEROS has itself seen some significant development in its own right of late, including the introduction of a Dual Voltage LEROS in May of 2020. The original tool was already available as a 230V unit but, with some customers asking for a site compatible 110V unit, the Finnish firm’s R&D development got to work. The result is the Dual Voltage LEROS, a long pole sander that can operate at both 230V and 110V – and all that needs to be changed is the lead.
“Dual voltage is actually not new for us, because the original Mirka CEROS sander was equipped with a power pack that could convert the voltage from 230V to 110V,” explains Chris Proffit, Business Sector Manager, Construction. “That was more than twelve years ago, but the subsequent demands of delivering a more compact and lighter package meant it was an idea we couldn’t develop further. There are, however, clear advantages, not least eliminating the need to purchase two separate machines or carrying a heavy transformer around in the van.”
Additional features in the market leading LEROS don’t end there because the range will soon see a new addition with the LEROS short. “Where the current unit features a 1.4m reach the short version benefits from the same brushless motor and sanding head with 180-degree flexibility, but with a 0.9m reach,” continues Chris. “There will be many jobs where a tradesman might not need the length the original LEROS provides and the Short model represents a more compact alternative.”
Whatever the tool, interrogating the performance and use of these machines is now easier than ever with the MyMirka App, whereby registering the trades can take advantage of a three-year warranty – where two is the standard. Additionally, via Bluetooth connectivity, end users can access data on running speeds, service intervals, HAVS exposure and more.
Mirka’s product range demonstrates that it is a company that is prepared to do things differently. It is the only manufacturer in its sector to offer tools in the convenience of kit form, for instance, with a new combination of the company’s DEROS and DEOS Delta sanders in one box now available, and a new collection of complementary accessories is also promised.
For further information on the Mirka range visit www.mirka.com
