Sanding is the final stage of woodworking, where you cannot afford mistakes. So, you must select a power tool according to your needs. The two most common types of hand-held sanders are random orbit and palm sanders. In this article, we have discussed random orbit Vs palm sanders- which is better, and why? You will find a comparison between the two, along with a detailed description of each type. We have also recommended some products to help you choose.
Contents
Our Verdict
After conducting thorough research, we have concluded that if you are a professional woodworker, you should go for random orbit sanders. Palm sanders are more suitable for DIYers. The reason is simple. Random orbit sanders can sand large surfaces. It works on both flat and curved surfaces. Plus, it can remove paint, varnish, etc., and prepare woodwork before painting it. Whereas, palm sanders are portable, affordable, and meant for light jobs.
Random Orbit Vs Palm Sander: Comparison Chart
| Specification | Random Orbit | Palm Sander |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Roundhead | Rectangular head |
| Sheet Size | 5-6 inches | ¼ of standard 9 x 11" sheet |
| Motion | Circular as well as orbiting | Only orbiting |
| Ideal for | Professional use | Amateur use |
| Removes paint, varnish | Yes | No |
| Price | Slightly expensive | Affordable |
| Power and Speed | Faster and more powerful | Weak motor power |
| Dust Collection | Efficient vacuum dust collection | Not impressive |
| Finish | Clean finish, leaves no mark | Clean finish, leaves no mark |
Random Orbit Vs Palm Sanders: Differences
1. Power And Speed
Random orbit sanders are more powerful and faster than palm sanders.
Palm sanders are the lightest and smallest of all sanders. they are the best They have the weakest motor power. On average, random orbit sanders have a speed of 10,000 orbits per minute. They also come with a variable speed setter. This is an excellent feature that allows you to choose how fast or slow you want your sander to operate.
2. Size
Palm sanders are smaller in size. As the name suggests, palm sanders can fit into your palm. Their small size makes them easy to use, portable and lightweight.
Random orbit sanders are bigger than palm sanders. However, they are not uncomfortably large. Just like palm sanders, random orbit sanders can also be used with one hand only. In some top-tier models with more power, two handles are provided for superior grip.
The smaller size of palm sanders makes them ideal for sanding corners and edges.
3. Prepping Woodwork
Random orbits sanders are ideal for prepping woodwork. If you want to prepare your woodwork for painting, you need a random orbit sander. It easily removes paint and varnish from the woodwork. It creates a smooth, even surface that can be painted with ease.
Palm sanders do not remove paint and varnish. But, they create a smooth finish. If you do not want to paint your woodwork after sanding, palm sander is the best tool for you.
4. Dust Collection
Sanding creates a lot of dust. So, it is essential to have a useful dust collection feature.
Random orbit sanders have an excellent dust collecting mechanism. It prevents the dust from getting into the sander.
Random orbit sanders come with integrated dust collectors. The dust gets sucked in by vacuum through the holes between sandpaper and pad and gets collected in a bag.
Palm sanders do not have much capacity when it comes to dust collection.
5. Sanding Large Surface
Random orbit sanders are best for sanding large surfaces.
Palm sanders are small in size. So, they can work well at corners and hard to reach places.
Random orbit sanders are more powerful and more extensive than palm sanders. Therefore, they can sand broad areas and are ideal for removing a fair amount of wood.
Random Orbit Vs Palm Sanders: Similarities
1. Clean Finish
Both random orbit and palm sanders give a clean finish to the woodwork after sanding. They do not leave swirl marks on the wood.
2. Portability
Both random orbit and palm sanders are portable when compared to other sanders. However, a palm sander is more portable than a random orbit sander because of its smaller size.
