What are Orbital Sanders?
Orbital sanders are power tools that are handheld and are used for sanding or smoothing out various surfaces. They are different from other sanding tools because the sanding blade makes a random orbit motion.
When trying to figure out which product to buy for your next project, there are several factors you need to consider, like the tool’s effectiveness. It must be able to do the job and fast.
With this in mind, various things like speed, disc compatibility, motor power, and its orbit speed should influence your decision. You should also consider how comfortable it will be to use since it is a powerful tool that will be vibrating in your hand as long as it is switched on. So, you must check the vibrating rate before buying one.
Another factor you need to check is the material of the grip. This will determine how long you will be able to hold onto it without stressing your hands. The style of the handle is another factor as it contributes to its overall ease of use.
The good news is that we have checked through the numerous orbital sanders on the market and have considered the factors we have just mentioned. In this review, you will find the best orbital products and why we recommend each one.
Our Top Picks for the Best Orbital Sanders
Even though this review will examine these factors and point them out, it remains your responsibility to read all customer reviews to know what you are expecting while you buy each particular product.
1. SKIL PWRCore 20 Brushless 20V 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander
The Lithium battery can be charged up faster with its innovative PWR assist mobile charger, giving you more work time and less time being stuck to a power outlet. It can charge up to 25% in just five minutes, or the overall charge takes only 30 minutes.
Changing the sandpaper is fast and easy with its legendary hook-and-loop pad. The sander’s brushless motor gives it a high-performance level and its variable speed control allows you to change the feed rate.
It also comes with a dust canister that makes sure your workplace remains clean. The battery life is longer than its contemporary orbital sander, making it a top power tool for your workshop.
Specifications
- Product dimensions — 6.3 x 5.94 x 8.39 Inches
- Item weight — 5.25 pounds
- Manufacturer — SKIL
- Style — Sander Kit
- Power source — Battery powered
- Voltage — 20V
- Included components — 3pc sanding paper, dust box, battery jacket, charger, random orbital sander, 2.0Ah battery
Pros
- Changing of sandpaper is fast and easy
- The battery charges up faster
Cons
- Some customers have issues with battery life
2. 3M Random Orbital Sander – Pneumatic Palm Sander – 5” x 3/16” Diam. Orbit – Stikit Disc Pad – For Wood, Composites, Metal
The handle has a soft rubber grip and little to no vibration while in use, which ensures your wrist feels no pain or discomfort after using it.
A problem generally faced by many sander operators is pinching in the palm’s pressure points. But with this orbital sander, its ergonomic design reduces that negative effect.
This 5-inch sander has a Stikit disc pad that gives the user the option of applying adhesive-backed discs easily.
Specifications
- Product dimensions — 9.62 x 6.88 x 4.16 inches
- Item weight — 2.2 pounds
- Manufacturer — 3M
Pros
- Easy to use
- Product of good quality
- Comfortable to hold and operate
Cons
- Batteries not included in the package
3. DEWALT 20V MAX Random Orbital Sander Kit (DCW210P1)
It also comes with a variable speed dial that gives you the option of increasing or decreasing the operational speed, depending on the project you have at hand. The speed control has a range of 8,000 to 12,000 OPM.
Its brushless motor is cordless and can be used with its 5.0Ah battery to get any project done in no time. It has a separate dust bag that can be attached to the sander to make your workplace a little less messy.
It is ideal to clean the collected debris and dust after each day’s work to keep this sander active for a long time.
Specifications
- Product dimensions — 10.2 x 9 x 5.5 inches
- Item weight — 5.6 pounds
- Manufacturer — Dewalt
- Batteries — 1 Lithium-ion battery required
- Volts — 20V
- Battery included — Yes
Pros
- An overmold grip contributes to its ease of use
- Sandpaper replacement is easy
- Its cordless nature makes it usable in any location
Cons
- You might need to operate for a while to get a smoother finish
4. Bosch Power Tools – GET75-6N – Electric Orbital Sander, Polisher – 7.5 Amp, Corded, 6″ Disc Size
In its aggressive mode, it can smoothen a surface 5 times faster than a regular sander.
It also has a variable speed dial through which you can get projects done more quickly, or more carefully. It can be used in finishing several surface materials including wood, metal, walls, floors, and so on.
