Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - any tips/recommendations as I shop for a Sander?

The paint is peeling at various locations on our garage door, and we've finally decided to give it some sanding/painting treatment.

As a first time homeowner, I've never bought a sander before. Instead of just heading to Costco or Sears to pick up the first sander I see, I'd appreciate if you could share any tips/recommendations for Sander shopping. (I'm the type who'd rather spend a little more for durability.)

Also, I plan to sand/repaint various sections of my house's "particleboard-like" siding, too.

Thanks in advance.

Lots of different kinds of sanders, but the one that I think is most versatile is also the one I think would work best for this job and that's a random orbit sander. Lots of different brands and models, I'd start hitting the stores to compare and see what looks good to you.

Here's an article on "Selecting the Right Power Sander for the Job" with some info if you'd like to check out:

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/typesofsanders

You dont need a sander. Get you a paint scraper and maybe a sanding block. You will use the scraper on nearly all of the house/garage door and the only place you will need the sanding block is MAYBE on the door and that will more than likely just be to sand the edges of the already peeling paint and only because it's the door. If you take a sander to that door or that siding you will more than likely cut grooves and have little nicks every where.

You dont need a sander. Get you a paint scraper and maybe a sanding block. You will use the scraper on nearly all of the house/garage door and the only place you will need the sanding block is MAYBE on the door and that will more than likely just be to sand the edges of the already peeling paint and only because it's the door. If you take a sander to that door or that siding you will more than likely cut grooves and have little nicks every where.

Interesting tip--thanks for the feedback! I didn't know "paint scrapers" exist. Any suggestions which type/brand/model to look for?

Thanks again!

A paint scraper is just a handle with sometimes a razor blade but most common has a scraper on the end of handle but does not have a sharp edge like a razor blade. You use the scraper and hit the places where the paint is peeling. All you are doing is knocking the peeling paint spots down. I live in Texas and the only time a sander would be used on a house would be if the house was a really old one and the owner keeps the original siding and wants it to be completely smooth when painted. Then you use the sander to take the grooves and nicks and years of wear and tare on the wood siding out. Other wise you would see every nick and scratch in the wood even after the house was painted. Just knock the loose paint off and caulk your windows and doors and cracks really good and then paint that sucker. Good luck.

Jim

Ah, I think I've seen them before--I just never knew what they were used for. Would a metal putty knife be just as effective, or does the paint scraper make it easier?

The scraper. After you are done with the house you will understand why the putty knife would not work. ;)

Jim