Ellenkate Finley

Palm Sander vs Orbital Sander

A man using palm sander for woods

When it comes to smoothing wood, there are innumerable ways to accomplish the job. Two of the most popular sanding tools are the palm sander and the orbital sander. Find out how they compare, what each tool is best at, and which is better. What Is a Palm Sander? A palm sander is a generic …

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Belt Sander vs Orbital Sander

A man using orbital sander

Belt sander vs orbital sander, both have a place in the wood smoothing process. Learn about these two sanding tools, how they work, and what they do. I’ll take you through the specifications for belt sanders and explain the many variations of orbital sanders. Find out what the major differentiating factor is between these two …

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Sanding Sealer vs Polyurethane

Person brushing wood with sanding sealer

Sanding sealer and polyurethane have some basic characteristics in common, but there are many differences as well. Find out when to use sanding sealer, when to use polyurethane, and which is better. I’ll compare and contrast these two products so you can choose the one that’s right for you. What Is Sanding Sealer? Sanding sealer …

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Drum Sander vs Planer

A yellow planer inside work room

Drum sanders and planers are two tools with a considerable amount of overlap. But they are not the same! Learn about the similarities and differences between these two tools, and when to use each one. I’ll also highlight the major differentiating factor and tell you which one is better. What Is a Drum Sander? A …

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How to Sand Cedar Wood

A guy sanding a cedar wood

Sanding cedar is a little different than sanding any other kind of wood because it is so soft. In this article, you’ll learn how to sand cedar wood without damaging it. I’ll also teach you how to sand cedar siding, how to refresh aromatic cedar and explain when sanding cedar could be dangerous. Cedar Wood …

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What Is a Belt Sander Used For?

A man holding a belt sander for project

A belt sander uses lateral action and an abrasive surface to aggressively remove material. They are mostly used to sand wood. I’ll explain in this article what is a belt sander used for. What Is a Belt Sander? Belt sanders are electrical appliances, powered by an extension cord or rechargeable battery back. The belt referred …

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How to Sand Drywall

A person showing how to sand a drywall

Getting a great paint or wallpaper finish requires perfectly smooth drywall. Unevenness in the drywall will be carried through to the finished wall, and may even prevent you from installing tile. Learn how to sand drywall and how to control dust and the right techniques for getting a perfectly smooth drywall surface through sanding. How …

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How to Sand Metal

Abrasive sponges on scratched metal

Sanding metal removes rust and improves the appearance of the material. Well-sanded metal not only looks great, but it is also ready to accept paint or another finish. In this article, I’ll teach you how to sand metal, the different tools you can use to sand metal, and how to finish sanded metal. How to …

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How to Use a Drum Sander

A guy working with a drum sander

Drum sanders make quick work of sanding down hardwood floors. These machines can be affordably rented by consumers, but must be used properly to achieve good results. Learn when and how to use a drum sander, what sandpaper to use with a drum sander, and how to check if your hardwood floors can be resurfaced …

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How to Sand Corners

An image of a corner sander

Sanding a flat surface is relatively straightforward, but when you introduce corners, things get more complicated. From tight interior corners to the corners of hardwood floors or custom routed corners, this article will teach you how to sand corners. I’ll run through all kinds of sanding tools and give tips for how to sand two …

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How to Sand Acrylic

Acrylic plates

Acrylic is a versatile building material with many applications. Although it is very resistant to damage, it is possible to scratch the surface of acrylic sheets. Cut acrylic sheets are also prone to scratching and clouding along the edges. Removing these scratches and cloudiness is possible. Learn why they form and how to remove them. This …

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How to Use a Brick Jointer

Bricklaying using the Brick Jointer Trowel

The masonry construction process includes compacting the mortar between bricks to ensure proper drainage. Brick jointers are specialty handheld tools designed to do just that, while also shaping the mortar. To joint brick, you will need to choose an appropriate brick jointer and practice your technique. What Is a Brick Jointer? A brick jointer is …

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