Sheet sanders are useful for detailed work, or when sanding along edges of materials. While the major difference between a random orbital sander and an orbital sander may seem slight, its important. Even if youre not, its a great place to start since you get the sander, a charger, a battery, and a bag. Read on for buying advice, our reviews of the best, and tips on using and maintaining your sander. Its speed control dial is behind the handle; you can get at it easily, but its possible to accidentally bump it out of position. Belt sanders are very efficient for fast, rough sanding, but lack the finesse thats possible with a random orbital sander. The Bosch Palm Sander hits all those points, which is why its our top contender. Like the DeWalt DWE6421, the CMEW231 operates smoothly, leaving a well-sanded surface. It depends on the type of furniture, but generally, a palm sander or detail sander is the best option for refinishing furniture because their smaller shape accommodates both small and large projects. Note, though, that the sanding speed is fixed at 12,000 orbits-per-minute, making this model a little less versatile than higher-priced choices with variable-speed control. And if you need to sand a delicate surface, a sheet sander is the appropriate tool. Several different types of sanders are suitable for making or repairing furniture. It also appears, even under superficial disassembly and analysis, to be nearly identical to that sander. We take extensive measures to ensure all our products are made to the very highest standards and meet all relevant industry regulations. Manufacturers might add several features to the design of their sanders to make these tools easier to use, such as pressure detection systems, dust-collection bins, built-in safety features, and included accessories. Some are better suited for fine sanding and polishing, while others are best for heavy-duty sanding to power through the toughest surfaces. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Because its dust control is so good (owing to a rubber O-ring seal on the dust port, good airflow, and an airtight dust canister), less dust stays on the surface to get ground into the abrasive pad. Ergonomic handles coated in vibration-dampening padding reduce vibrations throughout the entire sander, making the work easier on the hands. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. Read our, SKIL SR211601 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander at Amazon, BLACK+DECKER 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander at Amazon, Makita XOB01Z Random Orbit Sander at Amazon, Ingersoll Rand 328B Heavy-Duty Air-Geared Orbital Sander at Amazon, Makita BO5041K 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander at Amazon, BLACK+DECKER BDERO600 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander at Amazon, Best Overall: This Ridgid orbital sander has a soft-start feature that brings the machine up to speed with a gentle ramp-up. At full speed, DeWalts DCW210D1 was the fastest and most aggressive sander we tested. Another difference between these is that the random-orbit variety take sandpaper discs that attach to their bases with hooks and loops. The corded detail sander runs at a single speed that it reaches quickly after activating the dust-sealed on-off switch, but the vibrations produced by the sander are dampened by the soft rubber grip and padded design. It takes some time between applying the paint stripper and removing the paint for the stripper to eat through the old finish. Look for sanders that can handle almost any woodworking project you want to tackle. We further narrowed our research by products that have the standard round sanding surface that uses traditional hook-and-loop sanding pads and products with a pointed end that reaches farther into tight spaces. Sanding is dusty work, but with the Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander, you wont have as much to contend with once the job is done. To put these tools through the paces, we drew rectangles on pieces of oak and maple, plywood, and softwood and sanded each rectangle with an 80-grit disc. Lowering the speed will slow down the rate of material removal, but it allows the sander to create a fine, smooth finish. Furthermore, its possible that the lid feels like its snapped on when it isnt. Also note that a less expensive tool equipped with a high-quality abrasive sheet will prove more than adequate for most uses around the house. It comes with three pieces of sandpaper, including an 80-grit, 120-grit, and 240-grit piece, enabling users to begin working as soon as they can connect the sander to a power outlet. While sanding down furniture is a common step in refinishing tables, chairs, wardrobes, standing closets, and more, some DIYers might prefer to strip the paint or lacquer to preserve the wood. Look for product-specific replacements for these sanders. Orbital sanders are large, heavy-duty tools that are best for taking on big projects, like a bed frame, headboard, and footboard, whereas palm sanders are significantly smaller and would take too long to be useful for large projects. This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. Its not as powerful as many higher-priced sandersthe motor is just 2 ampsbut thats sufficient for a simple job like smoothing the top of a table before painting. This Ryobi sands with good speed and power and completed sanding its test areas in about the same amount of time as those others. