Sanding Rolls For Woodworking

Premium Industrial Wood Sanding Rolls

When you work with wood, a professional-looking finish starts with a thorough sanding job. Sanding prepares the wood for painting or staining by smoothing it. If the wood isn't properly sanded, you may see scratches or imperfections on the finished project's surface.

At Fintech Abrasives, we manufacture sanding rolls designed specifically for woodworking. These premium cloth-backed rolls are coated with industrial-grade aluminum oxide or zirconia grains in grit sizes ranging from 24 to 220. We can custom manufacture any size you're looking for if we don't have it in stock!

Sanding Rolls For Wood - An Overview

Our wood sanding rolls are available with either aluminum oxide or zirconia abrasive grains. The best sanding roll to choose will depend on the desired end result and the type of wood being sanded. We provide an overview of both aluminum oxide and zirconia below.

Aluminum Oxide

The versatility and affordability of aluminum oxide make it one of the most commonly used abrasive grains, especially in woodworking. Although it’s great for sanding most woods, it’s especially effective on softer woods like pine, cedar, redwood, and spruce.

Aluminum oxide fragments under the pressure and heat generated during the sanding process. This characteristic, known as friability, continually renews the cutting edges of the grain, allowing it to remain sharp and cut for a lot longer than some other abrasive materials. This ability makes aluminum oxide especially effective for power sanding, but it can be used for hand sanding as well. 

Our aluminum oxide wood sanding rolls are open coat, meaning that the abrasive grains are spaced further apart on the backing material. This arrangement results in less aggressive sanding, but it also provides the benefits of less heat generation and debris build-up. 

Zirconia

Zirconia is a rugged material that’s typically available only in coarser grits (up to 120). Since it is best used for heavy stock removal and processing raw wood, zirconia rolls are usually available with a heavy cloth backing. 

Although zirconia is more expensive than aluminum oxide, it might be the best option if you have a lot of rough sanding to do on raw wood since it lasts significantly longer than aluminum oxide.

Our zirconia wood sanding rolls are closed-coat, meaning that the particles are more densely packed on the backing material. This provides a higher concentration of abrasive grains on the surface, which results in a faster and more aggressive cut. Closed-coat abrasives are typically used for heavy material removal, such as stripping away wood stock.

Backing Options For Wood Sanding Rolls

Our wood sanding rolls are available with an X-weight or Y-weight cloth backing. Although not as flexible as some cloth backings, both types do an excellent job of removing stock as well as final finishing under medium to heavy pressure. Both are strong and durable fabrics, making them ideal for tougher sanding applications. At present, our aluminum oxide rolls come with an X-weight backing while zirconia comes standard with Y-weight.

Tips For The Best Sanding Results

Here are some tips for getting the most from our wood sanding rolls for your sanding projects.

Follow an Appropriate Grit Sequence

For best results, you want to move progressively from coarser to finer grits. For example, sanding with 80 grit abrasives prepares wood for 100 grit abrasives. Sanding with 100 grit abrasives prepares the wood for 120 grit, and so on.

Each step of the sanding process smooths the wood and prepares it for the next grit. Don't start with 80 grit and move up to 150 grit right away. In order to achieve a professional-looking finish, each grit must be allowed to do its job in the proper sequence.

Sand With the Grain

Sanding with the grain means sanding in the direction of the wood fibers. This helps to smooth the surface of the wood while preserving its natural texture and appearance. To determine the direction of the grain, run your hand over the surface of the wood. The direction will typically run parallel to the lines that follow the direction of the tree's growth rings.

It is important to sand with the grain whenever possible, as sanding against it can cause scratch marks and create a rough, uneven surface that will be difficult to correct. 

Use Adequate Lighting

When sanding wood, it's important to have adequate lighting to ensure that you can see any imperfections or areas that need further sanding. If possible, place your drum sander or sanding table near a window. This type of lighting is bright and diffuse, making it easier to see the wood surface.

If you don't have access to natural light, an artificial light source, such as a work light, can be used. A bright, adjustable light will help you see the surface of the wood more clearly, especially in areas where shadows may obscure your view. Regardless of the type of light you use, it's important to be able to see the wood surface at a low angle, so you can visually monitor your progress.

Sanding Roll FAQs

Where Are Your Wood Sanding Rolls Shipped From?

Fintech’s factory is located in Belding, Michigan. All of our sanding rolls are manufactured in our Belding factory. Your wood sanding rolls will be shipped to you from this location. We aim to ship your order to you within three to four business days. However, we will usually be able to ship the sanding rolls you need within 24 hours if you order before 11:00 a.m. EST.

Does Fintech Ship Wood Sanding Rolls Internationally?

Yes, Fintech Abrasives serves customers all over the world, so we’re pleased to offer international shipping. For orders outside the United States, please call (888) 223-8768 and we can provide you with a custom, no-obligation shipping quote.

Can Customers Order Custom Wood Sanding Rolls?

Should you not find what you're looking for on our website, we can custom manufacture the wood sanding rolls you need. The turnaround time depends on the current production volume and typically ranges from two to four days. For more information or to place an order, please call (888) 223-8768, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. EST.  You can also use our custom order form.

Questions About Our Wood Sanding Rolls? Thinking About Placing an Order?

In woodworking, the right quality abrasive can mean the difference between a successful project and one that you’ll need to scrap or start over. Fintech Abrasives has been supporting the success of woodworking shops and industrial manufacturers for years and can provide you with sanding belts, sanding discs, sanding rolls, and sanding sheets that make stock removal and fine finishing a lot easier.