Sanders

Jeff Greef Woodworking
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I've said it before and I'll say it again- you are better off learning to use hand tools such as a smoothing plane and scraper to do the majority of your finishing tasks rather than using power sanders. These hand tools will do the job faster than electric sanders because they do it in less steps. But many people don't want to take the time to learn to use a smoothing plane or scraper (even though in the long run they will save time) and so use electric sanders. As well, electric sanders are best to use on grain that is going many different directions since a hand plane will tear it out and a scraper is more difficult to use well on such grain.

Random orbit sanders have been out a while and have proven to work faster than old style sheet sanders, and better since they don't leave swirl marks as easily. You can get the type with hook and loop for attaching the paper, or adhesive paper. Hook and loop make it easier to install and remove the paper but the paper costs more than adhesive type. For occasional work you'll be fine with the adhesive type of paper, so get a sander with a pad made for this type unless you will do a lot of sanding. In this case the hook and loop will pay for itself in time as you repeatedly change paper.

Belt sanders are for removing a lot of material quickly when using heavy grits, or for smoothing large areas with finer grits. For occasional use get a smaller, 3" wide model. 4" wide models are more expensive and more powerful, doing more work in less time. You get what you pay for.

A stationary disk and belt sander is very handy to have to shape small parts with. You use this tool when you want to apply the wood to the sander rather than vice versa. Smaller versions of these are available as you see below, but be aware that the smaller ones are low powered and best used only with small parts. If you are going to do a lot of serious shaping of larger pieces consider a larger machine.

But, along with your sanders, get a smoothing plane or learn to tune up that one you have on the wall. And try a scraper too. Once you master these tools you will see that they are the craftsman's choice for most fine finishing jobs.

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Black & Decker MS500K Mouse Sander/Polisher Kit.
Small, inexpensive sander for light work.

Porter Cable 333 Quicksand Random Orbit Finishing Sander.
High quality dependable unit.

Makita 9911 3" x 18" Variable Speed Belt Sander.
Good quality inexpensive light belt sander.

Porter Cable 362XXX 4" x 24" Single Speed Belt Sander with Dust Bag.
Good choice in a larger belt sander for a small shop.

Delta 4" Belt, 6" Disk Sander
Inexpensive bench sander for shaping parts.

Set of small drum sanders, or order individual items.

Delta 31-695 6" Belt/9" Disc Sander
Economical floor standing unit.

JET Combination 12" Disc and 6x48" Belt Sander
Very serious sanding machine.

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