Best Brad Nailer Reviews 2017 – Electric, Cordless, 18 Gauge
Whether you are skilled at woodwork or do-it-yourself home projects, or if you are just beginning to do work in these areas, you might want to know a little bit about the best electric, cordless, 18 gauge brad nailers.
This article will give you a little background information about brad nailers, including when to use one instead of a finish nailer, help you decide which one might be best for you with the top 2017 brad nailer reviews, and then spend some time explaining how to use a brad nailer in case you haven't had the chance to use one before.
Best Brad Nailer Reviews – Electric, Cordless, 18 Gauge
What Is A Brad Nailer?
Brad nailers can sometimes be confused with finish nailers, and since the two often look somewhat alike and use almost the same nails, it can definitely be confusing to those who aren't familiar with both!
However, it is important to remember that a brad nailer is a bit smaller than a finish nailer (not by much, but noticeable), and are used for projects that don't need as much holding power because the "nails" in a brad nailer aren't actually nails at all.
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When you are choosing between a brad nailer and a finish nailer, it is important to consider the job that you are going to be doing. If you are planning on donig a project such as paneling or using drywall, you'll want to choose a finish nailer.
If you are only doing something small, such as attaching a very lightweight trim, a brad nailer would be the better choice, as a brad nailer isn't as likely to be as visible as a finish nailer would be.
A brad nailer is ideal for more delicate projects, such as trim or decorative work, and when attaching smaller pieces to wood. There are also different kind of brads to choose for specific projects, which we will talk about in the next section.
How To Choose The Right Brad Nails
Nail Size And Length
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Brad nails come in different sizes for different kinds of projects, including smaller nails for more delicate work, and larger ones for attaching trim and other pieces to woodwork.
For an 18 gauge brad nailer, the nail sizes range from 5/8 inch long to 1-1/2 inches long, and tend to be longer and skinnier than brads from other nailers, such as the fifteen gauge.
This makes it a lot easier to get to those delicate areas or the areas that need a bit of a longer nail to be held in place, like lightweight trim on woodwork or around your home.
Types Of Brad Nailers
Now that we've talked about the size and length of the nails that can be used in a brad nailer, let's talk about the different types of brad nailers themselves. Some brad nailers are cordless, and some are electric - the choice is really up to you, but cordless versions allow you to move around more with them and get more work done without having to worry about finding an outlet.
Brad nailers are also available in different sizes, such as 15 gauge and 18 gauge. The 18 gauge is more versatile and easy to use, and there are plenty of more ways to use this model, so it tends to be the most popular along carpenters and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.
Brad Nailers Materials
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If you are looking for a good quality brad nailer, you're going to want to look into one that is made from durable materials. You will end up paying a bit more for a quality brad nailer that is made from durable materials and that has specific additions that allow you to run the motor longer without it becoming an issue and damaging your tool.
For example, you want to choose a brad nailer that has an adjustable exhaust, so that the debris from the nailer is pushed away instead of entering the tool, causing malfunction. It is also important to find a nailer that has a good gripping surface and that can withstand a drop or a bump if you plan on working with it for a long time.
Safety
Brad nailers are already a relatively safe tool, but of course, there are ways you can keep yourself even safer during use. For one, make sure you wear safety goggles no matter what tool you are working with. While a brad nailer doesn't use as much compressed air as other equipment, it shouldn't be as loud, but still make sure to wear hearing protection if needed.
Many of the newer models of brad nailers have safety precautions built right in, such as a trigger guard that makes sure that the nailer does not keep firing nails if the trigger gets stuck.
Best Brad Nailer Reviews On The Market For 2017
No. | Name Product | Image | |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA 20V MAX Lithium 18GA |  | |
2 | DEWALT DC608K 18-Volt 18-Gauge |  | |
3 | WEN 61720 3/4-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer |  | |
4 | Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch |  | |
5 | BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Smart Point 18GA |  |
1. PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA 20V MAX Lithium 18GA - Best For Cordless
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The Porter-Cable PCC790LA 20V MAX Lithium 18GA is a great cordless brad nailer that offers plenty of power. The versatile 18 gauge nailer is perfect for doing a lot of lighter working. The fact that the unit is powered by a battery means that you won't need to use an air compressor when working.
