We have consumed 80 hours doing research and testing to have our top five straighline sanders, where we think that the Chicago Pneumatic CP7268 Heavy Duty Twin Piston Straight Line Sander is the best performing. From its dual piston power to the 3000 SMP and the ergonomic trigger and grip position, comes a tool that is capable providing the best results. It also helps that it has protective features as it goes quite fast with its SMP rate needing proper care from users.
During school break, I often visited my grandparents who have found love in making wooden chairs. Through the day they labored on creating this furniture from scratch.
One of the things they let me do is sand the smaller parts of the chair, which got be complaining at night.
When I was older, it was so frustrating to know about power sanders that could have saved me from the suffering.
Then I thought that my grandparents were in even more pain since they have to sand the more prominent portions of the furniture.
With them in mind, I set out to find the best sander to help my grandparents and you, who are in the search for suitable sanders.
We will center on the straightline sanders, which I think is the least common from other sanders, but as important as them.
Since it was hard to find, this review might help in reducing the time for research and even place them testing to determine if the right fit for different users.
5 Best Straightline Sander
Product | Size | Weight | Type of Compress |
---|---|---|---|
Thermalon Dry Eye Compress | 8 x 3.5 x 0.5 inches | 2.4 ounces | Hot |
Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress | 9 x 1 x 5 inches | 2.4 ounces | Hot |
Solana Heat Inc. Dry Eye Compress | 10 x 1 x 3.5 inches | 6.1 ounces | Hot and Cold |
Kimkoo Silk Sleep Mask&Gel Eye Mask | 8.3 (W) x 4.2 (L) inches | 3.5 ounces | Cold |
MediViz Blepharitis Eye Mask | 7.9 x 1 x 3.2 inches | 6.7 ounces | Hot |
How do straightline sanders work?
Straighline (also “straight line”) sander is a type of sander tool. A sander is among the tools used in repairs and paintings. It helps prepare the material before painting or coating through removing the surface with the movement of the machine covered with an abrasive. As a result, the wood or fiber material is flawless or blemish-free and ready to be coated.
There are different kinds of sanders from orbital sanders, disc sander and random orbit sanders, which are suited to various sanding activities. In this review, the focus is on the straight line sander. This sander type utilizes a back-and-forth motion instead of a turning one like the disc sander. It is most appropriate for creating straight lines and sanding on the edges of the wood or fiber or other materials
Buyer’s Guide
Who can use
The operation and use of the straightline sander are quite specific, which is for surface cleaning on straight the subject material and its edges. Although it is a power too that you might think are for professional workers, it can also be a great addition to your home tools. It can work on a lot of things like furniture, wood projects and not just on the house itself.
So whether you’re a professional worker or a student, a homemaker, or a DIY dad, the straightline sander can be a valuable tool for you
Buying Criteria
1. Piston
The piston is among the most common in automobile engines. But, it is also found on a straightline sander. In the simplest of terms, it is a cylindrical part n the simplest of terms, it is a cylindrical part or material that pumps back-and-forth moving air or fluid to transform the energy into mechanical movement.
A straightline sander can either have a single or double piston. A single piston has singular direction and is pushed back with a spring, which makes it simple and compact. While the double piston, it moves back-and-forth making it more extensive.
2. Strokes per minute
Strokes per minute (SMP) in sanding pertains to how the sander bar (or plate) completes its movement. You need to have a fast SMP because to lessen the build-up of residue and to ensure efficiency of the work.
A 3000 SMP is the least minimum in a straightline sander to contribute in producing quality work.
3. Weight
You will be using the straightline sander for periods of time, especially when you are doing big projects. Hence, it is vital to choose a tool that you are comfortable working with less strain on your hands.
4. Safety
The overall function of the straightline sander should be safe for the users whether they be professional or personal users. You can check the guards, ergonomic grips, power buttons, vibrations and the ease of replacing sandpaper among other things.
Safety Pre-requesites
A straightline sander is a powerful tool involving rapid movements and dust excess that can cause harm to the user when no proper precaution is taken. Here are a few things that one needs to do or prepare before hitting on the straight line sander (these works with other sanders and tools too).
How We Assessed & Evaluated These Straightline Sander
We did two major evaluation process: research and hands-on testing. The first phase of the process includes research which we divided into online and offline data gathering.
