Air Sanders

About Air Sanders

Air sanders are pneumatically powered tools designed to smooth, shape, and finish a wide variety of surfaces quickly and efficiently. Using compressed air to drive their sanding mechanisms, these tools deliver consistent power output without the weight and heat build-up associated with electric sanders. Our range of air sanders includes orbital, random orbital, dual action, palm, and belt sanders, each suited to different applications from automotive bodywork to furniture finishing and general workshop use.

The air sanders we stock from leading brands including Sealey, Draper, Siegen, and Facom offer professional-grade performance for both trade users and serious DIY enthusiasts. Available in various disc sizes from compact 50mm mini sanders ideal for tight spaces through to full-sized 150mm models for larger surface areas, these tools provide excellent control and finish quality. Many models feature variable speed control, dust extraction ports, and ergonomic designs to reduce operator fatigue during extended use.

Whether you're working on vehicle restoration, preparing surfaces for painting, removing old finishes, or achieving a fine furniture finish, air sanders deliver the reliability and performance demanded by professional tradespeople. Their lightweight construction combined with powerful performance makes them particularly suited to overhead work and prolonged sanding sessions where electric alternatives would prove tiring.

Jargon Buster

• Orbital Action: A circular sanding motion where the pad rotates in small circles, providing a swirl-free finish ideal for final finishing work on wood and metal surfaces.
• Random Orbital: Combines rotational and orbital movements simultaneously, producing a random scratch pattern that eliminates visible swirl marks and creates superior surface finishes.
• Dual Action (DA): Another term for random orbital action, commonly used in automotive applications where a flawless, swirl-free finish is essential for paintwork preparation.
• CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): The measurement of air consumption required to operate the tool effectively. Matching your compressor's CFM output to your sander's requirements is crucial for optimal performance.
• Hook and Loop: A Velcro-style attachment system for sanding discs that allows quick pad changes without adhesives, significantly improving efficiency on busy jobs.
• Backing Pad: The rubber or foam pad that supports the abrasive disc. Available in different hardness grades, with softer pads conforming better to curved surfaces whilst harder pads suit flat work.

Who Uses Air Sanders?

Air sanders are essential tools for a diverse range of trades and applications:

• Panel Beaters and Auto Body Technicians: For preparing vehicle surfaces, removing paint, feathering repair areas, and achieving showroom-quality finishes
• Vehicle Restorers: Stripping old paint, removing rust, and preparing classic cars for refinishing
• Furniture Makers and Restorers: Achieving smooth finishes on wood, removing old varnish, and preparing surfaces for staining or painting
• Joiners and Carpenters: Smoothing timber surfaces, preparing joinery work, and finishing fitted furniture on site
• Paint Sprayers and Decorators: Preparing surfaces for coating, denibbing between coats, and achieving professional-standard surface preparation
• Metal Fabricators: Removing weld spatter, blending joints, preparing surfaces for coating, and general metalwork finishing
• Boat Builders and Marine Engineers: Working with fibreglass, preparing gel coat surfaces, and general marine finishing work
• Maintenance Engineers: General workshop tasks, equipment refurbishment, and surface preparation across various materials

How to Choose the Right Air Sanders

Disc Size and Sanding Area: Consider the surfaces you typically work on. Compact 50mm and 75mm models excel in tight spaces, corners, and detail work, whilst 150mm sanders cover large flat areas efficiently. Match the tool size to your most common applications.

Sanding Action Type: Random orbital and dual action sanders provide the finest, swirl-free finishes ideal for automotive and fine furniture work. Standard orbital models suit general-purpose work, whilst belt sanders excel at rapid material removal and aggressive stock reduction.

Air Consumption and Compressor Compatibility: Check the tool's CFM requirements against your compressor's output capacity. Most air sanders require between 4-8 CFM at 90 PSI. Undersized compressors will cause inconsistent performance and premature tool wear.

Ergonomics and Weight: For extended use or overhead work, lighter models with well-balanced designs reduce operator fatigue significantly. Rubber-coated housings and comfortable grip positions improve control and comfort during prolonged sanding sessions.

