Woodworking is not just a hobby but a form of art. Many people have taken up this practice for themselves, as it not only helps them relax but also helps them spend their time in a productive way.
Woodworking will offer you a handy set of skills. We’ve seen people who started woodworking as just a way to spend their extra time, but over time got so good at it that they started getting contracts for their work!
But even if you’re not looking for side income and just want to unwind, woodworking is a brilliant combination of skill, leisure, and working out. It is known to reduce anxiety, improve your mental sharpness, put you in a better mood, and even make you better at math! Check out the benefits of woodworking here.
An orbital sander is a tool that is great for fine-tuning your art. This tool delivers a rotating action on the woodwork, sanding away at the edges and unwanted parts. This review helps you pick the best orbital sander for fine woodworking from our top six picks in the category.
1. PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch
As apparent from its name, this machine spins in a random orbit to prevent swirls and creates a polishing action with its movement. There is also an option to attach a side handle to it, giving you more stability while working on large projects.
As it is a corded machine, you need a power outlet nearby to use it. It does not work on batteries.
Specifications
- Product weight – 6.25 pounds
- Disc size – 5 inches
- Voltage – 120 volts
- Batteries needed – No
- Speed – 2500-6800 Orbits Per Minute
Pros
- The sander comes with a variable speed, which gives you the freedom to use it in the way you want to according to your preference.
- The extra handle on the side can help you apply even pressure to get a better-sanded surface.
- The evenly spread weight and balance of the sander ensure minimum vibration when you’re engaging in woodwork.
Cons
- The size of the sander is 5 inches, so if you’re more used to bigger sanders like six or 8-inch ones that get the work done faster, this might not be the right choice for you.
- Due to its speed and small size, replace the sanding discs often.
2. TECCPO Random Orbit Sander
With 12 sandpapers included in the package, you can get quite a lot of woodworking done before you need to order more. Six of these are 80 grit, and the other six are 180 grit, which gives you the freedom to choose according to your requirement. A washable cotton dust collection bag is also included, which will help you keep your workspace clean.
This sander is corded, which means that you do not need batteries to operate it. However, it means that you will need to be connected to a power source to use it.
Specifications
- Product weight – 3.75 pounds
- Disc size – 4.5 inches
- Voltage – 120 volts
- Batteries needed – No
- Speed – 14,000 Orbits Per Minute
Pros
- With a massive 14,000 OPM speed, this sander is extremely efficient and fast and will help you work on more thickness woodwork quite easily.
- With six 80 grit and six 180 grit sandpapers included, it’s easy to get done with large projects and use the different kinds of papers according to your needs.
- The sander comes with a dust collection bag, which can help you keep your workspace free from dust. This bag is both convenient and better for the environment.
Cons
- The disc size on this sander is only 4.5 inches, which means that this might not be the best option in this category if you’re working on larger wood.
- While a higher OPM is good for more efficient work, if you’re working on something that requires a lot of precision and eye for detail, this might not be the best option for you.
3. Cubitron II 3M Elite Random Orbital Sander
The rotational speed of this sander is also decently high, offering an output of 10,000 OPM. The randomized direction and two oval-shaped disc patterns ensure that the sander does not leave swirls on your project. This sander is an air sander, which means that it runs on power generated by an air compressor.
The sander also comes with integrated wrist support for comfort and leverage.
Specifications
- Product weight – 2.54 pounds
- Disc size – 3 inches
- Speed – 10,000 Orbits Per Minute
Pros
- This sander’s small size and light weight make it extremely compact, making it great for smaller projects.
- This sander works with an air compressor’s help, which helps it exceed electric sanders’ capability.
- If you spend a lot of time on woodworking, the integrated wrist support will help you have a comfortable experience and avoid injuries.
Cons
- If you work on large wood areas that require quick sanding, this is not the sander for you, as it is for smaller and more precise areas of work.
- Due to its smaller size, you might notice vibrations over long-term use.
