What Is a Hand Tool Sander?
A hand tool sander is a device designed to sand surfaces to make them smooth. Unlike sandpaper, which is flexible and foldable, a hand tool sander is more efficient for treating flat surfaces, using its entire surface area for sanding.
These sanders typically consist of a metal plate to which sandpaper is attached and a grip for easy handling.
Uses of Hand Tool Sanders
Hand tool sanders are particularly useful for smoothing large surfaces, like wood. They are ideal for finishing work on wood surfaces that don’t require planing, such as columns. They’re also effective in removing paint from extensive flat areas.
While they are more suited for larger areas, hand tool sanders can also be convenient for smaller or curved surfaces.
Principle of Hand Tool Sanders
Compared to hand sanding, hand tool sanders distribute force more evenly across the sandpaper, reducing arm fatigue and ensuring a smoother finish even after prolonged use. They typically feature a mechanism to hold the sandpaper securely in place during the sanding process.
Some models employ a Velcro system on the metal plate for easy attachment of sandpaper. However, these types require sandpaper compatible with the Velcro system.
Though hand tool sanders are user-friendly and efficient, they can be tiring and consume a lot of sandpaper when used for extensive work. In such scenarios, an electric sander powered by electricity is often preferred.