Dust Extraction Capability: Models with effective dust extraction ports keep work areas cleaner and improve surface visibility. When working with materials subject to COSHH regulations, efficient dust collection isn't just convenient—it's essential for health and safety compliance.

Build Quality and Brand Reputation: Professional-grade models from established manufacturers like Sealey, Draper, and Facom offer superior bearing quality, better air sealing, and longer service life compared to budget alternatives, representing better long-term value for trade users.

Popular Accessories

• Sanding Discs: Available in various grit grades from coarse (40-60 grit) for stock removal through to ultra-fine (800+ grit) for finishing. Hook and loop backed discs offer quick changes
• Backing Pads: Replacement pads in various densities for different applications and to maintain optimal performance as pads wear
• Air Hoses and Fittings: Quality reinforced air hoses, quick-release couplers, and inline pressure regulators for convenient tool connection
• Dust Extraction Equipment: Workshop vacuum systems, dust-free sanding kits, and HEPA filters for healthier working environments
• Air Line Lubricators and Filters: Essential for maintaining tool performance by removing moisture and adding lubricating oil to the air supply
• Interface Pads: Foam cushioning layers between backing pad and abrasive disc for improved surface conformability and finer finishes
• Air Tool Oil: Specialised pneumatic tool lubricant to maintain internal components and ensure longevity

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear appropriate safety glasses or a face shield to protect against flying debris. Use hearing protection, as pneumatic tools can generate noise levels exceeding 85dB. Respiratory protection is essential when sanding materials that produce hazardous dust—refer to COSHH guidelines for material-specific requirements.

Dust Control: Many materials commonly sanded—including MDF, certain hardwoods, old paint containing lead, and composite materials—produce dust classified as hazardous under HSE regulations. Connect tools to suitable dust extraction systems and work in well-ventilated areas. Never use compressed air to clean dust from clothing or skin.

Tool Operation: Ensure your air compressor delivers clean, dry air at the correct pressure (typically 90 PSI or 6.2 bar). Excessive pressure reduces tool life and increases noise and vibration. Regularly lubricate air tools with appropriate pneumatic oil to prevent premature wear. Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended operating pressure.

Vibration Awareness: Extended use of air sanders exposes operators to hand-arm vibration. Take regular breaks, maintain tools properly to minimise vibration, and be aware of HSE guidance on vibration exposure limits to prevent Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

Frequently Asked Questions

What size air compressor do I need to run an air sander?

Most air sanders require 4-8 CFM at 90 PSI for continuous operation. A compressor with a 50-litre tank and 2-3 HP motor typically provides sufficient capacity for intermittent use, whilst professional users working continuously should consider larger units with 100+ litre tanks and higher CFM output to prevent duty cycle interruptions.

What's the difference between orbital and random orbital air sanders?

Standard orbital sanders move in a fixed circular pattern which can leave visible swirl marks, making them suitable for general-purpose work and stock removal. Random orbital (or dual action) sanders combine rotation with orbital movement, creating a random scratch pattern that eliminates swirl marks—essential for automotive finishing and high-quality furniture work.

How do I maintain my air sander for best performance?

Add 3-4 drops of pneumatic tool oil into the air inlet before each use and at the end of each working day. Ensure your compressor has an effective moisture trap, as water in the airline causes internal corrosion. Regularly inspect and replace worn backing pads, and clean dust ports to maintain efficient extraction. Store tools in a dry environment to prevent rust.

Can I use automotive sanding discs on wood, or vice versa?

Whilst the attachment systems are often compatible, abrasives are optimised for specific materials. Automotive discs use finer grits and different abrasive compositions suited to paint and filler, whilst woodworking discs are designed for timber's characteristics. Using the correct disc type for your material delivers better results and longer abrasive life.

Why does my air sander lose power during use?

Power loss typically indicates insufficient air supply. Check that your compressor's CFM output meets the tool's requirements and that the tank pressure isn't dropping below 90 PSI during operation. Undersized or excessively long air hoses restrict flow, as do clogged inline filters. Ensure all connections are airtight and consider upgrading to a larger compressor if the problem persists.