Sanders Always use safety glasses with sanders!

Belt Sander

Best for large boards or grinding down lots of wood. Belt sanders have the most power and can remove a lot of wood quickly.

Random Orbit Sander

Best for smaller jobs and finishing.

Grades of Sandpaper Sandpaper has a number that measures the grit size or how coarse or fine it is. The lower the number, the rougher the paper is. For the belt sander, we have 40, 80 and 120 grade paper. 40 – coarse: very rough, good for rapid removal of material. 80 – medium: good for stripping paint, and preparing for the finish. 120 – fine: good for finishing, makes a smooth surface. The random orbital sander also has paper of 80, 120, 150 and 220, which is used for very fine, smooth surfaces. We probably will not need to use the 220.

Tips Go with the grain. Start with a lower, coarser paper and work up to the higher, finer paper. Let the tool do the work! Don’t lean on it or put your weight into it – just use moderate pressure.

Saws Always use safety glasses with all saws! Reciprocating Saw Jig Saw

Good for boards attached to structures. This has blades that can be easily changed for different materials (wood, metal, plastic).

Good for cutting curves and irregular shapes. This has blades that can be easily changed for different materials

Mitre Saw Makes precision cuts. Best for 2x4s and smaller boards. Use ear protection with the mitre saw!

Circular Saw

Good for cutting long sheets. Use ear protection with the circular saw! Tips Let the saw do the work – don’t put your weight into it. Do not start the saw with the blade touching the wood – let the blade get to full speed before contacting the wood.