How to Choose & Buy a Sander

A sander is used to smooth or remove a variety of indoor and outdoor surfaces, and is an affordable, time saving and easy to use DIY tool.

Here are some useful hints and tips to consider when choosing a sander.

How to Choose & Buy a Sander - Introduction

Sanders are versatile power tools, capable of a range of DIY and craft jobs, and today's models are incredibly convenient and easy to use. Although mostly used on wood, a sander can be used on a variety of surfaces.

There are many types of sander available, with each type being suited to a particular range of jobs, and a particular range of sanding methods, so it's important to understand which type of sander will best suit your needs.

How to Choose & Buy a Sander - Types

Sanders are usually powered by mains electricity, but some types are also available as cordless models. Here are details of the main types of sander:

Random orbit sander: With a round sand pad attached to an offset bearing - which creates a random motion - random orbit sanders can be used in any direction without scarring the work surface, and are great multi-purpose sanders. Random orbit sanders are very versatile, with many models equipped with a variable speed function, for both hard and soft surfaces. Another great feature offered by random orbit sanders is the system by which dust is removed through holes in the special sanding sheets.
Belt sander: With a loop or belt of sandpaper stretched across two wheels, a belt sander drives the wheels to move the sandpaper efficiently over rough surfaces. Belt sanders can remove a lot of material quickly, and are recommended for the initial stages of a sanding job, and for most rough surfaces and large areas.
Palm sander: Also known as a pad sander, this type uses sheets of sandpaper that it vibrates in a circular pattern. Palm sanders are ideal for sanding a range of wood surfaces, and must be moved in the direction of the wood grain. Palm sanders can come with a dust bag.
Detail sander: Sometimes referred to as a mouse sander, a detail sander is ideal for sanding hard to reach areas that might be too small for a larger sander. Detail sanders are available in both corded and cordless formats, and often come with a range of accessories for various crafts. When used with a larger sander, a detail sander can finish off the sanding surface, and is ideal for dealing with small nooks and providing greater precision by avoiding areas you don't want to sand.
Disc sander: This type is mounted to a workbench and uses a circular sanding pad, which can be tilted for sanding angled edges. Disc sanders are ideal for creating smooth finishes on end grain woods and angled edges with ease.

How to Choose & Buy a Sander - Features

Each type of sander has its own particular characteristics, but the key features to consider when buying any type of sander include:

Power: Measured in watts on corded models, and volts on cordless models, the higher the power, the better the performance of the sander.
Variable power: This is an essential feature if you want to use your sander for a range of different jobs. Increasing or decreasing the power enables the sander to cope with both rough and soft surfaces.
Speed: Sander speed is measured in RPM (rotations per minute) and affects how quickly surfaces can be sanded.
Sheet size: It's worth comparing sheet sizes between models of sander, and working out which size will best suit the types of sanding jobs you intend to carry out.

How to Choose & Buy a Sander - Warranty & Budget

A warranty ensures that if your sander should develop a fault, it will be repaired or replaced under certain conditions, and is essential when buying a power tool. A reasonable warranty is usually included in the purchase, but if you are planning to buy a more expensive sander, you could consider paying for an extended warranty.

It's a good idea to set a limit on the amount of money you prepared to spend on a sander. By comparing prices between different online retailers and taking advantage of special offers and discounts, you could find a better model of sander than your budget would normally allow.