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DIY Basic: Power Sanders From "Ask DIY Home Improvement" episode DADH-213

Belt-sanders like this one are intended for heavy applications. But this heavy-duty tool would quickly ruin the finish of an antique or piece of fine furniture.

Power sanders can make it much easier to smooth a wood surface or remove an old finish. But not all sanders were created equal. It's vitally important to select the right power sander for the job. The wrong sander could be ineffective or, worse, could damage or ruin a valuable piece.

Want the basics on these important tools? Read on.

Home-improvement expert James Young has some important information for DIY'ers about sanders and making sure you're using the right one for your application.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Power-Sander Basics

• An ordinary palm sander is great for flat surface-sanding like shelves, coffee tables or the top of a dresser (figure A). The key to using the palm sander is to move in the direction of the wood grain to prevent scratching.

• A random-orbit sander is a multipurpose tool that's good for a number of sanding jobs (figure B). For one, it minimizes the probability of mistakes when removing finishes from wood. The pads move in a circular but random motion, allowing you to sand in any direction without scoring the surface. For a wide variety of uses, it's best to purchase one that has variable speeds.

• For rough sanding jobs, a belt sander works well. It's designed to remove a lot of material quickly, and it has variable speed controls. The sandpaper comes in a continuous loop and stretches across two wheels (figure C).

• For small jobs, a detail sander is perfect for getting into small spaces (figure D). These come in both corded and cordless models, and they use sanding pads that are easy to put on and take off.

Recap:

• Use palm sanders on flat surfaces.

• Orbital sanders serve a variety of purposes and give a smooth finish. They're especially good for removing old finish.

• Use a belt sander for large jobs.

• Use a detail sander for sanding in tight or awkward spaces.
  
  
  

  RESOURCES :
  

  The Complete Illustrated Guide to Everything Sold in Hardware Stores
  by Steve Ettlinger
  (revised edition 1998, Macmillan)
  To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Glass-Block Basement Windows
  	Jay Baker Interview: Insulation Installation, Spray-Paint Tip and more
  	Faux Abalone Plaster-and-Paint Technique
  	DIY Basic: Power Sanders