Dynabrade Blog

Woodworking Tips from Dynabrade’s Territory Managers

Hands on experience is the best way to learn a trade. It’s also the best way to gain valuable advice and tips to help you improve your work. We asked our territory managers for their best woodworking tips and advice. This is what they had to say…

Are you using proper pressure on the sander?
“Place a dot or mark on the edge of the back up pad. With proper pressure down on the sander, the mark will move clockwise. If too much pressure is being applied, the mark will stop moving or move counterclockwise. This is a tip I share with all new sander operators to help them realize proper downward pressure on the tool. Let the abrasive do the work.” – Scott Nolt

What is “white knuckle syndrome”?
“Let the tool and the abrasive do the work. A lot of workers have the “white knuckle syndrome”, meaning they are applying too much pressure on the workpiece. This will also help in consistent pressure throughout the work piece, which will help eliminate gouging.” – Ed Shirley

Does tool maintenance matter?
“Proper maintenance of an air tool is a key proponent to the performance and longevity of the tool. A lot of time, maintenance is overlooked by customers. An air tool is an investment in the product that they are producing.” – Ed Shirley

Does the abrasive matter?
“The quality of any abrasive is more of a concern with finishes that require a high degree of polish, such as a high lacquer finish on wood or a specific “look” that is trying to be achieved.” – Larry Speed

Does RPM and MOS make a difference?
“Tool speed RPM and ensuring that it matches the backing pad MOS is not only a safety concern but a finish concern as well. Running a tool too slow, and consequently, the abrasive too slow, will cause the finish to have a smudge or dull finish. Operating the tool & abrasive combination too fast will cause a burning type of finish.” – Larry Speed

The most common piece of advice?
“For a swirl-free finish, always start the sander on the work surface and stop the sander off the surface.” – All territory managers

Working in the field opens more opportunities to gain further knowledge. Dynabrade is proud to offer in-person demos of our tools. Our territory managers can show you the options available and answer your questions. Our territory managers offer solutions and answers – let us help you.

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