Popular Mechanics. The sanded surface it left was very nicea hair less smooth than the Milwaukee 6034-21s below but still of exceptional quality. Look for sanders that can handle almost any woodworking project you want to tackle. This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. Dont tip the sander near the edges because it will round them off. This Ryobi sands with good speed and power and completed sanding its test areas in about the same amount of time as those others. 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. The sander includes a sanding pad, sanding disc, vacuum adapter, and soft-sided carrying case. If sandpaper wont stick to the sander, the reason is likely that the sander pad needs to be cleaned or replaced. To keep hands safe from muscle fatigue and strain, look for a sander with vibration-dampening padding. Belt sanders need replacement sanding belts that match the size of the sanding drums. Power Source: Corded | Motor: 2.8 amps | Disc Size: 5 inches | Max. The Black & Decker detail sander is designed with a built-in dust collection system that pulls in the dust as its created to keep the work area clear and easy to see. 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. Typically, random orbital sanders are used for moderate sanding needs on flat surfaces, such as removing paint or other finishes, smoothing down rough edges on furniture or other items, sanding away rust, smoothing small areas of patched drywall, preparing wood for painting, and similar tasks around the home, garage, or worksite. Plus, it only weighs a bit over 3 pounds, which is lighter than most other sanders on this list. It also appears, even under superficial disassembly and analysis, to be nearly identical to that sander. For example, paint sticks better to a gently rounded corner than to a sharp one. Orbits per Minute: 12,000 | Variable Speed: Yes, My shelf project also highlighted another one of the sanders best features: its ergonomic, lightweight design. BOSCH ROS20VSC 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander/Polisher Kit, Bosch 5-Inch Palm Random Orbit Sander Review, Runner-Up Best Overall: Youll likely kick up a lot of sawdust while sanding, which is why many people prefer a random orbital sander with a built-in dust collector. But thats not the only benefit of this handy tool. You sand for a few minutes and find that the sander is a dusty mess, as is whatever youre working on. For homeowner-duty power tools that give nearly a professional level of performance, see the reviews of the Ryobi sanders and the Craftsman. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. 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.
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. Several different types of sanders are suitable for making or repairing furniture. You can download the relevant product manual for this item by visiting our dedicated service website following the direct link below. On the other hand, smaller disc sizes give you a little more control and fit into tighter spots. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. However, there are other options that we can recommend. 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. Orbital sanders and palm sanders are suitable for different projects. Dont skip more than one grade of grit as you move from coarse to smooth. What is a random orbital sander used for? https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/g26626730/power-sanders/, BEST RANDOM ORBITAL SANDERS. 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. We selected products that have a variety of dust collection methods, variable speed adjustments, and rotation or orbital movement. While very powerful, the sander is surprisingly easy on your hands and wrists, with low-vibration performance and an ergonomic design thats easy to grasp even through long work sessions. 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. While trying to decide on the best sander for furniture refinishing and repairs, consider what type of sander would be ideal for the project. Use a palm sander for small woodworking projects, like a coffee table or mailbox. At the outset of the test, we wondered if the battery would cause a cordless sander to be too heavy. Both types of sanders have a bag that will capture most of the dust the tool produces. Depending on the type of sander, sandpaper might come in square sheets, circular sanding discs, sandpaper belts, and custom sheets. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. 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. 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.
This uniquely shaped Genesis GPS080 palm sander is designed for tight corners and difficult angles. 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 the SKIL detail sander on Amazon and at Walmart. Move the sander slowly and steadily over the work surface. Its also important to note that it did better than many other sanders at lower speedssome exhibit more vibration and loss of effectiveness as you dial back their speed, but not this one. Its lightweight, ergonomic design makes it easy to handle all sorts of work without fatigue, the sand discs are easy to swap in and out, and the pad dampening system eliminates swirl marks.
Whats the difference between a random orbital sander and an orbital sander? And if you need to sand a delicate surface, a sheet sander is the appropriate tool. Get the BLACK+DECKER detail sander at Amazon, Walmart, The Home Depot, and Lowes. If youre not paying attention, that can result in a dust spill that will make a mess out of you and the work area.
What do buyers say? And this is more of an observation, but the power button is somewhat stiff.
