Step 2--Sander When using the rotary sander, place the material on the table in such a way the rotation of the sander pushes it tight onto the table. Don't press so hard you cause the machine to slow down significantly. Also, you can adjust the table's distance from the sanding pad, and its angle. Don't let the table get too far from the sander, creating a gap in which objects (like fingers) could get jammed.