When you step into the industry of sanders, you realize that there are more types of sanders than you can count on your fingers!
Today, I’m going to share a list of the ten types of sanders along with their features and uses so that you can know more about them.
So let’s go!
Types of Sanders and their Uses
1. Belt Sander
It is known as a belt sander since it has a belt of sandpaper that is wrapped around two cogs to create a fast-moving surface.
These belt sanders are known to be of great help when you want to achieve precise sanding details.
Features
- Made to work on large surfaces/ projects
- Incredible sanding speed
- It gives you a fine finish
Uses
The belt sander is an ideal pick for smoothing out surfaces; many woodworkers and carpenters prefer working with a belt sander to achieve a fine finish.
It is used to level out many other surfaces as well all over the globe.
2. Disc Sander
Coming in two different types, the disc sander is used for shaping material more than smoothing them out.
The name of the disc sander resembles its body type since it comes in a round disc shape and has a great body similarity to the orbital sander!
Features
- Has two different types
- It comes in a tabletop/handheld type
- Mostly use for shaping instead of smoothing
Uses
A disc sander can easily cover large spaces when working; it can also reach certain corners and curves that the belt sander cannot.
While the benchtop disc sander is also an amazing tool to work with when you feel like your project is too small and needs to get done, a.s.a.p.!
3. Detail Sander
This sander comes with a triangular sanding pad, but it only provides you with the feature of going into tight places and smoothing them out.
Features
- Ideal for detail work
- Reaches closed/ tight spaces
- It gives you an excellent finish
- Lightweight body
Uses
The detail sanders are made to work on every kind of material and reach every curve, corner, and edge, and smoothing them out.
These sanders are easy to use, super affordable but do produce a certain kind of noise when running.
4. Drywall Sander
A drywall sander is one of the few sanders that don’t look like sanders at all.
Built with a long neck, this sander is made in such a way so that it can easily reach high ceilings and easily remove all the paint, adhesive, etc.
Features
- Used for large projects
- It has an extendable handle
- It comes with a vacuum hose that is used for dust purposes
Uses
When working on your ceilings, walls, or any other higher places with the drywall sander, you will no longer require a ladder or any other equipment because the saner will do it all for you.
Another reason why it has a long neck is so it can easily collect the dust that will fall while working.
5. Oscillating Spindle Sander (OSS)
It was built in either bench-top or floor-standing models.
This OSS sander uses oscillating motion to smooth out the edge on boards and provide you with a smooth finish.
Features
- Perfect for smoothing edges
- Ideal for cabinet doors
- It gives you burn free edges
- It comes with a high level of detail
Uses
This sander is usually and mostly used for wooden work finishing; it has a very detailed and fine finishing along with burn free design.
6. File Sander
Also known as finger sanders, in many of the parts of the world because of its existence, this is a file sander.
These sanders are constructed with long thin sanding strips that allow you to reach the tightest corners, unlike other sanders.
Features
- Reaches into the extended corners
- Perfect for smoothing out spots normal sanders can’t
- Ideal for auto repair work
Uses
This sander is not built for larger projects, work, and areas to work on since it has a very precise body and design.
It is only used for very detailed or small work.
7. Drum Sander
One of the most powerful sanders is the drum sander. It is built with a sheet of abrasive material that is fed between the drums to give this sander a sanding motion.
Looking a lot like a lawnmower, the drum makes shaping the material and giving it a smooth finish a piece of cake.
Features
- Powerful
- Rapid
- Perfect for sanding floors
- Super smooth finish
Uses
It is mostly used in covering up large areas and smoothing them out.
The drum sander is an ideal pick globally for giving the floors a finish. Other than that, it is also used for rapid material removal.
8. Orbital Sander
Known as the backbone of a workshop, these sanders are the ideal choice when working on a larger project. It smooths out even the roughest of the surfaces.
Features
- Ideal for big projects
- Can work on rough surfaces
- Perfect for auto-body work
Uses
This sander is usually used to cover a large work area in a short time; it is the most powerful sander to smooth out the roughest surfaces effortlessly.
It is also known to be a perfect match for auto-body work.
9. Sanding Block
The most basic type of sanding block which you can use around your house or in your DIY projects.
They come with a sanding surface and a handle to hold. Unlike most of the other sanders, these are manual.
Features
- Cheap
- Easy to use
- Best for small projects
Uses
Since these sanders are handheld, there isn’t much area that you can cover with them. This is why they are best for small work or just a little detailed work!
10. Table Sander
This sander will provide you with a lot of help when you want to remove material quickly; they are known to remove the excess and shape your material or surface quickly.
Features
- Removes a lot of material in a short time
- Used for large scale projects
Uses
These sanders usually are just used to shape the wood or remove material from any surface. Since this sander uses low grit paper to work, this is why it does not give you as much fine finish as other sanders.
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned about the ten different types of sanders along with their features and uses; if you still have any questions or if you are confused about anything, feel free to give this article another read!
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