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. This rotary sander operates with a 6-amp motor that can drive it up to 3,700 orbits per minute. Get the DEWALT rotary sander at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Lowes. These higher numbers signify fine or extra-fine sandpaper. Its a good power tool that transmitted very little vibration to our hand as it went about its work, somewhat slowly producing a reliably smooth surface without swirl marks. Belt sanders are very efficient for fast, rough sanding, but lack the finesse thats possible with a random orbital sander. See Privacy Policy or Contact Us at support.blackanddecker@sbdinc.com or 6275 Millcreek Drive, Mississauga, ON L5N 7K6, for more information. Supply chain problems are causing some of our sanders to come and go out of stock pretty rapidly. Now protect yourself, especially your lungs: Wear a dust mask when sanding. This corded DEWALT rotary sander weighs about 4.8 pounds and comes with an adjustable side handle to provide superior grip and balance while sanding. Cordless tools are handy and more mobile when youre climbing a ladder or a scaffold because you dont have to contend with the weight of a cord hanging down. Stripping often is faster than sanding, and it doesnt damage the furniture underneath. However, this doesnt take into account the type of sander or material, the age of the battery, or the experience of the user.
Orbits per Minute: 12,000 | Variable Speed: Yes. Random orbital sanders use round sandpaper discs that come in various sizes, most commonly either 5 inches or 6 inches in diameter, although heavy-duty sanders can take discs as large as 8 inches across. Handful of complaints that sanding pad doesn't stay in place. The key factors and shopping tips mentioned above provide a foundation to help decide on the best sander for furniture projects. A rubberized palm grip design reduces vibration and muscle fatigue so woodworkers can keep going for longer periods without having to stop because of hand cramping or strain.
Cooper? This added visibility helps to avoid uneven sanding or missed rough patches that stand out from the furniture once painted. The beauty of a random orbital sander, thanks to its irregular movements, is that it wont mar or scratch woodgrain, so you dont have to be as mindful of the grain while you work. Look for products with detail sanding attachments to help access these difficult angles. Get the Genesis palm sander at Amazon, Walmart, and The Home Depot. Swirl marks also can appear if the user moves the sander very quickly over the surface of the material. Our product tester used this sander to clean up three rough-cut bookshelves with heavy grain. Ease of use can come down to a few key factors like weight, vibration, and control.
Random orbit means the pad spins and oscillates in, just that, a random orbital motion. 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. Palm and detail sanders support most woodworking projects, though they cant handle heavy material removal, so its best to pair these types with a belt sander. Read on for buying advice, our reviews of the best, and tips on using and maintaining your sander. The corded random orbital sander has a 5-inch sanding disc pad and comes with 18 replacement discs with a range of sandpaper grits. This can cause the furniture to become stained and blotchy. You dont have to muscle this sander to keep it in place, and it feels as if it floats over the boards surface. You can even use the sander on plaster or drywall to buff away rough edges after patching or before painting.
This 3.1-pound Jellas random orbital sander has six adjustable speed settings that users can easily switch between using a simple speed dial. 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. Knowing how useful this tool is, we gathered a range of both cordless and corded orbital power sanders and tested them in an effort to help you find the right one. 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. 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. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The sander is covered by a two-year warranty. Each of the top picks below was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting. We take extensive measures to ensure all our products are made to the very highest standards and meet all relevant industry regulations. Sheet sanders are useful for detailed work, or when sanding along edges of materials. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Science in Plant Biology from Ohio University. To be fair, however, if you opt out of the canister, you can easily hook up a hose from a shop vacuum to its outlet port. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. In short, theres a sanding pad for everyone on this list (at a number of price points), which makes it a truly comprehensive collection of the best sanders for furniture. Get the Bosch random orbital sander at Amazon, Lowes, The Home Depot, and Ace Hardware. Sands flush on three sides to get into tight spaces and along edges, and it features built-in dust collection for clean work areas. Keep in mind that there are cordless, corded, and pneumatic sander choices, and each can operate at different speeds.
SKIL SR211601 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander, We Found the Best Cordless Drills for Home Projects, Best Budget: 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. 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. Clean up as you work to prevent large piles of talc-like dust from accumulating. Typically, a sander weighs between 1 and 8 pounds, depending on the type of sander and whether the product is corded, cordless, or pneumatic. However, it does not come with a vacuum hose adapter or carrying case. Detail sanders measure speed in oscillations per minute, while palm, rotary, and random orbital sanders measure speed in orbits per minute.
