Best Orbital Sanders

Are you planning to refinish your furniture and looking for the best orbital sanders to do the job? Sanding furniture is an important step in the refinishing process, and using the right tool can make all the difference.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the top-rated orbital sanders that are perfect for furniture refinishing. From paint removal to getting that smooth finish, these sanders are sure to meet your needs and provide excellent results.

Orbital sanders are versatile power tools that use a spinning disc or pad to sand wood, metal, and other materials. Unlike sanding by hand, orbital sanders use a circular motion that guarantees smooth and consistent sanding to provide a smooth and consistent finish with minimal effort.

With the right orbital sander, you can handle all sorts of tasks like removing paint, prepping surfaces for painting or staining, and getting rid of imperfections.

Using the wrong sander can lead to uneven surfaces, scratches, and even damage to your furniture. So, it’s important to invest in a high-quality orbital sander that will make your furniture refinishing project a success.

So whether you’re refinishing old furniture or working on a new project, an orbital sander is a must-have tool for any DIY-er or professional woodworker.

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Best Orbital Sander for Paint Removal

Festool Rotex 125 Sander

If you’re looking for a sander that can handle heavy-duty tasks like removing paint and varnish, the Festool Rotex 125 Sander is an excellent choice.

This powerful and versatile tool has a dual sanding mode that allows you to switch between rotary and random orbital sanding with just the push of a button, making it perfect for both aggressive and fine sanding applications.

With its large 5-inch sanding pad, the Festool Rotex 125 sander covers more surface area, reducing your sanding time significantly. It also has variable speed control for precise sanding and is equipped with a dust collection system to keep your workspace clean.

Pros

• Versatile for both coarse and fine sanding applications
• Large 5-inch sanding pad for faster sanding
• Variable speed control for precise sanding
• Quick and easy sandpaper changes with hook and loop system
• Dust collection system for a cleaner work area
• Durable and user-friendly power switch

Cons

• Expensive compared to other orbital sanders
• Heavier than other models, which could lead to fatigue with prolonged use
• Cannot sand into corners because of the round shape
• Powerful sander that needs controlled with 2 hands on coarse sanding mode

Our Festool Rotex 125 review goes into more detail about this top-rated orbital sander. Make sure to use Festool compatible sandpaper to get pro results.

Best Budget Orbital Sander

Dewalt 5″ Orbital Sander

If you’re on a budget, the Dewalt 5″ Orbital Sander is a solid choice.

It’s got a powerful 3-Amp motor and adjustable speed control so you can sand at your own pace. Plus, it comes with a hook-and-loop pad for easy sheet swapping and a sleek, low-profile design for getting up close and personal with your workpiece.

The rubber grip helps create a comfy and solid hold, so your hands won’t get tired during long sessions. This sander also comes with a dust collection system and a one-handed locking dust bag for easy cleanup.

Check out our painting an oak bookcase makeover where we used the Dewalt 5″ Orbital Sander to see it in action.

Pros

• Budget-friendly option
• Powerful motor and variable speed control
• Hook and loop pad for easy sandpaper swapping
• Low-profile design for precise sanding
• Comfortable one-handed use
• Comes with a dust collection system and one-handed locking dust bag
• Large 5-inch sanding pad for faster sanding
• Durable and user-friendly power switch

Cons

• Not as powerful as other orbital sanders
• Cannot get into corners

Best Orbital Sander for Refinishing Furniture

SurfPrep 3×4″ Sander

The SurfPrep 3×4″ sander is a compact and lightweight orbital sander that is perfect for refinishing furniture. Its small size makes it easy to maneuver and sand hard-to-reach areas, making it a popular choice among furniture makers and refinishers.

Like the others, this sander also has a hook and loop system for quick and easy sandpaper changes, saving you time and effort. Its 3×4″ size is perfect for sanding small and delicate areas without causing any damage.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design
• Easy to maneuver in tight spaces
• Powerful motor and variable speed control
• Low-profile design for precise sanding
• Comfortable one-handed use
• Hook and loop system for quick sandpaper changes
• Perfect shape for sanding in corners and edges
• Durable and user-friendly lever for the power switch

Cons

• Can be less efficient for larger surface areas compared to other orbital sanders
• Expensive compared to other orbital sanders
• Can attach to a shop vac for dust collection – adapter required
• Not as powerful as other orbital sanders

Best Rectangle Orbital Sander with Vacuum Attachment

Festool RTS 400 REQ Sander

The Festool RTS 400 REQ sander is definitely one of the top picks when it comes to rectangular orbital sanders with a vacuum attachment.

With its powerful motor and improved ergonomics, this sander is just perfect for tackling all sorts of sanding tasks like stripping paint and varnish, sanding natural wood and veneer, and even getting those hard-to-reach edges.

The Festool RTS 400 REQ sander keeps your workspace tidy with its interlocking dust port and extraction feature. You can check out our guide on how to connect orbital sander to shop vac to make the most of the Festool RTS 400 sander’s dust port.

It’s compact, lightweight, and perfect for one-handed use, ideal for working on flat, vertical, and overhead surfaces.

Pros

• Powerful motor for fast and efficient sanding
• Perfect shape for sanding in corners and edges
• Dust port and extraction feature for tidy workspace
• Compact, lightweight design for comfortable one-handed use
• Durable and user-friendly power switch
• Variable speed control
• Hook and loop system for quick sandpaper changes

Cons

• Middle ground pricing – not as expensive OR cheap as others
• Not as powerful as other orbital sanders

For a more in-depth look at the Festool RTS 400 REQ Sander, check out our review here.

Best Sandpaper for Orbital Sander

One highly recommended option for your orbital sander is screen type sandpaper, which is designed to resist clogging and provide consistent and uniform scratches on surfaces.

First off, SurfPrep has these awesome SurfPrep Screens that have an open coat construction for a true and even scratch. Plus, they’ve got this awesome ‘load-free’ coating that makes cutting faster and extends their lifespan. Learn more about the different types of SurfPrep Sandpaper here.

Diablo SandNet discs are another top pick, with reusable sanding technology that lasts up to 10 times longer than standard discs.

Coated in a premium ceramic blend grit, these discs remove material quickly while preventing buildup. They are easy to clean and can be reused multiple times.

For sanding curves and details without altering the profile, SurfPrep 1/2″ pro foam pads are gentle and effective. They’re perfect for prepping surfaces that need precise cutting or flat sanding, and also great for accessing corners and intricate areas where sanding can be challenging.

Learn more about SurfPrep Sanding Sponges here.

If you need a softer touch, SurfPrep has got you covered with their flexible 1/2″ pads that won’t mess up your lines or finishes.

Choosing the right orbital sander depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a versatile sander that can handle heavy-duty tasks, the Festool Rotex 125 Sander is fantastic.

For those on a budget, the Dewalt 5″ Orbital Sander offers affordability without compromising on quality.

Furniture makers and refinishers will appreciate the compact size and precision of the SurfPrep 3×4″ Sander, while the Festool RTS 400 REQ Sander is perfect for those in need of a rectangular sander with vacuum attachment.

Check out our comparison post about rotex sander vs orbital sander for you to have a better understanding of which among these types of sanders is right for your needs.

Don’t forget to pair your sander with the right sandpaper for optimal results.

More Sanding Furniture Tips

• Best Sanders To Remove Paint
• Best Sanders For Furniture
• Best Detail Sander
• Best Hand Sander for Furniture
• Festool Rotex Sanders

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