I recently constructed a kitchen countertop using white oak planks and noticed that some boards are misaligned by a sixteenth of an inch or more. I initially tried sanding it down with my regular orbital sander, but it feels like it's going to take ages! Since the job is fairly significant, I need a handheld and portable solution. I came across a handheld drum sander online for around $124, but it's from a lesser-known brand. What would you recommend as the best tool for this job?
3 Answers
You should consider using a handheld belt sander. Just be cautious, as it can easily remove more material than just the uneven spots if you're not careful with how aggressive you go. You can find solid options at your local hardware store; just make sure to check the specs before buying.
If you go the belt sander route, a 4-inch model with a 36 grit belt could do the trick. Mark lines every six inches on the countertop, sand until the lines disappear, then switch to a finer 120 grit and repeat. It's efficient and can really flatten it out!
A hand plane might be your best bet! It can speed up the process a lot compared to sanding and usually gives a nicer finish. However, if your countertop is already installed, you could take it to a local wood shop with a wide belt sander for the best results. Better yet, a combination of both could work wonders.
Should the lines be drawn parallel or perpendicular to the wood grain?