Whether you're in the workshop every day or just tackling the occasional project, a reliable sander is essential. You want something that's easy to use and delivers a smooth, high-quality finish.
For busy contractors, speed matters just as much as precision. The right sander should help you work efficiently without compromising results.
Below, we break down the most common types of sanders — and share a few tips to help you get the most out of them.
Four Types of Sanders
1. BELT SANDERS
When most people think of a sander, they’re picturing a belt sander. These powerful tools use a looped strip of sandpaper that runs over two rollers at high speed, making them one of the most aggressive handheld sanders available.
Belt sanders are ideal for heavy material removal — think stripping old paint or stain, flattening rough stock, or prepping a surface before switching to finer tools. They’re the go-to for the initial stages of a sanding project, especially when speed matters.
Because they can remove a lot of material quickly, it’s important to keep a steady hand and stay alert — especially when working with softer woods, which can be easily gouged. If you’re new to using one, look for a model with variable speed control to give you more precision and control.
There are also narrow belt sanders, which function the same way but use a thinner belt. These are perfect for tighter spaces and detailed work where a full-width sander won’t fit.
Here is the Festool belt sander that we offer.
2. PALM SANDERS
Also known as finish sanders or pad sanders, palm sanders feature a small rectangular base that typically uses a quarter or third sheet of sandpaper. The pad vibrates in a tight orbital pattern, and for best results, should be moved in a similar motion across the wood.
Palm sanders are ideal for fine finishing on flat, accessible surfaces and are often the next step after heavy-duty sanding with a belt sander. They provide a smooth, consistent finish and are especially useful when prepping a surface for paint, stain, or sealer.
3. DETAIL SANDERS
Detail sanders — sometimes called contour sanders — are designed for tight spaces, corners, and intricate work. Their small, triangle-shaped pads (often with interchangeable attachments) make them perfect for sanding around mouldings, inside corners, or on curved or shaped pieces.
These are commonly used for craft projects, cabinetry, or millwork like window and door casings. While they aren’t meant for large surfaces, they excel at precision and control in areas larger sanders can’t reach.
4. RANDOM ORBIT SANDERS
Random orbit sanders are some of the most versatile and popular sanding tools available. They feature a round pad that spins and vibrates randomly, reducing the risk of swirl marks and giving a cleaner finish across a variety of woods.
They're small enough for tight areas, but powerful enough for larger jobs. Most models include variable speed control and built-in dust collection, either through a bag or vacuum attachment. The sanding pads have holes that align with the tool’s suction system — so be sure to use special hook-and-loop sandpaper designed for your sander model.
If you're looking for a do-it-all sander for everything from rough shaping to final finish, the random orbit sander is a workshop essential.
Sanding Smart: A Few Quick Safety Tips
No matter what kind of sander you're using — or what job you're tackling — safety always comes first. Keep your hands clear, your eyes protected, and let the tool do the work. Pressing too hard can lead to kickback or uneven results.
Remember:
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Wear safety glasses to protect against flying debris
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Use hearing protection with louder machines
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Wear a dust mask or respirator when working with materials that create fine sawdust
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Avoid sparks or open flames — sanding dust is highly flammable
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Follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines every time
When using orbital sanders, models with higher OPM (orbits per minute) remove material faster, while variable speed controls offer more finesse on delicate jobs or in tight spots.
Sanders are a workshop essential — make sure you're using the right one for the task.
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