If you are fond of DIY projects around your home, an orbital sander is one of the handy tools you can buy. Accordingly, an orbital sander effectively smoothens surfaces such as wood and plastered surfaces within your home. Ideally, a random orbital sander will help you achieve extra-smooth surfaces with minimal swirl patterns. And as a powerful tool, it speeds up difficult jobs like smoothing out jagged paint or cleaning up furniture before you can repaint them. In addition, you can use the tool for deburring rough edges on pieces of metal, that is, smoothing drywall, rough tool handles and removing rust. Generally, the tool is indispensable for work around the house and in a shop.
Therefore, we have compiled a comprehensive buying guide for the best orbital sander. Nonetheless, before we get to the reviews, let's first understand the basic concept of an orbital sander.
What is an Orbital Sander?
An orbital sander is a hand-held tool that is used for sanding. This power tool applies the random-orbit action for sanding a surface for a final, more refined finish. Depending on the sanding task at hand, you can find different sizes and models of most orbital sanders.
Moreover, these tools are commonly known as circular, finishing, pad, vibrating, rotary, sheet and best palm sander. These power sanders are compact and have excellent handling. Also, you can use it one-handed. The sanding paper is held on the flat square surface using two spring-loaded clamps. Also referred to as a perfect sanding machine, this tool is designed for excellent fine work like removing baits, sharp round edges and creating ultra-smooth surfaces for woodworking products.
After smoothening, an orbital sander leaves swirl marks on the surface. With a random orbital sander, you can expect more refined, and cleaner finishes with a reduced likelihood of swirl finishes.
What Are the Main Types of Sanders?
1. Belt sander
Belt sanders are known to be rough in woodworking. It's designed to allow large amounts of material in a short period. Also, they are made to work on a continuous loop principle. Belt sanders are highly effective tools that remove roughness and prepare woodwork for not aggressive tools in the work process like random orbit sanders and circular sanders. Essentially, size your belt sander to fit your needs.
2. Orbital sander
An orbital sander is very versatile and polishes pieces of wood to achieve the desired brightness and smoothness, as it's known to be a perfect sanding machine. The best thing about this tool is that you can use it one-handed and doesn't require both hands like belt sanders.
3. Air sander
These sanders are lightweight because they are not designed to use motors. That's why they are quieter, durable and cheap. However, the drawback of this tool is that it collects dust, and that's why it's often congested.
Battery-powered Sanders Vs Corded Sanders
Battery-powered orbital sanders, also known as cordless and corded. There is no difference once you weigh the two orbital sanders. The weight is about the same. Consider selecting a cordless sander if you spend a lot of time on the worksite and mostly use many cordless tools. Most people opt to use cordless tools since they come in handy, especially when climbing ladders or scaffolds, and you do not have to contend with a cord hanging down.
Unlike corded tools, cordless sanders are particularly useful and valuable in construction sites since they offer mobility. If you plan for long sanding sessions at a bench, you should consider corded tools, especially if you can plug the sander directly into an outlet without needing an extension cord. If it's the case for you, dragging the cord won't be an issue and the need for mobility. For example, sanding a picture or a piece of furniture. All you need for each grit is to slowly work your way down to perfect the sanded surface.
Is orbital sander better?
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After identifying the sander applications, let's us now start the looking at the best orbital sander in the market.
1. BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander
- HIGH PERFORMANCE ORBIT SANDER - 2.0 Amp corded electric random...
- HIGH EFFICIENCY - Delivers 12000 OPM (orbits per minute) to...
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT - Fits in tight spaces for more versatile...
- DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM - Keep your workspace free of dust and...
- COMFORT GRIP HANDLE - Work comfortably and with less fatigue...
Our top recommendation for the best orbital sander is the BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 5-inch random orbital sander. This smoothening power tool is ideal for light household tasks, including refurbishing old furniture. In addition, you can find this random orbital sander at an affordable price with its practical functionality.
Its functionality is powered by a 2-amp motor that is sufficient for light jobs and swirl-free finishes. It is also a corded sander that operates at a fixed but highly efficient speed of 12,000 OPM. Its 5-inch description is for its Velcro system built to hold a 5-inch disc. Its ergonomic features have a rubberized palm grip, and this sander weighs 3.2 pounds for less strenuous wood sanding. However, you can find more effective sanders than the BDERO100's speed and motor power but at a higher price tag.
This Black Decker has an in-built dust bag containing sawdust for its dust collection capacity. However, this sander doesn't come with a vacuum hose connecting to your shop vacuum. Also, on dust, its switch is dust-sealed to prevent your tool from griming and has a 2-year warranty.
