Edge Sanders
Edge sanding & polishing for woodcraft
What is an edge sander?
An edge sander is a powered machine tool that is used to smooth surfaces — usually wood. Edge sanding machines are often used to apply a professional, smooth and accurate finish to hardwood panels, frames, beams and veneered workpieces. Depending on the configuration of an edge sander, it can be used to sand curved, straight or diagonal edges. Most edge sanders used in large-scale manufacturing operations are stationary, and their height can be adjusted in line with an operator’s needs or the feeding equipment in use.
Sanding of wooden edges
Used in the carpentry and the furniture industries
Used for doors, windows, and parquet flooring
Quality Great offers Personalized
How do edge sanders work?
The main moving part inside an industrial edge sander is usually referred to as a sanding belt. This large and very powerful moving part is driven — often in both directions — by two vertical rollers. The workpiece is fed into the edge sanding machine along a long supporting table. The edge sander can be adjusted to fit the exact size of the workpiece by changing the rollers’ angle of incline, and therefore the angle of the belt.
The smooth and even movement of the belt ensures that the wood is smoothed perfectly, without any scuffs, streaks or bumps. The speed at which the belt moves also plays a part in how smooth the final finish is, as well as how long the belt lasts. Generally speaking, the faster the belt moves, the shorter its lifespan.
Sanding wood in edge sanding machines can cause a great amount of dust to be released into the air. This dust can cause respiratory problems for workers, and if it gets into the workings of other machines in the area it could cause breakdowns and premature wear and tear. This is why an extraction unit is usually situated close to an edge sanding machine. Other safety measures in place when using a woodworking edge sander include clamps to hold tools firmly in place and a cover for the sanding belt. There is also a fuse in place which will shut down the machine if it should overheat.
OTT Edge sander in operation
What is made with edge sanders?
The very first edge sanders were operated manually by foot or hand. It wasn’t until the advent of the steam engine that edge sanders could be used for large-scale manufacturing. However, the huge steam engines needed to power the machines were far too big for all but the largest production facilities. It wasn’t until the first electric edge sanders were developed that small and medium-sized operations could make full use of them.
Today, the latest edge sanders are capable of processing hundreds of workpieces every day. They are used widely in large-scale woodworking operations such as furniture production. They are also used to make windows, doors and parquet flooring. Small companies, workshops and individuals won’t always use a sander, as its primary function is to smooth wood for cosmetic effect. The edge sander does not cut or shape wood in any way. Modest furniture producers have an opportunity to cut costs significantly by purchasing a used edge sander at a significant discount.
Where can you find an edge sander for sale?
Surplex is home to a wide range of used industrial machinery. Some of our customers buy metalworking and woodworking machinery at industrial auctions, while others buy directly from our website at the advertised price. We’re always sourcing new equipment, so keep checking the site for news of our latest auctions and sales. Or if you want to be among the first to learn about the machines we have in stock, sign up to the Surplex newsletter.
