The Best Random Orbital Sander for Woodworking in 2022
Good woodworking craftsmanship is one of the most satisfying experiences, both for the craftsman and the owner of the finished product.
Having and developing skills in a craft that involves using your hands to produce a beautiful piece of art is something you may be able to make a living, or at least part of a living at, and another means of providing for your family.
One way to save time without sacrificing the quality of your work is to utilize a good quality random orbital sander.
The random orbital is the perfect tool to remove larger amounts of wood while also leaving your surface prepped for finishing work.
What is the Difference Between a Palm Sander and a Random Orbital Sander?
Palm Sanders often get confuse with Random Orbital Sanders. These are the two main power sanders available for woodworking. Each of these are incredible time savers and produce a nice even result if used correctly.
However, while they are both very useful, they are also both different in their applied results.
The palm sander, also known as the finish sander, is best suited for finishing work as it’s alias would imply. Able to be operated with one hand, leaving the other hand free to support your work, the palm sander works very gently to remove small amounts of wood for a fine finish and is rectangular, or square on the bottom.
Perfect for stripping and removing larger amounts of wood, the random orbital sander oscillates off-center, producing a scratch pattern and is designed for a rougher application and will not give you a finished result.
The random orbital, like the palm sander, is also able to be operated with one hand. The bottom is circular, as opposed to the rectangular, or square bottom of the palm sander.
Why is it Called a Random Orbital Sander?
A random orbital sander operates in a random-orbit action. Constantly moving in irregular overlapping circles, its motion leaves no stray swirl marks, therefore making it so that you do not have to rely on the direction of the wood grain.
What is a Random Orbital Sander Best Used For?
The random orbital sander is made for large surfaces areas and takes off a good amount of wood at every pass.
It is an enormous time saver for stripping paint off of furniture, cleaning up between coats, or prepping new molding.
Depending on the project and your choice of sandpaper, the random orbital can also be used on metal and composite surfaces. It is also an amazing tool for concrete countertops when the proper diamond sandpaper is utilized.
Do I Need a Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander?
Variable speed random orbital sanders can cost a little more, but are completely worth it if you’re working as a professional or want to go above and beyond to prep a piece for a finishing sander to produce a pristine finish.
Having the ability to slow the speed of your random orbital will give you more control in achieving these results.
Now that we have covered some of the basics for a better understanding of what may work best for you, let’s take a look at some of The Best Random Orbital Sanders for Woodworking in 2022!
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The Best Random Orbital Sander for Woodworking in 2022
DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander
The DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander is our top choice on our list today, arriving with a full kit, ready to be deployed.
The DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander Kit with hook & loop pad has a 3 amp motor that delivers between 8,000 to 12,000 OPM.
The separate counterweight reduces vibration and along with the rubber over-mold grip provides comfortable sanding.
A shorter design allows users to get closer to the work surface and the one-handed locking dust bag attaches securely to the sander to aid in dust collection or the user can attach the sander directly to the DWV010 or DWV012 dust collectors.
FEATURES & SPECS:
3.0 amp motor that spins the pad at 8,000 - 12,000 OPM
Shorter height allows the user to get closer to work piece
Separate counterweight design reduces vibration for improved comfort
Rubber over-mold in all of the critical areas of the sander
Improved dust-sealed switch to protect against dust ingestion for longer switch life
Improved dust collection and one-handed locking dust bag
Dust port is designed to fit directly to the DWV010 or DWV012 dust collectors
To attach dust port to other vacuum systems with 1-1/4 in. hoses, use DWV9000 Universal Quick Connector
The BOSCH GEX34-6N Multi-Hole Random Orbit Sander features the ability to use virtually any brand of sandpaper on the market because of the multi-hole design.
The sander still maintains optimum dust extraction to help ensure better quality of the finished workpiece’s surface.
It also provides 2X sandpaper life due to increased efficiency (this is also due to the multi-hole design that the sander can increase the life of the sandpaper).
The BOSCH GEX34-6N Multi-Hole Random Orbit Sander features a microfilter dust canister with integrated paper filter and a vacuum-hose connection.
This quality power tool features a solid die-cast aluminum gear housing with exclusive dual-bearing pad mount, for less vibration.
The variable-speed dial allows the user to match the speed of the sander to the workpiece and task, from 5,500 to 12,000 orbits per minute (opm).
To ensure a strong grip of the disc while in use, it employs a hook-and-loop disc attachment system.
The BOSCH GEX34-6N Multi-Hole Random Orbit Sander was designed with an ergonomic soft-grip top and body.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Sander/polisher flexible design combines compatibility with many sandpaper brands and a pad that both orbits and rotates
Multi-hole design compatible with virtually any brand of sandpaper on the market, providing flexibility
Integral pad-dampening system helps prevent swirl marks for consistent fine finish
Dust-collection systems features a microfilter dust canister with integrated paper filter and a vacuum-hose connection
Rugged die-cast aluminum gear housing with exclusive dual-bearing pad mount featuring a long-life design eliminates wobble and vibration
The Milwaukee 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander delivers corded power with 12,000 Max OPM output.
The 7,000-12,000 variable speed dial allows the user more control over the output of the tool to match the orbit speed for the application.
The Milwaukee 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander has a powerful motor that allows the user to remove more material per battery charge.
The Milwaukee 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander, powered by REDLITHIUM battery technology, delivers up to 35 minutes of run-time on a M18 3.0Ah Battery Pack (Battery Sold Separately).
FEATURES & SPECS:
7, 000-12, 000 OPM variable speed 5" sanding pad
3/32" orbit diameter quick change hook-and-loop sanding pad
Redlithium battery technology delivers up to 35 minutes of run-time on a M18 3.0Ah battery pack (battery sold separately).
INCLUDES
(1)Dust Canister
(1)Universal Hose Adapter
(1)Extension Adapter
(2)80 Grit Sandpaper
“He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”
—St. Francis of Assissi
There are a lot of things that we can spend our time doing in this life that bring us a deep level of satisfaction and fulfillment. It is my belief that we should spend a great deal of time searching for what that thing is or what those things might be, if we don’t already have a grasp on at least one.
Woodworking, in particular with utility in mind, is one of those things. What a satisfying and accomplished feeling it is to complete a woodworking project with a finish that a man can be proud of.
Each one of the random orbital sanders on our list today will do a fine job for just about any project and none of them will break the bank. Fortunately, these sanders do not require a very large investment to get started and can pay themselves off very quickly if you choose to take that route.
We hope you learned something today and maybe walked away with a better idea of what you are after and the differences between various power sanders.
Hopefully, you are all finding something inspiring to do or create with at least part of your time. Make the most it. Do something great with your hands.
Be well, stay Rugged.
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