With so many different power tools on the market today, it can be hard to know which one you need for a project. This problem gets even more confusing when you realize that many power tools have uses that overlap with each other. Today we’re going to break down two similar tools, the sander and the belt grinder, so you can decide which is better for you.
What Is a Sander?
A sander is a power tool that people use to remove surface material from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and even plastic. A sander also uses random motion so that you don’t have to sand in a particular direction (aka following a wood grain) to get a smooth finish.
You can use a sander to smooth flat surfaces on wood, metal, and plastic. You can also use it to remove paint or rust. The trick to using a sander is using the right sandpaper for the material and finish that you want.
What Is a Belt Grinder?
A belt grinder is another power tool that people use to do similar but slightly different tasks. For example, most belt grinders are designed to work with metal, though you can still use them on wood or plastic in some situations. They also don’t require a flat surface. Instead, you hold your project up to the belt grinder.
With a belt grinder, you can smooth metal surfaces, deburr (remove metal imperfections), and remove excess material. As with sanders, it’s important to use the right belt grit for the job you’re trying to do. Removing excess material requires a coarse grit, while edge sharpening on a blade takes a finer one.
Which Is Better: Sander or Belt Grinder?
Whether a sander or belt grinder is better depends on what task you’re trying to accomplish and what material you’re using. For smoothing a wooden table or another piece of furniture, you definitely want a sander. For making and sharpening blades, you’ll need a belt grinder.
If you decide that you need a metal belt grinder, check out our supply at Kaka Industrial. We offer several sizes and styles to choose from. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, give us a call or send us an email. We’d love to chat with you about your next project.