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2. Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Orbit Sander
- SMOOTH FINISH: pad dampening system designed to eliminate swirl...
- EASY DISC ATTACHMENT: through Bosch's signature Hook and Loop...
- VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL: powerful 2.5 AMP motor allows speed to...
- DUST COLLECTION: features a micro filter system for fine dust and...
- KIT CONTENTS: Includes sanding pad, sanding disc, dampening ring,...
Third, in our list of best random orbital sander is the Bosch Palm Sander. It comes with a 2.5-amp motor that is adequately powerful for home DIY tasks. You will also benefit from the adjustable variable speeds of this sander that range from 7,500 to 12,000 OPM, depending on your sanding needs. Furthermore, it is built for 5-inch disks with a convenient hook and loop system that holds a disc firmly in position during sanding.
Even with a lot of dirt during smoothening, this Bosch palm sander offers an incredible job with microfilter features that trap smaller grime particles of up to one-half micron diameter. Additionally, its practical dust canister offers visibility to see when it's complete. Furthermore, if you prefer your shop vacuum's efficiency, this sander has a hose adapter.
Moreover, the Bosch sander has an ergonomic-designed handle that offers a soft grip with an adequate length for grasping this hand sander in different positions. Consequently, smoothening will be less strenuous on your wrist and hand. Also, this random orbital sander is only 3.5 pounds, making it lightweight. This Bosch orbital sander also has an 8-foot power cord for comfortable sanding while standing.
Other bargain features for this Bosch orbital sander include a disk, pad, soft carrying case, polisher kit, grime collector, and vacuum adapter. Finally, this Bosch sander smoothening tool comes with a one-year warranty.
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3. Makita BO5030K 5-Inches Random Orbit Sander
- Smooth and fast sanding with 3.0 AMP motor (12,000 OPM)
- Rubberized grip for improved operator comfort and control
- Large 1/8" random orbit action for fast and super smooth sanding
- Pad control system for controlled pad speed upon start-up
- Efficient through-the-pad dust collection system for a cleaner...
Another excellent choice for the best orbital sander is this Makita BO5030K 5" Random Orbit Sander. Specifically, this Makita sander is built with a 3.0 AMP motor with a speed of 12,000 orbits per minute. Its random spinning orbit is large enough to allow fast and excellent smoothening. For exterior use, you can use an extension cord for convenience.
This Makita sander has a rubberized grip with the additional benefit of increased sanding control for comfort. Additionally, you can get this sanding tool at an affordable price with the extras of one abrasive disc, one dust bag, and a plastic tool case. Lastly, this 3 amp Makita sander is typically adequate for many home DIY projects.
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4. Makita XOB01Z 18V5-Inches Cordless Random Orbit Sander
- Three speed settings (7,000/9,500/11,000 OPM) engineered for...
- Large 1/8" random orbit action engineered for fast sanding and...
- One-touch electronic speed control switch provides fast, medium...
- One-touch electronic speed control switch provides fast, medium...
- Makita XOB01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 5" Random Orbit...
Suppose you are a woodworker who prefers cordless tools to Makita random orbital sander is most suitable for you. The features are remarkable, which makes it hard to ignore and worth your investment at the end of the end. This unit is perfect for a cordless option with an ergonomic design that effectively sands different applications. The unit comes with the following features, hook and loop sanding grit, one abrasive disc and one dust bag.
Moreover, Makita has three-speed settings that enable you to remove material faster. The battery power runs for a maximum of 40 minutes on low speed and 20 minutes on high speed for a single charge. You can switch between fast, medium, and low speeds on the power speed control with a single touch. You are ensured of maximum comfort due to its ergonomic design and body.
Makita has designed the unit to have a dust-sealed switch and bearing to block out dust, increasing its durability. You can control the speed of the pad from the pad control system when the tool is operating. Makita also features a sanding pad brake that will help you control the free spin and improve your outcome. An effective dust collection system will prevent your environment from getting disorganized.
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5. SKIL SR211601 5-Inches Random Orbital Sander
- POWERFUL - With a 2.8 amp motor and 13,000 orbits per minute,...
- EASY TO CLEAN DUST CONTAINER - The X-flow dust collector uses...
- SPEED CONTROL - Variable speed control provides the right amount...
- LOW VIBRATION - Through its ergonomic design and a soft rubber...
- SAND IN TIGHT PLACES - With a compact size and ergonomic design...
The 5-inches Skil random orbital sander is one beauty of a kind. It is an affordable package and comes with high-quality features. With a remarkable 13,000 OPM and a powerful motor, this tool can handle various materials without stress and strain. This unit is also resistant to vibration and will be comfortable to wield for an extended period.
