Some products use standard disc sizes, and others might use only brand-specific sanding discs, so always check the manufacturers directions. If youre looking for a random orbital sander, its hard to go wrong with our top pick, the Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander. The frequency with which the battery is used and recharged can also reduce the runtime after continuous use. It has a three-speed motor that spins the 5-inch disc at 7,000, 9,500, or 11,000 orbits-per-minute. Popular Mechanics. 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. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Its micro-filtration system prevents tiny dust particles from escaping. Runtime describes the amount of time the sander can operate on a full battery charge. Like the DeWalt DWE6421, the CMEW231 operates smoothly, leaving a well-sanded surface. 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. 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. 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. Its dust collection is quite good (if not as good as other corded models), but its dust port isnt easily adaptable to a vacuum. These tools let you quickly strip weathered exterior paint, remove a finish, smooth a tabletop, and do basic metal prep. 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. Ingersoll Rand 328B Heavy-Duty Air-Geared Orbital Sander, The Best Pressure Washers to Clean Your Home, Car, and More, Best for Big Jobs: Furthermore, its possible that the lid feels like its snapped on when it isnt. For homeowner-duty power tools that give nearly a professional level of performance, see the reviews of the Ryobi sanders and the Craftsman. In all, we rate the P411 as a good fit for the frugal power-tool shopper. We take extensive measures to ensure all our products are made to the very highest standards and meet all relevant industry regulations. Having noticed the similarities, we did some superficial disassembly of them both, removing their bases and the top housing covers. This uniquely shaped Genesis GPS080 palm sander is designed for tight corners and difficult angles. A variable-speed trigger gives users better control while they work, and a vibration-dampening handle helps reduce muscle fatigue and strain. We're confident of the quality of our products and we'll repair, without charge, any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship within the specified warranty. Look for product-specific replacements for these sanders. Plus, it weighs only 3.5 pounds and has an 8-foot cord, so you can stand comfortably while working. And this is more of an observation, but the power button is somewhat stiff. The speed of the sander refers to how quickly the sandpaper moves; however, the speed is measured differently depending on the type of sander. By signing up you agree to receive emails from BLACK+DECKER with news, special offers, promotions and other information. Tired of being tethered to a power cord? Alternatively, rotary and random orbital sanders can tackle medium to large projects, but they cant reach tight corners. At full speed, DeWalts DCW210D1 was the fastest and most aggressive sander we tested. Ergonomic handles coated in vibration-dampening padding reduce vibrations throughout the entire sander, making the work easier on the hands. Could 3 Particles on a Tie Lead Us to D.B. 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: 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. Still, for the majority of sanding tasks the typical DIYer is likely to face, a random orbital sander will get the job done quickly, efficiently, and effectively. Sanders dont need a lot of care, but they do need some. The sander is covered by a two-year warranty. Power Source: Corded | Motor: 2 amps | Disc Size: 5 inches | Max. However, this doesnt take into account the type of sander or material, the age of the battery, or the experience of the user. By Timothy Dale | Updated May 25, 2022 11:11 AM. The sander does has a powerful gyroscopic action that requires a slight forward bias to keep it sanding on track. If youre already invested in the companys cordless system, this tool is a sensible addition. 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. 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. We examined the sanded surface under bright light to see whether the tools left swirl marks. Belt sanders need replacement sanding belts that match the size of the sanding drums. You can download the relevant product manual for this item by visiting our dedicated service website following the direct link below. Emily Estep is a plant biologist and fact-checker focused on environmental sciences. Use a palm sander for small woodworking projects, like a coffee table or mailbox. 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. Both types of sanders have a bag that will capture most of the dust the tool produces. This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. This Ridgid orbital sander has a soft-start feature that brings the machine up to speed with a gentle ramp-up. Downsides? 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. This can cause the furniture to become stained and blotchy. 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. This obstruction prevents the sander from evenly sanding down the wood. This 3.1-pound Jellas random orbital sander has six adjustable speed settings that users can easily switch between using a simple speed dial. Select a cordless sander if you spend a lot of time on job sites and already have lots of cordless tool work going on. Its a heavy tool, however, at 4.7 pounds. 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. While the major difference between a random orbital sander and an orbital sander may seem slight, its important. 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? Get the DEWALT rotary sander at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Lowes. