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You’ll also want to consider the sanders motor power.
The Spruce
For most DIY projects, 2 to 3 amps is sufficient, but go higher for heavier-duty use.
Andriy Boyko, a contractor and founder of A.O.
Handy Inc. in Wisconsin, recommends sanders that have a comfortable, rubberized grip with an ergonomic handle.
PHOTO: Amazon
The strengths of this random orbit sander go beyond its ergonomic design.
Since sanding is always dusty work, we loved the effective dust-collection system.
Power Source:Corded |Motor:2.5 amps |Disc Size:5 inches |Max.
The Bosch 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander has a dust canister and fine dust filter that helped contain dust while working on our DIY projects.The Spruce
This is a variable speed sander with a range of 7,000 to 13,000 OPM.
Still, if you are willing to stop and empty the dust canister regularly, its quite effective.
Power Source:Corded |Motor:2.8 amps|Disc Size:5 inches |Max.
We found the Bosch 5-Inch Palm Random Orbit Sander to be easy to maneuver and comfortable to hold.PHOTO: The Spruce
It runs off a Milwaukee RedLithium 18-volt battery, which is sold separately.
This versatile random orbital sander has a variable speed control range of 7,000 to 12,000 OPM.
It takes 5-inch sanding pads, which attach to the tool by hook-and-loop attachments.
Power Source:Battery |Motor:18 volts |Disc Size:5 inches |Max.
Depending on your speed, youll get around 30 minutes of runtime before you gotta recharge the battery.
And youll love the smooth, swirl-free results.
Youll need a connector, sold separately, to attach the sander to another brands shop vacuum, however.
Power Source:Battery |Motor:20 volt |Disc Size:5 inches |Max.
It has no bells and whistles, but its easy to use and it gets the job done.
Note that this sander does not have a variable speed setting.
Instead, youll get a steady 12,000 OPM.
Power Source:Corded |Motor:2 amps |Disc Size:5 inches |Max.
Plus, you get three sanding discs of varying grits for each head.
The tool itself has variable speed control ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 OPM when used in random orbit mode.
The handle is comfortable to grip, though, although it might be tight for large hands.
The tool has a dust-collection bag, but it cannot be attached to a shop vacuum.
Power Source:Battery |Motor:20 volt |Disc Size:5 inches |Max.
However, thats suitable for most sanding projects that dont require much finesse.
PHOTO: Amazon
Power Source:Corded |Motor:3 amps |Disc Size:5 inches |Max.
you could set the speed to anywhere between 3,300 OPM to 7,300 OPM for regular sanding.
Power Source:Corded |Motor:7.5 amps |Disc Size:6 inches |Max.
PHOTO: Home Depot
For the highest power, youll want acorded random orbital sander.
Corded tools have other benefits, as well.
How Much Power Do You Need?
PHOTO: DEWALT
Our favorite sander for remodeling projects, theDewalt DWE6421K 5-Inch Corded Orbital Sander, has a 3-amp motor.
You wont notice a drastic difference in power levels between 18- and 20-volt batteries, though.
Boyko especially recommends variable speed tools if youre planning to work with different materials.
PHOTO: Amazon
Having that flexibility means youre more likely to get a great finish across different projects.
Most variable speed orbital sanders have ranges from around 7,000 to 12,000 OPM.
Keeping the Dust Contained
Whatever tool you use to sand, dust is always an issue.
PHOTO: Amazon
That greatly cuts down on the amount of dust floating into the air around you.
Otherwise, youll end up with swirls and scratches that mar the woods finished appearance.
A random orbit sander isnt the right choice for every sanding project.
PHOTO: Amazon
For those situations, he recommends a belt sander, which is more aggressive and eats through material quickly.
Any sanding tool is only as good as the sandpaper you choose for it.
There are many different sandpaper grits, which refer to the level of roughness.
PHOTO: Amazon
However, very few DIYers will ever require sandpaper grit even close to the two extremes of the scale.
Most brands offer variety packs with a range of grits from coarse to fine.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Michelle Ullmanis a writer for The Spruce who specializes in home improvement products, including tools and landscaping supplies.