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Best Electric Mowers of 2022 for Any Yard, Get the Right Multitool for the Right Situation, The Best Oscillating Tools to Tackle Any Project, The Best Table Saws for DIYers and Professionals. The key factors and shopping tips mentioned above provide a foundation to help decide on the best sander for furniture projects. But just because its small doesnt mean its a weakling. But before going up that ladder, beware. You can even use the sander on plaster or drywall to buff away rough edges after patching or before painting. Get the DEWALT rotary sander at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Lowes. Orbital sanders use peel-and-stick sandpaper that comes precut or that you cut to fit, or you attach an abrasive sheet to the tool with the clamps on the sanders sides. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Our recommendations for the best sanders for furniture come from a number of well-known brands that have a great track record for power tools. The 1-amp corded palm sander operates at 14,000 OPM and doesnt have a variable-speed trigger, so when the sander starts, it rapidly reaches top speed. Whether you need it to sand old paint off a piece of furniture, smooth down a deck in preparation for a new coat of stain, or get kitchen cabinets ready to paint, a random orbital sander makes the admittedly tedious job of sanding easier, smoother, and more effective than merely scrubbing away with a piece of sandpaper. Sandpaper sheets for rotary sanders are typically just standard pieces of sandpaper that are large enough to fit the sanding pad, so users dont need to worry about product-specific paper. We havent tested these three sanders, but theyre in stock, and similar models to these have performed well in our past tests. DeWalts DWE6421 is a journeyman power toola good, solid, smoothly operating machine essentially identical in feel and sanding performance to the Craftsman below. At 2.8 amps, its motor is slightly more powerful than the Bosch sander, and at a maximum of 13,000 orbits-per-minute, its a little faster, as well. Move the sander slowly and steadily over the work surface. Ergonomic palm grip for comfortable operation, Full body soft grips are comfortable and easy to hold, Dust sealed switch protects internal components and helps to extend the life of the tool, Built-in dust collection for a clean work area, Sands flush on three sides to get into tight spaces, Convenient paper clamps for easy paper changes, Surface preparation in finishing applications, Smoothing rough surfaces on wood, metal, and plastic. Orbits per Minute: 11,000 | Variable Speed: No, Requires large air compressor with high air flow. On the other hand, smaller disc sizes give you a little more control and fit into tighter spots. Even better, the trigger switch has an easy-to-use lock, so no need to waste finger power keeping the power switch on while you work. When youre tackling a lengthy job, such as sanding wooden floor edges, youll definitely appreciate the extra front handle on the Makita BO5041K 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander that makes it easy to use two hands instead of just one while workingthats a lot less fatiguingand gives you extra control when working in tight corners. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade. Tired of being tethered to a power cord? Power Source: Corded | Motor: 3 amps | Disc Size: 5 inches | Max. If youre after the tool by itself, look here.). With the appropriate sandpaper in place, you can also use your tool to buff or sand metal, remove rust from metal surfaces, smooth down plastic, and buff, smooth, or sand composite materials such as countertops. Popular Mechanics. We cant say theyre exactly the same mechanically, but its possible that the DWE6421 possesses heavy-duty components that this sander does not. We also carefully wiped down the work surface to get a sense of how much dust the sander missed. How we test gear. This cuts down on tracked dirt, which is more than just a nuisance. You dont have to muscle this sander to keep it in place, and it feels as if it floats over the boards surface. But when we weighed the two types of tools, we found they weigh about the same, once you factor in the cords heft. Its truly a versatile tool. While trying to decide on the best sander for furniture refinishing and repairs, consider what type of sander would be ideal for the project. Power Source: Corded | Motor: 2.4 amps | Disc Size: 5 inches | Max. It also requires the use of powerful chemicals, requiring proper breathing protection and a well-ventilated space in which to work. Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. Sander pads can get dirty during use and might just need to be cleaned off, but if the pad is damaged or worn out, it will need to be replaced. A variable-speed trigger controls the speed so users can gently sand a fine piece of furniture or rapidly remove paint, stains, or other undesirable marks from the material. Its also a good idea to wear an old shirt, coveralls, or a shop apron and leave that in the sanding area, rather than bringing dust into the house. Professional-grade models such as the sanders from Makita, DeWalt, Bosch, and Metabo-HPT vibrate less and are more durable. Sanders come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, with some more appropriate for broad material removal and others meant for precise sanding in hard-to-reach locations. If youll only need a random orbital sander for very light or infrequent household tasks, such as refurbishing an old piece of furniture, overspending doesnt make a lot of sense. Avoid making a mess by covering the area with a drop cloth for protection and using a dust-collection bag on the sander. It has a built-in dust collection system, including internal fans to help pull in particles, and a detachable dust collection bin that is easy to empty when it fills. Difficult materials like robust hardwood require more energy to get the desired results and can wear down the battery at a faster pace than softer materials. The soft grip is not only comfortable, but it helps dampen the sanders modest vibration.Nathan Borchelt, Product Tester, Few complaints that dust filter doesn't stay in place. This creates drag that produces an uneven finish. Orbits per Minute: 12,000 | Variable Speed: No. Just be sure you have that lid attached properly, and youll be rewarded with a pleasant power tool that works smoothly and quickly, leaving a flawless surface. Furniture projects and repairs can be challenging if you dont take the proper steps to prepare the wood. If youre looking to tackle large jobs, youre probably better off with sander that uses larger discs, as this will help you sand large areas faster. They also make a better choice for working with softwood because the force of the palm sander is easier to control, preventing the tool from eating through too much wood. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. But thats not the only benefit of this handy tool. Its dust pickup was surprisingly good for such an inexpensive and simple power tool. And for those times, the BLACK+DECKER BDERO600 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander is the power tool you need. Some products use standard disc sizes, and others might use only brand-specific sanding discs, so always check the manufacturers directions. Read on for more details about what to consider when choosing the best sander for your furniture projects. Other units are cordless and run on rechargeable batteries. The sander is covered by a two-year warranty. For this roundup, she considered dozens of random orbital sanders, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and customer feedback, as well as product tester input. Having a floor mat outside the shop is great, too. You can unsubscribe at any time. This removes any trapped particles hiding on the surface. Get the Bosch random orbital sander at Amazon, Lowes, The Home Depot, and Ace Hardware. However, this doesnt take into account the type of sander or material, the age of the battery, or the experience of the user. Note that you cant simply swap disc sizes; sanders are designed to hold one specific disc size only. To make things a little more confusing, both oscillations per minute and orbits per minute can be written as OPM. Plug in this inexpensive SKIL corded detail sander to get up to 12,000 oscillations per minute using the 1-amp motor. These variations are important for users who know that no two sanding projects are the same. A variable-speed trigger gives users better control while they work, and a vibration-dampening handle helps reduce muscle fatigue and strain. If youre already invested in the companys cordless system, this tool is a sensible addition. SKIL SR211601 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander, We Found the Best Cordless Drills for Home Projects, Best Budget: Shes currently the commerce editor for home improvement and tools on The Spruce. Sands flush on three sides to get into tight spaces and along edges, and it features built-in dust collection for clean work areas. Get the BLACK+DECKER detail sander at