A Beginner’s Guide to the Best Handheld Power Sanders

One of the essential tools for woodworking is a sander. Some woodworkers don’t find the process of sanding interesting since it takes a lot of time and can be tedious. However, having the correct tool will make the task worthwhile. Take a look at how to use a hand sander and some of its types.

How to Use a Hand Sander

• Choose your sandpaper;
• Measure then attach that paper onto the device;
• Fix the material;
• Start sanding —you can use a hand sander with vacuum attachment;
• Do final touches.

Types of Sanders

Detail Sanders

This sander is designed to put the final touches on any given project. Its design enables it to get into areas that are difficult to reach. The advantages are:

• Grooves – In case you are finishing chair spindles, pleated designs on wooden furniture, or cabinets, this device is designed to work on these complicated areas.
• Corners plus tight areas – This type of sander has square or triangular-shaped pads that can get into tricky edges and corners.

Random Orbit Sander

The random orbit sander usually moves circularly. It comes with square and rounded sanding pads. Even though it’s designed to have the intensity of a belt sander, it is spinning and moving the rough material in ellipses so that the material doesn’t go the same way twice. Eventually, you’ll end up with a smooth finish. The advantages include:

• Sanding paint off furniture — The way these tools are designed to be light provides you with enough power plus control to retouch a layer of paint using a handheld tool.
• An array of materials —this tool is multipurpose, which means you can finish almost any metal or wooden surface with one.

The Belt Sander

If you ask what is the best sander, it’s one of them. This type contains a robust motor that powers a continuous wheel of sandpaper. It is meant to sand down very rough surfaces, particularly at the onset of a project. Some of its advantages and uses include:

• Stripping off old finish — Removing painting off old wood requires a lot of strength. This device is strong enough to get rid of the old finish from any surface. It can also act as a wood floor sander.
• Doors and tabletops — These gadgets are perfect for completing medium or hard-core wooden items. They function admirably on thick tabletops and entryways that require smooth completions.

Moreover, rather than purchasing a belt sander, you can make your own DIY belt sander.

Bench Sander

This is a static device which normally has two diverse sanding surfaces. One surface functions akin to a belt sander while the other surface is a disc sander that runs on the side. The advantages are the following:

• Precision – Its stability, table, plus miter gauge enable you to sand down objects with accuracy to guarantee you just remove material in the area you require.
• Expert woodworkers – In case you constantly work on complicated or commercial woodworking ventures, then this is the right tool. Some of them have both belt plus disc sanders to finish a wide range of wood items.

Elements of Sanders

Collection of Dust

Here we have:

• Particulate separation — Some contain unique systems that separate dust from the air before being recirculated.
• Dust covers — Dust covers plus ports that allow the connection of vacuums, which help in pulling any debris while working.
• Bags — Dust gathering systems can come as either a bag that saves space or an easy-to-clean shell container.

Conveniences

• Some of these tools have cushioned grips that assist in keeping your hand comfy while sanding.
• Reduced vibration — There are some, for instance, the mini hand sander, which has vibration reduction technology, thus making these tools simpler to work with.
• Presence of locking triggers —They secure a sander, enabling you to easily change your hand’s position as soon as the tool begins to work.

Conclusion

There you go. A good hand sander will assist you to give all your surfaces a smooth finish. Just choose sandpaper, measure it, secure it onto the device, and start working.

What sanding tips can you offer? Share with us in the comments.

Author’s Bio: LaBonte passionate about woodworking. He is an experienced carpenter and has been in this field for the last 20 years. He has worked on numerous projects, both small and large scales. Labonte currently resides in Seattle, Washington, with his wife, two daughters, and a dog named Pete.

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