Common Sanding Tools

Different sanding applications call for the use of different tools. The tools you use will ultimately guide what type of abrasive you need to buy. We've included descriptions of common sanders and the types of abrasives they use below.

• Orbital sanders:orbital sanders use sanding discs and spin the discs in a circle. The rotating abrasive grains cut the surface where the disc sander is applied. Orbital sanders don't remove as much material as some of the other sanding tools and are better for finishing work.
• Handheld belt sanders:Handheld belt sanders are smaller belt sanders that use sanding belts. Handheld belt sanders usually require the use of two hands with more effort needed than an orbital sander. They can work well for leveling and smoothing rough wood boards.
• Benchtop belt sanders:Benchtop belt sanders are often larger and more powerful than handheld belt sanders. Benchtop belt sanders are better at removing stock material from larger workpieces. They typically utilize longer sanding belts.
• Drum sanders:Drum sanders use an abrasive strip that is wrapped around a drum. The drum spins with a conveyor belt below it. The conveyor belt moves a workpiece so that it passes under the drum and is sanded. We recommend that customers buy sanding rolls and cut their own drum sanding strips to save money. Drum sanders are commonly used for wood finishing.