Sanders
Pick up tips on selecting the right sandpaper and sander for the job. Learn about using and maintaining random-orbit sanders, orbital sanders, belt sanders, disc sanders, and drum sanders.
For this article, we'll focus on the most popular classes of both types: 5" random-orbit and quarter-sheet orbital finishing sanders.
Q. Some sources recommend sanding wood only to 220 grit. Why not keep going with finer grits and make the surface even smoother?
Few of us look forward to sanding, but with most projects it’s inevitable. So why not embrace the abrasiveness? These power sanders help you do just that.
Doesn’t it stand to reason that a larger sander—which removes more material—would need more holes to suck up the dust?
Let's start with the basics.
In project articles, you often say “sand to 220 grit.” But how do I know which grits to use before 220?
When using a random-orbit sander, should I power it up and then place it on the workpiece, or switch it on after it’s on the surface to be sanded? I’ve seen people do it both ways.
I’m having trouble removing the adhesive from the metal platen of my benchtop disc sander. Mineral spirits just turn it slimy. Any suggestions for cleaning the leftover gunk from the platen?
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