In the woodworking industry, there are many different sanders, each with a specific purpose and used at different stages of the building, joining and finishing processes. How you work with materials and the products you make will determine what sander or sanders are needed in your workspace. This blog outlines the main types of sanders and their uses. Read on to learn what tools match your work style.
Large-scale woodworking industry sanders
Planer sanders
- This machine is used to level wood or remove existing paint, having aggressive sanding capabilities. Planer sanders use very coarse, extremely powerful sanding belts rather than the more traditional blade sanders (which use metal blades). This coarse material can sand even harder or more fragile woods to a specific level and it is gentler and more targeted than traditional metal blades, which could fracture or damage the wood.
Segmented sanders
- Segmented sanders are highly specialised industrial machines. In a large-scale industrial setting, a machine with “segmented platens” (pressure pads) is best suited for inconsistent or bumpy surfaces and/or delicate veneers. Their main benefit is that they do not oversand the edges. This machine is crucial if you frequently work with thin materials, thanks to its gentle design.
Large stationary belt sanders
- You can use handheld and stationary belt sanders, but in a larger-scale industrial setting, a sturdy, reliable stationary belt sander is incredibly useful. These use a motorised sanding belt driven by rollers. This tool is convenient for evening out large surfaces quickly. Stationary belt sanders can come in various forms, including:
benchtop and floor-standing units
- They are also available in different levels of coarseness to fit different woods. Additionally, you can get wide belt sanders (for larger wooden surfaces) and narrow belt sanders (if that better suits your work and workspace).
Professional woodworking sander
This woodworking tool is standard in professional workspaces; it is similar to the tools listed above but is more focused on shaping and intricate movement.
Edge sander
- An edge sander is used to level the edges or corners of wood or to remove existing paint. Similar to a large belt sander, an edge sander has a continuously moving abrasive belt driven by rollers. However, it is more flexible, able to curve around the edges of materials and can finish straight edges or curves.
Handheld and portable sanders
Everyone can use these tools, so they are not limited to professional or industry standards. Many carpenters use handheld sanders, and you can also purchase them for DIY projects. As they aren’t used as frequently in industry-scale applications, this section will be brief.
Belt sander
- A handheld belt sander works the same as a stationary sander; the continuous movement of the coarse ‘belt’ moves on a smaller surface. Again, it easily strips old finish or paint off a piece of wood or levels an uneven surface.
Orbital sander
- An orbital sander is used for finishing a product. Its sanding mechanism moves in tiny circles, preventing it from leaving any visible marks on the wood surface.
Our collection of sanders at Calderbrooks Woodworking
At Calderbrooks Woodworking Machinery, we stock a range of high-quality, industry-standard stationary sanders.
We offer new and used products, with all our refurbished machinery reviewed and approved, so you can save money while retaining machine quality.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact us or check out our blogs for guides on other woodworking equipment.
