Is it safe to use an electric sander on a metal bike frame?
August 19, 2011 by pbik
Filed under Electric bike
I want to paint a second hand bmx bike i just bought cause it needs it and i know what to do but i have an electric sander and i figured it could save time then just using regular old sand paper, ive only used it on wood so i wouldnt know is it safe?
Well, assuming you know how to properly operate the sander and how to anchor the object, then yes, it’s “safe”.
Is it a good idea? Not as much. It’s easy to create textures, and surface inconsistencies with an electric sander. Sounds like you wont care so much about that though, so you may as well just go for it.
Just be sure to pay close attention and don’t let the sander linger over the welded joints and stuff like that. Don’t want the frame strength compromised.
ya its somewhat safe. but its not easy, it takes time. make sure your wearing an appropriate respiratory mask, and goggles.
I know… it’s a pain in the butt to hand sand a bike frame, but you could be equally as frustrated with the electric sander. You won’t be able to get it into all of the little nooks and crannies, and you’ll still have to hand sand. In addition, you run the risk of scarring the tubes up ~ especially if they’re aluminum. I’d buy some paint stripper, or I’d take the frame to an auto-body shop and see if they will sand blast it for you for a small fee.
You will be better off using wet sand paper to do the job. The contact area of a sander on a round tube is going to be very small and you have the danger of creating flat spots on the frame. A hand sanded bike will be smoother and wet sanding wont create any dust.