Wood Machine: Planers and Sanders

Introduction to the PlanerA planer is a wood machine used turn raw lumber into panels that are of the same thickness throughout it's length, and flat on both sides.Planer TipsA Planer is a multipurpose machine designed to perform several functions, it is suitable for reducing the thickness of  lumber to the size needed for an project, or to smooth a rough side of wood.

Using a Planer

There are a number of different types and styles of planers on the market.  Learning to use one right will allow you to correct board thickness, so that all boards are sized to work with every other board in your project.

Random Orbit Sander

Random orbit sanders have been around since the 1940's in the automobile and other metal finishing industry as air driven models. It was only when they were converted to electrically run tools twenty years ago, that they gained dominance, as the finishing sander of choice with woodworkers.

Wood Machine:  Guide to Sanders

There are many sanders to choose from, know exactly what you will be use one for, and what each can do,  will tell you which if any you need to purchase.

Sanding Equipment

A sander can be a hand-held tool or a large machine that is used to smooth and form wood. Picking the sanding system that is best for you is based on the projects you plan on completing.

Using a Sander

A sander can be a very versatile tool for use with woodworking project and for many DIY projects.

Belt Sander

A belt sander is a wood machine used to finish wood by sanding. It consists of a motor that turns drums with a seamless sheet of sandpaper.  Belt sanders can be either hand-held (the sander is moved over the material), or stationary, (the material is moved to the sanding belt).