A palm sander can be a great tool when it comes to finishing with projects. The sander uses oscillation in order to finish each project smoothly. There are few important safety steps that must be taken whenever using a palm sander. This guide gives specific instructions on how to use a palm sander for finishing any wood project.
Prepare Wood for Palm Sanding
The first step in preparing wood for palm sanding is to be sure that the surface is clean. This includes any dust or dirt on the area, or any other substance can possibly interfere with the sanding process.
If there are areas on the wood surface that don’t need to be sanded, be sure to apply a protective layer or covering to the area to prevent damage. Masking tape, a cloth, or other paper can be used for this purpose.
Select Sand Paper
It is very important to select the proper grade of sandpaper. Sandpaper comes in grades that are either course for fine. Coarse sandpaper is extremely gritty, and fine sandpaper is less gritty. The least greedy type of sandpaper is very fine.
The lower the number on the sandpaper, the larger the grains of sand, and in turn, the more course the sandpaper is. With larger grains of sand paper, the resulting wood project is less smooth than if a less gritty grade of sandpaper was used. Selecting versatile sandpaper, such as medium grade, will give the user the most flexible options.
Prepare the Palm Sander
Although each palm sander is unique, the basic steps for instruction are quite similar. If an old piece of sandpaper is present, remove it before attempting to apply the new sandpaper. This process may require releasing clamps or peeling the sandpaper from the palm sander.
Once the old sandpaper is removed, simply peel the paper backing off of the new sandpaper and apply it to the face the palm sander. If necessary return the clips back to the engaged position.
Use a Palm Sander to Finish the Wood Project
Never attempt to use a palm sander without wearing protective equipment for the eyes. Either goggles or other protective eyewear can be used.
Be sure that the wood is positioned so that it is fully supported. Next, turn on the palm sander and begin the sanding process. Using more pressure sands the wood more deeply and more quickly, while using less pressure sands the wood more smoothly. Either use circular strokes or long, sweeping strokes.
Once the wood surface seems sanded enough, wipe away the dust and inspect the surface. If the wood needs more standing, continue standing and inspecting the surface until the project is finished.
Palm sanders are easy to use and save a great deal of time when it comes to finishing what projects. Following the simple instructions in this guide will help to complete the project quickly and efficiently.
Source:
Reader’s Digest, “Using a Palm Sander” (accessed 4/16/2010)
University of Virginia, “Safety Instructions for Palm Sanders” (accessed 4/16/2010)
Cheri Pearson - Cheri Pearson is a seasoned freelance journalist who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of ...
