Definition
A powered shop tool with a flat circular disc, faced with abrasive paper, that spins on a motor-driven shaft. It is used to smooth, shape, or square the edges of metal, wood, or composite parts during aircraft fabrication and repair.
Plain English
A spinning round sanding wheel mounted on a motor. You hold the part against the flat face of the disc to smooth or shape its edge.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, repair shops, and fabrication work when shaping or finishing metal, wood, plastic, or composite parts.
Why Pilots Care
Proper use produces smooth, accurate surfaces that reduce drag, prevent crack initiation, and ensure tight fits on airframe parts.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse the disc sander with the sanding disc itself. The disc sander is the tool; the abrasive disc is the replaceable sanding surface on the tool.
Example Sentence 1
The technician used the disc sander to square the edge of the aluminum patch before riveting it in place.
Example Sentence 2
After shaping the wooden stringer, the builder passed it lightly across the disc sander to achieve the final contour needed for fabric covering.