What Are The Different Types Of Sanders?

There are a range of sanders in the market and each type of sander comes with different application and usage so it it important for you to understand the different types before you decide to purchase one for yourself. Whether it be a belt, orbital, palm, random orbital, detail or a multi-tool sander – they all have their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article we will share with you a thorough guide on Different Types Of Sanders and which could be ideal for your work purpose.

Different Types of Sanders

Sanders are an essential tool in woodworking, metalworking, and other types of construction work. They are used to smoothen surfaces, remove excess material, and create a fine finish. Sanders come in different types and sizes, each with a unique purpose and level of effectiveness.

Understanding the different types of sanders available can help you choose the right one for your project and achieve the desired results. In this article, we will discuss the different types of sanders and their specific applications, so you can make an informed decision when selecting a sander for your next project.

Let’s begin with understanding the different types of sanders and what are they useful for:

1. Belt Sander

An electric belt sander makes use of a continuous loop of abrasive paper which is referred to as a sanding belt. The belt is looped around two drums which are spun by the motor. This motor helps to move the paper in one direction continuously. They can have an aggressive action over wooden surface, as they are mostly used with coarse grit sanding paper.

This helps in rapid stock and rough removal which makes the belt sander an ideal tool for finishing processes. They are mostly used on wooden surfaces, however, electric belt sanders are also applicable on plastics. You will get various options with the belts up to four inches of width and the speed will also vary allowing you with flexible usage.

2. Orbital Sander

Orbital sanders are also known as finishing sanders or half sheet sanders as they have a base which can move inside tighter spaces and circles (orbits) so as to perform the sanding actions. This prevents too many scratches and will leave the surface with a finer finish.

It could come with a lower stock removal rate but an electric orbital sander is powerful enough to be used on most types of flat and medium-sized areas. You can smoothen rough materials such as plasters and paints between coats. They might not be as popularly used as a belt sander but they are an affordable solution to most wood sanding projects.

3. Random Orbital Sander

Random Orbital Sander is also known as dual action sander or eccentric sander. They are a versatile sander option which has become a sander of choice for most tradesman in the recent few decades. The orbital motion in a random orbital sander is the same as an orbital sander. The pad also spins around a spindle at the same time as an orbital sander. This means that the grit travels in different path on each orbit. This helps to eliminate the swirl patterns which is left by orbital sanders.

An electric dual action sander is the one sander that bridges the gap between a belt sander and an orbital sander. It provides you with a high level of stock removal on larger areas. It can also create a finer finish without much better.

Some of the high end models also come with a boost function which gives a surge of power to remove materials at a quicker speed. Most of the random orbital sanders are capable of sanding a wide range of materials such as wood, sheet steel and plastic.

4. Palm Sander

The Palm sanders are nothing but an orbital sander which comes with a smaller baseplate. It is designed in a way that it fits comfortably on the palm of your hand.

Even though they are not as powerful as an orbital sander but they are fairly lightweight and they can be operated with a single hand on any vertical surface. They are also low in their cost and are ideal for light duty jobs which concentrates on smaller areas.

5. Electric Detail Sander

An electric detail sander is similar to a palm sander with the one difference that it has a triangular shaped base plate. This is advantageous in the sense that they allow for easier navigation for awkward shapes and also help in accessing in the required corners. For awkward sanding jobs such as window frames they provide with better results and also helps you finish the work quicker.

6. Multi Tool Sander

An electric multi-tool sander which is also known as multi-cutter is a small but powerful tool which can be used for a wide range of tasks. It rotates the attached accessory side by side to a certain degree thereby producing a sanding movement. They come in two options: corded multi-tools and cordless multi-tools. It is ideal for small and intricate jobs but they have a higher speed of stock removal. The shape of the sanding pad is triangular and smaller than the pad size of a detail sander, so that helps you in reaching out to the tighter corners with comfort. They also come with accessories that help you in sanding away tile adhesive and mortar.

7. Disc Sander

A disc sander is a power tool that is primarily used for sanding and smoothing surfaces, typically made of wood or other materials. The tool consists of a circular sanding disc mounted on a spindle, which is powered by an electric motor. The disc rotates at a high speed, allowing for quick and efficient sanding.

Disc sanders are commonly used in woodworking shops, as they can quickly remove material and create a smooth, even finish. They can be used for a variety of tasks, such as sanding edges and curves, shaping and rounding corners, and removing old finishes or paint.

8. Drum Sander

A drum sander is a woodworking tool used to sand wood and other materials to a smooth finish. It consists of a drum that rotates on a horizontal axis and is powered by an electric motor. The sandpaper is wrapped around the drum, and the wood is fed through the machine to sand it. Drum sanders are often used to sand large surfaces, such as tabletops or flooring, as they can quickly remove a lot of material. They are also useful for removing rough saw marks or planer marks from lumber. However, drum sanders can be expensive and are best suited for professional or heavy-duty use.

When to Use Different Types of Sanders

Sanding is an essential step in woodworking, and choosing the right type of sander can make a significant difference in the quality of the finished product. Here is a guide to when to use different types of sanders:

1. Belt Sander: Belt sanders are best suited for removing large amounts of material quickly. They are typically used for sanding flat surfaces, such as tabletops or doors, and are also useful for removing paint or varnish from wood. Belt sanders come in different sizes, with wider belts being more effective for larger projects.
2. Orbital Sander: Orbital sanders are ideal for sanding in tight spaces or on curved surfaces. They are less aggressive than belt sanders and are best for finishing work, such as smoothing edges or removing scratches. Orbital sanders come in different sizes, with smaller ones being more suitable for detail work.
3. Random Orbital Sander: Random orbital sanders are a versatile option that can be used for both rough sanding and finishing work. They use a circular motion to sand the surface, which helps prevent swirl marks or scratches. Random orbital sanders are also effective at removing paint or varnish from wood.
4. Disc Sander: Disc sanders are primarily used for sanding end-grain or curved surfaces. They are typically smaller than belt sanders and have a circular sanding disc that rotates at high speed. Disc sanders are useful for creating smooth, even finishes on wooden furniture or other decorative pieces.
5. Drum Sander: Drum sanders are used for sanding large surfaces, such as hardwood flooring or tabletops. They have a rotating drum covered in sandpaper, which allows for quick and efficient sanding. Drum sanders are best suited for professional or heavy-duty use, as they can be expensive.

Conclusion

When you are getting ready for a job, you would of course want the best sander for the type of work you will be doing. Many of the sanders might seem similar to you so see which features are the ones you will require from a sander and make them your common sticking points. Also note that most sanders use sandpaper and they start at 60 grit and become finer as the grit count goes up. So keep all of these features and context in mind before you choose a type of sander for your individual work purpose.