Keep in mind that though it is a power tool, a palm sander still requires manual movement and frequent paper switching. Use one for small- or medium-sized projects, such as resurfacing furniture or removing paint from plywood. Learning how to use a palm sander is not difficult. You’ll first need to pick the correct type of sandpaper for the job. Then, clamp it to the sander, secure the material to your work surface, and start sanding. Depending on the size of your material, the entire process can take as little as an hour and yield results much faster than a manual sanding job. Ready to get started? Follow our guide on how to use a palm sander.
Step 1: Pick Your Paper
Decide which sandpaper is best for the job at hand. Typically, you start with coarse grit and work your way up to finer papers. You’ll need to examine the state of the wood to decide what grit is best. If the material is very rough, start with a coarse (40-60 grit) paper, then work up to a medium (80-120 grit) and eventually a fine (150-180 grit) paper. On the other hand, if your material is already in decent shape and you’re trying to get an extra-smooth finish, begin with a fine paper, (150-180 grit) and work up to a very fine (220-240 grit) or extra fine (280-320 grit) paper. Check out more of our maintenance and repair guides.
Step 2: Measure and Attach Paper
Once you’ve decided on a grit, measure and cut the sandpaper to size. Insert the sandpaper by opening the sander’s clamp lock, placing the paper, and tightening the clamp lock. Repeat on both sides to fully secure the sandpaper.
Step 3: Secure Material
Secure the material you’re sanding to the work surface with clamps. Then turn on the sander and bring it up to full speed. Editor’s Tip: Now is a good time to put on safety goggles and a mask. These tools will protect you from sawdust.
Step 4: Start to Sand
Place the sander on the surface and move it in long, even strokes. Make sure you’re moving only back and forth in the direction of the wood grain. Going against the grain knicks the material, creates splinters, and ultimately defeats the point of sanding.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Turn the sander off and switch sandpaper to one of a finer grit, as needed. Continue sanding and switching paper until the project is finished. Wipe the wood clean of any sawdust with a tack cloth.
