Smoothing plane or sander

[paul24dual]

I've built some frames which are the start of my photo frames but the sides are not smooth and slightly raised. Would you use a smoothing plane or a sander. The picture is not mine but gives you an idea of what i have done..

http://www.atraillife.com/uploads/2/6/1 ... orig.jpg?0

 

[marcros]

I would hit it with a random orbital sander. No sharpening to worry about, no skills to learn and a good enough result. If it was fine furniture then I might think again (but likely do the same)

 

[AndyT]

I'd use a plane.
No noise, no dust.

 

[paul24dual]

Excellent advise. What about one of these?

http://www.axminster.co.uk/rst-soft-touch-hand-sander?

 

[AndyT]

I'd say that was little better than a cork block. My own preference for hand sanding, when it has to be done, is the Mirka Abranet hand sanding pad connected to a vacuum cleaner. The abrasive is a hard wearing open mesh so plenty of air can be drawn through the whole surface. It works really well. Noisy but dust free.

 

[carlb40]

That sander you linked to is for sanding walls. Im not sure the base would be firm enough for sanding timbers. You can makw something similar with offcuts of ply.

 

[baldpate]

Lidl are re-offering these
http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/SID-A...ur-offers-2491.htm?action=showDetail&id=10846
this coming Thursday, which might suit.

I've got one, and I find the wooden handle very comfortable.

 

[Mar_mite]

Just use a block of mdf or ply around 3"x4" and wrap the sandpaper around it. No need for a special holder.