Despite advancements in power tools, hand sanding remains essential, especially for working with shapes and contours. However, when the job is large or requires significant material removal, a power sander is the best choice.
The question is: “Which sander should you use?”
For rough work, shaping wood, or removing substantial material, a belt sander is the tool of choice. However, for smoothing surfaces, removing old finishes, or sanding between coats, two types of hand-held sanders dominate the field: the random orbital sander and the sheet sander.
Random Orbital Sander vs. Sheet Sander
Over the past decade, the random orbital sander has become a staple in workshops due to its efficiency, reduced sanding marks, and user-friendly design. Meanwhile, the sheet sander has evolved, shrinking from models that used half-sheets of sandpaper to more ergonomic palm-sized versions using quarter-sheets. Both have their advantages, depending on the task at hand.
How They Work
- Sheet Sanders use standard sheets of sandpaper, making them cost-effective and easy to supply. The motor moves the sanding pad in a small circular motion, effectively smoothing surfaces with minimal material removal.
- Random Orbital Sanders operate with a unique motion: the pad both spins and oscillates in a random elliptical pattern. This reduces swirl marks and allows for more aggressive material removal when needed.
Pros & Cons of Each Sander
| Feature | Sheet Sander | Random Orbital Sander |
|---|---|---|
| Sanding Motion | Small circular motion | Random elliptical motion |
| Swirl Marks | More likely | Minimal |
| Material Removal | Light | Moderate to heavy |
| Sandpaper | Uses standard sheets (inexpensive, widely available) | Uses specialized hook-and-loop discs (more expensive, less available) |
| Edge & Corner Access | Excellent for corners due to square pad | Limited due to round pad |
| Best For | Fine sanding, between coats, finishing work | Versatile tasks, removing old finishes, general sanding |
How to Use Each Sander Effectively
Sheet Sander Tips:
- Always sand with the grain to minimize visible sanding patterns.
- Keep the sander constantly moving to avoid uneven surfaces.
- Use progressively finer grits for the best finish.
- Follow up with hand sanding for an ultra-smooth result.
Random Orbital Sander Tips:
- Keep the sander moving to prevent uneven sanding.
- Apply light pressure—let the tool do the work.
- Use a dust collection system to extend sandpaper life and improve results.
- Avoid rounding over edges unless intentionally creating a chamfer.
What to Look for When Buying a Sander
- Comfort & Balance – The sander should feel comfortable in your hand with minimal vibration.
- Noise & Vibration – Test the sander if possible; excessive vibration can cause hand fatigue.
- Dust Collection – A good dust collection system keeps your work area cleaner and extends sandpaper life.
- Trigger Lock – This feature reduces hand fatigue by allowing continuous operation without holding the trigger.
- Variable Speed? – While some random orbital sanders have variable speed controls, this feature is rarely necessary for woodworking applications.
Which Sander Should You Buy?
For serious woodworking enthusiasts or professionals, having both a sheet sander and a random orbital sander provides the best versatility.
However, for beginners tackling furniture refinishing, remodeling, or weekend woodworking projects, a random orbital sander is often the better investment due to its versatility and efficiency. On the other hand, if you only need a power sander occasionally, a sheet sander may be sufficient.
And no matter how advanced power sanders become—nothing beats the finish of hand sanding.
Where to Buy?
You can compare pricing and availability on Amazon. You can find listings of all available Palm Sheet Sanders and a listing of Random Orbital Sanders.
You can also browse our Tool Catalog under Power Tools > Sanders.