It is easy to use with its smooth handle for a great experience. Its dust collection system requires a hose to be attached to get rid of any debris that may be produced during operation.
It also comes with a multi-hole pad that gives a user a lot of flexibility with several abrasive discs.
Specifications
- Product dimensions — 15 x 6.3 x 5.5 Inches
- Item weight — 5.7 Pounds
- Material — Plastic
- Power source — Corded Electric
- Warranty — 1 year
Pros
- It is easy to use
- It comes with a stylish carrying bag
Cons
- Plastic materials require operators to be extra careful
5. Bosch OS50VC Electric Orbital Sander – 3.4 Amp 1/2 in. Finishing Belt Sander Kit with Vibration Control for 4.5 in. x 9 in. Sheets
Its orbit diameter is 3/31 inches. The SheetLoc Supreme Paper Clamping System ensures that it fits well with any size of sandpaper to sand any kind of surface. In terms of dust collection, its microfilter dust canister is one of the best in emptying debris and dust while in operation.
It is powered by a 3.4A meter motor and it offers the common variable speed to fit any project you might have at hand. Its soft backing pad is flexible enough to sand many contours
Its suction power is top-notch. It offers great value for the money and it is a great addition to your power tool collection.
Specifications
- Product dimensions- 17.9 x 5.8 x 8.9 Inches
- Item weight — 0.48 ounces
- Manufacturer — Bosch
- Power source — Corded electric
- Voltage — 120V
- Number of handles — 2
- Included components — Bare-tool, attachments
Pros
- It is easy to use
- Lowest vibration among orbital sanders
Cons
- It is expensive
6. Dynabrade 59020 Dynorbital-Spirit Non-Vacuum Random Orbital Sander, 5-Inch
It is versatile, giving your various sanding projects a perfect and smooth finish, either vertically or horizontally. The five rotor blades produce more power using less air. The handle provides additional comfort for your wrists. There are vacuum conversion kits available and kits that can be converted to self-generated vacuum tools.
It promises a longer tool life as assured by the V-seal bearing in the package upon receipt. The motor is protected from contamination by it’s hat seal, while the unit does not vibrate much and with less noise. This is done as a result of the weighted back-up pads.
Specifications
- Product dimensions — 10.8 x 6.3 x 4.4 Inches
- Item weight — 1.43 Pounds
- Manufacturer — Dynabrade
- Color — Teal
- Included components — Bare-tool
- Power source — Air-powered
Pros
- It is easy to handle and operate
- Low vibration ensures comfort while operating it
- It is lightweight
Cons
- Wearable parts are not covered under warranty
What to Look For When Buying an Orbital Sander
The following factors should act as a checklist for you when you plan to buy your next orbital sander.
Speed of the Blades
This is the rate at which the disc or pad moves. This factor will determine how much work you can get done with the machine. The speed is always measured in RPM (revolutions per minute).
The recommended speed for a sander is 10,000 RPM. This speed is sure to give you a nice experience while sanding your surfaces.
The Size Of The Disc
This factor is also important because it will tell you how much area the machine will sand at each given time. The default disc sizes of most machines are six inches.
There may be disc sizes of four to five inches or even eight inches. But most skilled workers prefer a disc size of six inches. You might want to adopt that as well.
The Type
The two basic types of sanders are the electric-powered model and the air-powered model. While you decide which of these two you want, it is good to note how each of them works. An electric-powered sander, for example, can work decently without a hose.
It may not be as powerful to sand metal surfaces smoothly as much as the air-powered models. But, they usually have good handles and can easily be maneuvered.
With most-air-powered machines, you find the right tool for difficult tasks and surfaces. They may, however, be harder to handle.
Ease of Use
When you talk about ease of use, you should understand that with machines it refers to their grip and handles. Since these sanders are handheld, they need to be lightweight and easier to handle if you will make use of them for a long time. It also includes the position of its exhaust.
Quality of Materials
When you come across a sander made of durable materials like steel, you should go for them without delay. While other metallic materials may not be bad, consider if they are lightweight and easier to handle.
Final Verdict
All the orbital sanders we have reviewed can do several woodworks. There are some though that can do some tasks better than others. For example, some are best suited for working in tighter spaces while others may fall short in this regard.
In all, we are confident that you have found this review helpful and you can now proceed to buy a good orbital sander.