Edge sanders are generally narrow belt machines for the sanding of vertical or angled straight component or panel edges. The rotating belt is either non-oscillating, on more basic models, or oscillating (for improved belt life and finish quality) on more professional models. The components are rested on either a fixed or tilting table and pressed against the platen backed rotating belt. Many machines have tables both sides to allow either 2 operators to work simultaneously, or one table to be set perpendicular with the other set to a predetermined angle. Many edge sanders also have a smaller component support table at one end of the rotating belt to work components with shaped edges, or for cases where more aggressive stock removal is required. Most shops, especially those working solid wood, require an edge sander.
Stroke sanders are also narrow belt sanders however they are conceived to sand the flat surfaces of solid wood or veneered panels. The panels are set on a table, which has vertical adjustment to accommodate different thicknesses, as well as in-out movement (Y axis). The sanding belt (generally 6 to 8 inches wide by 16 to 20 feet long) passes between a pressure shoe and the component (Eg: a furniture panel) that sits on the table. As the belt rotates, the operator pulls down on the sanding shoe mechanism to bring the belt into contact with the panel surface, and at the same time continuously moves the shoe back and forth from left to right (X axis) while also moving the table in and out (Y axis). Using a manual stroke sander requires skill to avoid sand through, and to accomplish an equal finish across the panel surface. Automated stroke sanders also exist and actually most production shops now use automatic stroke and/or wide belt sanders. Manual stroke sanders are becoming a tool of the past, due to the skill levels requires and their relative low productivity.
