Sanding system with damping feature

A method of mechanically sanding a surface, the method comprising:

• providing a sanding tool coupled to an abrasive article;
• contacting the abrasive article to a worksurface;
• and
• varying compliance of the sanding tool during an abrasive operation comprising the abrasive article contacting a worksurface, wherein varying compliance comprises controlling a compliant damping feature, wherein the compliant damping feature adjusts an applied force of the sanding tool;
• and
• wherein an electronic control system actuates the mechanical damping feature in response to a system operating condition received from a sensor.

A damping system for a sanding tool, the system comprising:

• a fluid-based damping feature;
• an electronic controller that receives a sanding operation signal and, based on the sanding operation signal, actuates the fluid-based damping feature;
• and
• wherein actuating the fluid-based damping feature comprises changing a physical parameter of a fluid in the fluid-based damping feature.