Need a new orbital hand sander, suggestions??

[Silenus]

My wife and I want to buy a sander for around the house projects. Small things that need refinishing or whatnot. I will consider either 1/4 sheet or round. What are your preferences?

I need suggestions on what positive features to look for and what brands. I have always had soft spot for DeWalt myself, this primarily because I have an ancient cordless drill that I continue to be impressed with as it is still a power house to this day. I am by no means set on DeWalt though. I will consider any other quality options.

Primary concerns for me are:
1) Good solid quality/reliability. I cannot abide "cheap" tools.
2) A sander that helps isolate vibration from your hand as much as possible will be a big feature.

All else is on the table.

 

[olds]

I've never used an orbital on wood. So I have a question:
Wouldn't it scratch the grain when used on wood?

 

[pelov]

I've never used an orbital on wood. So I have a question:
Wouldn't it scratch the grain when used on wood?

You'll do more noticeable damage going against the grain with your typical belt sander.

Buy whatever orbital sander you want I've got a good DeWalt one that's lasted 8 years of heavy usage.

looks a lot like that.

I had a quarter sheet rectangular one that was fantastic (an old Makita) but they used a foam between the bottom plate and the plastic that's attached to the motor. Though it still runs, the foam wore to pieces and fell out and because you can't sand it evenly (the lack of foam in areas created depressions) I had to retire it. If you do get a non-orbital one then make sure it doesn't have the same issue.

I've bought a couple DeWalts, and though they do okay, the dust collecting bag tears easily because of how they do the stitching. Assuming that's not a big issue for you then you needn't worry. But if you're doing heavy sanding then take a look at how the bag is attached to the exhaust.

 

[olds]

You'll do more noticeable damage going against the grain with your typical belt sander. ...

So, the orbital will go against the grain and cause damage?

 

[highland145]

So, the orbital will go against the grain and cause damage?

Heh, it's orbital so always against the grain.

I've got a ryobi. It works and leaves noticeable scratches with 220 on oak. Gotta hand sand last.

Edit: Vibrates a lot.

 

[sdifox]

depends on what kind of work you are doing.

 

[Silenus]

Thanks for the suggestions all. I ended up getting one of these!

 

[highland145]

How's the vibration?

 

[WackyDan]

I've never used an orbital on wood. So I have a question:
Wouldn't it scratch the grain when used on wood?

No. I use both rotary round pad sanders and orbital 1/4 sheet. Each has their pro's and cons... the round disc sanders are more aggressive with material removal.

"damage" to the the grain is exactly what you are trying to do... You work from 80 to 120 to 180/220 to 320 grit... You don't skip. You end up in the higher grits and you don't get any swirling/sanding marks... You also let the weight of the sander do the work, and change the paper/discs when they need it...

If you press down on the sander, even with a fine grit - you'll leave marks... which will stick out especially if you are staining or dyeing the wood.

 

[herm0016]

No. I use both rotary round pad sanders and orbital 1/4 sheet. Each has their pro's and cons... the round disc sanders are more aggressive with material removal.

"damage" to the the grain is exactly what you are trying to do... You work from 80 to 120 to 180/220 to 320 grit... You don't skip. You end up in the higher grits and you don't get any swirling/sanding marks... You also let the weight of the sander do the work, and change the paper/discs when they need it...

If you press down on the sander, even with a fine grit - you'll leave marks... which will stick out especially if you are staining or dyeing the wood.

and don't go too low on your grit if you are staining or dyeing, it will become burnished and be splotchy when you apply the stain. usually go to 220 for my first coat of stain, then 220 again, or one step up for my next coat.

i have rigid circular saw, mini-router, angle grinder, and cordless drill/reciprocating saw and have been super happy with all of them.

 

[dennilfloss]

Sanding from orbit. It's the only way to be sure...

 

[zanemoseley]

Bosch or DeWalt...

Or if you want a mack daddy sander get a Festool.

 

[highland145]

Sanding from orbit. It's the only way to be sure...

lol

Bosch or DeWalt...

Or if you want a mack daddy sander get a Festool.

One day.......http://www.festoolusa.com/products/orbital-sanders/ets-1505-eq-random-orbital-sander-571794.html

 

[sdifox]

I am not sure there is much diff between a higher quality random orbit vs the run of the mill ones. Just buy the good velcro sandpaper

 

[highland145]

I am not sure there is much diff between a higher quality random orbit vs the run of the mill ones. Just buy the good velcro sandpaper

Status.....You want a block for your sand paper.

 

[sdifox]

Status.....You want a block for your sand paper.

block??? random orbit is a circle... 1/4 sheet would be a "block"

 

[highland145]

block??? random orbit is a circle... 1/4 sheet would be a "block"

Heck, rub what you brung.

 

[NutBucket]

I am not sure there is much diff between a higher quality random orbit vs the run of the mill ones. Just buy the good velcro sandpaper

I thought the same thing until I got my hands on a Festool shopvac and cordless drill at work. Holy crap, they really do work as advertised. The vacuum is quiet as heck with tons of suction and excellent filtration (works great on fiberglass dust). The drill is unlike anything I've used prior. The brushless motor is no gimmick and the electronic "clutch" works perfectly and precisely. Very impressive tools those Germans make!

 

[sdifox]

I thought the same thing until I got my hands on a Festool shopvac and cordless drill at work. Holy crap, they really do work as advertised. The vacuum is quiet as heck with tons of suction and excellent filtration (works great on fiberglass dust). The drill is unlike anything I've used prior. The brushless motor is no gimmick and the electronic "clutch" works perfectly and precisely. Very impressive tools those Germans make!

sure, for those things I can see a difference. Random Orbit Sander is pretty low on the tool totem pole though.

 

[Humpy]

sure, for those things I can see a difference. Random Orbit Sander is pretty low on the tool totem pole though.

Dust collection that actually works makes a huge difference and is easily worth the premium if the tool is used to make money.

 

[sdifox]

Dust collection that actually works makes a huge difference and is easily worth the premium if the tool is used to make money.

op is working on his home.

 

[herm0016]

fein > festool

the fein stuff is amazing too, but i doubt the op needed a $500 sander.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

I thought it said hand shaker.

Like a shakeweight