Power Source: Battery | Motor: 18 volt | Disc Size: 5 inches | Max. Some are better suited for fine sanding and polishing, while others are best for heavy-duty sanding to power through the toughest surfaces. 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. While battery-powered sanders are infinitely more portable, they have a limited run time. 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. Could 3 Particles on a Tie Lead Us to D.B. Regardless of the sander type, the basic principles for managing sander speeds are essentially the same.
our process. 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. Get the Jellas random orbital sander on Amazon. It takes some time between applying the paint stripper and removing the paint for the stripper to eat through the old finish. Sign up to receive the latest info on new BLACK+DECKER products, special offers, and more. Other units are cordless and run on rechargeable batteries. The Makita XOB01T seemed to sand as fast as the DeWalt above, which is surprising given that its top speed is 1,000 rpm less than its yellow competitor. Lowering the speed will slow down the rate of material removal, but it allows the sander to create a fine, smooth finish.
Coarse sandpaper can remove a lot of material at a fast pace but can leave some roughness behind. Its better there, lets say, than working inside a drawer. If youre looking for a great choice at a slightly lower price than the Bosch Palm Sander, youll love the SKIL SR211601 Random Orbital Sander.
BestReviews. Stripping the wood involves using a paint and varnish remover to chemically break down the finish on the furniture. Shes currently the commerce editor for home improvement and tools on The Spruce. 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. 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. Most of our test sanders are random-orbit types with a round pad measuring 5 or 6 inches across. And unlike most sanders, it lacks an integrated dust collection system, so this power tool is best used outdoors in an area that can handle some dust. 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. Five main types of sanders help complete woodworking projects; these include belt, random orbital, rotary, detail, and palm sanders. Its easy to think that the little plastic finger that locks the dust canister in place is engaged when its not. You can unsubscribe at any time. The Bosch Palm Sander hits all those points, which is why its our top contender. As we worked, we assessed the sanders vibration and whether it produced an unpleasant gyroscopic effect when we lifted it off the test board. There may be something tucked deep inside the DeWalt to give it an edge in terms of durability, but it wasnt obvious from above or below. The 2.4-amp motor has enough oomph for lightweight jobs, and with a fixed speed of 14,000 orbits-per-minute, it gets the job done just as quickly as many higher-end sanders. This Ridgid orbital sander has a soft-start feature that brings the machine up to speed with a gentle ramp-up. When it comes to using a sander, its pretty simple, and there are only these key rules: Can This Machine Finally Hunt Down Dark Matter? The best sander for furniture depends on the type of furniture, the size of the project, and whether there are tight corners, rounded edges, or difficult angles that need sanding. He applauded the sander's easy use, powerful performance, and effective filtration system, saying, "The Bosch Palm Random Orbit Sander stands shoulders above its competition in performance, dust control, and ease of use. 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. 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: 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. Plus, it has an easy-on-your-hands ergonomic handle. You can use it to strip paint or sand the gloss off a painted surface so that a new coat sticks more readily to it. The warranty is one year. Better models have a foam strip to help the mask make a better seal to your face. 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. 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. 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. But if youve already bought into the Craftsman ecosystem, you might prefer this sander. 93% of 3,500+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. However, stripping furniture can get messy quickly, especially with larger projects.
Orbits per Minute: 11,000 | Variable Speed: No, Requires large air compressor with high air flow. Most DIYers wont require this much muscle from their sander, but if you plan on tackling tough jobs, such as sanding a big deck in poor condition, a boat hull, a load of lumber for fencing, or touching up an entire homes worth of wooden floors, youll appreciate the air-powered Ingersoll Rand 328B Geared Orbital Sander. ". Note that you cant simply swap disc sizes; sanders are designed to hold one specific disc size only. The versatility of a sander refers to its potential use in a range of ways for an assortment of projects. 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. Sanders dont need a lot of care, but they do need some. Its dust pickup was surprisingly good for such an inexpensive and simple power tool.
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.
