Best Random Orbital Sander Review & Buying Guide 2024!

Guide For Buying The Best Random Orbital Sander

You know what? In today’s work environment for quality work, a woodworker must need some tools. They can not think without a router table, random orbital sander and some other tools. Now we gonna guide you something so that you can pick the best random orbital sander. We recommend a Random Orbital Sander over an Orbital Finishing Sander because of its ability to perform two tasks- remove material from the surface of a wood piece such as old paint or give your wood project a fine finish. Random orbital sanders are medium sized tools that are used for general purposes where-as orbital finishing sanders are used only to give finishing touches. A random-orbit sander has a round pad compared to the square sanding pad of an orbital finishing sander. The round pad vibrates and spins simultaneously in circles, preventing any kind of swirls from being present in the final stroke. Let us now take a closer look at this tool and discuss some of its significant features.

Style: Random orbital sanders come in three general styles; palm Grip, Right Angle and Large Inline Sander. Palm Grip: If you are working on small projects and narrow areas then this style of the orbital sander is ideal for you. The palm grip allows users to get a better hold of the tool while smoothing rough surfaces on window frames or smaller items such as desks and chairs. The palm grip ensures that the tool is held firmly when targeting areas that are above the head or underneath surfaces.

Right Angle: Although this style of orbital sander lacks a bit of speed, it has greater power which enables the user to apply pressure on areas when removing old paint or stubborn glue. Because the speed is considerably low, you can remove stock without damaging the surface.

Large Inline Sander: This is the best style for large projects that require maximum power and variable speed controls. Because of the powerful motor and high torque, you will have to use both hands to operate this tool but you will get a lot of control and precision and be able to select the right level of speed to complete your work accurately.

Power: The two most common kind of random orbital sanders are the Corded and Cordless models, although some users also prefer to use the Pneumatic type.

Corded: These models are powerful and best for users who need to use the tool on a regular basis. The corded feature which operates on a direct power supply allows the user to continue sanding until the end of the project without any interruption. There are batteries to recharge or limited work time. If you are planning to work on a large area then chances are that you will be spending a lot of time on the final touches and having a continuous operating feature lets you complete your work at one go. The drawback with a corded model is that you will be restricted to a certain area due to the power cable and you will only be able to work when there is a power outlet nearby. The tool itself may be portable due to its compact size but the cord and the power intake style makes it less convenient for those who are always on the go.

Cordless: The biggest advantage with cordless models is the freedom of movement and the ability to work anywhere, anytime. You can even work on projects during a power cut because these models do not require any connection to power outlets. However, because they run on batteries, they are quite heavy and need to be charged quite often. Battery operated sanders are also not as powerful as their corded counterparts and do not provide users with the opportunity to work for long hours. You can always keep an extra battery nearby to replace the flat battery as soon as the need arises but it’s just extra work and adds bulk to the process. Having to replace batteries, in the long run, is also an added expense.

Pneumatic: The lightest models are pneumatic sanders because they do not have any motor in them. They are operated by the use of an air hose connected to a compressor. If you have other air tools then you can choose this kind because you probably have all the set up ready but if you do not have any such set up already done in your workstation then we would not suggest going through all the trouble for a sander alone. Repair shops usually use pneumatic sanders for preparation work due to their extreme power and style of operation. Movement is also restricted, much more than corded versions.

Amperage: If you are working with a corded random orbital sander then you will notice the various motor amps. This usually rates between 1 to 3 amps and if you are into regular sanding or it is something you do professionally then we would recommend getting a corded model with the most powerful motor so that you can work for longer and enjoy the best performance. For those who own sanders for occasional projects do not really need a powerful one but it is still a good idea to have a tool that works harder and more efficiently.

Speed: You will get models that come with various speed controls that allow users to choose between certain speed-levels for the best results. Many woodworkers believe that the higher the speed the better the finish because the end results are always smoother but one can argue according to their preference and style of work. High speed works best for stock removal and also for fine finishes. Having the option to control speed does not necessarily make a model high-end because many expensive models do not come with the feature. It is just something some users prefer while others do not. But if you are working on delicate or expensive hardwoods then you may like to have the option of controlling the speed just to ensure that you are going to get the desired finish.

Dust Collector: When working with sanders you are bound to be working with dust. Some projects produce a lot of dust while others may not cause too much discomfort but whatever the case, the dust can be annoying and messy. Luckily random orbital sanders come with bags or cartridges that collect these dust and keep your work area clean but they may not always be efficient in doing the task. You will need to make sure that the dust receptacle is easy to remove and attach so that you do not waste much time handling it when you should be concentrating on other important jobs. If your model allows it, you can also attach a separate dust extraction system like a shop vac to make things easier for you. This is particularly essential for people who are allergic to dust.

Grip System: Because of the compact size, random orbital sanders can be used with one hand. However, some models which are designed for larger projects may come with removable side handles which allow the user to apply more pressure and tackle high vibrations. In general, the body of the sander usually has soft grip areas which are present for you to grip when using the tool.

Start-up and Braking: Some models come with a start-up control to get the tool to start smoothly. As these tools can run at a speed of up to 12,000 rpm, a start-up control, and a motor braking can help with controlling the startup and stopping of the tool.

Vibration: Too much vibration causes a lot of user fatigue and it also affects the final outcome of the sanding process. The lesser the tool vibrates, the better the quality of the finish will be. A balanced tool will feel light and you will enjoy using it for a longer period of time.

Benefits Of Buying A Random Orbital Sander

• You can use the tool to remove stock like old paint or glue from surfaces without damaging the piece.
• It is great for sanding surfaces to create the best finish and give furniture a smooth and professional look.
• Easy to use and very effective.
• Portable and can be used on a number of surfaces.
• Does not require many skills to operate, anyone interested in woodwork can learn how to use this essential tool and start giving their projects amazing finishing touches.
• You can get own this tool without having to break the bank.
• The end results of your workpieces will look more beautiful and defined as they will portray smother edges and less sanding marks.

FAQ & Answer About Random Orbital Sander

• Most of the sanders look exactly the same, how do I know which one will work best for me?

Although the size and look of a random orbital sander may look the same, the motor power and other features of the tool may vary greatly. You must read the product description thoroughly before choosing your model so that you can select the right one for your specific needs.

• Will the vibration be unbearable while working on large projects?

Decent models will have minimum vibrations and you will not feel much discomfort or user fatigue during the sanding process. Cheaply made sanders that vibrate too much will not give you the perfect finish either.

• What do the numbers on sandpapers represent?

The coarseness or fineness of sandpaper can be identified from the grit numbers on them. These numbers represent the size of the particles that do the sanding. Lower grits have larger particles thus providing a rougher finish while higher ranges will give you finer finishes. The range can run from 16 grits to 2,000 grits. Coarse particles are great to remove stock from surfaces while finer particles are used for smoother sanding.

• Are cordless random orbital sanders cheaper than the corded versions?

If you buy the tool without the battery then you will find them a bit cheaper but they are basically useless without batteries (unless you already have the batteries). You will have to add at least $40 for the battery to the price of the tool to complete a cordless model.