Air tools, also known as pneumatic tools, are very different from your standard power tools. Air tools use an air compressor to power the tool. You simply plug the tool's hose into the compressor and presto! Air sanders and grinders, like all air tools, have the advantage of providing more power and better torque. They are also more durable because they don't have as many parts which could potentially break. Let's take a closer look at pneumatic sanders and grinders.
Sanders
Sanders are used to smooth wood or automotive parts. Sanders come with different sanding discs, or sandpaper, which each have various grit sizes. After deciding that you want a compressor sander, the next step is to choose which type of sander you want. The type of sander you get depends on the work you are doing. Not all types of sanders are available as a compressor.
* '''Random Orbit Sander''' grip sander can be powered by a compressor.
* '''Belt Sander''' - Belt sanders are good for rough sanding. They work great on doors and tabletops and large areas. They use a pulley driven loop and remove large amounts of material.
* '''Straight Vibrates in a straight line rather than a circle. Works best on smaller jobs where hand sanding would otherwise be very tedious.
* '''Detail Sander''' - Like the name implies, this sander is good for finishing work. It has a small head which makes it ideal for tight corners and spaces.
Grinders
Grinders look similar to sanders but they are used for cutting, grinding, and polishing. Grinders can be used on plastic, metal, and wood. Just like the sanders, make sure you purchase a compressor to hook up the grinder. Unlike sanders, there aren't several types to choose from except hand-held and bench top. However, you do have to decide what type of disc to place on the grinder.
* '''Sanding Discs''' - Instead of buying a separate sander, you can use sanding discs to get the job done.
* '''Abrasive Discs''' - These are the discs usually found on your grinder with different levels of grit.
* '''Cut These are used to cut through materials.
* '''Polishing Pads''' - Get that silky smooth finish after the job is done.
