Sanders
By: Amanda Campbell
Updated: August 30, 2010
Sanding Tips
Use fine sanding paper to smooth out most purchased wood pieces. All that should be needed is what is called Finish Sanding.
For tight spots and difficult to reach areas try using an emery board.
Tack cloth rubbed over the wood piece will get rid of excess saw dust and other particles. It can be purchased at most hardware or craft retailers. The cloth looks like cheese cloth, but is very sticky. Be sure to seal in an air-tight container after using to keep the cloth fresh.
Sand with the grain of the wood for best results and seal wood (especially pine) when finished tacking.
After basecoating, if wood grain rises, use a brown paper bag scrap and rub over paint. This smooths the wood grain back down.
For fine sanding a varnish or sealer, use extra fine steel wool. Dust and paint on final finish.
Different sanders perform different jobs. One power sander can't really do all of your sanding. Consult with the experts when purchasing any sander.
The Mouse Sander/Polisher from Black & Decker
The Mouse sands, detail sands, polishes or scrubs whatever the project in and around the house.
* Includes 23 accessories, user guide and storage case
* Ideal for sanding, polishing and scrubbing projects
* Lightweight ergonomic design with soft grips maximize comfort and control
* Utilizes VelcroŽ fastening system for quick and easy pad changes
* Interchangeable bases for added versatility
* Patented accessories designed to extend the life of each pad
* Convenient storage case holds the Mouse and organizes project pads
* Flip up window on storage case for ready access to project pages
Bosch Belt Sander
With belt sanders, bigger isn't always better anymore. The new Bosch 1274DVS Variable-Speed Belt Sander is a high-performance, professional-duty tool that comes in a compact, 3x21" size and weighs just 7 pounds. Most homeowners will find this unit much easier to control than a 3x24" or 4x24" sander.
A powerful 6.6-amp, variable-speed motor allows the 1274DVS to smooth a wide variety of materials, including wood, plastic, soft metals and glass. Its sleek inline design features two large handles for excellent stability and balance; a dust-collection bag is included.
Dremel Tight-Spot Sander
If you hate hand sanding (and who doesn't), you'll love the versatile new Contour Sander from Dremel. The lightweight (1 3/4 lb.) tool comes with 10 interchangeable rubber sanding contours and a flat detail-sanding pad. The contours, which attach to the nose of the tool, are designed for sanding deep grooves in moldings, radiused edges on furniture and intricate carvings in doors. The detail pad is perfect for easy smoothing of the thin slats on shutters and lattices.
A variable-speed motor that operates between 4000 and 8500 strokes per minute adds to the versatility of this tool. And an inline sanding motion eliminates the spherical scratches caused by orbital sanders.
Dremel 6000 Contour Sander Kit
Variable speed, multi-purpose sanding tool that eliminates hand sanding. The Contour Sander is a compact, lightweight sanding tool that eliminates the need for tedious hand sanding. With a wide variety of contour shapes and variable speeds, it provides ultra-smooth results on a multitude of surfaces and materials. Use it to sand deep grooves, intricate carvings, curved moldings, thin slats, and more. For everyone from the hobby enthusiast to the serious do-it-yourselfer, the Dremel Contour Sander has the power and precision to get even the toughest sanding jobs done quickly and easily.
The 6000 Kit contains: Variable Speed Contour Sander Tool (1), Sanding Contours (10), Detail Sanding Pad (1), Sanding Tubes (3), Hook & Loop Sand Paper (3 sheets), instruction manual (1), and a convenient storage case.