The unit includes a battery charger, and the unit boasts the ability to fire over one thousand nails per charge. The tool free stall release lever and the tool free jam release are not just convenient for you, but they are also great safety measures that will help you while working.
The depth adjustment window and tool free depth adjustment wheel allow you to choose how deep your nails go. The unit can accommodate nails ranging from 5/8 inch - 2 inches, and has a magazine capacity of 100 nails.
This unit has been known to have a manufacturing defect that makes the brad nailer turn on with the lights blinking, but the nails do not shoot out of the unit. This seems to have been fixed in newer units.
Pros
Cons
2. DEWALT DC608K 18-Volt 18-Gauge - Best For Woodworking
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The Dewalt DC608K 18-Volt 18-Gauge brad nailer is a great choice if you are planning on doing a lot of woodworking with the unit, such as installing trim, cabinetry, and detailing.
The unit is designed for easy penetration into both soft and harder woods, allowing you to work with a variety of materials. The straight magazine allows you to use varying nail sizes from 5/8-inch to 2-inch. This unit features a sequential operating mode for precision placement and bump operating mode for ease of speed.
The nosepiece allows you to remove brads and nails without having to use additional tools. The Contact trip off feature allows you to lock the trigger w hen the unit is not in use in order to prevent dry or misfires that can become a safety hazard.
The unit has been reported to jam a lot more than some other units, and in older models it could cause the motor to burn up faster.
Pros
Cons
3. WEN 61720 3/4-Inch To 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer - Cheap Brad Nailer
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If you aren't up to spending a large amount of money on a brad nailer, the WEN 61720 3/4 inch to 2 inch 18 gauge brad nailer is a great way to pick up one of these tools. The magazine on this unit holds up to 100 brads, and can use brads in sizes from 3/4 inch to 2 inches in length. The unit operates at 60-100 PSI on your air compressor.
The adjustable exhaust port is perfect for controlling the exhaust, and can move 360 degrees. The quick release magazine easily clears jams. The cast-aluminum construction makes the unit lightweight and easy to use.
A depth adjustment wheel is handy for changing just how deep you want the nails to go when you are working with the tool. A rubber grip handle gives you an easy way to hold onto the tool while working with it.
The safety on this brad nailer has been known to stick, causing dangerous situations if care is not taken to remedy the problem.
Pros
Cons
4. Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8-Inch To 2-Inch - Best For 18 Gauge
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A very reputable name brand, the Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8 inch to 2 inch brad nailer requires an air compressor, but delivers plenty of power for what you get! You have two modes available to you - a mode for constant shooting and a mode for one time firing, and the modes are easy to switch between.
The unit weights only 2.2 pounds, making it incredibly lightweight, and it also features an easy gripping surface to prevent the tool from slipping from your hands during working. The easy clearing nose of the unit allows you to clear jams and remove nails without needing additional tools to do the job.
The unit also feels a depth of drive wheel to give you the option to choose how deep you want your nails to be driven into a surface. The 100 nail capacity magazine can readily fire nails from 5/8 inch - 2 inches in size.
This unit has the tendency to jam often due to the nails slipping outside of the spring loaded plate. While the jam can be cleared easily, it can get somewhat annoying to have to clear them in the middle of a project.
Pros
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5. BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Smart Point 18GA - Best For The Money
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The BOSTITCH BTFP12233 Smart Point 18GA brad nailer is an incredibly accurate nailer from a trusted company that will help you with your lighter wood or paneling projects. The unit is very versatile when it comes to brad nail sizes, as it accepts nails from 5/8 inch - 2 1/8 inches.
The nailer uses smart point technology which allows you to accurately place your brad nails. The tool free jam release allows you to clear jams in the unit without having to pick up other tools. Dial a Depth Control is a special part of this tool, as it allows you to choose the depth at which you want your nails to fire, making your project easier to complete.
A selectable trigger gives you the choice between selective and constant operation, and the adjustable belt loop will have you keeping your unit in place.
The unit can jam often, and while this might be annoying, the tool free jam release will give you the chance to clear the jams without a secondary tool.
