Air compressors are one of the most valuable devices in our modern world. They are often used to power air tools that are used for construction, woodworking, and repairs. One such tool is the air sander.
If you are wondering what an air sander is and what you can use your air sander for, we have everything you need to know. You may need an industrial-scale sander or a simple tool to use on occasion for DIY activities. Whatever the case is, we have also included a few options for you to choose from for your Ingersoll Rand air compressor if you are hoping to purchase an air sander.
On a Rush? Our Top Air Sanders
What Are Air Sanders?
An air sander is an instrument that utilizes compressed air to smooth a surface or object. Air sanders come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from arbitrary orbital sanders to palm-type gadgets for fine precision work that can help you get to hard-to-reach spots.
Large or long air sanders perform well for big, flat surfaces and provide smooth, flat, swirl-free finishes. A small square air sander, which uses a tiny sheet of sandpaper, is the most typically used variety. Sanders also uses a variety of different sandpapers to get different finishes. The higher the grit number of the grit paper, the more abrasive the sandpaper is and the smoother the finish you get.
Many tradesmen use Ingersoll Rand compressors and sanders. Ingersoll Rand has a wide range of air compressors that range from small to industrial scale.
Why a Pneumatic Sander Is Better Than an Electric Sander
An air sander has the benefit of not overheating when compared to an electric sander. Over time, the electric sander will become quite hot, demanding that you give it a break to cool down. This can reduce productivity considerably. Even when they are used for long periods, as many sanding operations require, air sanders remain cool.
Additionally, the expelling air from the sander will help clear the work area residue, which is an added bonus when using an air sander.
Air Compressors Play a Huge Role in the Efficiency of Air Sanders
The air compressor is among the most essential parts of any air-powered tool, and the sander is no different. If you wish to have a significant amount of air on reserve, the compressor you choose ought to have a big tank. However, if you need a portable air compressor, a tankless compressor would be the best option for you.
Additionally, the motor of the compressor must also be powerful enough to meet the air tool’s demands. This is necessary to guarantee that your sander does not run out of air when you need it the most. If you are looking for an air compressor for your garage for occasional use, you probably don’t need a high-performance compressor.
Additionally, when choosing a compressor, we recommend opting for a quiet air compressor, as compressors can be incredibly noisy, causing distraction and disturbance.
As mentioned before, Ingersoll Rand offers a great range of air compressors to help power your sander. The company also has a great range of quality sanders, with great deals on their products.
What Does DA Stand for in Orbital Sanders?
You may have noticed the acronym “DA” when looking for sanders online, but what does this acronym mean? DA stands for dual action. Many sanders, such as the orbital sander, are considered dual-action sanders because they sand surfaces and buff them too.
These sanders have a head that rotates or orbits in an oval shape, while the sander sands the surface. The result is a surface that is smooth and buffed.
Air Sander Applications
You may be wondering what some of the most common uses for air sanders are. Two of the most common applications include metal sanding and the smoothing of wooden surfaces. In the section below, we discuss these applications in greater detail.
Air Sanders Are Used for Wood
Sanders can be used for a wide range of projects and on a wide range of materials. Because they provide smooth finishes, these tools are commonly used in woodworking. Whether you are involved in decorative woodwork or industrial woodwork, you will need a reliable air sander to help smooth out surfaces for a refined finished product.
Sanding surfaces in woodwork isn’t just important for getting a great finished product, either. If surfaces have not been smoothed out, they could end up hurting someone.
Metal Sanding
Wood isn’t the only material that needs sanding. An air sander is also an important tool for maintaining the integrity of metals. Over time, moisture that is naturally found in the air can cause the metal to rust.
When this happens, you can use a sander to remove these rusted surfaces to make the metal shiny and new again. Sanders often come with different pads and sandpapers, allowing you to get the finish you want.
The Best High-quality Air Sanders for Woodwork and Metal Sanding
If you intend to purchase a sander for use on wood or metal, you may be wondering where to start when looking for the perfect one. Because these air sanders are typically used for sanding metal and wood, you can purchase any one of the sanders on this list for any one of these applications.
To help you make the best choice, we have compiled a list of three of our favorite wood sanders that offer excellent quality and value for money.
1. Ingersoll Rand 4151 Six Inch Random Orbit Pneumatic Sander
If you are looking for an orbital sander that is powerful, with a 12,000-rpm motor, and lightweight, then this sander from Ingersoll Rand is a great option. If you don’t like the feeling of numbness caused by the vibrations given off by power tools like sanders, you’ll love this model from Ingersoll Rand because it has been designed to reduce the amount of vibration emitted.
When in use, this orbital sander extracts dust particles around the pad to provide swirl-free finishes and no-fuss sanding. Because Ingersoll Rand sells its products on Amazon, you can order this item, even if you are in a different country. This sander has also received several great customer reviews on Amazon.
2. 5-inch Random Air Orbital Sander by Upwood
Like the Ingersoll Rand sander, this high-quality air tool from Upwood also provides motor speeds of up to 12,000 rpm. It comes with 10 different sandpaper options and a replaceable pad. One of the greatest advantages this air sander offers is its durability. You can use the sander for eight hours a day without needing to stop to let the tool cool down.
It also comes with several great accessories, including a standard hook and loop backing pad, as well as several sandpaper and pad options, as mentioned before. This orbital sander also comes with a quick connector and Teflon tape for added convenience, and it is great to use on car surfaces for sanding body filler.
3. ZFE Mini Random Orbital Sander
Another great choice, especially for precision work, is the ZFE mini orbital sander. You can use this sander to get to hard-to-reach spots. It has also received several positive customer reviews on Amazon and comes with a wide range of accessories that allow you to sand surfaces and polish them.
This sander also offers impressive performance, thanks to its motor that operates at 15,000 RPM. It also comes with a range of pad choices, so you are sure to have a suitable option for your application. Additionally, the competitive price lets you enjoy savings while still receiving a high-quality product.
4. Dewalt Palm Sander
The palm sander from Dewalt is another great choice for those searching for a high-quality, heavy-duty sander for sanding wood, body filler, furniture, and metal surfaces. It has a 1/4-inch air inlet and a comfortable grip designed not to hurt your hands as you use it.
This device also has a touch grip control for added convenience and a composite body design, making it the ultimate power tool to add to your collection. If you are from a different country, you can find this sanding tool on Amazon. Simply create an account and add it to your cart.
5. Porter-Cable Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad
If you are looking for a dual-action sander, this option from Porter-Cable is an excellent option. While it does not reach speeds as high as the other sanders on this list, it is still great value for money. Additionally, it comes with a polishing pad that supports users who are right-handed and users who are left-handed, thanks to a removable side handle that can be repositioned for extra comfort during use.
Final Thoughts
An air sander is a valuable tool that can be used for a range of applications, and it forms an essential part of the toolset of many tradesmen. With the best air compressor, this air tool can provide you with years of faithful service. Our number one choice is the air sander from Ingersoll Rand. We recommend checking out Ingersoll Rand’s range of air compressors and air tools.
