Edge sanders are the perfect electric woodworking power tool
for smoothing and finishing. You can choose from the two basic types: handheld
floor sanders and belt sanders. The type of tool you will use depends on a
combination of your intended application and personal preferences. You see, handheld
floor sanders are great for hard-to-reach areas.

They are designed to make these spaces easier to access and
modify. With a traditional floor sander, certain areas are not always possible
to treat, such as spaces against baseboards, walls, and railings. Belt sanders
are beneficial for carpentry projects that involve smoothing edges. The
structural design allows for more precision with less effort.

Types of Edge Sanders on the Market

Edge Floor Sanders

Edge floor sanders are a popular asset for wood floor
refinishing projects because they effectively smooth and polish wood flooring,
removing surface blemishes like dents, dings, and more. They are similar to
drum sanders in terms of power since they both offer a great deal of it;
however, the edge sander is portable, like an orbital sander, making it more
convenient to transport and use.

Some have complained that they are a little on the bulky
side, but many have also mentioned that they are very easy to operate with just
one person. With a removable sanding disc on the bottom and an easy-to-grip
handle on the top, it is no surprise they are easy to work with. Simply
pressing the handle on the top will initiate the discs to lower, press, and
rotate against the floor.

Edge Belt Sanders

These popular woodworking power tools are also known as oscillating
edge sanders. They are preferred by many since they rest on top of a table,
counter, or cabinet, making them at work-surface level for users. This level of
height makes it easier for many people to work with wood for smoothing and
finishing purposes. It also gives users a great view of their piece while they
work. They operate by a continuous rotating belt that is made of sandpaper.

The belt can be any grade of sandpaper, from fine grit to
course grit. It all depends on the specific application. This sandpaper belt is
stretched across two metal drums, which spin as the belt rotates. It is very
similar to a conveyor belt. Users simply touch the belt with their item and
apply different amounts of pressure and movement to smooth out imperfections or
create curves in the wood.

How to Choose the Right Edge Sander

The type of edge sander you choose will depend on a few
factors. Your preference and project needs are the top factors to consider. It
is helpful to know that floor sanders generally come with a dust bag to collect
the debris produced from woodworking, and belt sanders do not come with this
option. This sometimes has some weight to it for consumers.

Both devices can be used with several different grades of sandpaper
and are priced similarly in stores. However, it is a challenge finding them in
your average hardware store. To purchase a quality device, you would have to
contact rental facilities or a commercial carpentry store. If you are wonder
which sander to choose, the best option is to acquire both. That way, you are
prepared for all kinds of woodworking and carpentry applications!

Are you ready to restock on some new woodworking
materials? Contact
Sandpaper America at 1-800-860-SAND to buy high-quality and
competitively-priced wide
sanding belts and sanding
belts, including Cloth
X-Weight belts for woodworking and more. We manufacture all of our sanding
products in-house, so you can feel confident in the quality of our products.

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