Best sanding tools for PLA?

MakerWorld Maker's Supply
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I’ve been using some metal files I had lying around to sand my prints.

What do you all use to sand your prints, just sandpaper and a wooden block? Is there anything good for sanding?

Thanks in advance.

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I tend to use the following stuff, occasionally. The reasoning: I rarely sand down parts and only to make 'em fit :speak_no_evil_monkey::hear_no_evil_monkey::see_no_evil_monkey:

You’ll find them everywhere for a few cents each

Screenshot_20260208_125809_Amazon Shopping
Screenshot_20260208_125809_Amazon Shopping1038×1154 136 KB

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I use the following depending on the print:

Mini metal file set a various shapes

Hard paper nail files

Sheets of sandpaper sheets or small folded pieces

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The most important thing is often overlooked:

  • Why is sanding necessary?

Manually setting the orientation and support and increasing the print quality can really make a difference to avoid sanding for the most part. So my sequence is:

  • Adjusting print settings - (YES, I definitely see this as part of the sanding workflow!)
  • Heating the surface - Has its limitations, but also its purpose.
  • Small metal files
  • Sandpaper
  • Polishing paste
  • And if I need it perfect, I’ll spray paint it and sand it again.
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