How To Use A Spindle Sander?

A spindle sander is a tool that has been designed to making the process of sanding easier, especially curved edges. You no longer have to use a sandpaper for manual sanding as all you need to do is get the best spindle sander and you will be good to go. This is a tool that comes with a rotating drum that is cylindrical and this is covered by sandpaper. As such, you will be able to smooth out any rough edges, even if they are in cuts in a hole. The oscillations and the up and down movement of the drum are what makes this the sanding process efficient.

If you do not know how to pick the ideal spindle sander, you can check my guide on to finding the right spindle sander, here. Whether you are an expert or a novice in the use of spindle sanders, this guide will be useful and quite informative. Please read on to the end and you will discover so much that you can do with this incredible tool.

What Can You Use A Spindle Sander For?

A spindle sander is a versatile tool that can be used for so many different tasks. These are models that come in different sizes and designs. As such, they can be used for different applications. The basic use it to smooth out rough edges and saw marks, for the final finish. This is the last step before you can stain or paint your wood. The fact that it has a rotating drum that moves up and down makes it ideal for sanding inside curves.

In essence, this is a tool that will be effective when you have odd angles, rounded surfaces and curves that need some sanding. This spares the time it would take you to sand with other tools or manual sanding. This is the right tool for those with intricate design and arches and wants to have an amazing end result.

How To Use A Spindle Sander Step by Step Guide?

If you have already used my guide on how to find the best spindle sander, what you need now, it to learn how to use it properly. Here is my step by step guide that will teach you how to use this tool safely.

STEP 1: Preparation

Start by gathering the equipment and preparing the work area, as the first step. You should ensure that you have adequate spindles, in the right sizes as well as varying grit. It is at this stage that you also ensure that you have your safety clothing.

STEP 2: Mark the Work Piece

It is advisable to mark your wood before you can start the sanding process. This is useful as you will be able to define the circumference and even the depth that you would want to go into. Do not assume that you can use your naked eye as you may end up going beyond the desired length or circumference. This is a measure to ensure that you achieve maximum accuracy.

STEP 3: Pick the Right Drum Size

I am sure, you know that spindle sanders have different sizes of the rotating drum. The essence of the spindle sander is the drum, which has the sandpaper attached to it. You need to have the specific measurements for the curves so that you can pick a drum with the right diameter. As a rule of the thumb, you would rather start with a smaller drum than picking a larger one.

STEP 4: Attach Sandpaper to Drum

If your drum does not have a sandpaper, you will need to place one. Also, if you need to replace the sandpaper with a different grit, this would be proper to do, at this stage. You should pick the right sand paper and with the right grit.

STEP 5: Start Sanding

With all the preparations and setting up the spindle sander in place, it is now time to get into the real action. This type of sander does not require any different art of sanding from the others. You should aim to sand in long and smooth motions. You do not want to add any pressure as the sander will exert the force that it required. Allow the drum to do all the work, without forcing it anyway. You should hold your wood in one location so that you can have an even result, without any undesirable marks. You should make as many passes as it will take to get to the marked line.

How To Change Sandpaper On Spindle Sander?

Depending on the different types of tasks that you have, you will be forced to remove the sandpaper, at some point, on your spindle sander. Here is the process of changing the sandpaper.

• Start by removing the spindles and this is done using the wrenches that are provided with the tool.
• Loosen the spindle nut by turning it clockwise, while holding the spindle flat.
• To change the sanding sleeves, loosen the clamp with a cross-point screwdriver.
• Remove the sanding sleeve from the spindle shaft using the wrench that is provided.
• When you have done, all these, you should reverse the steps to be able to install sanding sleeves.

Safety Tips

The best spindle sander is a power tool and without proper use, you may end up causing damages and even get injured. Here are some safety tips that you can follow:

• You should always ensure that you have safety gear when using this sander, like safety goggles, or even a dust mask.
• Before starting the process, ensure that the dust collector is turned on.
• Do not wear any loose clothing and ensure that you have rolled sleeves when operating the sander. This is to prevent being caught by the rotating spindle.
• Before turning on the table, you should check to ensure that the table is in the desired position and if not, adjust it accordingly.
• Check the sander to ensure that there are no scrap pieces that are between the table and the spindle.
• Always keep your fingers at least 1 inch away from the spindle at every given time.

Final Recommendation

Working with the best spindle sander can be exciting and this will give you amazing results. However, without proper caution, you will end up getting injured or even damage the tool. While I have shared my guide on how to use a spindle sander, it is important to mention that some models may differ slightly. As such, I always advocate for the use of the instruction manual that your tool comes with. I have tested a couple of models and I can guarantee that this guide covers most of the spindle sanders and as such, you can follow it. Please feel free to leave a comment and also share this content.