Sanders operate at high speeds, which can produce significant vibration. If youre looking for a random orbital sander, its hard to go wrong with our top pick, the Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander. Our favorite random orbital sander is the Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander, which our product tester put through its paces at his home, evaluating it for power, ease of use, effectiveness, durability, and overall performance. How we test gear. You can use a palm, belt, rotary, detail, or random orbital sander to remove old paint, sand down rough patches, and revitalize old furniture. Makita XOB01Z Cordless 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander, Best Heavy-Duty: Orbits per Minute: 13,000 | Variable Speed: Yes, Not the most effective dust-collection system. The ROS20VSC is comfortable, sands fast, and has the best dust collection of the corded sanders we tested. While the major difference between a random orbital sander and an orbital sander may seem slight, its important. The SKIL sander takes 5-inch discs, weighs 3.4 pounds, and is compact enough to fit into fairly small spaces. Power Source: Corded | Motor: 2.5 amps | Disc Size: 5 inches | Max. The frequency with which the battery is used and recharged can also reduce the runtime after continuous use.
For more thorough dust control, use a sander that has a round exhaust port to facilitate hooking up to a hose on a shop vacuum. We cant say theyre exactly the same mechanically, but its possible that the DWE6421 possesses heavy-duty components that this sander does not. Michelle Ullman is a home decor expert and product reviewer for home and garden products. Ideal for wood, metal, and plastic, this 1/4 sheet finishing sander is comfortable and easy to use. These tools sand with a consistent orbital motion and work more slowly than random-orbit types. Ingersoll Rand 328B Heavy-Duty Air-Geared Orbital Sander, The Best Pressure Washers to Clean Your Home, Car, and More, Best for Big Jobs: Avoid making a mess by covering the area with a drop cloth for protection and using a dust-collection bag on the sander. Powerful versions, like belt sanders, weigh more than small palm or detail sanders, and corded products usually have large motors that can weigh more than cordless or pneumatic options. In this case, sanding is quicker and more effective. 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. 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. Our only complaint is a small one: A tight fit between the dust-bag collar and the battery makes removing the bag somewhat difficult. On the other hand, it does have a major advantage in that youve got multiple options for its abrasive sheets. 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. For more heavy-duty jobs, we also recommend the DEWALT Rotary Sander. The sander comes with a 5-inch sanding disc, case, and one-year warranty. But when we weighed the two types of tools, we found they weigh about the same, once you factor in the cords heft. 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. These tools let you quickly strip weathered exterior paint, remove a finish, smooth a tabletop, and do basic metal prep. 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 feature sucks sawdust into an attached bag or canister that you need to empty periodically.
This list of top products includes a range of sander options to help you find the best sander for furniture refinishing. This little sander hits the sweet spot. This insulation reduces hand fatigue and helps prevent muscle strain. It comes with a one-year warranty and three sanding discs. We also tested an orbital sander with a square pad (also called a quarter-sheet sander).
If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Whether you choose to sand or to strip, dont rush the process. Plus, it weighs only 3.5 pounds and has an 8-foot cord, so you can stand comfortably while working.
productslearn more about We also carefully wiped down the work surface to get a sense of how much dust the sander missed. 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. The sander is covered by a two-year warranty. Porter-Cables sander is lightweight and capable, making it a good choice for ladder-based work; you should have no problem holding it overhead as you smooth scraped paint. Sanding is dusty work, but with the Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander, you wont have as much to contend with once the job is done.
The 6034-21 was the smoothest-running corded sander of the bunch, with a distinct lack of gyroscopic wobble and a pleasant vibration-free motion. 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. 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. Note, however, that it isn't variable speed; you can't adjust the speed beyond the three settings. You can unsubscribe at any time. Who else recommends it? Its truly a versatile tool. Orbits per Minute: 14,000 | Variable Speed: No. In terms of the quality of sanded surface it produces, wed say that its surprisingly good for the price. 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. The RS290G is a simple and solid sander, but its dust-control bag is not nearly as efficient as the airtight canisters on the Bosch or the Milwaukee. 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. Of course, one of the jobs it excels at is smoothing wood to prepare it for a clear finish. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Choose the sandpaper that best suits your purposes. Rotary, random orbital, or belt sanders also suitable for medium and large woodworking projects.