4. Bosch GSS20-40 Orbital Finishing Sander
For people who do not want to get dust all over their workplace, this is a great option as it comes with a dust collection system. With a dust canister with a screw off top, it extracts all dust through the pad.
Specifications
- Product weight – 2.7 pounds
- Sanding surface size – 5.69 x 6.68 inches
- Voltage – 120 volts
- Batteries needed – No
- Speed – 12,000 Orbits Per Minute
Pros
- The benefit of the sander’s rectangular design over a circular one is that it is excellent for tight corners with raised edges, usually a place where circular sanding surfaces cannot reach efficiently.
- An included dust collection system ensures that your workplace stays clean.
- It features an aluminum sanding plate, ensuring that the sander won’t show deteriorating results over long term use.
Cons
- The sanding plate is quite large, which might not be the best option for people looking for more precision.
- Due to the sandpaper system, you might need to cut sheets of sandpaper down when you are replacing the sheets.
5. Valianto 6 Inch Professional Air Random Orbital Palm Sander
It is equipped with Double Rotation Polishing Technology, which gives you a uniform polish without leaving swirls on your woodworking project. The large 6-inch plate is an excellent option for people who work on large projects and do not want to spend too much time and effort getting a uniformed sanded surface.
This sander works on an air compressor, which means that you will get an air pressure system while sanding your projects, giving you a more efficient experience.
Specifications
- Product weight – 2.87 pounds
- Disc size – 6 inches
- Speed – 12,000 Orbits Per Minute
Pros
- The controllable speed option on this sander gives you the freedom to freely regulate your OPMs for optimum performance according to your needs.
- The large 6-inch plate is great for people who do not have very specific needs for precision and need to save time and effort on projects with large areas.
- This is an air sander, which means that it uses a compressor to build up air pressure and gives you a highly efficient sanding experience.
Cons
- Stability might be an issue with this sander, as it is known to vibrate over long term use.
- If you want the best efficiency, you might have to use a large air compressor, and not everybody might have access to that.
6. Cubitron II 3M Pistol Grip Random Orbital Sander, 3 inch
Random orbitals in this sander ensure that the polish is smooth and free of swirls. It also comes in an air-powered design, giving you a high power output and greater efficiency than normal electric sanders. Air sanders are also lighter, quieter, and more long-lasting than conventional electric sanders.
This sander can be used in various projects, including paint prep and weld burn clean-up.
Specifications
- Product weight – 2.20 pounds
- Disc size – 3 inches
- Power Source Type – Air Compressor
Pros
- As there is no motor involved in air sanders, this sander is quite lightweight and does not show problems over long term use if you have a good compressor.
- Its pistol shape grip design is a great option for people in the auto body repair industry.
- The compact design and size of the sanding disk are excellent for precision work.
Cons
- The sander is quite small in size, so it might not be great for large woodworking projects.
- If you do not have a large air compressor, you might run into some stability and performance problems.
Buyer’s guide
Now that you have a comprehensive idea of how these sanders work, we have put together a comprehensive buyer’s guide so that you can choose the best orbital sander for fine woodworking based on your preferences.
- Compact: If you’re looking for something compact for precision projects, we suggest that you go with the Cubitron II Pistol Grip Sander or the Cubitron II 3M Elite Orbital Sander.
- Large: If you work on large projects and want something efficient for your use, we suggest that you go with the Valianto Professional Air Sander or the Bosch GSS20-40 Orbital Sander.
- Extra stable: If it is stability you’re looking for over other things like high OPMs, the PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander’s double handle design will be a great choice for you.
- Raw power: If the most important thing to you is a higher power, the 14,000 OPM system of the Teccpo Random Orbit Sander will serve you well.
Final Verdict
Picking out a piece of woodworking equipment is an investment, and making the right choice based on your needs is important. We hope that this review has helped you figure out which of these is the best option for you! Please feel free to go through the rest of our reviews for more information on this subject. Happy woodworking!