Pros
Cons
How To Use A Brad Nailer
When you first purchase your brad nailer, you may wonder how to use it.
The first thing you need to do after purchasing your brad nailer, especially if it is a model that requires an air compressor, is to make sure you have the right size hose adapter so that it fits with your compressor. If you are using a battery charged unit, then you should charge the battery prior to use. |
Once you have this step taken care of, the next is to choose a nail size for the project you are working on. Say, for example, that you are using them to install a decorative piece on a wooden cabinet or other fixture. Choose a smaller brad nail so that they are not visible and do not go through the other side of your wood. If you are planning on only using one nail at a time, you will want to use your adjustable trigger to select sequential mode. If you want to use a continuous shooting method, then switching to "bump" mode may be the way to go. |
Next, aim your device, and deploy the trigger. This will shoot the nail where you want it to go. If you need to repeat this step, continue to do so until your project is completed. |
When you finished, you can remove the magazine and add more nails if you plan on using it again, or you can disconnect the unit from the battery or the air compressor and store it safely. |
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If your unit jams, some of them have a tool free jam release, which allows you to eject the magazine and clear the jam without using another tool to get the nail out.
Some models have other features, such as trigger locks, that you can use when you aren't planning on using the unit for a while. This can prevent misfires and other potentially dangerous situations. It is important to use any safety features that you might have available to you with your brad nailer so that you can be sure that you and those around you have a reduced risk of injury.
If you run into an issue with your brad nailer, many companies offer warranties with the purchase of a new brad nailer, and you can contact them if you need a replacement, refund, or parts for your brad nailer. Higher end companies also offer servicing so that you don't need to worry about repairing the nailer yourself.
Conclusion
Choosing a brad nailer can feel a bit overwhelming, especially since there are so many different brands and models on the market. A general rule to keep in mind is to purchase the best nailer that you can afford.
Once you have a good understanding of how to use a brad nailer (and after a bit of practice), you'll be ready to go to complete a variety of projects that require a smaller, more precise nail than a traditional finish nailer.
It is important to keep in mind that these types of tools are not ideal for drywall or heavier construction projects like a finish nailer, but they are designed for framing, trim, and lighter woodwork.
Best Finish Nailer Reviews 2017 – Cordless And Porter Cable For Home
If you are a do it yourself kind of person, you may have projects that will require you to tackle them with a finish nailer. These kinds of projects might include outdoor projects on your deck or patio, adding to the exterior of your home, or putting up lights near a hot tub.
You might choose a finish nailer for indoor projects, including decorative purposes, trim, or ceiling tiles that you might want to change or replace. These purposes are a lot more common than you would expect, so having a great quality finish nailer in your possession can really make these home projects a lot easier and more impressive!
Best Oscillating Tool Buying Guide
If you are just introduced to an oscillating tool, you probably do not know the must haves of the tool you should be buying. In every situation, there is a suited tool that would benefit you and even make your job comfortable to handle. Now, choosing the right tool for you will be time-consuming if you do not have a proper guide to follow. Hence, I will introduce you to the best oscillating tool buying guide.
In buying an oscillating tool, one must consider primarily the nature of the job you will use it to before jumping to the guide to buying what is suited for you.
If you are just going to use the oscillating tool occasionally, no need to dig deeper. Occasional uses of an oscillating tool do not require one to carefully consider the important aspects of buying the best oscillating tool. All you need to look out for is the following:
- It must be useful or at least effective
- It must be less pricey or whatever suits your taste
Regardless of the kind of oscillating tool you have, occasionally, you do not get to appreciate what is within. You will not know why you can’t live without the best oscillating tool ever. But if you are a DIYer, a craftsman, or works with jobs that necessarily pairs you up with an oscillating tool, you will be dying to know what requires an oscillating tool to be the best of all. So, here are the aforementioned must-haves of our best oscillating tool:
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CORDED is better than CORDLESS
The convenience of a cordless oscillating tool is always a good thing. But the importance of a corded one prevails. In all tools, the disadvantage of buying a cordless one is the length of the battery life as compared to the corded tools. If your job is not a heavy one, maybe, a cordless oscillating tool will be more suited to you. But a constant draw job will require you more than two batteries or more before you can finish a job. A corded model is always preferred if you are going to use it long term. Even with the convenience, a cordless model can give, the corded model lasts longer. They may also have a difference in effectiveness since the lower the power of a battery gets, the less efficient the cordless model will become.
