The increased power will allow you to get the job done faster, without the need to keep passing over the same area. You can quickly and easily adjust the speed from 210 up to 440 metres per minute, for fast-paced sanding to suit your needs. As coarse sanding over large areas tends to produce a lot of sawdust, you may have to stop frequently to empty your dust bag. The rapid belt tensioning system makes changing the belt fast and effortless. The adjustable file arm angle also makes hard to reach areas easily accessible, thus taking the strain off your wrist. Property Workshop is proudly reader-supported. Your random orbit sander will be more comfortable to use for longer periods if it is lightweight. If you are planning on using your belt sander on its back, for example to sand the edges of boards or as a sharpener, then you’ll need to make sure that your chosen model has a flat top with no protrusions. Belt sanders rapidly remove the finish from wood and are an excellent choice for coarse sanding large areas. Automatic belt tensioning systems are generally safer and a great way to hassle-free belt changes. Your model should come complete with a dust bag or box to collect sawdust. Ideally, your detail sander will be fairly lightweight so that it is easier to move around and to get into tight spaces. The integrated Bosch dust collection system helps you keep your work area clean, and the low vibrations improve your comfort levels. Rotary dials or thumbwheels offer great ways to adjust speed on the go. The automatic belt tensioning system means you’ll waste little time fitting your belt during the middle of a big job. Like random orbit sanders, detail sanders may use adhesive or velcro fastening pads. £17.94. This is because some of the more powerful models can sand fairly aggressively, leaving you with lines that you will need to sand out. The comfortable rubberized grip is designed for working all day. However, there is a good quality stackable case included with the PEX, to keep it in optimum condition. So, if you often have extensive projects that take up many hours of sanding at high power, then a corded model would be a better choice for your needs. Get the optimal speed from 9,000 to 11,000 OPM with the variable speed dial. However, if you are thinking of undertaking extensive work, you may be better off with a higher-powered model, as, at just 100 watts, this multi-sander is underpowered for heavy-duty jobs. Once the sander is running, simply place it down on the surface, and move across smoothly so as not to create an uneven finish. PORTER-CABLE PCCW205B 20V Max 5" Cordless Random Orbital Sander, Bare Tool (5-(Pack)) Just be aware that this model is a little slow. This model’s power is intelligently managed, thanks to its integral Bosch Syneon Intelligent Power Chip which ensures maximum power and endurance no matter what you’re working on. Some may require a special fixing kit in order to attach them to your workbench. Let’s take a look at all you need to know about random orbit sanders, from what you need to look out for when making your purchase to how to best use one. A Bosch paper assistant guide also makes changing papers a quick & easy job. Whereas belt sanders use sandpaper belts, random orbit sanders take sandpaper pads that attach either with adhesive or, more popularly, with a velcro fastening. The controls are ideally located on the handle making it easy for you to change the speed on the go using the speed adjustment thumbwheel. Compact and lightweight, they are designed for maximum manoeuvrability, giving you added freedom of movement. However, unless you’re a woodworking specialist, you may be bewildered by the huge array of electric sanders on the UK market. Their primary advantage is that you can sand hard to reach areas such as tight corners. As its motor is integrated within the handle and not to one side, you’ll find that this model is surprisingly well balanced and easy to manoeuvre. To help you choose the very best sander for your needs, we’ve compiled this ultimate guide, focusing upon three of the most popular sander types. Furthermore, when you choose a cordless model with variable speeds, you may find it useful to work at a slower speed when you wish to conserve battery power – when waiting for a spare battery to charge up, for example. Power cords can be an extra hindrance over tricky sections such as finials or balustrades, so consider whether or not a cordless model would make your task easier. This Porter-Cable® 20V MAX* Variable Speed Detail Sander is a convenient cordless solution for sanding in a variety of applications. With simple touch buttons and velcro paper fastenings, you’ll find this Makita cordless random orbit sander extremely easy to set up and use. That vibration allows the user to remove material and smooth out surfaces quickly and with far less effort than sanding by hand. The only drawback to this versatile sander is its dust collection, which like many other models, leaves a little to be desired. That said, if you need a heavy-duty belt sander that you will use often, this is the one to go for. Always read the accompanying manufacturer’s usage instructions for your product and protect yourself with gloves, goggles and a mask. While this sander is slightly underpowered, this also makes it suitable for slower, more intricate/delicate sanding tasks. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL cookies. 35 product ratings - Porter Cable 380 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander. Lightweight and compact, detail sanders are ideal for taking on small sanding jobs or for completing intricate parts of larger sanding tasks. Its compact size and low weight, as well as its ease of use, make it a great choice for sanding furniture such as tables and chairs. All sanders use abrasive paper to smooth out surfaces. Thanks to its slim, compact design, if you have a job that requires intricate sanding in hard to access areas, then the Silverstorm Power Belt File is the model for you. As detail sanders don’t need as much brute power as other types of sanders, and they need to be easy to move around, cordless models are preferable. Belt sanders tend to drive forwards fairly rapidly. As previously stated, it is preferable to opt for velcro fastening which tends to stay in place for longer and is more durable over time. This will prevent you from having to continually push down over large areas to achieve the results you are looking for. They are generally larger and heavier than many other handheld sanders. Inexpensive and extremely useful, this handy little must-have sander is a great option. 7000/9500/11000 orbits per minute, 14000/19000/22000 sanding strokes per minute, Connectable to dust extractor. Be sure to go for the grip that is suitable for you. Hand-held sanders for wood are usually powered by an electrical motor, with the sanding paper attaching to the bottom of the sander’s head. Something went wrong. As the disc spins, it also moves in small ellipses. In order to make your task go quicker or to take care of more delicate items, variable speed control can be extremely useful. It’s not essential, but a carry bag or storage box is a great way to keep your random orbit sander safe when not in use. Changing belts is simple, thanks to the auto-tracking belt system, meaning you’ll be able to spend more time on your project, rather than messing about trying to manually fit belts. The higher the wattage, the more powerful your belt sander will be.