Sanding, a lot of times, can be an enjoyable and even relaxing task. Sanding is easy and quick.
It’s a much more pleasurable task if you have the right sander.
This article will go over how, why, and when to use each of the two most common types of power sanders: random orbital (RO), and sheet (finish) sanders. (Well also touch very briefly on belt sanders, and when to use them).
Additionally, well review and provide some recommendations for a few of our favorite brands and models that are out there on the market today. Enjoy!
General Overview: Random Orbital V. Sheets
Sheet Sanders
It is probably obvious from the name that the sheet or finish sander was intended purpose. You guessed it, finish work.
Sheet sanders are generally a good deal less powerful than RO sanders, and are best used for providing that finishing touch the final preparation step before applying paint, finish, lacquer, stain, or whatever else.
Also called palm sanders or sheet pad sanders, they typically use of a standard 9 x 28 cm sheet of sandpaper. They have a square sanding pad, and most models use some sort of spring-loaded clamp device to hold the sandpaper in place on the pad.
Because of the square shape of the pad, sheet sanders are much more appropriate to use than RO sanders for jobs where you have to get right to the edge of 90-degree angles. RO sanders have circular pads that make it nearly impossible to reach tight corners.
Sheet sanders should not be used for removing layers of material quickly. This is for your belt sander. In fact, if you try to do so with a sheet sander, youll probably just end up destroying lots of pieces of sandpaper, without making too much progress on your stock.
Sheet sanders move in a simple back and forth motion, which is nice if youre not wanting to sand through a lot of material at a time. However, its also the reason that theyre more likely to leave noticeable swirl marks on the material, which can be annoying if youre going for an ultra-finished look.
Sheet sanders have a significant advantage over RO sanders in terms of their cost. You can buy standard sheets of sandpaper at very low prices almost anywhere.
Random Orbital Sanders
Pre-sanders are random orbital sanders. They are the most powerful and can be used to remove layers and layers of material. (Whats the difference between an RO sander and a belt sander, then? Belt sanders are needed for really rough and raw pieces of material that actually need to be evened up before they can even be prepped).
Additionally, RO sanders can be controlled and manipulated much more by the user than sheet sanders can (especially RO sanders with variable speed motors). This means that an RO sander could be used to finish sanding by changing to finer grit sandpaper, applying less pressure, and more than a prep sander. If that makes sense.
As we mentioned, random orbital sanders also use circular pieces of paper that attach to a disc (usually with Velcro). The disc spins in an odd (random) motion where it orbits elliptically simultaneously. This unique motion makes RO sanders less likely to leave swirl marks than sheet sanders.
Unfortunately, random orbital sanders (and the sandpaper that they use), are usually a good deal more expensive than sheet sanders. We believe their performance and versatility are well worth the extra cost.
This video explains how to select and use the correct sander for each job.
Sheet Sander Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sandpaper is widely available and inexpensive
- Best option for finish work
- Great for 90-degree angles
- Affordable
Cons:
- Less powerful (cant take off a lot of material)
- There are not many uses for this product.
- Avoid leaving swirl marks
Random Orbital Sander Pros & Cons
Pros:
- This powerful sander is great for removing layers of rough stock
- Wide range of use; can be manipulated to be used for some finish work
- Dust collection is better (paper and sanding pads have dust-collection holes).
- Seldom are there any noticeable swirl marks
Cons:
Sheet Sanders:
Makita BO3710 Sheet Sander
This is a bit expensive for a sheet sander, but its a seriously quality tool with a great clamping mechanism, a very solid aluminum sanding plate, and a great dust filtration bag that actually works.
DEWALT Electric Sander 1/10 Cm Sheet Orbital (DWE6411).
Like the Makita, another no-frills, super-quality tool that has just a little more punch than your average sheet sander, with its 230W motor that operates at 14,000 orbits per minute.
SKIL Precision Control Sheet Palm Sander With Microfiltration
This tool is a beast. SKIL also makes the Precision Control series for their ROs and belt sanders. The dust capture with the Microfiltration system is second-to-none, and the Precision Control system uses lights to let you know when youre applying the perfect amount of pressure when youre in the green zone, youre sanding at maximum efficiency.
Random Orbit Sanders:
DeWalt DWE6423K 13 Cm Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander
We admit to have a bit of a soft spot for DeWalt tools, but its for good reason. This 13 cm variable speed RO sander is the our favorite, hands-down. Its not absurdly priced, and itll do as good a job or better as models with a much larger price tag.
SKIL 7492-02 13 Cm Random Orbital Sander W/ Precision Control
RO version of Precision Control’s power sander series. Many people believe these SKIL sanders are just gimmicks. However, at half the price of the DeWalt we think it is a great value for a quality, functional sander.
