Sanding is the process where you shape/smooth the surface of wood by rubbing it repeatedly with an abrasive sheet of paper (sandpaper). This can be done manually with loose sheets of sandpaper folded over a piece of wood or similar for ease of grip, or by using a more powerful electric sander with attached pads of sandpaper. There are also specially designed sanding blocks and pads, often made from foam, that you use manually in wet or dry conditions depending on the DIY project.
WHEN DO YOU NEED TO SAND?
You tend to want to sand when you need to apply another surface coat of paint, stain, lacquer, or even to remove mould from wood. This could be as part of general home maintenance. As well as refreshing old wood, sanding is a useful tool in construction and woodworking for smoothing the surface of rough-sawn or new wood, to ensure it is fit for interior use. Sanding can elevate a piece of wood by revealing the grain which can be a really beautiful natural feature.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SANDER?
Cordes and cordless sanders are power tools and, there are lots of different types of sanders out there. You need to know about the following types…
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Random orbital sanders: These are similar to standard orbital sanders but they rotate as well as vibrate in a circular style motion. They can leave less obvious sanding marks than the standard orbital sander due to the two separate motions they perform. Random orbital sanders are useful for DIYers with regular
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Orbital sanders: These sanders vibrate with a tiny circular motion. They are more useful as a finishing sander rather than for very heavy-duty sanding and are suitable for furniture and staircases. They are great for flat surfaces and are a toolkit staple for regular DIYers.
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Belt sanders: These are very powerful and ideal for heavy-duty jobs such as floors. They can be quite bulky, with a limited range of motion.
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Mouse sanders: These sanders work in a similar way to orbital ones, but have a distinctly recognizable shape based on the computer mouse. The tip is pointed to allow for easy access to inside corners and tight areas. These are a low-cost, handy addition to most tool kits and are ideal for DIYers with small projects.
So, for all your timber supplies look no further than the team at Johnsons Timber supplies. Call our experts on 0121 706 0404 or email sales@johnsonstimber.co.uk.