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MORE POWER DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE BEST
Oscillating tools with less power bog down when cutting or sanding, but so do the high power ones. The effort you will exert in pressing down the lower-amp models will give you the same result as that of the higher amps. The power of our oscillating tool does no major difference in the result of a work, so do not over focus on this one.
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OSCILLATING ANGLE MATTERS
An oscillating angle is a distance of how far the accessory travels from side to side. A wide angled oscillating tool can be aggressive whereby allowing you to save some time and wrap up early because it offers you speed beyond compare. On the other hand, a narrow angled model will have more precision and control making it smoother for you to work on your job. Depending on what is convenient, consider the oscillating angle of your tool.
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COST for your CONVENIENCE
Regardless of the price of an oscillating tool, there is no gap between how they bring about results. The only factor you will decide on by looking at the amount is on how comfortable you will feel while working with your tool. Also, although not yet proven, we can assume that a high priced oscillating tool will last longer than the cheaper ones. It will, of course, be made with higher quality parts as compared to the cheaper ones.
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NOISE and VIBRATION
The noise and vibration of an oscillating tool do not define how well it works. It simply indicates how expensive your tool is. The cheaper your oscillating tool is, the more vibration and noise it creates. No further effect as for your work done.
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CONTENTS OF THE KIT
Since tools are often sold as a set, you might want to know if you are getting quality products for the sum of a whole. Your tool set might contain different price variations. As for your blades, you will need a quality one since blades are very pricey. If you don’t check well enough, you might get accessories that are not fair for what you paid.
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WEIGHT is just a NUMBER
The weight of an oscillating tool also does not describe how powerful and precise it gets when doing a certain job. One must consider his own discretion and comfort when it comes to the weight of the oscillating tool. The best oscillating tool doesn’t come in shapes. It comes with what is perfectly suited for you. The weight you can handle is always what is best to buy.
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OTHER FEATURES
There will be other features that may be present from one tool to another. The important guide in buying the best oscillating tool is already cited above. Although it is not a key factor, other features that may be useful should also be taken into account. If you can buy a tool with an additional feature for the same price or an extra additional, why not put it to the test? Some oscillating tool comes with led lights; other comes with a unique roller that controls the depth of a cut. Whatever may be useful to the work you are dealing with, features are there to choose from.
Final Verdict
Oscillating tools are very useful, and one of the noted most used multi-tool of all times. It is best to know how you are supposed to buy in accordance to what your situation calls for. Being a craftsman is made easy through the help of the oscillating tool, so this is the guide to the best oscillating tool. Hope it will help you in finding the right match for you.
Tips to Choose the Safety Shoes to Work Effectively with Power Tools
When working with power equipment, safety shoes are just as important as the rest of your gear. Without a pair of comfortable, safe shoes, the chances of injuring your feet get heightened. These types of shoes also give rise to foot ailments like calluses, corns, bunions, hammertoes, etc. So what are the tips to choose the safety shoes to prevent such conditions and protect the feet from accidents?
We’ve listed all the important factors that you need to take into consideration when buying safety footwear. These are the features that go a long way in safeguarding your feet from potential injuries that are a part of your work environment.
Tips to Choose the Safety Shoes
Safety shoes have become a favorite category over the past few years. Many shoe brands are manufacturing all types of safety footwear. These are work boots that offer complete protection against sharp, heavy objects. They are responsible for keeping your feet comfortable during long hours of work.
So what are the tips to choose the safety shoes? There are a few factors that you should take into account before buying safety footwear. It’s important that these shoes meet all the required safety standards. Only then will they be able to offer that kind of foot protection in dangerous work environments.
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Safety features
Handling power tools present its list of work hazards. And if you want to protect your feet from such risks, then it’s not only important but also necessary to look for safety components. These include metatarsal guards, puncture resistant outsoles, and safety composite or steel toe caps.
