Patent ID: 6971952

Claim:
A sanding tool for sanding generally planar surfaces, the tool comprising: a block adapted to receive, or including, an abrasive member; a shroud including a peripheral wall having an edge region which extends at least part way round said block, the peripheral wall being spaced from said block so that a channel is formed between said block and said peripheral wall which is configured to receive abraded dust generated by said abrasive member, the block being positioned relative to said shroud so that in use, the abrasive member projects beyond said edge region of said peripheral wall; at least one outlet located in said shroud and communicating with said channel, the at least one outlet being connectable to a source of suction; and at least one air inlet located in said shroud and communicating with said channel, and being oppositely disposed relative to said at least one outlet of said channel the at least one air inlet formed in the said peripheral wall, wherein when the sander is located on a planar surface and suction is applied to the at least one outlet, air is able to be drawn into the channel over said edge region of said peripheral wall, and wherein the at least one inlet is configured to introduce a draft which flows through said channel to facilitate transport of abraded dust through the channel to the at least one outlet.