Sanding Inside of Rails

[decker]

Just wondering if anyone has any tips for sanding the inside of rails...aside from just doing it by hand. I was thinking maybe an angle grinder, but then again that may be to rough.

[bigchaz]

Makita 9227c with 8" sander backer pad can fit in between the spindles.

[Beth n Rod]

I use a smaller version of the makita. A 5" grinder with a 7" disk. Small and lite, it gets into more tight areas and btw, one does not have to get the most coarse grit. 50-80 grit works fine for most applications.

Rod!~

[RPetry]

Dan,

Beat up old 3M defelting pads work well. But you still have to use elbow power.

[decker]

looks like a very useful tool. I know it must be good because home depot doesnt have it!

I was using a lot of elbow power today, and I want to increase my efficiency so this looks like a good option. just need to find a place close by to pick it up.

[decker]

Finally got the sandpaper for makita, nobody carried 7 inch paper for the 6.5 inch backing pad.

Pretty good machine for getting into tight spots, the only problem I find is that it can leave swirl marks as it is fairly aggressive.