Also, the construction of the shoes is also another important factor. High-quality materials go a long way in protecting the feet against sharp metal, electrical hazards, chemicals, and heavy objects.
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Work specific footwear
When you decide to buy work boots, please make it a point to purchase shoes specifically designed for your job. You need to buy protective footwear built to withstand rough use and harsh conditions. These types of shoes not only provide protection but also offer the perfect fit to keep your feet comfortable all day long.
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Unique outsoles
This is one of the best tips to choose the safety shoes. The thing about such footwear is that it comes with unique outsoles. These are the slip and puncture resistant. And they also provide complete protection from electrical shocks and heat.
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Leather Uppers
The uppers of work boots are usually constructed with leather material. And this is often accompanied by a lining with excellent moisture wicking properties. Such a feature is useful for keeping the feet dry while also preventing the formation of corns and blisters.
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Stability
When it comes to finding out the most valuable tips to choose the safety shoes, this is it. Stability in protective footwear comes in the form of flat soles. These are paired with a broad base to offer the much-needed stability even on rough surfaces.
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Complete foot coverage
Safety boots tend to cover the length of your entire foot with a puncture resistant material. You should also know that if you opt for high-top work boots, then it’s important to test the laces. A good lace closure does an excellent job at securing your heel in a firm yet comfortable manner.
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Wide enough toe box
Moving your toes inside the toe box not only feels comfortable but also offers tons of flexibility. And if you wear a pair of shoes that don’t allow this to happen, then you’re in for some trouble. You should be able to wiggle the toes without feeling any pressure.
The best way to go about this is to try on the safety boots at night. This is when our feet tend to expand. So you can buy a pair of properly fitting shoes.
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Maximum foot support
What are the most useful tips to choose the safety shoes? Buying footwear that comes with a stable heel. This particular characteristic provides the much-needed ankle stability. And when paired with a snug fit, it offers maximum support as well.
Along with ankle stability, arch support is also essential. And there’s nothing better to provide that than puncture resistant outsoles and a wedge bottom design.
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Shock absorption
When buying protective footwear, it’s important to know that it comes with shock-absorbent insoles. The footbed of these types of shoes has abundant cushioning. This particular feature makes walking and standing on hard surfaces easier, even if it’s for longer hours.
More often than not, such insoles are removable. So it’s easy to clean them as well as replace them once they wear out. You should know that shock absorption is responsible for protecting your feet in the most efficient manner.
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Comfort
Lastly, let’s discuss the comfort factor of safety shoes. If the pair of shoes that you select has all the characteristics mentioned above, then you know that they’re comfortable.
But the only thing that can ruin the whole experience is a long and difficult break-in period. So please make sure that the shoes are not extremely uncomfortable when you’re trying them on.
Youtube Video: The 3 best ways to choose the most reliable safety shoes:
Conclusion
Protective footwear is not an option for workers. And that’s because they work in all kinds of dangerous environments. So the chances of heavy objects falling or sharp metal penetrating are pretty high. Then there’s also the possibility of electrical shocks, chemical spilling, or working in extreme heat or cold.
Working in these types of conditions can take a toll on your feet. And wearing the wrong footwear might just aggravate the problem at hand. That is why you need safety shoes.
They do an excellent job of protecting your feet from injuries and avoiding the formation of foot ailments. Safety work boots make it possible for you to stand or walk for longer hours even on hard, unsteady, or rough surfaces.
So did you go through the entire article thoroughly? It’s important that you do if you want to pick the right pair of safety shoes for your precious feet.
Did you find the content useful and informative? Is there anything that we’ve failed to discuss in the article? Please let us know in the comments section below.
About the author:
Lamont Ly has written about all kinds of foot problems on his blog FootCareGuru He has also spent several years studying and discussing the many natural solutions for foot disorders and ailments. Relying only on medicines is something that Lamont Ly himself didn’t agree with even when he was affected by a severe foot condition. And that is exactly what he is here to share.
Sources:
- http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/how-to/footwear/Pages/10-Points-for-Purchasing-Protective-Footwear.aspx
- https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2007/10/Selecting-Proper-Safety-Footwear.aspx
Understanding the Belt Sander
A belt sander has been proven to be a useful tool in shaping, polishing, and applying final touches on woodwork and other materials.