The tool has a speed control function that allows you better control the sanding power based on the type of project or material you are operating on. In addition, you will find this unit has a powerful dust collector that you can maneuver easily to achieve a clean experience. The only drawback to this unit is that it doesn't squeeze in swappable 6-inch pad functionality, but no one can complain about the price.
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6. PORTER-CABLE PCCW205B 5-Inches 20V MAX Cordless Random Orbital Sander
- 12,000 OPM for professional material removal of the orbital...
- Detachable dust bag of hand sander is designed for efficient dust...
- Vacuum port of power sander hooks up to a 1 1/4-inch hose for...
- Low profile for control when sanding
- Dust proof switch for professional durability
If you are looking for the best orbital sander for sanding small or medium projects, then Porter cable random orbital sander is suitable for you. For DIY-ers, consider yourselves lucky as this unit will help you cut back on sanding work and will do the job in a short period. Moreover, you won't have to worry about hanging cords or a socket as the unit is battery-powered.
Porter-cable is 5-inches; however, the unit is powerful enough to lift a considerable amount of material quickly without strain or stress. It also has an efficient dust collection system with enough suction power to collect dust. You can quickly charge the 20V batteries. Furthermore, the unit has a comfortable soft rubber grip and allows stability without conceding accessibility.
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7. Ryobi P411 5 Inch Cordless Random Orbit Sander
- CORDLESS: compatible with the Ryobi One+ battery system. Work...
- INCLUDED SANDING PADS attached using a hook and loop connecting...
- RUBBER OVERGRIP with notches makes it easy to handle despite...
- DUST BAG attached to the tool to collect any shavings from your...
- 10,000 ORBITS PER MINUTE make this perfect for any sanding and...
Last on our list is this Ryobi P411 5 Inch Cordless palm sander. Unlike other random orbital sanders in our list, this Ryobi tool has a lower speed of 10,000 orbits per minute. Despite its lower speeds, it is still effective for light smoothening tasks with the convenience of cordless powering for easy working anywhere. In addition, it can provide optimal results for plaster walls and other less intensive surfaces.
Additionally, this sander's lightweight and compact characteristics suit confined spaces and areas with no power connection. However, it doesn't come with a battery, adding to the initial acquisition costs of buying a separate battery. Alternatively, any Ryobi tool battery can work in this sander without an adaptor.
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8. DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inches Cordless Random Orbit Sander
- Orbital sander with brushless motor provides runtime and...
- Variable-speed control of the hand sander from 8,000 to 12,000...
- Low-profile height of the power sander allows user to get close...
- Replaceable 8-hole hook-and-loop sanding pad (DWE64233) for...
- Dust-sealed switch to protect against dust ingestion for long...
Dewalt random orbital sanders are one of the world's leading brands dealing with cordless power tools. Though more investment is needed to design these tools than corded tools, DeWalt's offers professionals the following combinations to help them tackle any job, including power, reliability, and mobility.
DeWalt has designed the unit to use a brushless motor that efficiently uses available battery power. The variable speed is suitable for all materials, and the variable speed dial is on the front of the unit, where it's easy to reach. The upper part of this tool is designed with rubberized molding to ensure that it's convenient to offer the best grip at all sides of the unit you are comfortable with to do your job.
The tool is 6 pounds heavy duty sander than some, but many users don't see it as a factor, particularly if fast and aggressive sanding is required. The supplied dust container is excellent for small projects and has a hose fitted to powered extraction. The unit comes with a kit that includes a charger, battery and a bag. Remember to always have with you an extra battery since it's something of a necessity in your professional life.
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9. DeWALT DCW210B 20V MAX Orbital Sander
- Orbital sander with brushless motor provides runtime and...
- Variable-speed control of the hand sander from 8,000 to 12,000...
- Low-profile height of the power sander allows user to get close...
- Replaceable 8-hole hook-and-loop sanding pad (DWE64233) for...
- Dust-sealed switch to protect against dust ingestion for long...
The DEWALT DCW210B 20V MAX Orbital Sander is the best cordless sander. This model uses rechargeable batteries for enhanced portability around your home. Accordingly, this tool applies a brushless motor for increased power efficiency. As a result, you will only need an extra charged battery for extended operation time.
This random orbital sander also comes with a variable speed control dial with speed ranges between 8,000 and 12,000 OPM, depending on the sanding application required. Moreover, this RO sander has a low height for allowing a user to achieve close and precise surface sanding. Regarding its smoothening pad, you can easily and quickly change a smoothening paper through its replaceable 8-hole hook and loop pad design.
