Random Orbit vs Belt vs Sheet vs Detail Sander: Which Do You Need?
Sanders look interchangeable but they leave very different surfaces. Picking the wrong one means extra work or a finish that shows scratches.
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Random Orbit Sander
A random orbit sander works on flat surfaces, curved edges, and in between coats of finish. It removes material faster than a sheet sander and leaves fewer visible scratch marks. Best all-around choice.
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Common Questions
What about a sheet (finishing) sander?
A sheet sander (also called a finishing sander or palm sander) uses quarter or half-sheets of regular sandpaper. It is cheap and the sandpaper is available anywhere. The tradeoff: it sands in a back-and-forth pattern that can leave visible scratch marks, especially on hardwood. A random orbit sander costs slightly more but leaves a better surface.
Can I use one sander for everything?
A random orbit sander covers about 80% of sanding tasks. It struggles in tight corners (that is where a detail sander earns its keep) and it is slow for heavy stock removal (belt sander territory). If you buy one sander, make it a random orbit.
What grit sandpaper should I start with?
For bare wood that just needs smoothing, start at 120-grit and work up to 220. For paint stripping or rough stock, start at 60 or 80. Skip no more than one grit step between passes (e.g. 80, 120, 180, 220). Jumping from 60 to 220 leaves deep scratches that the fine paper cannot remove.