Random Orbit Sander: Recommended Products
1. Makita BO5041
- Smoother and faster sanding with 3.0 AMP motor
- Variable speed control dial (4,000-12,000 OPM) enables user to match the sanding speed to the application
- Ergonomic rubberized palm grip and handle for improved operator comfort and control
Specifications:
- Model: BO5041
- Dimensions: 10.8 x 4.8 x 6 inches
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Wattage: 300 Watt
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Features:
- 3 Amp motor for faster sanding
- Speed control dial: 4,000 to 12,000 OPM
- Rubberized palm grip for comfort
- 5″ hook and loop abrasive paper
- Adjustable handle for sanding corners
- Efficient dust collection system, through the pad with built-in vacuum port adapter
2. BLACK+DECKER BDERO100
- HIGH PERFORMANCE ORBIT SANDER - 2.0 Amp corded electric random orbit sander for a swirl-free finish
- HIGH EFFICIENCY - Delivers 12000 OPM (orbits per minute) to quickly sand material
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT - Fits in tight spaces for more versatile sanding
Specifications:
- Model: BDERO100
- Weight: 3.16 pounds
- Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 6 inches
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Features:
- 2 Amp motor
- 5-inch paper, hook and loop system
- Compact size for easy handling
- Dust sealed a switch to protect the tool
3. DeWalt DWE6423
- 3-Amp motor spins the pad at 8,000 - 12,000 OPM
- Separate counterweight design reduces vibration for improved comfort
- Improved dust-sealed switch protects against dust ingestion for longer switch life
Specifications:
- Model: DWE6423
- Weight: 3.49 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.16 x 6.65 x 5.35
- Power Source: AC/DC
Features:
- Powerful 3 Amp motor
- 5-inch hook and loop pad
- Variable speed between 8,000 to 12,000 OPM
- Efficient dust collection
Palm Sander: Recommended Products
1. SKIL 7292-02
- Pressure control technology warns user when excessive pressure is applied
- Micro-filtration captures and contains fine dust particles
- Clear view dust canister removes guess work of when to empty canister
Specifications:
- Model: 7292-02
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 5 inches
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Features:
- 2A ¼ sheet palm sander
- Pressure control technology to warn the user when excessive pressure is applied
- Built-in vacuum adapter for dust collection
- Soft grip for added comfort
2. Dewalt DWE6411K
- 2.3 AMP motor of the electric sander sands at 14,000 OPM
- Rubber overmold texture will provide a smooth and comfortable control while sanding
- Improved paper clamp of the 1/4 sheet sander features for better paper retention
Specifications:
- Model: DWE6411K
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 10 inches
- Voltage: 120 Volts
Features:
- 2.3 Amp motor
- 14,000 OPM sanding speed
- Foam pad for flatter sanding plane
- Separate counterweight for reduced vibration
- Dust sealed switch
3. Porter-Cable 380
- 2.0-amp motor of orbital sander moves at 13,500 opm, providing a superior finish
- Dual plane, counter-balanced low-vribation design reduces user fatigue of the palm sander
- Dust-sealed switch protects against dust ingestion for longer switch life of the hand sander
Specifications:
- Model: 380
- Dimensions: 5.75 x 9.5 x 6.5 inches
Features:
- 2 Amp motor
- 13,500 OPM sanding speed
- Low vibration design
- Dust sealed switch
Random Orbit Vs Palm Sanders: Overview
Overview Of Random Orbit Sander
Random orbit sanders are often confused with orbit sanders. Before proceeding further, this confusion must be cleared. Random orbit sander is a versatile variation of orbit sander, which not only moves back and forth but also rotates in random orbits. Unlike an orbit sander ( see list of top sanders) a random orbit sander is smaller and less powerful. But, it does not leave swirl marks on the finished product.
A random orbit sander uses sandpaper in a grit range of about 80 to 160. It is one of the most delicate sanders. It can easily be operated with one hand. However, there are some models in the market with extra power. With extra power comes two handles to allow you to use it with both hands. A random orbit sander is best for removing varnish and paint. That is why it is the best choice if you have to prepare woodwork for painting. If you want to remove a fair amount of stock, you should go for a random orbit sander.
The sandpaper disk in random orbit sanders is attached by a hook and loop system, more comfortable to change. Another feature of random orbit sanders is that they can be used on flat and curved surfaces. However, you must take care of two things. Firstly, a random orbit sander can dig into the wood if kept in the same place for long. So, it would help if you moved it around continuously. This will ensure a smoother and more even finish. Secondly, it is not ideal for sanding corners because it has a round sanding surface.
- Does not leave swirl marks
- Ideal for removing varnish, paint
- Can be used on both flat and curved surfaces
- Can remove more material
- Useful for sanding large surfaces
- Not ideal for corners
- Have to be moved continuously
Overview Of Palm Sander
A palm sander is the smallest and most portable of all sanders. As its name suggests, its handle can easily fit into your palm. A palm sander uses sandpaper in a grit range of 160 to 220. Also, it uses a quarter of the standard 9 x 11″ sandpaper sheet. That is why it is also known as ¼ sheet sander. The small size of a palm sander ensures that it is suitable for working with precision.
Another significant feature of a palm sander is that it does not leave marks. A palm sander is best suited for light jobs. It is the right choice for DIYers or people who do not use sanders often. It is ideal for sanding finished woodwork that does not require to be painted.
However, palm sander has many limitations. It cannot be used to remove paint. A palm sander is custom-designed to work at a light touch. Therefore, pressing the sander against the wood will damage the sander and wear the pads out too quickly. Palm sanders are the most affordable of all sanders. So, if you are on a tight budget, a palm sander is just the right thing for you.
- Portable
- Does not leave marks
- Good precision
- Works at a light touch
- Affordable
- Pads wear off quickly
- Cannot remove paint
FAQs
1. Which type of sander is best for sanding small furniture, DIY projects?
Palm Sander is a better option for small furniture and DIYs.
2. As a professional woodworker, should I choose orbital or random orbital sander?
The random orbital sander is more versatile. So, you should go for it.
3. Is it possible to use random orbit sanders in corners or edges?
Palm sanders work better at corners and edges. But if you have a random orbit sander, it can do a lot more stuff in addition to sanding edges reasonably well.
Final Thoughts
While selecting a power sander, you must prioritize your requirements. If you are a DIYer or working on a small project, a palm sander should suffice. For professionals, it is advised to use a random orbit sander. It offers a broader range of services, ideal for woodworking.
The two most important things to keep in mind while selecting a power tool are your requirements and your budget. With these two things in mind, and our article, you can easily decide the best product for you.
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