Ask the Expert
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Michael Van Pelt is the founder of American Sycamore Woodworker’s Retreat. He has a reputation as the tool guru. Mike has been in woodworking for over thirty years. His knowledge of tools comes from his many years of intertwining experience in the woodworking industry. Mike’s experiences include being active as an Industrial Arts Teacher, professional instructor of power machinery and tool techniques, tool sales, management and owner of woodworking tool retail store, Delta Machinery representative and technical advisory.
If you have a question for Michael, choose the Submit Question button to the right by November 30th. We will send you a reply with Mike's response in mid-December and then post it to this page for other members to view. You never know...someone else may have the same question
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Listed below are questions and answers that have already been submitted.
Questions
[ Back To Main ]
9/27/2009
Swirl Marks
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I have a Delta 5" orbital sander and two others. I have found that they all leave very small circles that you only see after the stain or finish is applied. I don't mind at all in doing a little touch-up sanding after using the orbital sander but this is not good. It has caused me to waste a lot of time re-surfacing table tops and panels. Is there a technique I am missing? If it is the sander can you advise which one I should buy that leaves a clean surface? |
| A. |
Swirl marks are usually caused by bits of aggregate separating from the sand paper and floating around under the pad. The loose aggregate has a tendency to work its way toward the center of the pad. The swirl mark effect can be minimized by frequently removing the loose particles from the pad and wood surface during the final sanding operation.
|
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4/14/2009
Sanding a Profile Edge
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
When sanding a profile edge (end grain) do you try to sand with the grain and if so, what is "with the grain"? Or do you just try to get it as smooth as possible? |
| A. |
When sanding end grain I believe it doesn’t make any difference which way you
sand. Be careful when sanding not to ruin your profile by over sanding. |
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3/26/2009
Sander Selection and Use
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
How would you determine which sander to choose to use. Random orbital or 1/4 sheet sander? |
| A. |
I have an arsenal of sanders here at the school. If I
had to pick the one I use the most it would be the 5” hook & loop paper with
dust collection random orbital units. It removes wood quickly, practically
scratch free, and is light and easy to use. I do us a ¼ sheet inside tight areas
and inside drawers.
|
[ Back To Main ]
3/26/2009
Drum Sander
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I have been looking at a drum sander & trying to figure out which would be the best for me I am a Custom Turkey Call builder so the sander would't have to be a Big one have been thinking about a 10" or 16" open end & have been told to stay away from the one with the sand paper base plate that they wear out to quick. Your Opinion? |
| A. |
Take a look at the Delta 31-260X drum sander. It would be a perfect machine for
your needs and would hold up well giving you years of good service. I have had
the Sand-flee type drum sander and found it had many short comings and did not
fit my needs. |
[ Back To Main ]
8/26/2008
Buy a Random Orbit Sander?
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I am getting ready to paint some kitchen cabinets and was wondering if I should spend the money to get a random orbit sander as I have 2 sheet sanders already. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated |
| A. |
Sound like a great reason to buy a new tool. I am confident that you will find
the random orbital sander does a much faster and better job that the straight
sheet sanders. Buy one with dust collection or one that can be hooked up to a
vac. |
[ Back To Main ]
8/26/2008
Spindle Sander
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
Do you need a spindle sander in your shop or can you get by with Drill Press? |
| A. |
Well, yes you can “get by.” However a spindle sander is much nicer that a drill
press when in comes to sanding. Longer paper life because of the oscillation of
the spindle sander is one advantage as well as quicker results. A drill press
is not really designed to be pushing against the bearings. |
[ Back To Main ]
6/24/2008
Profile Sander to Refinish
Answer provided by Mike Heavey
| Q. |
I want to use the profile sander to refinish furniture. I have tried using the sander to take off varnish. It produces lots of dust, but little of the finish is being removed. What should I do? Do you have a video to show the correct way to use the sander for refinishing purposes? |
| A. |
I am going to refer you to the guru of finishing. His name is Michael Dresdner. He has written several books on just that. The soft cover book that covers this is, " The New WOOD FINISHING Book" published by Taunton Books. Good luck. Mike |
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2/25/2008
Orbital Sander
Answer provided by Marc Adams
| Q. |
My last non-random palm sander recently bit the
dust. Thinking that I would just buy another I threw it away. Now I can not
find a manufacturer who makes a palm sander (5"Round") that does not
spin. The type of large free form work that I do does not lend itself to a
spinning pad. Do you know of anyone who still makes a straight 5" round
orbital sander? |
| A. |
No, But you might look at
Porter Cable variable speed 5” R.O.S, they are my favorite. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/18/2008
What grit sanding pads?
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
I
am looking to buy 7800 drywall dustless sander to sand new sheetrock. I am
looking for what grit you start with for the first coat, then the next coat and
what grit for the final sanding?
|
| A. |
I like to just
stay with 100 grit for everything. It works just fine and gives paint ready
surfaces. Do not oversand and break the paper. It is also very important to
keep the sander moving at all times and perfectly flat to the drywall being
sanded.
The dust collector is a necessary addition in my
book. Keep the filter bags up to efficiency by changing them when full. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/18/2008
Belt/Disc Sander - Change Belt
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
How
do I change the belt on a Delta l" Belt/5"Disc Sander? Model n*31-080C. |
A.
|
Look
at the manual. It shows the steps. Unplug the tool first. Remove the cover.
