Industrial Sanders
Like with most industrial hardware, industrial sanders are machines that can help you get things done quickly and easily. Sanders find their use in trimming, levelling and sanding uneven surfaces. Freehand shaping and rounding are other applications as well. In most industrial projects, they are used in together with other power tools such as industrial angle grinders. Sanders are designed to effortlessly abrade metal and wood.
TypesPalm sanders, belt sanders and random orbital sanders are the main types of sanders. Belt sanders have sanding belts that ride over pulleys and are ideal for sanding moving material. Current models have an automatic adjustment feature that prevents belts from wandering off the pulleys. Palm sanders have a sandpaper attached to their bottom square pad which is moved by a motor in small circular orbits. It is ideal for finishing jobs and is economical when the cost of sandpaper is factored in. Orbital sanders are a combination of palm sanders and belt sanders and this helps them avoid swirl marks left by other sanders. They are ideal for fine finishing.
Weight and PowerSanders do not necessarily need to pack a lot of power to complete most sanding jobs but having extra power on your sander wouldn’t be a bad thing. Amperages range from 6 amps to 10 amps. Weight plays a factor in determining if a sander can be used vertically or overhead especially in activities such as home renovation. Typically, sanders weigh between 5.4-6.8 kgs.
Variable SpeedHaving variable speeds allows you to choose a sanding speed that gives you the best results when working with different materials. Speed is measured in fpm (feet per minute) and most sanders have speeds ranging between 500 fpm and 1500 fpm. Single speed sanders do not allow you to change speeds and are usually cheaper. However, if you are going to be using your sander for a variety of applications, a variable speed sander is a worthy investment.
Comfort and HandlingComfort is not something that can be ignored when it comes to any hand-operated power tool, especially if you are going to be using the tool for long hours. For instance, if you are a woodworker with large hands, then a large, flat-front handle may be best for you as it provides a better grip than a rounded handle. Also pay attention to where knobs, switches and handles are placed and how their placement affects operation. A sander’s noise rating is also important to consider. Some sanders come with a dust collector that helps keep your workplace clean.
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