Edge sanding with ETS150

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      For sanding edges I clamp  (or otherwise hold) the piece flat on a bench. Holding the ETS150 in one hand, with my other hand on top of the work piece, standing so that you will draw the sander towards you. This allows sanding with the pad vertically against the edge so that you are looking down on the edge of the sanding pad as the sander is moved along the edge. In this position it is easy to see that the pad is flat on the edge. And the large size of the ETS150 makes it easy to see any tilt that you may be introducing. The vertical position also helps prevent pressing too hard and flexing the pad (even though it should be the hard pad) around the edge.

Standing to the side allows drawing the sander towards you and the offhand  on the surface helps keep everything smooth, steady and controlled motion.

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Hard to get the camera in the exact spot, but the sight line is directly down on the edge of the work piece and the sanding pad.

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[Scott B.]

Good tip, Seth. I do the same. I also do microbevels on wood countertops, etc. I pull the extractor hose right off for better control since the dust extraction is pretty ineffective with the sander being so much bigger than the surface. Thanks for sharing.

 

[fp1337]

3/4 inch edges are very difficult to sand flat with a random orbital sander.... I find that the Festool linear sander is a better option for me. But most of the time I just do it by hand....

 

[Stephen B]

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Seth I tried this technique yesterday with 19mm Mountain Ash, using  a ETS150/3 with great success.

Thank you. [smile]

 

[semenza]

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Seth I tried this technique yesterday with 19mm Mountain Ash, using  a ETS150/3 with great success.

Thank you. [smile]

That's great!

Surprisingly smooth and steady with the right body position, yes?

Seth

 

[Stephen B]

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Two projects on the go today, one a shall cabinet in hoop pine which I had started two weeks ago, the other some framework for an island bench. Both required edge sanding, so I recorded some of the action.

The framework is Mountain Ash, with first coat of Varnish Stain being sanded back. The hoop Pune was being sanded prior to domino and glue up. In both cases the sanding disc was 240 grit Garnet.

Prior to reading Seth's Post I had usually held the sander between my stomach and the edge piece. However this method does not provide as good a line of sight of the edge and disc and it is more difficult to smoothly move your body if required.

Although I attempted an overhead shot, it was very difficult to hold both an IPad and operate the sander at the same time.



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[fp1337]

Well they do stationary sanders for that.

 

[Stephen B]

Well they do stationary sanders for that.

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Yes they do, but not everyone can afford one or needs one for constant use. Also long edges are difficult to manage.

For short lengths, I sometimes place a Metabo belt sander on it's stand and attach a fence. You have to be careful though as it is easy to sand in a slight curve.
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http://www.metabo.com.au/Product-catalogue-Metabo-Building-Trade-handheld-powertool.35052+M538c4e5db44.0.html

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