We first had online data gathering, where we look into what a is straightline sander. It was a challenge because this type of sander is not as common or popular as the belt and orbital sander. We gather information on this works, what are the most popular brands, it safety precautions and individual features.
Our primary data were supplemented with offline research, in which we talked to vendors and professionals who work with the product. We cross-checked the accuracy of what we’ve found online and solicited additional information about the product.
Once done with data gathering, we simplified the information and created buying criteria to help us choose and rank the straightline sanders we’ve found.
Initially, we gathered about 11 straightline sanders and scored them based on their features and out buying a guide to come up with our top five.
After having our top five, we called out our testers to do the hands-on testing for about four days. The testers were varied from professional workers to first-timers. It is to test the tools with different kinds of users.
Top 5 Straightline Sander Product Reviews
1. Chicago Pneumatic CP7268 (Editor’s Choice)
Heavy Duty Twin Piston Straight Line Sander
The Chicago Pneumatic CP7268 Heavy Duty Twin Piston Straight Line Sander is part of the vast collection of pneumatic tools from the Chicago Pneumatic brand built since the 1880s.
This straightline sander is the one of the lightest in this review at 6.06 lbs. There are testers especially the first-timers who thought that it is a heavy tool. However, the other testers think that the weight is typical with this tool.
It is equipped with a 3000 strokes per minute power like the other products in the review coupled with a double piston mechanism. Our testers deemed that this ‘duo’ equates to the strong and reliant sander for fast and easy sanding works.
The position of the trigger on the handle is easy to operate by simply squeezing it. Though similar to the other straightline sanders in the review, the trigger Chicago Pneumatic CP7268 Heavy Duty Twin Piston Straight Line Sander is softer.
But, the first time users found it hard to stop/turn off the tool because it does not automatically stop after pulling out. It may be a case of safety if the user is not careful enough. It can affect ones personal safety and that of the work that one is doing.
On the other hand, our testers liked that Chicago Pneumatic has an exclusive pinch guard attached to the tools, which is used to protect the user. It prevents fingers from injuries while using the straightline sander. It can be very useful considering the speed of the tool.
The testers also tried removing and changing the sandpaper or abrasive. They find that it is relatively more accessible through the abrasive clamps. This easy changing feature helps ensure that work is continuous to keep consistency.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
2. Hutchins HUT2000 Hustler Straight Line Air Sander (First Runner-Up)
First on our review competes in the heavyweight tool that is followed closely by the Hutchins HUT2000 Hustler Straight Line Air Sander. It weighs 6.94 pounds, in which our testers found to be “as heavy as” the Ingersoll.
The weight is not necessarily a drawback as there are testers who think that the weight is just right. That is, your comfort on the weight of the tool depends on your strength when the tool is in use and vibrating.
The Hutchins HUT2000 Hustler Straight Line Air Sander also has a double piston power. It supports the 3000 SMP speed to make work more consistent all throughout. With the speed and the dual piston power, our testers believed that it delivered the promise a precise and synchronized strokes. They said that it is also evident in the unblemished output.
What the testers also found during the hands-on testing is that this tool is more stable. It has less humping making it more comfortable and controllable. The testers who were using straightline sanders for the first time and those who are not professionals love that even if it is heavy, the tool is manageable.
An issue with this tool, based on the hands-on testing is that sometimes it stops working. The testers have to let it rest a few seconds, remove the debris and check all parts before using it again.
It may be expected that there will be clogging similar to other products, but this tool halted several times even with minimal residue. Thus, you have to try it on several times and ensure that each of its parts is working accordingly.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
3. Astro 888S Short Straight Line Sander (Second Runner-Up)
If the Hutchins HUT2000 Hustler Straight Line Air Sander is the heftiest, the third on our list is the lightest among all the tools. The Astro 888S Short Straight Line Sander has a weight of just four (4) pounds.
All the testers agree that the light weight makes the product less intimidating to use and provides more control over the tool. However, some of them have reservations if it can still perform with huge project or works.
When placing it into the test, the testers were amazed that the 4-pounds weight could run 3000 SMP like the heavier straightline sander. Thus, it can still produce a good finish on your subject.
Though this straightline sander as a good SMP speed, it is powered by a single piston. In contrast to the other products, the thrust power is slightly less stronger. There are also times when the testers found this straightline sander to be inconsistent.
