3M adds line of pneumatic orbital sanders

3M introduced its first full line of pneumatic finishing tools for orbital sanding in February, which offers woodworkers a complete system designed to optimize sanding performance and maximize productivity in the shop.

The product line contains more than 20 power tools to be combined with the company’s existing abrasives and accessories. 

“We’ve got one system that will efficiently provide some competitive advantage to our customers, since everything is designed to the utilization of our abrasives,” says 3M’s Mark Loera.

The line includes more than a dozen random orbital sanders in 3", 5" and 6" diameters; three 3" x 4" orbital sanders for flat surfaces; a right-angled nib removal sander for wet sanding; and a buffing tool. The sanders are balanced to reduce vibration and offer smooth operation on wood, metal, automotive paint and composite surfaces, said Loera.

The sanders incorporate 3M’s Clean Sanding Disc technology, which features a patented multi-hole pattern on the sanding discs and pads. The design provides more efficient dust collection and longer life from the sanding discs, in comparison to traditional five- and six-hole designs, according to Loera.

3M says it’s also designed a better filter bag for the sanders. “The filter bags contain electrostatically-charged Filtrete fibers that work like tiny magnets to attract and retain more of the microdust particles sucked in by the vacuum,” says Loera. “We’re capturing the dust inside the bag’s ‘web,’ which helps prevent dust from releasing back into the tool and into the air.”

Contact: 3M Corporate Headquarters, 3M Center, St. Paul, MN 55144. Tel: 888-364-3577. www.3m.com