Portable electric sanders

Few people approach a sanding job with joy in their hearts, which highlights the importance of having the right tool and the best accessories. A sander can considerably reduce execution time and facilitate the job, as long as you choose the right machine, the one that’s designed for the task. The following guide will help you choose among five models available on the market, based on the job that must be done and the characteristics and accessories that accompany it.
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Usage
The five models
Characteristics
Accessories
Maintenance

Usage

A sander is used to plane, strip, sand, polish, clean and remove rust and paint from wood, metal, plastic, plaster board and ceramic surfaces.

The five models

The orbital sander

The orbital sander has a maximum power rating of 1.4 amperes. Higher amperage produces more sander power (orbits per minute) for a smoother surface or faster stripping. The dual motion action of the sander, disk rotation and the tool’s elliptical movement, permits sanding without scratching. While it can be used on big or small, convex or concave surfaces, the orbital sander is still not designed for large scale planing or sanding in corners. Its pad, equipped with a Velcro attachment system, supports rapid and efficient paper changes and the use of pre-holed paper. It’s worthwhile to note that an orbital sander is faster than a finishing sander.

Some orbital sanders also come equipped with a polishing option. These polisher/sanders have a power rating varying from 0.5 to 10 amperes. They possess the following characteristics: variable speed, a 5/8 inch diameter chuck with disks measuring 5 and 7 inch diameter, a laterally, right/left mounted or “D” shaped handle, a self-adhesive paper fixing system or one using a ring and bolt. For polishing, there are two accessories: the foam rubber applicator to spread the wax and the polisher, made of nylon or sheepskin, that brings out the shine.

Finishing sanders

The finishing sander has a power rating varying between 1.2 to 2.3 amperes. Its rapid back and forth movement removes paint, rust, varnish, bulges and scratches quickly and easily, using standard sandpaper. The finishing sander has but one speed. Its square or rectangular shape makes it very practical for sanding in corners. Also called a sheet sander, this tool is not designed for big planing jobs or for sanding large surfaces. It’s equipped, according to the model, with a front/rear clamp or a Velcro system for paper attachment.

The belt sander

The belt sander is ideal for big jobs and big surfaces. More powerful, with an amperage rating varying from 4.5 to 12 amperes, it’s also harder to control. Its backward/forward motion makes for aggressive sanding. The weight of the sander is sufficient to perform the task. If further pressure is applied, it can damage the surface. There are four belt sander sizes. The bigger the belt, the bigger the motor, the heavier will be the machine.
  • 3 × 18 inches: a lighter model that can be used on non-horizontal surfaces.
  • 3 × 21 inches: a stable but fairly lightweight model, the most popular among carpenters.
  • 3 × 24 inches: heavier, used only on horizontal surfaces.
  • 4 × 24 inches: ideal for big jobs, but difficult to control.


This model comes equipped with one of two motors: a transverse motor or a parallel motor. The transverse motor, the most common, is located on the top of the tool. Models of this type can be equipped with bigger motors, which translates into more power and rapidity of execution. Models with parallel motors are shaped like a shoebox. Since the motor is parallel to the belt, space is more limited and hence, the motor is smaller. On the other hand, these sanders are easier to control, even on non-horizontal surfaces, and they can be flipped upside down to become bench sanders for sanding small pieces.

The contour sander

triangular shape allows it to be taken where big sanders are unable to go: in corners or difficult to access angled areas, in grooves, between chair bars, staircase bars, shutters, etc. Its self-adhesive or Velcro attachment system facilitates paper changes.

Today’s contour sanders innovate with interchangeable pads of different shapes, one version that can cover large surfaces (furniture for example), and accessories that permit diversified tasks such as scraping and polishing.

The pneumatic sander

Previously designed for commercial and industrial use, the pneumatic sander has now made its entrance into the consumer market. This model is powered by compressed air. Since it requires a sizeable airflow, a reservoir of at least 50 gallons is needed. Although it’s quite powerful and fast, it can also do smooth, finishing sanding.
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