Need to replace the worn-out sandpaper of your woodworking sander?
No worry!
Our guidelines on how to put sandpaper on a sander will help you a lot to get the job done.
For a successful wood-refinishing project, the necessity of sanding the wood surface is unbeatable. If you’re serious about your woodworking projects, we assume that you have at least one sander in your tool shed. In fact, it is a carpentry must-have.
Sandpaper wears out over time. So, if you do a lot of sanding for the larger-scale project, you have to replace it.
Here is a short and simple tutorial for you.
What You Will Need
The first thing you have to do is to gather the supplies that you will need.
So what will you need?
- Sand paper
- Utility scissors
Before you start replacing the worn sand paper, there are a few interesting points that you need to keep in mind.
Sanders are available in multiple designs. For woodworking, mainly four types are used. These are a finishing sander, disc sander, belt sander, and a random orbital sander. Each type has its specialty for a specific job.
It’s worth noting that most of this machine uses sand paper or an equivalent. Sandpapers are available in different grits. However, the most commonly used sand paper ranges from 60-grit to 220-grit.
The right sanding paper composition and grit will produce great results with less effort.
How to Put Sandpaper On a Sander-Step by Step Guidelines
Here are the easy steps that you should follow to put sand paper on your sander.
Step 1:
Here is the first step. Start with checking the clamps.
Sanders includes a clamp at each end of the base to hold the sanding sheet in place. Typical clamp compromises a holder or spring-clamping device. There are gripping teeth to hold the sanding sheet to the platen.
Different types of sanders come with different styles of clips and clamps. So, you must check it before you start changing the sand sheet.
However, almost all the models use the same method of attaching a sanding sheet onto its base.
To begin, unplug the power cord of your sander, hold the unit, and inspect both the rear and front clamps to make sure they are in the right places.
If your sanding machine already has worn sanding sheet, completely remove it from the sander. Also remove debris and dirt from the base.
Step 2:
Wear gloves.
Step 3:
Take a full piece of sanding sheet. Place it on your tabletop or any flat surface. Put your sanding tool on this sheet. Adjust the position of your sander base crosswise or lengthwise on the sheet in such a way that allows you to cut a large number of pieces from a single sheet.
However, it would be best if you left a sufficient length of the sheet on both ends. This is because, the sheet has to cover the sander base at both ends in the upward direction in a perfect way. Additionally, both end should be used to attach the rear and front clamps, which are located on top of the sander base.
Once you adjust the sheet, cut it precisely widthwise and lengthwise with the help of utility scissors.
Step 4:
Soften this piece of sanding sheet by rolling it over the edge of a table. This will help it go on a little bit easier when you put it on your sanding machine.
Step 5:
Next, place this piece on the sander base. In this step, you have to position the smooth side of the sheet facing the base of the sander. Keep in mind that the length of the sheet should be parallel to the length of the base. And if there is any excess sheet lengthwise protruding on either end of the base, cut it.
Step 6:
Open or lift the clamp lever on both sides of your sanding tool. Insert one end of the sanding sheet in that clamp until it goes as far as it will go and tighten down that lever. That will hold this end of the sheet securely.
** Clamping mechanism may vary depending on the types or models of the sanding tool. To be on the safer side, we recommend reading the manufacturer’s instructions in the manual to learn the proper way on how to attach the sandpaper in the clamp of this model.
Step 7:
Go ahead and wrap the sheet around the base of the sanding tool. Wrap the other end of the sheet upward around the other end of the base. Fold the other end of the sanding sheet over just a little way so that you can get it a little bit tighter.
Place this folded end to the clamp. Make sure you pull it tightly to avoid slack. To prevent slack, pull the other end of the sheet with a bit of a force. Then tighten up the clamp.
** A little sack on the sanding sheet may reduce its effectiveness on the work surface. You must take time and patience throughout this step.
Step 8:
Flip over the sander and give it a final check to ensure that the sheet covers the whole base area and stays in place on the base.
Plug your sanding machine into the outlet, and turn it on to test its performance.
Congrats!
You have done it.
Conclusion
Yes, attaching sandpaper on a sander is that simple. And you do not have to worried about doing it.
Attaching sanding paper to a sanding machine is easy and only takes a few minutes to complete.
So what are you waiting for?
Get the sanding sheet, and follow our guidelines to get the job done without any hassle.
Good luck with your next sanding projects!