I'm working on restoring an old wooden grain storage chest that's been sitting in a barn for years, and it's covered in peeling paint and grime. I need to sand it down to bare wood. I currently have a heavy random orbit sander, but it causes my hand and wrist to tire quickly, especially on the vertical sides. I'm looking for recommendations for a lightweight, low-vibration 5-inch orbital sander that can handle tough farm use. I'm willing to invest in quality tools to minimize soreness after a long day of sanding because I still need my hands for driving the tractor! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
A card scraper might be a great first step for you; it works well for getting paint off without all the dust of sanding. And for those vertical sides, you could try laying the chest on its side to make it easier to work on. Just a thought!
Have you thought about using an air-powered sander? They can be more ergonomic than electric ones, especially if you already have a large compressor. If it’s just a one-time project, you could grab a basic model from Harbor Freight, but if you're planning to use it often, investing in a good Ingersoll Rand might be worth it. For electric options, I really recommend the Bosch; it’s well-shaped and easy to handle. Also, don’t skimp on sandpaper—high-quality 3M paper will definitely save you time and effort.
Just a suggestion: instead of sanding, consider scraping. It’s often faster and creates way less dust. Might save you some effort and discomfort too!
If you're looking for power tools specifically, you might want to reach out to woodworking forums for more specific advice. Everyone has their favorites, but definitely keep in mind the comfort factor since you'll be using it for long periods.