Hand sanders

Question

Hi, I want to buy a new sander for sanding my furniture make overs and I am wondering which one would be a good one for me without having to spend a fortune? I mostly do small pieces like side tables, dressers, hutches nothing to elaborate. I have looked at what is out there and wanted some advise from all of the crafty sites that I see and just love the work that you do. Does anyone have any suggestions?  I appreciate any help that you could offer.
Thank you
Debbie

Kat =^.^= · Answer

hi debbie, i went to lowes to get a black and decker but found their other brand with a bag attachment for the dust, it is a awesome little guy, Porter Cable (check out online) i believe is the brand about 49 bucks and i purchased an extra box or two of the round sanding discs as well they were about 8 a piece, i love this thing, it is a hard worker, hand sander, i find it comfortable to use, didnt break the bank either! lol good luck! ps im still pissed at all these men who didnt let us gals know how FUN it is working with power tools!!!!!! im old and so glad i found some to use now! lol

Debra · Answer

Thank you for the advice. I was looking at a Black and Decker Detail Sander that looked pretty good, it is a mouse with the point in the front. I wonder it that is better or worse then just the square one. Do you have a preference ?

KMS Woodworks · Answer

I have 3 random orbit sanders and my favorite hands down is the Rigid Variable speed from Home depot (about 70 bucks) my first one was a Makita...no dust collection Dewalt variable was my second, this work good but is not as comfortable to use. http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-5-in-Random-Orbit-Sander-R26011/100053683?N=12l2#.UdgpGDugUVg

Spheramid Enterprises · Answer

I agree with KMS, the Rigid is a great sander. Rule of thumb is buy the best you can afford and the Rigid and DeWalt are 2 good ones in a moderate price range. I'd stay away from the B&D line of most everything.

Debra · Answer

Thank you all for your input. I was actually looking at a B&D but know I have second thoughts. I am going to look at the Rigid that has been suggested by everyone.

Mike Lee · Answer

All the hand sanders listed above are great, but if you just want to sand light furniture use orbital sander. Harbor Freight -has web-site and very cheap prices.I got the wife a sander for her sanding and re-finish of ole furniture she loves it. Cost like 19.99 and sand paper is like 5.00 package 6 sheets.

Mike Lee · Answer

http://www.harborfreight.com/palm-finishing-sander-95020.html

Debra · Answer

Thank you Mike, I will check that out

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Trying to do any kind of 'aggressive' work with a 'palm' sander will take FOREVER. The use of a Random Orbit will work much better. You just need to pair it up with the proper grit paper.

My sanders see lots of use. it is not uncommon for me to run them for 4 to 5 hours at a time. Quality and durability are well worth it in my book...and a HF product just does not meet those conditions.

Mike Lee · Answer

KMS must not know how to maintain equipment, I don't buy expensive Black & Decker or pay home depot prices.Harbor Freights products last as long as any other brand..

KMS Woodworks · Answer

@Mike Lee I have a sander that is over 30 years old and still running strong. I've replaced pads and drive bearings. I also tend to buy American when I can, a cheap $20 dollar sander from China sold by a company that imports the majority of their products, is not something I support.

Debra · Answer

Mike, can you also give me some advise on what they call a finishing sander, and also a good buffer. I paint with chalk paint and put was on it for the protection. It takes a lot of elbow grease to get the wax buffed in really well for a nice shine. Do you have any recommendations on these items? I appreciate your in put. I am going to purchase the Palm Finishing Sander that you have recommended thank you.

Spheramid Enterprises · Answer

Horse...meet water.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

@Debra a 'finishing' sander is typically used as a 'final' tool for the light sanding just before the finish would be applied. They differ from a random orbit sander in that the movement of the sanding head is normally only operating in one back and forth direction. If used improperly or with coarse grit papers this can leave tell tale patterns in the wood. Most 'buffers' are just a type of pad assembly that can be attached to a slow speed driver. A variable speed right angle grinder is one type. Dedicated 'buffers' operate at a much slower RPM than most sanders and grinders. As with most 'power buffers' you need to have some great techniques to prevent 'swirls' http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-7424XP-6-Inch-Variable-Speed-Polisher/dp/B002654I46

Debra · Answer

OK I got it, thank you again. It really helps me with understanding what I am doing

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