In addition to its performance, this DEWALT tool has a dust collector port suitable for DWV010 or DWV012 collectors. You can also attach this sander with a shop vac through its 1.25-inch vacuum hose connector for easier dust-sucking while sanding. Its switch is also protected from dust ingestion for increased durability.
It has a rubber overmold hand grip for comfortable working for ergonomic features. Nevertheless, this sander comes only as a tool, and other accessories such as smoothening replacement pads, dust collectors, chargers, and batteries are bought separately. Thus, it is ideal for light home duties with the added convenience for OSHA regulation compliance due to its cordless design.
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Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Orbital Sanders
1. Sanding pad speed – RPM Vs. OPEN
The sanding speed is the first to check-in any random orbit sander. Specifically, the smoothening pad is the one that spins, and different manufacturers use different speeds units. Conversely, you can measure the speed of the sanding pad in terms of RPMs, representing the number of revolutions a pad makes in a minute. However, RPM speed measurement can be misleading because a smoothening pad oscillates and spins randomly rather than on a fixed axis.
On the other hand, OPM represents the number of orbits a pad makes per minute. Fundamentally, the use of OPM is ideal because it measures speed more accurately. Therefore, OPM speed measurement is ideal for sanders that spin randomly and operate on variable speed rather than on a fixed axis. However, the RPM measurement suits fixed orbital sanders due to their fixed speeds.
During purchase, it isn't easy to compare the measurements of RPM and OPM between random orbit sanders. Nevertheless, it would be best to judge the speed based on the power of the individual best random orbital sander. Additionally, the indicated speeds are measured when a sander rotates freely rather than in use. Therefore, you should expect the speed to reduce due to friction upon contact with a surface.
2. Power
An orbit sander comes with a motor AMP power rating. Most speed motor power ratings range between 2.5 and 3.3 AMP to indicate the power capacity of a hand sander. In most cases, the power of a random orbit sander is usually measured against its variable speed. However, you may have an orbit sander with lower OPM rates but is more potent than another spinning faster.
Subsequently, a powerful motor means that it will not reduce the sanding speed of the tool much due to surface friction. Therefore, a sander with a strong motor is guaranteed to run more efficiently at stable speeds, making sanding sessions easier with better outcomes.
Besides the power of a motor, you should consider the power source while looking for the best orbital sander. The two options under source are corded and wireless sanders. A corded random orbital sander works by being plugged into a power source, while a cordless sander uses voltage from a rechargeable battery. The latter sander option offers the advantage of portability but has limited run time.
For adequate powering, you can opt for one of the brands on our list and avoid a less powerful brand like Porter cable. Porter-Cable sanders may feature less power and fixed speeds.
3. Dust collection
Another important feature that most sander users look out for is the dirt collection capability of random orbital sanders. Dust gathering closely follows the sanding performance. Orbital sanders available in the market today are built with a dust collection kit but with a wide range of dirt gathering capabilities. Some of the critical factors to consider for dust-gathering include:
4. Size of dust collector.
- Ease of emptying and removing the dust collection system or dust bag.
- Dirt collection effectiveness. The best random orbital sanders should filter the smallest dust particles of up to 1.5-micron diameter.
Regarding how dirt collection happens, a random orbit sander is built with a feature that sucks sawdust into a canister or bag that requires occasional emptying. Other high-end orbit sanders are equipped with an attachment to a shop vac. Even with an enhanced dirt-gathering system, you should ensure you wear protective eye protection and a mask to avoid injuring your respiratory system and eyes while smoothening.
Overall, the best random orbital sander should have an in-built sawdust collector. The best random orbital sander should also allow extensive smoothening without disrupting a filled sawdust bag.
5. Disc size
The sander tool requires the attachment of a disc with a smoothening pad. Traditional orbit sanders are built for a square disc, while random orbital sanders are built for circular discs. Many common random sanders have a 5-inch to 6-inch sander disc diameter, with heavy-duty sanders having a diameter of 8 inches. However, you cannot swap the disc sizes, such as fitting a 6-inch disc onto a 5-inch random orbital sander.
6. Ergonomic design
Considering that smoothening requires physical effort and takes time, you need to consider purchasing a tool with sander features that suit your comfort. Essentially, the handle placement of a sander determines the ergonomic design with either handle placement on the side or front. In addition, the placement of a sander handle ensures that you can work on large surfaces with less fatigue.
Also, ergonomic considerations for tight spaces should feature easy-to-remove handles to provide convenience whenever you encounter obstructions. Additionally, versatile handle adjustments work to ensure that you work on any angle with less hassle. Considerably, if a tool's handle is prone to more vibration, it might be strenuous while smoothening.
