After a month hiatus, I’m back with another round of Power Tools 101.
This month is an easy one – How to Use a Sander.
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There are lots of different types of power sanders, but my go-to pick is a sheet sander. Its very versatile and unless you have a huge job, it can take care of just about anything.
I personally own and use a DeWalt Sheet Sander. I bought mine after having borrowed a friends. I loved it and knew I wanted my own.
How to use a Sander
To use a sander, you really just need to know how to attach the sandpaper to the sander.
First, locate the metal (usually, metal) locks on the sides of the sander. Pull down and out on each lock.
When you pull down and out on each lock, you will release the end clasps which will hold the sandpaper in place.
Take a sheet of sandpaper and tear it into fourths.
Take one of the fourths and place it onto the bottom pad of the sander.
Tuck the sandpaper under each end clasp and lock down.
My sander’s power button is on the top.
Plug it in, flip the switch and you are ready to go.
Sometimes the biggest struggle in using a sander is determining which grit of sandpaper to use. Here’s a breakdown:
Fine Grit (180 – 320 Grit)
• Use between topcoats to get a very smooth finish
Medium Grit (100 – 150 Grit)
• Surface Leveling & Smoothing
• Sanding door edges that don’t close properly
• Distressing furniture
• Preparing furniture for paint
• Rounding wood edges
Rough Grit (60 – 80 Grit)
• Paint Stripping
• Remove rust
Do you have any tips or tricks for how to use a sander or other uses for it?
Need more Power Tools 101 posts?
How to Use a Heat Gun and 15 Things It Can Do
The Best Tools for DIYers at Any Level
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