5 Types of Power Sanders for Home Projects and How to Choose One

Random Orbit Sander

• Best for: General purpose wood finishing.

Random orbit sanders are the first choice for most DIY homeowners. They work by means of a pad that is oscillated in small irregular (random) orbits that prevent the sander from leaving distinguishable patterns in the wood surface. When mounted with very fine-grit sandpaper, you can even use random-orbit sanders for smoothing thin veneer wood or for buffing solid surface countertops.

Random-orbit sanders come in several sizes, but the most common sizes are often described as "1/4-sheet" or " 1/2-sheet" sanders—referring to how much of a standard sandpaper sheet is mounted onto the oscillating pad. A 1/4-sheet sander has a roughly square sanding pad, while a 1/2-sheet sander has a rectangular shape. there are also many random-orbit sanders with round sanding heads.

There are also a variety of detail sanders that also use random-orbit action. These usually have contoured, pointed sanding pads that accept specially shaped sandpapers that are usually affixed to the sanding pad with self-stick adhesives.

If you had to choose only one type of sander to buy for home projects, it would most likely be a random orbital sander, as it is versatile, inexpensive, and easy to use. This type of sander is easier to wield than a rotary or belt sander because its action is more like vibration. Changing sandpaper is extremely easy, simply a matter of affixing the paper to the sander's hook-and-loop surface.

Many intermediate-level DIYers will find it useful to own two random-orbit sanders—a 1/4-sheet or 1/2-sheet model, plus a detail sander. Random-orbit sanders are typically corded electric tools, though there are some battery-powered units available. Prices start at around $50 and run up to hundreds of dollars. Most DIY homeowners will be satisfied with a moderately priced tool costing $75 to $100, which will be both highly functional and appropriately durable.

Belt Sander

• Best for: Finish removal, coarse surface removal

A belt sander works by means of a continuous loop of abrasive sandpaper driven in a circular motion by motor-driven wheels in the tool. The action is similar to the way a chainsaw moves its cutting chain in a continuous circle, or the way that a household vacuum cleaner drives its brush.

Belt sanders are good for coarse removal of wood or finishes. When stripping a painted table, for example, the beginning stage will likely include belt sanding to remove the surface paint coat and reveal the wood beneath. Later stages will likely involve using a random-orbit sander to prepare the wood for a new finish.

Unlike random orbital sanders, which cause the sandpaper to vibrate, a belt sander actually moves the sanding belt. This is a notable difference that you will appreciate when you need to sand down rougher areas. These are not good tools for detailed work, as it's difficult to maneuver the sanding belt in tight spaces.

Belt sanders come in many sizes, identified by the size of the sanding belt they use. The smallest belt sanders are generally 3 x 18 inches, but larger tools used mostly by professionals can be as large as 4 x 24 or 4 x 36 inches. Prices start at about $75, running up to about $300 for professional-level tools.

Rotary Sander

• Best for: Stripping paint and other finishes.

The term rotary sander refers to a power tool with a sanding head that turns in a circular motion. Most are handheld tools, but there are also stationary floor-mounted versions used in woodworking shops. You can also turn any ordinary power drill into a rotary sander by equipping it with a sanding disc attachment. Automotive workers frequently use rotary sanders for body work, often air-driven, pneumatic tools.

Handheld rotary/orbital sanders were once very common, but their popularity has waned now that excellent random-orbit sanders are so readily available.

Like a belt sander, a rotary sander is best for coarse removal. A handheld rotary sander allows you to get close to edges, so it is often used in paint removal and refinishing work to strip edges before moving to a belt sander for larger areas. Stripping paint from wood lap siding, for example, often calls for a rotary sander to abrade the crevices where boards overlap.

But like belt sanders, a rotary sander can be difficult to control, causing scores and gouges if you are not careful. Extensive use of a rotary sander is best left to experienced DIYers.

Drum Sander

• Best for: Stripping and refinishing floors.

A drum sander is best described as a large, upright belt sander. A drum sander rests on the floor and is moved about via a handle, much like a lawn mower. They use very large sanding belts powered by drive wheels, and are used exclusively for sanding down floors during refurbishing. Too expensive for most homeowners to purchase, drum sanders are commonly available at tool rental centers and large home centers, where they are leased in four-hour or full-day increments.

Drum sanders are so powerful that they are capable of sanding off all sorts of materials that you want to be removed from your wood floor: bumps, gouges, stains, paint, adhesives, and mastic. Before sanding any flooring adhesives, test to make sure that they do not contain asbestos.

Drum sanders should be used for solid wood flooring only. Do not attempt to use a drum sander on engineered wood flooring or non-wood flooring. Drum sanders are so powerful that they can rip through the thin top veneer of engineered wood flooring.

Stationary Sanders

• Best for: Woodworking projects.

If you are a hobby woodworker, you may want to invest in a stationary sander—a floor-mounted or table-mounted combination sander that can include two or sometimes three sanding "stations." Typically, consumer versions include a spinning sanding disk and a rotating sanding belt. Other types may also have an upright tubular sanding spindle that rotates inside an opening in a metal table.

Stationary sanders are used for precision sanding of woodworking project parts, where very fine tolerances are needed. These are not tools most DIY homeowners will want or need. But if you are a hobby woodworker, investing $100 to $300 in a basic table-mounted combination sander can make your hobby much more enjoyable.