Press down on the front top spring loaded wheel and mount the new belt. Replace
the cover and lock it in place. You are back in business. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/14/2008
Edging Tops
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
When I make Tops, I like to edge them with 1/2" X 2" lumber.
I can attach the edging okay, but when the top needs to be finished, I sand the
edging on the top and times, I sand too far and damage the veneer on the
top. What is the best method of leveling
the edging to eliminate the veneer damage?
|
| A. |
I
recommend using a sanding block with 150 grit silicone carbide abrasive. Lay
the block flat on the disc of the top and sand the veneer edges smooth. This
should work just fine. The tick is to not bevel the edge while sanding. That is
why the sanding block helps to prevent exposing the edge by keeping the
abrasive at a 90 degree angle to the edging. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/14/2008
Sanders
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
I was wondering which type of sander gives the least cross-grain
scratches, the random orbit or the 1/4 sheet flat sander. My underrstanding is
that the random orbit is more of a "work horse" whereas the
oscillating is more of a finish sander. Is that correct?
|
| A. |
The ¼” sheet sander will give the least cross grain scratches as long
as you sand with the grain and work through the grits. Go 100, 150 then 220 for
best results.
Random Orbital sanders are workhorses but can cause pigtails. That is
why I start with Random Orbitals and finish with sheet sanders.
|
[ Back To Main ]
1/29/2008
Belt Sanding Marble
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
My new Port-Cable
362VS Belt Sander mentions using it on marble. Where can I get more information
on that? I have marble floors that could use a permanent shine.
|
| A. |
I do lots of stone
work. I love combining wood and stone in projects. Polishing marble is an
abrasive process. You start with 300 grit and work through grits that go finer
and finer. I usually stop at 1200 grit though will go much finer if needed. Always wear a face
shield, safety glasses with side shields, a NIOSH 95 dust mask, sand outside
and do not breathe the dust!
Once sanded use a
buffing wheel or pad with marble polish (grit and wax) to bring up the shine.
Add lots of time and elbow grease! This is going to take lots and lots of
time!!
|
[ Back To Main ]
8/6/2007
Sanders
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q: |
I need to know what is a good sander, not too heavy, to sand
trim on houses and will be durable.
|
| A: |
I would suggest you visit your local
Porter-Cable dealer and get the sanders in your hand. I would purchase the unit that felt most
comfortable and fit my hand. I have many
different models here at the school and I enjoy using the Porter-Cable 330. I like the square body for getting into
corners and the lack of vibration makes it a pleasure to use for expanded
lengths of time. I also use the model
7335 to cover large areas. Try a few
models out and buy the one that is best for you. |
[ Back To Main ]
6/29/2007
Random Orbit Sander
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I just purchased a Porter
Cable 5" random orbit sander. I think I'm handling the tool
incorrectly. I have had Porter Cable Palm sanders for years and they are
great. However my initial use of the 5" random orbital sander has
left me confused. Does the disc sand it's complete area or only on the
side. Removing paint from and old outdoor chair was not easy. I
used 60 grit 3X Norton discs and it appeared that the mid point on the disc was
not removing paint. The sides appeared to be removing more paint then the
center. Does the disc mainly rotate once the sander is in contact with
the wood. I see the disc turning when in contact with the wood but not at
any great speed. Additionally my finish is not very uniform, even
or as smooth as my palm sander. Please let me know if I am
doing something wrong. |
| A: |
I know that everything you
have mentioned is solved by continuiously moving the sanders in 8 inch circles
as you sand. I keep them flush to the surface unless I am trying to remove a
gouge. Then I use just the edge. It takes so getting use to but works very
well. |
[ Back To Main ]
6/26/2007
Woodworking Question
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
Currently I sand the edges to get the edges
rounded. Do you have better tool for this application? |
| A: |
If I was trying to look for easier and faster
ways to complete the projects then I would use the Delta edge sander with dust
collection. Use 80 grit and mount the largest accessory sanding drum they make
on the top of the main drum. I also would be using ambient air cleaners to help
with dust control. |
[ Back To Main ]
6/26/2007
Stop Swirl Marks
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
How do I stop the swirl marks from my
viboratoring sander I go down to 220 and I still c marks |
| A: |
Danni swap out the head with a ½ “ thick foam
back Velcro disc. The foam is easier on the surface of the wood than the more
durable stock backer. I recommend silicone carbide over aluminum oxide. It just
gives better-finished surfaces. |
[ Back To Main ]
6/5/2007
Abrasive Resin Cloth Belts
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I have a problem with my supply of abrasive resin cloth belts,for my 3X21 inch belt sander. The sanding are approximately five years old. When I use them the belts separate almost instantly,where they are bonded or taped.Is there any way to repair them my self?Also is there a proper way to store the belts so this does not happen again? Thank you! |
| A: |
My guess is that the belts were old when you bought them. In fact, I bet they are taped straight across. They are not repairable. So moving on always buy belts that are reversible. These are taped on the diagonal so they last. I like to store all my abrasives in clear plastic bags out of heat and sunlight. The bonding agents and tapes degrade if subjected to extreme temperature and moisture conditions. I have always liked the purple A/O Porter Cable Belts the best. |
