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Everything You Need To Know About Dustless Sanding

October 17th, 2024

Dust free sanding is exactly that, sanders and abrasives that have been designed with dust-free applications in mind. Usually, sanding creates lots of dust which can have major health implications for those who are sanding. Dust Free Sanding solutions not only create a healthy environment to work in, but they are also more efficient! 

Everything You Need To Know About Dustless Sanding

The Benefits of Dust Free Sanding:

  1. Healthier - you will work in a much healthier environment, removing the risk to your own health.
  2. Cleaner – cleaning up after your project is a much easier process without copious amounts of dust everywhere.
  3. Saves time – less time spent on protecting surfaces and clean up means your job is finished much quicker.
  4. Happy customers – customers will be astounded by the lack of dust produced from the job.
  5. Professional finish – receive a better surface finish after using a dustless sanding system
  6. Cost-effective – dustless sanding tools and accessories typically last longer due to the lack of dust clogging equipment.

Everything You Need To Know About Dustless Sanding

Mirka:

Twenty years ago, Mirka introduced Abranet which is an abrasive featuring a net structure, rather than the traditional paper backing seen in ordinary abrasives. This produces an extremely efficient on-tool dust removal system which vastly improves the working environment. Abranet can be combined with Mirka’s power tools and dust extractors for a safe working environment. Mirka are specialized in coated, non-woven and dust-free sanding products for surface finishing. 

Mirka Dust Extractors:

Mirka Dust Extractors are a high performing tool which enables dust free sanding.  There are two types of Dust Extractors:

  1. L Class: designed for soft woods and solid surface materials.
  2. M Class: designed for hardwoods, board materials, concrete and brick dust.

The class of machine is really important as this allows you to not only identify the right machine for your work, but also meets class requirements that are specified when working on constructions sites. 

You can plug your power tool straight into the dust extractor which means it will automatically switch on once you start sanding, saving time and money. The dust extractors come with fleece dust bags and must always be used with Mirka anti-static hoses.

Everything You Need To Know About Dustless Sanding

Festool

Mobile Dust Extractors are an extremely important aspect to the Festool system concept. Festool develops their own tools as well as their own extractors which are compatible with all Festool electric power tools and air tools. All Festool machines are exposed to tough test conditions to meet the high expectations Festool sets. In addition to L and M Class machines, Festool also have Class H rated machines which offer greater suction and filtration figures which is usually recommended when working with really nasty dusts such as mould, asbestos, formaldehyde, germs and bacteria.

Everything You Need To Know About Dustless Sanding

Dustless Sanding FAQs

What is dustless sanding?
Sanding is a regular part of prep for painting and decorating jobs, and where there is sanding, there is dust. The dust that is created from sanding woodwork and other substrates can cause a huge amount of mess, contaminate coatings, require time to clean and can even have major health implications. 

Why is dust such a major health concern?
Manual sanding generates the highest level of total dust in the wood industry. Dust from various materials can contain various harmful particles to the human body. When inhaled dust particles can cause long-term respiratory issues and can also irritate eyes. Dust extractors have been designed with this in mind, ensuring dust ends up in the machine and not in your lungs.

What are the benefits of dustless sanding?
Since dustless sanding is virtually dust free, there is no need to clean, saving you time and money. The air quality within the working environment will be greatly improved and the overall finish of the job will be higher.

How efficient is dust free sanding?
Dust free sanding provides a much more efficient sanding process, resulting in less consumables and a cleaner working environment. Sanding becomes a much faster process due to reduced clean up and long-lasting tools.

What brands are on the market for dustless sanding?
You can find Mirka, Festool and MAXVAC products on brewers.co.uk and in store. These brands stock a range of sanders, abrasives and dust extractors. To find your perfect fit, speak to our customer service team or head into your local Brewers.

What are Eccentric Sanding Tools from Festool?
Eccentric sanding tools are compact sanders with long-life dust collection bags. They can also be combined with a mobile dust extractor for even better results.

What are the Abranet Sanding Solutions from Mirka?
Abranet is based on ‘net’ technology, which has a longer lifespan than regular abrasives. Thousands of holes provide supreme dust extraction, making sanding virtually dust free. 

What are MAXVAC Air Scrubbers?
Air Scrubbers effectively eliminate unseen dust in working environments with innovative technology. The units are designed to be run 24/7 so can be used while on the job and overnight whilst also being extremely energy efficient. Find out more>>
Everything You Need To Know About Dustless Sanding

Speak to one of our colleagues in store or get in touch with our help team to find out which tools are right for you and your work.