Sanding for MakersSanding for Makers
Luis Tanaka

Luis Tanaka

Multi-sander workflows, abrasive pairing, extractor matching, corners/edges kits

About

Former cabinet installer turned systems builder. I design surface-specific sanding packages that junior techs can deploy unassisted and repeat across sites.

Core Beliefs

The system—tool, abrasive, and extraction—beats any single hero tool.

Background

An insurance office asked for 'no dust, no smell' weekend work. We mapped surfaces, pre-cut mesh discs, and paired 125mm RO with tailored extraction and corners kit. Monday, carpets were clean, clients returned early, and my crew simply followed the recipe. The manager asked for our system spec sheet.

Author Articles

Power Sander Types: Must-Have Attachments for Flawless Finishes

Power Sander Types: Must-Have Attachments for Flawless Finishes

Build a repeatable sanding system by pairing the right backing pads, mesh abrasives, interface foam, and extractor specs - matched to substrate and sander type - to eliminate swirls, capture dust, and standardize results. Data-backed recipes and setup metrics help crews cut rework and lower cost per m².

Best Random Orbital Sander for Swirl-Free Finish

Best Random Orbital Sander for Swirl-Free Finish

Build a repeatable, swirl-free workflow by treating sanding as a system - pairing the right random orbital, mesh abrasives, pad hardness, and properly matched dust extraction with disciplined grit progressions - plus tool comparisons and corner protocols that cut rework and keep jobsites clean.

Best Budget Random Orbital Sanders: Reliable DIY Finish

Best Budget Random Orbital Sanders: Reliable DIY Finish

Stop chasing specs and build a sanding system that works: pair sub-$100 random orbital sanders with the right extraction, mesh abrasives, and pad hardness to cut dust, vibration, and rework. Get tested picks and grit progressions for clean, repeatable cabinet and trim finishes.

Sanding Wood Grain Direction: Eliminate Swirl Marks

Sanding Wood Grain Direction: Eliminate Swirl Marks

Eliminate swirl marks by controlling the whole sanding system - match orbit and pad to the surface, follow a disciplined grit progression, and optimize dust extraction. Get a repeatable, surface-specific recipe and checklist that passes raking light without rework.

Power Sander Safety Practices & Protective Gear Guide

Power Sander Safety Practices & Protective Gear Guide

Engineer a matched sander–abrasive–extractor system to capture dust at the source, cut vibration and noise, and meet OSHA/HAVS limits. Use four repeatable setup checks to lock in cleaner finishes and higher margins.