Drywall Vacuum Sander Instructions
- Most drywall vacuum sander systems are compatible with most retail wet/dry vacuums. The power of your vacuum sander will depend on the power of the vacuum you use it with. Make sure that your wet/dry vacuum has the proper filter it needs to handle drywall dust. Otherwise you could cause the vacuum engine to clog and eventually burn out.
Attach the vacuum sander system to your wet/dry vacuum according to the manufacturer's instructions. For most systems, this entails no more than plugging the hose into the intake valve on the vacuum. Some vacuum sander systems use an inline bucket of water to capture dust as it passes through the hose. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for filling up the bucket and disposing the waste water.
No matter how powerful the vacuum, some dust will escape as you sand. Try to keep the air in the room as still as possible so that the dust will fall straight down. Cover anything that might get damaged. Turn off any devices that blow air (air conditioners, fans, central air systems) and any devices that have air intakes (refrigerators, computers, electronic equipment). Drywall dust is very fine and can destroy electronic devices by causing them to overheat. - Always use manufacturer-recommended sanding screens for best performance. For rough sanding, use 80- to 100-grit screens. For fine sanding, use 120- to 150-grit screens.
Turn the vacuum on. Place the sanding head against the surface of the drywall. Apply light pressure and begin sanding. Pay attention to the marks that the sanding screens leave. Although some marking is unavoidable, you can limit it by adjusting the pressure that you are applying.
After you have finished sanding, brush away any dust that is clinging to the surface of the drywall. Examine the sanded area closely to determine if more sanding is necessary. If not, allow the dust to settle for an hour or so before removing any protective coverings that you have placed in the room. - To clean up, empty the waste container of your wet/dry vacuum according to manufacturer recommendations. Remove the filter and shake it outside to remove the built-up drywall dust. If necessary, clean out the vacuum sander head and hose by banging them gently against a hard surface to shake out the dust. Do not try to rinse them with water. The dust will congeal, making it more difficult to remove.
