Pictured are the various sanders available for Woodworkers members’ use.
Lorraine Wilson
Sanding is one of the final (and most important) steps in completing a woodworking project. At the woodshop inside the Creative Arts and Technology Center (CATC), Woodworkers members have access to a wide range of sanding equipment designed to give their projects a smooth, polished finish. Each sander serves a unique purpose, allowing woodworkers to tackle everything from large, flat surfaces to intricate curves with precision and efficiency.
One of the standout machines in the shop is the oscillating edge sander, a tool specifically designed for sanding edges. It uses a large sanding belt mounted on spindles that move the belt up and down while rotating, making it especially effective for shaping or smoothing contours that would be difficult to handle with a standard handheld sander.
For smaller, more detailed work, the orbital sander is a go-to tool. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, this handheld device uses an elliptical motion to deliver a fine, smooth finish. It’s particularly useful when time is short but quality still matters. The orbital sander in the shop is paired with a vacuum sanding table, which pulls wood dust into the dust collection system, keeping the workspace clean and the air safer to breathe.
Another versatile piece of equipment is the Powermatic Combination Disk/Belt Sander. This dual-function tool includes a disc sander ideal for precise edge work, such as fitting miter joints and smoothing outer curves. The belt sander portion excels at flattening faces and edges, shaping contours, and refining inside curves.
For larger, flat surfaces, woodworkers turn to the drum sander. This tool features a rotating, cylindrical drum wrapped with abrasive paper. It allows users to sand panels and other flat workpieces quickly and evenly, saving time while maintaining accuracy.
Rounding out the sanding lineup is the oscillating spindle sander, which is built for a more specialized task—sanding the interior curved surfaces of wood pieces. Its vertical spindle moves in a consistent up-and-down motion, helping maintain the integrity of curved designs while delivering a smooth finish.
Each of these tools plays a key role in the final stages of a woodworking project, transforming rough wood into finished pieces ready for stain, paint, or sealant. Whether you’re smoothing the surface of a table, fine-tuning the curve of a chair leg, or shaping a decorative edge, the woodshop has the right tool for the job.
Interested in purchasing one of the beautiful, handmade wood items made by one of your fellow Robson Ranch residents? Come by the CATC building and browse through the items in the display window. The woodshop is typically open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Just ring the doorbell, and someone will help you with your purchase.
If you are interested in joining the Woodworkers, please go to our website at rrww.club and click on Join the Club! to fill out the required information. Everyone is required to take a safety class and, once registered, will be notified when the next class is scheduled. Safety classes are typically held on Saturday afternoons.