Sanding Drums

About Sanding Drums

Sanding drums are cylindrical abrasive attachments designed to smooth, shape and finish curved surfaces and intricate workpieces. Consisting of a rubber or foam drum with replaceable abrasive sleeves, these versatile accessories mount onto drill presses, handheld drills, or rotary multi-tools to tackle sanding tasks that flat abrasives simply cannot reach. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks sanding drum sets in various diameters and grit ratings to suit different materials and applications.

As an economical alternative to dedicated spindle sanders or bobbin sanders, sanding drums offer exceptional value for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts who need to sand inside curves, contoured edges and hard-to-reach areas. Complete drum sets typically include multiple drum sizes with assorted abrasive sleeves, providing comprehensive solutions for detailed woodworking, metalworking and general fabrication tasks.

Applications

Sanding drums are essential for numerous trades and applications, including:

• Woodworkers and carpenters – smoothing curved edges, shaping scrollwork and finishing intricate joinery
• Furniture makers and restorers – refinishing chair legs, curved mouldings and ornamental details
• Luthiers and instrument makers – shaping sound holes, fretboards and curved instrument components
• Metalworkers and fabricators – deburring holes, smoothing curved cuts and finishing welded joints
• Model makers and hobbyists – detailed sanding work on miniature projects and craft pieces
• General DIY enthusiasts – home improvement projects requiring precision sanding in tight spaces

Choosing The Right Sanding Drums

When selecting sanding drums from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these important factors:

Drum diameter: Choose sizes appropriate for your workpiece curves – smaller drums (6-13mm) suit tight radii and detailed work, whilst larger drums (19-50mm) handle broader curves more efficiently.

Grit selection: Coarse grits (60-80) remove material quickly for initial shaping, medium grits (120-150) provide general-purpose smoothing, and fine grits (180-240) deliver finishing touches.

Mandrel compatibility: Ensure the drum set includes appropriate mandrels or arbors compatible with your 240v drill press, handheld drill chuck size, or rotary tool collet.

Sleeve replacement: Look for sets with multiple replacement sleeves to maintain cost-effective operation as abrasives wear.

Material suitability: Verify the abrasive type suits your intended materials – aluminium oxide works well for wood, whilst silicon carbide excels on metal and harder materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sanding drums in a handheld drill?

Yes, sanding drums work effectively in handheld drills for light to moderate sanding tasks. However, for extended use or precision work, a drill press provides better control and consistent results. Keep speeds moderate (1500-2500 RPM) to prevent drum damage and excessive heat build-up.

How often should I replace sanding drum sleeves?

Replace sleeves when abrasive performance noticeably decreases, the surface becomes glazed or loaded with material, or visible damage occurs. Professional tradespeople may replace sleeves after several hours of intensive use, whilst occasional users can typically use sleeves across multiple projects before replacement becomes necessary.

What's the difference between sanding drums and flap wheels?

Sanding drums feature cylindrical sleeves providing consistent abrasive contact along their entire length, ideal for internal curves and controlled material removal. Flap wheels have overlapping abrasive flaps that conform to irregular surfaces, making them better suited for external curves and contoured workpieces.