According to an article from Chicago Tribune, it is the perfect tool companion for people who work on construction sites, woodworkers, or simply for homeowners who have a strong passion for woodworks.
Aside from that, it is also one of the handiest tools a homeowner can have at home.
As you go along, you will understand the belt sander and its many uses in helping you make your job easier and fun.
Different Uses of a Belt Sander
Unknown to all is the different types of belt sander there are for various purposes. To properly use the tool, you must first know the task at hand and the best type of belt sander for a particular job. Know that choosing a wrong type of belt sander for a certain job can result in difficulty and inefficiency of the tool.
It is also important to consider comfort in using the tool. According to Fine Home Building, there is no perfect combination of a perfect belt sander. You can improvise different parts for different purposes but always keep in mind that comfort in using should always come first.
Belt sander has many uses, but its primary job is to polish and shape wood and other materials such as metals in a powerful and easy way. Listed below are some of the uses of a belt sander;
- Flattening – it can flatten sturdy wood by softening the surface or removing extra wood or other materials to make the area flat.
- Scribing – this is easier and most commonly done using a small, hand-held belt sander. Scribing or marking the wood for a later gauge for cutting.
- Trimming or cutting – belt sander can also be used to trim those extra woodworks or to attain a certain size.
- Rounding or Shaping – it can be utilized for turning a simple wood into a work of art. Shaping it to different shapes and sizes.
- Polishing – to make the wood or metal achieve a smooth surface, this is also the finishing touches of every material for a smooth finish.
- Sharpening of tools – you can use belt sanders to sharpen your tools or revive those dull metals you once have.
Different Types and Parts of Belt Sander
A belt sander is classified into two categories, the hand-held or the portable, and the fixed/stationary or also called the bench top, since the stationary belt sanders are often attached to a bench.
Belt sander has two major parts that are essential to its purpose, the sandpaper, and the belt. For handheld belt sander, it has the handle, motor, belt, and the sand paper. For the bench top, it has more complicated parts such as the work support, tracking knob, belt tension lever, bevel gauge, and sanding discs.
One of the most important parts of a belt sander is the sandpaper that is attached to the belt. The 2 most common types are the zirconia and the aluminum oxide.
According to the Family Handyman Site, the zirconia is the most preferred type of aluminum oxide among users because of its strong and aggressive nature that is suitable for coursing and shaping.
Although aluminum oxide is also a good choice, the use of belt sander is mainly for polishing and finishing. Moreover, it is cheaper than zirconia.
The belt is another important part that comes in different sizes, power, and functions. You can either choose between 80 – 120 – grit for a powerful finer sanding. In size, there are 3-inches wide belts. There are also some machines with wide and narrow belts for different purposes and for bigger wood materials. Choices can vary from 3×18, 3×21 to a larger 3×24 – inch belt size.
Another important part of a belt sander is the dust bag. Although not all have this, it is important to look for a belt sander with an attached dust bag inside. Not only would it make your job easier in cleaning the aftermath of sanding, but it will also prevent dust everywhere. This prevents the possibility of inhaling it or getting it into your eyes.
How to Maintain Your Belt Sander?
Belt sanders are easy to maintain. Just clean the belt after every use by a belt cleaning stick. This will remove wood that has build-up during sanding. If you’re using a belt sander with dust bag, don’t forget to regularly check your dust bag, see if there’s any clogging or better yet, buy a spare.
Because of all the important things you can use it for, it is important to care for your belt sander at home.
Wrap Up
A belt sander is just one of the powerful tools you can keep at home. This device can help you with a lot of your daily tasks and hobbies, more than you can imagine.
Remember to keep in mind that to use the tool effectively, you have to fully understand it so you can use it to its full potential and always remember to keep safety as your number 1 priority.
If you’re planning to purchase or check out some belt sanders that is available in the market, you might want to check a buying guide review to find out which brand of belt sander to buy.
Author Bio: Anthony is a Home Improvement DIYer, who is interested in different projects of Home Improvement. He blogs at Equipment Area, where he shares tips, guides and reviews of different tools around the house.