7. The handle
Orbital sanders have two hand grips for better control, one handle on the top and the other on the front. The handgrips maximize your ability to keep the sander flat on the surface. You will find that when you are performing vertical sanding on certain tight corners of the wall and wood carcass, the top of the handle will provide you with more flexibility alone. For additional grip on the front of the tool prevents your access. Ensure that you choose the right option for you based on the work you perform most often daily. Furthermore, consider a random orbital sander with a removable front handle to achieve the best of both worlds.
These tools can have a two-hand grip, with one handle on the top and the other on the front of the orbital for better control.
8. Power source
Like most powerful tools, the larger random orbital sanders are also powered in the following way;
i). Power Cord
This option is known to be straightforward and inexpensive. All you have to do is plug the power cord into an outlet, and the tool is ready to use. It's an excellent choice but not suitable for everyone. If you don't have an outlet near your workstation, then go ahead and check out the other options below.
ii). Cordless
A Cordless orbital sander is highly portable and user-friendly. Either rechargeables or changeable batteries power cordless tools. The advantage of having this cordless is that you won't have to worry about any cord or where to find an outlet. However, it has its drawbacks, like it's limited to operability time before its batteries run out. So if your sanding project requires many hours of sustained work, you might want to opt for another option. Also, the cordless orbital sanders take a while to recharge.
iii). Pneumatic
The pneumatic sander is an excellent choice if you are looking for all the power corded tools offered and some of the portability cordless sanders provide. If your compressor produces 40 cubic feet of air per minute, you can comfortably use your pneumatic sanders orbital sander.
9. Vibration
You will find that a sander that gives off a lot of vibration creates strain faster than the one that limits vibration. However, it's difficult for someone to tell from the features and functions manufacturers indicate the level of vibrations. The only way you can tell is by looking for other users' reviews, or you can try out the tool in a brick and mortar store, even when you decide to buy the tool online, for a reasonable price.
How to Maintain Yourself and the Best Orbital Sander
Random orbital sanders don't always need much care, but they need a little. You can only make sure that your tool is most cared for by blowing out the dust using compressed air or a container of compressed air that you can buy at an office supply store and working over its exterior like the air vents. Now follow the following steps o protect yourself when working with sanders.
- Wear a dust mask when sanding wood to protect your lungs when sanding wood. Most random sanders have foam strip that helps the mask seal better to your face and have a vent that reduces the build-up of moisture under the dust mask.
- As you are working, ensure that you clean up to prevent large piles of talc from accumulating.
- After you are done sanding, or you are ready to take a break, brush off or vacuum yourself to get rid of dust before going inside the house.
We recommend that you wear an old shirt apron or coveralls when working and later leave it in the sanding tasks area to avoid bringing the dirt inside the house. Sanding grit on your shoe soles scratches the finished floor, and the tracked dust becomes an irritant to the eyes and throat as it spreads out through the house.
Frequently Asked Questions On the Best Orbital Sander
1. What is the best orbital sander used for?
Most random orbital sanders are ideal for ultra-fine smoothening. Fundamentally, this article focuses on how you can appropriately apply sanding tools on wood and stone surfaces. Additionally, You can use RO sanders to smoothen metal surfaces. Finally, you can also use these sanders in painting jobs and restoring car headlight transparency.
2. What’s the main difference between the best orbital sander and the random orbital sander?
For orbital sanders, they have sanding disks that only move in circular motions. They are excellent for doing rough work but can leave circular shapes in the wood. As for the best random orbital sanders, they oscillate oval orbital movements to create a smooth surface.
3. What is the primary purpose of the best orbital sander?
Sanders are potent tools used for sanding a lot of material on various surfaces for a short period and, as a result, leave ultra-smooth surfaces behind.
4. Are orbital sanders worth the investments?
Yes, consider sanders worth your investment. Why? Because they are precise, and the final result will give you ultra-smooth surfaces. They are compelling as they remove a lot of material for a short amount of time with little effort and energy.
5. Is it possible to use the best random orbital sanders for woodworking?
You can use the best random orbital sanders on wood, plaster, plastic and acrylic surfaces. These tools are provided mobility and versatility to save you a lot of hassle. But before using orbital tools for work, ensure you consider the material you will be sanding as most of them are fragile or heat-sensitive than others, so remember to adjust your speed first.
an orbital sander effectively smoothens surfaces such as wood and plastered surfaces within your home. Ideally, a random orbital sander will help you achieve extra-smooth surfaces with minimal swirl patterns.