Amazon, Walmart, The Home Depot, and Lowes. However, users with detail sanders might have the most difficulty finding sandpaper because the sanding pads tend to have a custom triangular shape that isnt standard between products. Michelle Ullman is a home decor expert and product reviewer for home and garden products. Dont tip the sander near the edges because it will round them off. Ideal for wood, metal, and plastic, this 1/4 sheet finishing sander is comfortable and easy to use. The frequency with which the battery is used and recharged can also reduce the runtime after continuous use. Plus, it has an easy-on-your-hands ergonomic handle. We selected products that have a variety of dust collection methods, variable speed adjustments, and rotation or orbital movement. Plus, it weighs only 3.5 pounds and has an 8-foot cord, so you can stand comfortably while working. However, the design of the dust canister and the way it sticks out over the rear of the tool is a bit cumbersomeespecially considering that this is a cordless sander, we would have liked if it were a bit more nimble. Rotary, random orbital, or belt sanders also suitable for medium and large woodworking projects. It doesnt hurt to move through each size of grit, from coarse to smoothest, but for all but the finest of work, its not necessary. This 2.4-pound corded detail sander has a 1.2-amp motor and a compact shape that helps it get into tight corners. However, it does not come with a vacuum hose adapter or carrying case. By contrast, an orbital sander also has a spinning sandpaper disk, but lacks the additional oval rotation, meaning youll need to be much more mindful of wood grain while you work. The ergonomically shaped handle has a soft-grip top and is just long enough to allow you to grasp the sander in a variety of positions, greatly reducing strain on your hand and wrist. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best We examined the sanded surface under bright light to see whether the tools left swirl marks. Look for products with detail sanding attachments to help access these difficult angles. Downsides? Dont skip more than one grade of grit as you move from coarse to smooth. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. While most random orbital sanders run off AC power from your homes electrical system, you can stop worrying about staying close to an outlet with the Makita XOB01Z, which instead, runs off a rechargeable 18-volt lithium-ion battery. And surprisingly, the battery doesnt add too much weight this sander weighs about 3.6 pounds, right in line with our top picks. High speeds will tear away a lot of material in a hurry, but they typically leave behind a somewhat rough surface. Its easy to think that the little plastic finger that locks the dust canister in place is engaged when its not. Scientists Turn Dead Spiders Into Creepy Grippers, Pentagon: Aid for Ukraine Crushes Russian Morale, The Zodiac Killer, the Secret SR-72, and More, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. By using abrasive sandpaper and rapid oscillation, sanders can grind away the top surface of the wood so its ready for staining or lacquer. Lastly, some orbital sanders are powered by air compressors, making them a handy option if you already have a compressor in your workshop. You can download the relevant product manual for this item by visiting our dedicated service website following the direct link below. But if youve already bought into the Craftsman ecosystem, you might prefer this sander. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. Yet it still sands with very little jarring vibration. Sometimes, you just need a sander to do a small job, such as a furniture makeover, or to get into tight spaces. And if youre worried about runtime, dont be: Youll get 20 minutes of power on high speed and 40 minutes on lowenough for all but the most intense sanding tasks. Any of the sanders in this test will serve a homeowner. Choose the sandpaper that best suits your purposes. Alternatively, rotary and random orbital sanders can tackle medium to large projects, but they cant reach tight corners. The best thing you can do for it is to blow the dust out of it using compressed air (or a can of compressed air purchased at an office supply store) or use a shop vacuum and work over its exterior, especially its air vents. The tool weighs just 1.8 pounds, and it has a slender profile that helps the sander access tight corners, work within narrow gaps, and effectively sand awkward angles to ensure that the entire woodworking project has a smooth, even surface. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. While this might seem low compared to some sanders, this is because the DEWALT rotary sander uses a powerful motor to increase the devices torque instead of the speed. Putting aside cosmetics of color and slightly different rubberized surfaces, these appear to be identical in sanding performance, start and stop speed, weight, and configuration. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. The Best Orbital Power Sanders, Cordless and Corded, Porter-Cable PCCW205B Random Orbital Sander. This rotary sander operates with a 6-amp motor that can drive it up to 3,700 orbits per minute. Sandpaper is organized by grit. BestReviews. Its dust collection is quite good (if not as good as other corded models), but its dust port isnt easily adaptable to a vacuum. The Best Orbital Power Sanders, Cordless and Corded. A sheet sander, also called a palm sander, has a similar appearance to the typical random orbital sander, but instead of a round sandpaper disk, it has a rectangular piece of sandpaper that moves in a back-and-forth motion, rather than a spin. Our only complaint is a small one: A tight fit between the dust-bag collar and the battery makes removing the bag somewhat difficult. The SKIL sander takes 5-inch discs, weighs 3.4 pounds, and is compact enough to fit into fairly small spaces. It has a 2.5-amp motor, which is plenty of power for most DIY tasks, and you can adjust the sanding speed between 7,500 and 12,000 orbits-per-minute to fine-tune the speed to your needs. Get the Genesis palm sander at Amazon, Walmart, and The Home Depot. You can use a palm, belt, rotary, detail, or random orbital sander to remove old paint, sand down rough patches, and revitalize old furniture. The comfortable, rubberized grip is easy on your hands, and the high-performance dust collection bag keeps your work area clean, although, as with any sanding device, you need to wear a suitable dust-protection mask while working. And the company makes a wide range of equipment from drill and impact drivers to saws that work with the same battery. Average air consumption is 4 cubic feet per minute. This obstruction prevents the sander from evenly sanding down the wood. By signing up you agree to receive emails from BLACK+DECKER with news, special offers, promotions and other information. By signing up you agree to receive emails from BLACK+DECKER with news, special offers, promotions and other information. The warranty is one year. Our product tester used this sander to clean up three rough-cut bookshelves with heavy grain. BOSCH ROS20VSC 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander/Polisher Kit, Bosch 5-Inch Palm Random Orbit Sander Review, Runner-Up Best Overall: The Best Angle Grinders That Are Powerful Enough for Any DIY, These Are the Best Oscillating Multi-tools for DIY Projects, We Researched the Best Belt Sanders for Your Next DIY Project, Here Are the Best Scroll Saws for Precise Woodworking Projects, The 11 Best Woodworking Tools of 2022 for Any Project, The 7 Best Miter Saws of 2022 for Perfect Angled Cuts, The Best Impact Wrenches That Make DIY Projects Easier, The 7 Best Corded Drills of 2022 for Any Project, The Best Air Compressors for DIYers and Professionals Alike, The Best Cordless Leaf Blowers to Maintain Your Yard. Even with the big battery, it felt well-balanced, and its dust pickup is good. As we worked, we assessed the sanders vibration and whether it produced an unpleasant gyroscopic effect when we lifted it off the test board. They may also have a vent that reduces moisture buildup under the mask. 93% of 3,500+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. What is a random orbital sander used for? The sander doesnt lack for power, either. Palm and random orbit sanders use circular sanding discs that are specific to the size of the sanding pads bottom. Sanders dont need a lot of care, but they do need some. Select a cordless sander if you spend a lot of time on job sites and already have lots of cordless tool work going on. But dont fear that youre giving up on power or speed with this sander; it has a variable speed control dial with settings from 4,000 to 12,000 orbits-per-minute, a 3-amp motor, and a fairly large 1/8-inch orbit, allowing you to work quickly. When tackling the toughest sanding jobs, such as smoothing very rough wood or removing multiple layers of paint, a belt sander will get the job done faster. To keep hands safe from muscle fatigue and strain, look for a sander with vibration-dampening padding. Detail sanders measure speed in oscillations per minute, while palm, rotary, and random orbital sanders measure speed in orbits per minute. Whether you choose to sand or to strip, dont rush the process. The BDERO100 features a dust-sealed switch to keep grime out of the tool, a Velcro-type system for holding the 5-inch discs in place, and an easy-to-grip rubberized handle. Vacuum the surface clean with a shop vacuum and a brush attachment when youre done with each level of grit. Having noticed the similarities, we did some superficial disassembly of them both, removing their bases and the top housing covers. If the space is still too narrow, use the included detail sanding