If you are working on a large wood surface, such as a table, a floor, or a deck, you might be wondering what is the best sander to use. Sanding is an essential step in preparing wood for finishing, as it smooths out the surface, removes any imperfections, and opens up the pores for better absorption of stains or paint. However, not all sanders are created equal, and some are more suitable for large wood surfaces than others.

In this blog post, we will compare two types of sanders that are commonly used for large wood surfaces: belt sanders, and orbital sanders. We will look at their pros and cons, and give you some tips on how to use them effectively.

Belt Sanders

A belt sander is a powerful tool that uses a continuous loop of sandpaper (called a belt) to remove material from the wood surface. It is ideal for rough sanding, as it can quickly remove a lot of material and level out uneven surfaces. However, it is not very good for fine sanding, as it can leave scratches and swirl marks on the wood. It is also difficult to control, especially on edges and corners, where it can easily gouge or damage the wood.

Pros:

- Fast and efficient for rough sanding

- Good for leveling out uneven surfaces

- Can handle hard and soft woods

Cons:

- Not suitable for fine sanding

- Can leave scratches and swirl marks on the wood

- Difficult to control on edges and corners

- Can be noisy and dusty

Tips:

- Use a low-grit belt (40 to 80) for rough sanding, and a high-grit belt (120 to 180) for smoothing

- Move the sander along the grain of the wood, not across it

- Apply even pressure on the sander, but do not press too hard

- Keep the sander moving at all times to avoid creating dips or ridges on the wood

- Use a dust collector or a vacuum attachment to reduce dust

Orbital Sanders

An orbital sander is a less powerful tool that uses a circular pad of sandpaper (called a disc) to move in small orbits on the wood surface. It is good for fine sanding, as it can create a smooth and even finish on the wood. However, it is not very effective for rough sanding, as it can take a long time to remove material and level out uneven surfaces. It is also prone to leaving circular marks on the wood if not used properly.

Pros:

- Good for fine sanding

- Can create a smooth and even finish on the wood

- Easy to control on edges and corners

- Less noisy and dusty than belt sanders

Cons:

- Not very effective for rough sanding

- Can take a long time to remove material and level out uneven surfaces

- Prone to leaving circular marks on the wood if not used properly

Tips:

- Use a high-grit disc (180 to 220) for fine sanding, and a low-grit disc (80 to 120) for smoothing

- Move the sander in small circles on the wood surface, overlapping each circle slightly

- Apply light pressure on the sander, but do not press too hard

- Change the disc frequently to avoid clogging or wearing out

- Use a dust collector or a vacuum attachment to reduce dust

Conclusion

The best sander for large wood surfaces depends on your needs and preferences. If you need to remove a lot of material and level out uneven surfaces, a belt sander might be the best option for you. If you need to create a smooth and even finish on the wood, an orbital sander might be the best option for you. 

Whatever type of sander you choose, make sure to follow the safety precautions and the tips MOTIMAC has provided to get the best results. Happy sanding!