Sanding Tubes

About Sanding Tubes

Sanding tubes are cylindrical abrasive accessories designed to fit onto drum sanders and oscillating spindle sanders, providing efficient material removal and smooth finishing on curved, contoured, and internal surfaces. Available in various diameters and grit grades, these versatile abrasives are essential for woodworkers, cabinet makers, and restoration specialists working with complex shapes where standard flat sanding sheets cannot reach. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of sanding tubes compatible with leading power tool brands, suitable for both professional workshops and home DIY projects.

Each sanding tube wraps around a rubber drum or spindle that expands to hold the abrasive securely during operation. The tubes are manufactured from durable cloth or paper backing with aluminium oxide or silicon carbide abrasive particles, offering consistent performance across hardwoods, softwoods, composites, and some non-ferrous metals. Whether you're smoothing spindle work, refining curved edges, or preparing intricate joinery, the right sanding tube diameter and grit selection ensures professional results with minimal effort.

Applications

Sanding tubes are widely used across numerous trades and projects, including:

• Furniture makers and cabinet makers – smoothing curved legs, spindles, and decorative profiles
• Woodturners – finishing bowls, vases, and turned components
• Joiners and carpenters – preparing curved architectural elements and mouldings
• Restoration specialists – refurbishing antique furniture and period fittings
• Luthiers – shaping and finishing musical instrument components
• Model makers – detail work on intricate curved surfaces
• DIY enthusiasts – home improvement projects involving curved woodwork

Choosing The Right Sanding Tubes

Selecting appropriate sanding tubes depends on several key factors. Firstly, measure the diameter of your drum sander or spindle sander to ensure compatibility – common sizes range from 13mm to 150mm. Match the tube length to your machine's drum length, allowing slight overlap for secure mounting.

Grit selection is crucial: coarse grits (40-60) remove material quickly and shape contours; medium grits (80-120) refine surfaces and remove scratches; fine grits (150-240) provide smooth finishing ready for sealing or painting. For efficient work, MyToolShed.co.uk recommends starting with coarser grits and progressing through finer grades. Consider buying multi-packs containing assorted grits for versatility across different project stages.

Material compatibility matters too – aluminium oxide suits general woodworking, while silicon carbide performs better on harder materials and provides longer life. For frequent professional use, cloth-backed tubes offer superior durability compared to paper alternatives, though paper tubes remain cost-effective for lighter DIY applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do sanding tubes typically last?

Lifespan varies with material hardness, pressure applied, and tube quality. Professional cloth-backed tubes typically handle several hours of continuous use, whilst paper tubes suit shorter sessions. Replace tubes when abrasive particles become clogged or worn smooth, resulting in reduced cutting efficiency.

Can I use sanding tubes on a drill?

Yes, with appropriate drum sander attachments designed for drill chucks. However, oscillating spindle sanders provide superior results with better dust extraction and controlled motion. MyToolShed stocks both dedicated machines and drill attachments to suit different budgets and requirements.

What's the difference between sanding sleeves and sanding tubes?

These terms are often used interchangeably within the industry. Both describe the same cylindrical abrasive accessories that fit over expanding rubber drums or spindles for curved surface sanding applications.