attachment that is small enough to fit between the bars on the back of a chair. Metabos SV12SG was the only quarter-sheet (non-oscillating) orbital sander in the test. Most of our test sanders are random-orbit types with a round pad measuring 5 or 6 inches across. Coarse sandpaper can remove a lot of material at a fast pace but can leave some roughness behind. To control the sander, you grab onto one of the devices soft-grip surfaceseither from the top, around the base under the power cord, or from the front of the device. The dust canister connects directly to the sander to capture dust while the user sands, keeping the area clear and easy to see. Of course, if you prefer a slightly rounded corner, that can be a good thing. You sand for a few minutes and find that the sander is a dusty mess, as is whatever youre working on. Its loaded with great features, has lots of power, is easy on your hands, and has one of the most effective filtration systems for these types of tools. Some people find it difficult to simply wait around for paint to melt, and those who get impatient and wipe the remover away too soon can leave layers of paint or lacquer in the wood that prevent the even absorption of a new lacquer. Power Source: Corded | Motor: 2.8 amps | Disc Size: 5 inches | Max. An orbital sander is an indispensable power tool. Some higher-end sanders also have a vacuum attachment that allows you to hook the tool to your shop vac. Makita XOB01Z Cordless 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander, Best Heavy-Duty: Handful of complaints that sanding pad doesn't stay in place. Orbital sanders and palm sanders are suitable for different projects. Stripping often is faster than sanding, and it doesnt damage the furniture underneath. This Bosch random orbital sander has a 5-inch sanding pad and comes with a 5-inch sanding disc, a dust canister, a vacuum adapter, and a carrying case to keep everything neat and organized. If sandpaper wont stick to the sander, the reason is likely that the sander pad needs to be cleaned or replaced. However, stripping furniture can get messy quickly, especially with larger projects. This small-but-powerful random orbital sanders built-in microfilter system traps dust particles as small as one-half micron in diameter and has a twist-off dust canister that lets you see at a glance when its full. Its better there, lets say, than working inside a drawer. The final outcome will be worth the extra time, especially with the best sander. Runtime describes the amount of time the sander can operate on a full battery charge. For detailed, precise sanding, this compact Genesis palm sander is a go-to option. The 2.3-pound detail sander has a narrow triangular sanding pad and comes with three pieces of sandpaper made to fit. This isnt to say that it does a poor job picking up dust, considering its competitors do it nearly flawlessly. Sanders typically get power in one of three ways: electrical cords, rechargeable batteries, or compressed air in a pneumatic system. A fourth common type of sander is a belt sander, which differs from both types of orbital sanders in that instead of a vibrating sandpaper disk, you have a loop of sandpaper thats spinning between two rotating drums. There are other nice features as well, including one-touch electronic speed control, a dust-sealed switch, and an attached dust collection bag. A good example of this is when you sand a piece of furniture. Some devices must be plugged into an electrical outlet, meaning you may need an extension cord if youre planning to work outside. But while this sander has an easy-to-clean, highly effective dust collector, it cant trap particles quite as small as the Boschs filtration system, and it lacks a vacuum-hose adapter that would allow you to hook the sander to your shop vacuum. And at 3.2 pounds, its quite lightweight. You can use the peel-and-stick kind, buy the pre-cut 5.5 x 4.5-inch sheets designed for such machines, or buy a roll of 4.5-inch-wide abrasive paper from which you cut pieces to fit the sander. Revitalize your furniture by sanding old and faded paint, or smooth out rough spots on a piece of custom furniture, with the best sander for furniture. our process. Great sanders for furniture should be lightweight, powerful, and have a great dust collection system. Higher torque is better for tearing away multiple layers of finish to quickly get to the wood, but it should be paired with high-grit sandpaper to produce a fine finish. The sanded surface it left was very nicea hair less smooth than the Milwaukee 6034-21s below but still of exceptional quality. Plus, it only weighs a bit over 3 pounds, which is lighter than most other sanders on this list. They measure speed in revolutions per minute, or RPM. Its not pro-duty, but the BDCRO20C is a good little sander for the price and very light.
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