If you're anything like me, you've probably stood in front of a piece of furniture that needs refinishing and wondered where on earth to start. While we've covered selecting the right sandpaper grit in another article (Sandpaper Grades - A Guide), today let's talk about choosing the right sander - your new best friend in furniture and house restoration. From bringing life back to old floorboards to smoothing a delicate table leg, different jobs need different tools. So, let's walk through the sanders you might want to welcome into your toolkit.

Belt Sanders: The Powerhouse

Think of a belt sander as the workhorse of the sanding world. It's like having a very enthusiastic helper who sometimes needs to be reined in! This tool features a continuous belt of sandpaper that loops around two drums, and it's perfect for large, flat surfaces. I particularly love mine for:

• Stripping back old floorboards
• Removing stubborn old finishes from tabletops (although you’ll want to move outside for this dusty job if weather permits)
• Levelling uneven wooden surfaces
• Initial sanding on broad, flat pieces

Word of caution for beginners: Belt sanders are powerful and can remove material quickly. Start with a lighter touch than you think you need - you can always do more, but you can't undo too much!

 Random Orbital Sanders: The All-Rounder

If I could only keep one sander, this would be it. A random orbital sander moves in both circular motions and vibrations, which helps prevent swirl marks in your work. It's the perfect middle-ground tool, suitable for both beginners and experienced restorers. I reach for mine when:

• Working on drawer fronts and cabinet doors
• Smoothing tabletops after using a belt sander
• Preparing surfaces for painting or staining
• General furniture prep work

The random orbital is particularly forgiving for newcomers to furniture restoration, while still being efficient enough for more experienced hands.

Detail Sanders (Also Known as Mouse Sanders): The Precision Player

These triangular-headed little wonders are like having a careful artist in your toolkit. They're designed to get into corners and tight spots that larger sanders can't reach. I find them invaluable for:

• Corner details on picture frames
• Getting into the nooks of carved chair backs
• Prepping window frames and sills
• Working on small decorative pieces

Perfect for beginners due to their manageable size and precision, though patience is key as they cover small areas at a time.

Sheet Sanders (Palm Sanders): The Steady Eddie

These simple rectangular sanders might not look exciting, but they're reliable workhorses for smaller projects. They use standard sheets of sandpaper cut to size, making them economical to run. I use mine for:

• Smoothing down flat panels
• Prepping medium-sized surfaces
• Fine finishing work
• Working on vertical surfaces where control is important

These are great starter sanders as they're straightforward to use and relatively gentle on surfaces.

Sanding attachments: The Little Friend

Small sanding attachments you can add to the jaws of your Dremel, your hand drill or to a pillar drill are really useful for very small, detailed work.  The attachments come in all different grades, making them idea for sanding small details on furniture or house renovations.  With these you can sand anything from glass to oak.

Drum Sanders: The Smooth Operator

Whether handheld or bench-mounted, drum sanders are circular tools that excel at smooth, controlled material removal. They're particularly useful for:

• Smoothing curved edges
• Refining shapes
• Working on small to medium-sized pieces
• Creating bevelled edges

While bench-mounted versions require more experience to use safely, handheld models are quite beginner-friendly.

A Word About Dust and Safety

No matter which type of sanding equipment becomes your favourite, there's one non-negotiable companion: dust extraction. Most modern sanders come with dust collection bags or ports for vacuum attachment, and believe me, you'll want to use them! Always wear a proper dust mask (not just a COVID-style face covering), eye protection, and ear defenders. Your future self will thank you for taking these precautions.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even the most experienced restorers occasionally encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Swirl marks? Your sander might be moving too fast, or you're pressing too hard. Let the tool do the work.
• Uneven surface? Work systematically across the piece, overlapping each pass slightly.
• Paper clogging quickly? You might be trying to remove too much material at once. Consider starting with a coarser grit (see our article on selecting sandpaper).
• Scratches in unexpected directions? Check your sandpaper isn't torn and is fitted correctly.

Remember, every piece of furniture or house detail you restore has its own character and challenges. Take your time getting to know your sanding equipment, and don't be afraid to switch between tools as needed. After all, restoration isn't just about the end result - it's about enjoying the journey of bringing beautiful pieces back to life.

Other Articles you may like:

Sandpaper Grades - A Simple Guide

The Rise of 'Rustic, 'Why Vintage Furniture has Made a Comeback'