Sanders and Abrasives
Updated 14th December 2008
There are now a vast variety of sanders available with cordless and multipurpose models appearing in recent years. Despite all the innovations the powered sander is a horrible tool to use due to vibration and dust dispersal. Many models have dust extraction bags or can be attached to vacuum cleaners but both methods have drawbacks. Vacuum cleaners restrict movement and create noise. Dust bags and filters become clogged very quickly and reduce suction.
Breaking News
Fredshed testing new dustless sanding system
|
The Abranet sanding system requires hand power and a vacuum cleaner to attach the hose to. I am testing the system with it attached to a Henry vacuum cleaner. The really clever part of the Abranet sanding system is the mesh sanding sheets that allow dust particles to pass right through and then into the vacuum hose. These abrasive sheets use aluminum oxide to remove material and seem to last at least 5 times longer than normal aluminium oxide sheets. The Abranet abrasive is velcro backed so can be cut to shape to fit other makes of sander.
|
|
|
I am now testing the new Abranet
sanding system from Mirka of Finland who have been supplying an industrial
version of their sanding system to the marine and automotive
industries from many years. The DIY version of the system fits a Henry vacuum but performs best with the dedicated Mirka dust extraction vacuum. Also I will be testing the latest orbital sander from Metabo of Germany which has washable fibreglass filters and adjustable orbit pattern, |
|
Sanding sheets
Another "hidden" problem with sanders is the cost and availability of the sanding sheets. This applies mostly to the velcro style pads for DIY models which can be very expensive. One of the big problems with sanding sheets is clogging, especially on gloss paints and varnish. This clogging is made worse by powered sanders as the heat melts the paint into a sticky goo. The new Abranet "dustless sanding system2 uses mesh to enable dust particles to pass through and be extracted.
If you want to buy the excellent new Abranet dust free sanding set click this link.
I have tested many sanders over the years and although none are perfect here are a few of the ones I liked.
|
|
|
Big Orbital Sanders for Walls and flat surfaces This Draper 280w sander costs about £25 and is a good workhorse sander with easily obtainable sheets. Draper is a UK company who have a history of sourcing cheap but effective powertools that are ideal for DIY use. The sander comes with a dustbag for small jobs or can be attached to a standard vacuum cleaner - which makes it a bit harder to use, but much cleaner. A pack of 10 pads (size 227 *115mm) costs around £2. |
|
|
Delta shape Detail Sanders for awkward areas This little sander from Draper is suitable for awkward areas like window and door frames, skirting board and architraves. The detail sander is such a simple machine that it is not worth buying an expensive one unless you use it everyday. The standard size delta shape pads are easily available and come in a range of grades. if you use the vacuum dust extraction then you will need pads with holes in for this to work effectively. A pack of 10 pads costs around £3 and the machine itself is under £20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The picture right shows the Black and Decker mouse sander being used with a vacuum
cleaner. The result is NO DUST. However whilst this is fine on walls
it is not so easy in confined spaces around window frames. Overall the Mouse is a very useful tool but was let down by excessive vibration that numbs your hand. It also uses Velcro backed sanding sheets that are relatively expensive, especially if you are sanding gloss paint which is liable to clog the sandpaper rather quickly and render it useless. The same sanding pads fit the Quattro and Sandstorm sanders too. £4-£5 pack of 5 depending on the type. The new Gel tech Mouse Sander from Black and Decker has the addition of a detachable base with detail extensions for hard to reach places such as window frames and around architrave. It also has Gel pads in the body to absorb the vibration - maybe someone at B&D read my feature? price guide approx £35
|
Black & Decker Mouse Sander
buy the new improved,Gel tech mouse sander (not shown) from Amazon -inc delivery!
|
|
Fein Multimaster - Professional Tool and the ultimate detail sander? This expensive but superb German made tool works by oscillating its head from side to side 3 degrees up to 21000 times a minute. The result is superb sanding performance with little kickback and minimal clogging. The multimaster can be used with dust extraction and has the usual delta sanding sheets and this amazing tungsten carbide rasp that rips paint and varnish off and outlasts sandpaper many times. see more at http://www.fredshed.co.uk/feinmultimastertested.htm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
click on the shed to return to the homepage |
|
|
© Fred Walden 2008 |
Go to Weekly tips page site plan Powered equipment garden products