Best Uses for a Belt Sander

A belt sander is a great tool to have around to tackle a number of weekend projects. This power sander can be used for a wide variety of jobs from sanding wood furniture to fixing a door that sticks. Having one of these tools on hand will make it easier and quicker for you to finish your next project.

Re-Finish Wood or Metal

The belt sander is primarily used for sanding large, flat surfaces such as doors and wood furniture. Basically, the tool is comprised of a belt of sandpaper that is wrapped around two rotating drums. By changing the grit of the sand paper, you can adjust how much wood you can remove in one pass. Heavier grit paper (60-80) is ideal for removing protective coatings like polyurethane and dark stains. Medium and finer grits (100-220) are suited for sanding shelving and cabinets. It can also be used to strip finishes from metal surfaces. Just be sure to select the right sand paper for the job as sandpaper for metal surfaces differs greatly from the type used for wood surfaces.

Re-Finish Outdoor Wood Furniture

If you own wood patio furniture or a wood picnic table then your belt sander is the ideal tool to give them a brand new look. Using the belt sander will allow you to remove stain down to the natural finish of the wood without damaging the furniture. By switching to lighter grit sandpaper you can then sand the furniture down to a smooth finish. This is especially important for wood furniture since a rough finish can cause splinters. A belt sander can save you time when it comes to sanding large areas such as those found on tables, benches and other types of outdoor furniture.

Fix a Door that Sticks

One of the best uses for a belt sander is its ability to quickly and effectively fix interior doors that just don’t close properly. Many homeowners have encountered the common problem of doors that rub against the frame or floor, making them difficult to open and close. This problem commonly occurs during the warmer months of the year since wood expands during periods of higher heat and humidity. Just remove the door slab from the frame and place it on a couple of saw horses. Depending on which edge is sticking, you can shave a little bit off the side or bottom to allow the door to swing freely. Usually 1/16 to 1/8 inch is a sufficient amount to take off.

A belt sander is a great tool to use when you need to sand large flat areas or shave a fraction of an inch off any piece of wood. Their higher amperage rates and rpm rates make them one of the most powerful hand-held sanders you can buy today. You’ll quickly realize why these tools are a wise choice for contractors and homeowners alike.