Any given power sander is going to move the sandpaper in a particular way. A belt sander only moves the sandpaper in a linear direction and is best reserved for heavier-duty jobs where lots of material needs to be removed in the initial stages of sanding. A finishing sander is more about achieving the right smoothness of finish and typically moves the sandpaper in an orbital fashion, meaning it’s vibrating the paper in small circles or orbits and removes small amounts material from the workpiece. A random-orbital sander moves the sandpaper in a random-orbit pattern of constant irregular overlapping circles. The random sanding action ensures that there are no swirl marks can be used without worrying about the direction of the grain in the wood, as with linear sanders. Some handheld power sanders may be able to switch movement modes between orbital and random orbital patterns.

The 20 V PowerShare Sandeck 5-in-1 multi-sander
The innovative design of this multi-sander gives users 5 different sanding tools in one. Different plate attachments can be swapped out depending on the sanding task. There’s a plate for detail sanding (the triangular shape also known as a “mouse” or corner sander), a finishing sander plate (with orbital movement), a random orbit sanding plate, a contour sanding plate, and a finger sanding plate. The max mode technology transmission automatically detects which plate is attached and delivers the appropriate power and movement for that plate’s particular sanding function. Each plate is held in place with Hyperlock™ technology that delivers a full ton of clamping pressure to ensure all the friction is directed to the surface of the workpiece and away from the body of the tool. This Hyperlock™ clamping system allows for easy changes between sanding plates without the use of any tools, and the plates accept hook-and-loop sandpapers. There is also a speed selector dial to choose between five different speeds ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 movements per minute. This versatile tool weighs in at only 2 kg, has a full handle for better grip, a dust bag, and is part of the PowerShare lineup of tools that are powered with the same rechargeable battery.

When you’re working with a sander, having the sanding fall off can ruin your project. Hook and loop discs have a “fuzzy” fabric backing, which fastens to the tiny hooks on the sanding pad. Although hook and loop sanding discs have a strong grip, they can easily be removed and replaced many times. Simply pull the disc off, and then press it back onto the sanding pad when you’re ready to use it again. This is a great feature when you need to switch between different grits of sanding paper.

Igor is one with the woods around his workshop. He lives in a sort of symbiosis with the trees that he shapes into objects.

“The feeling of handling polished wooden objects is similar to that of exchanging caresses with a loved one. It’s like a welcoming, reassuring warmth. Sanding is the final touch of the lengthy transformation process, so I put particular care into this step. Be it an acacia bowl, an olive mortar or a beech spoon, a well sanded tool inspires trust and confidence. They are practical and beautiful at once.”