Sander tools come in four categories: belt, disc, drum, and vibratory sanders. Belt sanders are powerful and suitable for heavy jobs, while disc sanders are versatile and have varying abrasion. Pad sanders are used for finishing, and there are four types. Random orbit sanders are common and create a smooth finish. Vibratory sanders are suitable for final sanding and smaller projects. Drum sanders are powerful and used for large areas, but often require a finish sander. Some models have dust collectors for a cleaner environment.
Sander tools are power woodworking tools designed to sand surfaces to the desired final state. They are available in a whole range of sizes, shapes and descriptions to meet different sanding requirements. These tools can be classified into four broad categories: belt sanders, disc sanders, drum sanders, and vibratory sanders.
The belt sander is the most powerful of the sanding tools. It works by rapidly rotating a continuous loop of sandpaper, which is wrapped around two rollers. Belt sander tools are particularly suitable for heavy sanding jobs, particularly when large amounts of foreign surface material need to be removed. The belt sander is often the best choice in the beginning stages of large jobs like sanding decks and hardwood floors.
The disc sander tool is often more versatile than the belt sander, allowing for greater maneuverability and varying degrees of abrasion. Disc sander tools work by rapidly rotating circular sandpaper pads, which are attached using a hook-and-loop system or simply a pressure-sensitive adhesive. These sandpaper pads can be replaced once worn out. There are two distinct types of disc sander tools: pad sanders and random orbit sanders.
The pad sander can be used on a variety of wood surfaces. It is also referred to as a finish sander because it is often used after the more abrasive belt or drum sander to sand the surface to a fine finish. There are four different types of pad sander tools.
Each type of pad sander uses a different sanding motion. Straight-line sanders use back and forth motions along the grain of the wood. Orbital sanders work in a circular motion. Dual motion sanders can be used with straight or orbital strokes. 3D sanders feature three rotating discs designed to follow the contours of the work surface.
The random orbital sander tool, also referred to as a dual action sander, is one of the most common and versatile types of sander available. The tool gets its name from its dual random sanding action, in which the sandpaper disc is simultaneously spun while being randomly moved in an oval ring. This ensures that no section of the disk travels the same path twice. It also creates a smooth finish that, unlike the pad sander, is free from swirls.
Some sander models are equipped with dust collectors for a cleaner and healthier working environment. These work by means of a vacuum effect which draws the dust into an attached dust bag or container. Vacuuming the dust also helps create an even smoother finish, as the sandpaper isn’t hampered by a layer of dust.
The vibratory sander works by moving a flat sandpaper pad in short back-and-forth motions along the grain of the wood. It is particularly suitable for final sanding and smaller more complex sanding projects. Vibratory sander floor models are large and heavy, but still offer better control and a smoother finish than a belt or drum sander.
The drum sander is a powerful workhorse of a sander. It is designed to aggressively remove a lot of surface material and is designed for use on large areas such as a hardwood floor. This type of sander works by rotating a cylindrical abrasive surface. The drum sander is used in back and forth motions along the grain of the wood. A vibratory sander or finish sander is often required to complete the sanding job.
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