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. This list of top products includes a range of sander options to help you find the best sander for furniture refinishing. The ROS20VSC is comfortable, sands fast, and has the best dust collection of the corded sanders we tested. 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. Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. What do buyers say? Power Source: Corded | Motor: 2.4 amps | Disc Size: 5 inches | Max. However, it does not come with a vacuum hose adapter or carrying case. And when youre done sanding and ready to take a break, either brush or vacuum yourself off before going inside the house or other clean area. 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. 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. The Best Orbital Power Sanders, Cordless and Corded. See Privacy Policy or Contact Us at support.blackanddecker@sbdinc.com or 701 E. Joppa Road, Towson, Maryland 21286, for more information. Power Source: Corded | Motor: 2.5 amps | Disc Size: 5 inches | Max. Each of the top picks below was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting. The best-selling BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 earns raves for doing a great job at a rock-bottom price. If sandpaper wont stick to the sander, the reason is likely that the sander pad needs to be cleaned or replaced. If youre after the tool by itself, look here.). Yet it still sands with very little jarring vibration. Our only complaint is a small one: A tight fit between the dust-bag collar and the battery makes removing the bag somewhat difficult. Orbital sanders and palm sanders are suitable for different projects. 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. 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. But just because its small doesnt mean its a weakling. However, note that this is the sander only; youll have to buy the battery and charger separately, unless you already own another 18-volt lithium-ion battery. If the sander is not compatible with a dust-collection bag, you might need a partner to use a small vacuum to suck up the dust as you produce it. Sign up to receive the latest info on new BLACK+DECKER products, special offers, and more. 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. Similarly, a powerful belt sander will typically use more energy than a palm or detail sander simply due to the tools size. Here are the best random orbital sanders for a variety of needs. The sander is backed by a one-year warranty. However, there are other options that we can recommend. 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. 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. On the other hand, it does have a major advantage in that youve got multiple options for its abrasive sheets. 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. If the versatility and maneuverability of a cordless sander appeals more than having to deal with a power cord or an air compressor, a final concern to address is the battery runtime. Detail sanders measure speed in oscillations per minute, while palm, rotary, and random orbital sanders measure speed in orbits per minute. When the collection chamber is full, just remove it from the detail sander, empty it into a garbage can, and reattach to start working again. Remnants of sanding grit on shoe soles can scratch finished floors, and tracked-in dust can form an eye-watering or throat-scratching irritant as it spreads throughout the house. 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. Fine sandpaper cant remove a lot of material, but the finish is soft and smooth. Vacuum the surface clean with a shop vacuum and a brush attachment when youre done with each level of grit. These tools sand with a consistent orbital motion and work more slowly than random-orbit types. Avoid making a mess by covering the area with a drop cloth for protection and using a dust-collection bag on the sander. Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. For small weekend fix-up jobs, theres no question it will work well, particularly when youre sanding less-demanding materials like white pine. Still, with variable speed control that lets you sand as quickly or as slowly as necessary, a vibration-damping system to reduce stress on your hands and wrists, and a soft rubber grip and ergonomic design thats comfortable to grasp even during lengthy sanding sessions, theres a lot to love about this random orbital sander. 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. The key factors and shopping tips mentioned above provide a foundation to help decide on the best sander for furniture projects. Power Source: Corded | Motor: 3 amps | Disc Size: 5 inches | Max. 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. It also has a built-in dust collection system, including internal fans to draw in particles, a dust collection bin, and a micro-filtration system to help collect very fine dust particles. 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. Regardless of the sander type, the basic principles for managing sander speeds are essentially the same. We evaluated both battery-powered sanders (called cordless) and corded models. At 8.8 x 5.1 x 6.3 inches, this tool is a little more compact than most others, making it well suited to tackling corners and edges, or for any quick sanding tasks. Next, we emptied the dust container or bag to check the volume of dust the sander collected. Select a corded tool if you spend long sanding sessions at a bench, especially if you can plug the sander directly into an outlet without an extension cord. Plug in this inexpensive SKIL corded detail sander to get up to 12,000 oscillations per minute using the 1-amp motor. Depending on the type of sander, sandpaper might come in square sheets, circular sanding discs, sandpaper belts, and custom sheets. Plus, this sander has rubberized grips and an ergonomic design to reduce user fatigue even further. 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. We havent tested these three sanders, but theyre in stock, and similar models to these have performed well in our past tests. 