Makita Random Orbit
Most Versatile Sander For Wood
TOP PICK: MAKITA ORBITAL
The best sanders for wood projects will vary based on your project, budget, and type of wood. However, every woodworker needs a few sanders, such as a random orbit sander and belt sander.
In this article, learn what wood sanders are best for essential to advanced woodworking projects:
- Fast wood removal
- Best for flat surfaces like breadboards
- Sanders to remove scratches
- Finish sanders for preparing to stain
And, like all tools, you get what you pay for. So the old saying buy once, cry once applies to sanders as much as it does to high-end table saws and other equipment.
Page Contents
Types of Wood Sanders
While woodworkers know about the various types of sanders, those new to woodworking as a hobby might be surprised at the vast assortment of sanders.
Fast Wood Removal
Almost all woodworking projects require removing marks from your thickness planer or leveling joints.
For this type of wood removal, a low sanding grit paired with a sander made for rapid removal is best:
- Drum sander
- Belt sander
- Disc sander
- Oscillating sander
Lastly, while a random orbit sander is best for finishing sanding, it can perform rapid wood removal on small projects.
Finish Sanding
When finishing projects, it is always best to gradually move to higher and higher grits of paper. And this generally requires switching from more aggressive sanders to sanders like the following:
- Palm sanders (1/4 sheet sander)
- Orbital sander (1/2 sheet sander)
- Random orbit sander
- Mouse sanders
- Block sander
- Sanding pad
Best Sanders for Wood
As you likely know from purchasing other tools, starting with tools that can be used repeatedly is best.
And, like many do, purchase a brand name that offers both a warranty and a source of parts and service.
I am still trying to figure out where to start. Most projects require, at minimum, a random orbital and palm sander.
1. Must Have: Random Orbit Sander
See on Amazon: Bosch Random Orbit
You can use coarse grit sandpaper to remove large amounts of wood with a random orbital sander. And then switch to finer (and finer) sanding discs to achieve a finish-ready surface.
A random orbit sander will quickly remove wood with available 24-grit hook-and-loop sanding discs. Using a 10,000-RPM+ design, the sander generates a fast-cutting action that will smooth any planed surface quickly.
To use, start with a low-grit sandpaper and move up to at least 200+ grit for your finish pass.
Tip: Just be careful not to apply heavy pressure to the sander to avoid “swirl” in the finished wood.
2. All Around Pick: Cordless Palm Sander
See on Amazon: Dewalt Cordless Palm Sander
A palm sander is perfect for putting the final polish on wood after a random orbit sander. And with fine-grit sandpaper, this wood sander will prepare wood for stain.
Chances are you’ve used this sander in the past, but if not, it works on a simple design of using a “quarter” sheet of sandpaper locked in its clamps. Due to its design, it’s best suited for putting a final pass on wood before applying finish.
3. Best for Fast Removal: Belt Sander
See on Amazon: WEN Belt Sander
With a belt sander, just about any wood surface can be quickly ground smooth. But sometimes, too fast, this sander is used to prepare wood for finish sanding.
With a belt sander, I’ve sanded thousands of wood cabinet door panels flat after running through a planer. While eventually went to a drum sander, this sander is versatile in filing everything from face frames to door panels and even fitting cabinets and filler strips to walls.
Due to its aggressive design, a large platen (metal surface between wood and sander) is desired. Still, a professional 4×21″ is a handful. So for a DIY’er, I recommend a 3×21″ that is more affordable and has less strain on your arms.
4. Best For Flat Surfaces: Drum Sander
See on Amazon: JET Drum Sander
If you are new to woodworking or have been at it for years, a drum sander is the best investment for most woodworkers.
Why? Well, this sander will:
- Flatten anything you put through it PERFECTLY
- Cutting boards? Don’t worry about chip-out on a planer. Feed your boards through with 24-grit, and you’ll get a perfect finish.
- Face frames for cabinets? A 22″ drum sander will handle them by simply reversing the structure and running it twice
- Cabinet doors? Check.
Related Article: Best Drum Sanders for Woodworking
5. Best Utility: Combination Disc and Belt Sander
See on Amazon: WEN Combination Sander
A power disc sander moves this list of best wood sanders into specialty sanders. A disc sander provides precise control for intricate or small sanding tasks as you hold the wood, not the sander.
If your projects have several small pieces or you need to sand the end grain of small sticks precisely, this is a sander for you. Since you won’t need to hold the sander, you can have precise control over the wood as you sand.
6. Best For Round Edges and Sanding Sealer: Sponge Sander
See on Amazon: Sanding Sponges
Woodworkers often overlook a sponge sander, but it’s a versatile sander you’ll use throughout your projects. From sanding raised panels to sealer on the finish, it’s a must-have.
I have dozens of these for cabinet-making projects, which are cheap, and I always need more. Due to their soft design, they work great for getting into hard-to-reach places and bending to the profile of curved wood.
My favorite use of this sander? Sanding wood sealer before applying the final coats of finish.
7. Best Sander For Knocking Off Sharp Edges
See on Amazon: 3M Block Sander
A block sander is one of the few tools that hasn’t evolved. While chances are you own one, it’s invaluable for quickly taking edges off shelving or face frames.
So I turn to this sander when I’m finished sanding a cabinet with face frames. Why? Well, I don’t want to use a pad or orbital sander inside the cabinet; often, they don’t fit. Or I needlessly wreck a sanding disc tackling a job where this sanding block is faster.
Buying Guide for the Best Sanders for Wood
Choosing Between Cordless and Corded
With the batteries available now, you can choose cordless on several sanders. While convenient, a few considerations exist when selecting a cordless wood sander vs. a corded version.
Choose cordless if:
- Your budget allows the extra cost
- You own the battery line that supports your sander.
- Portability of tools is a must
Plan for the Future
Remember, your needs today may not be the same as tomorrow. For example, you may keep building after completing that first piece of furniture.
So, here’s a few tips on what sanders you’ll want to consider as upgrades now (vs. replacing later):
- No matter your project size, buy a top-grade orbital sander now. Because they are cheap enough to be upgraded buy the best now
- Belt sanders are a seldom used tool but in two drastic cost categories. For most hobbyists, an entry-level belt sander is fine. However, if you plan to make cabinets and aren’t planning a drum sander, consider a top-notch sander from Porter Cable or Makita.
- While close to $1500-2000 with a dust collector, a drum sander is necessary for any larger cabinet or furniture projects or plans. And if you are purchasing one, consider spending the extra money now for a 22″ version. Just that additional 6″ gives you much more versatility for oversized cabinet doors.
Remember Dust Collection
If your sights are set on a drum sander, remember you’ll need a dust collector to go with that. While expensive, remember you can connect it to your table saw, miter saw station, planer, and other tools.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Best Sanders for Wood
Is an orbital sander good for wood?
An orbital sander is one of my top three recommended sanders due to its versatility and wide range of grits.
What is the best sander to use for refurnishing furniture?
My preference is a combination of an orbital sander and a mouse sander that can reach into 90-degree corners.
Is an orbital sander better than a sheet sander?
Each sander is good at different tasks, but if I had my choice of one sander, I would buy just an orbital sander due to its wide range of grits it can support.
Summary
While the best sanders for woodworking might depend on your budget and projects, there is always a combination of sanders for your budget. Remember your long-term plans when you purchase and avoid the costly mistake of upgrading too soon.
- About the Author
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Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop.