On another aspect of the tool, our testers found that due to its shorter build, it is the effect when sanding hard to reach areas. It can even cater those are a bit narrow. Hence, it lives up to the expectation that a straightline sander is good for sanding the edges.
A drawback that our testers have found with the product is that it should be cleaned several times, so it does not halt while working. This is to take into account that the tool is smaller in comparison to others.
Like the other straightline sander, the trigger is at the bottom of the grip or holder. The positioning is comfortable for the holder to help in minimizing hand tension. The testers also like that it is easy to press for a faster job.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
The first opinion our testers have with the Ingersoll Rand 315G Edge Series Straight Line Air Sander is that it is heavy. In fact, it is heaviest in this bunch at seven (7) pounds.
Two of our testers deemed that this is for heavy industrial use rather than for home or personal use based on the weight alone. The testers, who were first timers and home DIY enthusiasts, find this tool heavy and difficult to operate because an extra force is needed.
Like the other products on review, this tool runs at 3000 SMP. Our expert testers said that the speed is fast enough to produce flawless output on the sample wood. Although the tool is on the heavy side with strong vibrations, the first time users see that it comparatively leaves smooth a smooth surface.
Our testers also find that trigger on the grip is easy to push at the heel of the palm helping the users work with it despite the weight. This ergonomic design also eased the vibrations when the tool is in use.
This straightline sander is packed with a double piston for reserve power. The testers said that this feature is useful in ensuring that the work does not halt and is powerful enough for large projects.
There are instances where the testers experienced halting during while doing the work. Our testers think that the jam might be because of the dust particles that have accumulated.
There are two implications of the jamming. First, it can cause inconsistency with the work and does not inspire confidence because the tool might break any time. Second, to remedy this, you need to regularly clean and remove the residue from the tool.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Completing our top five straightline sander is the Central Pneumatic Straight Line Air Sander. The testers' initial observation with the tool is that it has the same features as the other straightline sanders in this review.
It has a similar double piston power that is adept at giving quality sanding results. This powers the 3000 SMP rate that adds to having a fast and impeccable finish.
The features that sets the Central Pneumatic Straight Line Air Sander from the other straightline sanders is its weight, and the coverage of the took when sanding.
Unlike the other heavy tools like the Ingersoll Rand 315G Edge Series Straight Line Air Sander and the Hutchins HUT2000 Hustler Straight Line Air Sander, this tool is comparatively lighters at 5.65 pounds. Even with its lightweight character it still provides the same benefits as the dual piston and the SMP rate of 3000.
It may not be as light as the Astro 888S Short Straight Line Sander; it has wider coverage. This means that the tool can cover more surface area maximizing its speed rate and power. Our testers believe that with such feature the Central Pneumatic Straight Line Air Sander can be valuable to help the users achieve more sanding tasks or large work.
An issue that our testers have observed is that there are times when the product is difficult to start-up. It may have something to do with product break-in as it will be used for the first time. But, during the testing after running for a few minutes, it stalled, and the testers could not figure out why. It, however, turned on again and continued to work until the testing was done.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Our Recommendations
Editor's Pick: Chicago Pneumatic CP7268 Heavy Duty Twin Piston Straight Line Sander
The Editor’s Choice from among the five straightline sanders on the review is the Chicago Pneumatic CP7268 Heavy Duty Twin Piston Straight Line Sander. It is a tool packed with a dual piston powering the 3000 SMP, which if combined performs and produces smooth finish for clean painting and coating.
Grip and trigger are placed together providing ergonomic handling though users have to exert extra care when stopping the tool. But, it has a pinch guard securing the safety of the user while going at a powerful speed and strength.
Runners Up: Hutchins HUT2000 Hustler Straight Line Air Sander and Astro 888S Short Straight Line Sander
Following the Editor’s Choice is the Hutchins HUT2000 Hustler Straight Line Air Sander as the First Runner-Up. It also has a 3000 SMP and a dual piston for synchronized and even strokes giving an unblemished surface result.
This straightline sander was not able to make it as the Editor’s Choice due to its 6.94-pound weight requiring user more effort to control the tool. It also has issues with stoppage due to the residue. But, with careful use, this tool is a powerful addition to your tool box.
The Second Runner-Up in the review is the Astro 888S Short Straight Line Sander. Although shortest and the lightest in the group at 4 pounds, it offers the same 3000 SMP speed with its single piston power.
Since it is smaller than the others, this tool can cover narrow areas of your material to fully complete your work.