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. Can you use a random orbital sander on metal? Five main types of sanders help complete woodworking projects; these include belt, random orbital, rotary, detail, and palm sanders. Sanders operate at high speeds, which can produce significant vibration. Get the Bosch random orbital sander at Amazon, Lowes, The Home Depot, and Ace Hardware. 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. The 2.3-pound detail sander has a narrow triangular sanding pad and comes with three pieces of sandpaper made to fit. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Sands flush on three sides to get into tight spaces and along edges, and it features built-in dust collection for clean work areas. Better models have a foam strip to help the mask make a better seal to your face. 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. You sand for a few minutes and find that the sander is a dusty mess, as is whatever youre working on. 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. Orbits per Minute: Not stated | Variable Speed: No, Few complaints that pads don't stay in place. 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. For furniture-grade finishing, wipe the surface clean with a tack cloth (a sticky piece of cloth used to pick up dust; its sold in the paint aisle) before proceeding to the next grit. Makita XOB01Z Cordless 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander, Best Heavy-Duty: Plus, it has an easy-on-your-hands ergonomic handle. Read on for more details about what to consider when choosing the best sander for your furniture projects. The corded random orbital sander has a 5-inch sanding disc pad and comes with 18 replacement discs with a range of sandpaper grits. our process. On the other hand, smaller disc sizes give you a little more control and fit into tighter spots. 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. That means the pad stays cleaner and lasts longer. The Bosch Palm Sander hits all those points, which is why its our top contender. Theres also a vacuum-hose adapter in case you prefer to hook the device to your wet/dry shop vacuum. 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. Lastly, some orbital sanders are powered by air compressors, making them a handy option if you already have a compressor in your workshop. 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. Handful of complaints that sanding pad doesn't stay in place. 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. 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. Sheet sanders are useful for detailed work, or when sanding along edges of materials. 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. Look for sanders that can handle almost any woodworking project you want to tackle. 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. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Furniture projects and repairs can be challenging if you dont take the proper steps to prepare the wood. 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. Now protect yourself, especially your lungs: Wear a dust mask when sanding. The SKIL sander takes 5-inch discs, weighs 3.4 pounds, and is compact enough to fit into fairly small spaces. 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. The sander comes with a 5-inch sanding disc, case, and one-year warranty. Whats the difference between a random orbital sander and an orbital sander? There are other nice features as well, including one-touch electronic speed control, a dust-sealed switch, and an attached dust collection bag. This rotary sander operates with a 6-amp motor that can drive it up to 3,700 orbits per minute. You can use a palm, belt, rotary, detail, or random orbital sander to remove old paint, sand down rough patches, and revitalize old furniture. This Ingersoll Rand has a -inch air inlet and accepts a minimum hose size of 3/8 inch. While battery-powered sanders are infinitely more portable, they have a limited run time. By using abrasive sandpaper and rapid oscillation, sanders can grind away the top surface of the wood so its ready for staining or lacquer. Typically, a sander weighs between 1 and 8 pounds, depending on the type of sander and whether the product is corded, cordless, or pneumatic. Dont skip more than one grade of grit as you move from coarse to smooth. 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. Plus it will strip rust, clean up flea market furniture, remove a splintered edge from a piece of wood, and take the burr off a piece of freshly cut metal. It also requires the use of powerful chemicals, requiring proper breathing protection and a well-ventilated space in which to work. Another difference between these is that the random-orbit variety take sandpaper discs that attach to their bases with hooks and loops. 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. It also appears, even under superficial disassembly and analysis, to be nearly identical to that sander. In terms of the quality of sanded surface it produces, wed say that its surprisingly good for the price. Random orbit means the pad spins and oscillates in, just that, a random orbital motion. 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. Keep in mind that there are cordless, corded, and pneumatic sander choices, and each can operate at different speeds. DEWALT Rotary Sander, Variable Speed (DWE6401DS), BLACK+DECKER Mouse Detail Sander (BDEMS600), 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Best Detail Sanders for Your DIY Projects, 15 Surprisingly Simple Woodworking Projects for Beginners, 6 Beginner Ways to Use a Woodworking Router, Universal hook-and-loop sanding pad attachment, Reduced hand fatigue with weight counterbalance, Hard to find correctly sized sanding paper, Includes five sanding discs from coarse to fine, Works best at high speeds with coarse grit, Fine detail tip attachment for hard-to-reach areas, Only has a port to attach vacuum for dust collection.
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