The Different Types of Sanders and Their Uses
Types of sanders: belt sanders remove stock fast, random orbital sanders finish, sheet sanders reach corners, and spindle sanders smooth curves.
Sanders
SuperMax 16-32 Drum Sander Review: A Solid Pick
SuperMax 16-32 drum sander review: 1-1/2 HP, sands 32-inch-wide boards in two passes, Intellisand feed control, and needs a 20 amp circuit.
Belt Sander vs Orbital Sander Comparison
Belt sander vs orbital sander: a belt sander removes stock fast for leveling and shaping, while an orbital sander leaves a smooth surface for finish.
Festool Sander Reviews and Comparisons
Festool sander comparison: the 574993 random orbital is best for fine finishing, the RTS 400 for corners, and the RO 90 ROTEX for stock removal.
Belt Disc Sander Reviews and Ultimate Guide
Belt disc sander reviews: the WEN 6502 with a 4x36 belt and 6-inch disc is our top pick. Compare Grizzly, POWERTEC, WEN, JET and Rikon models.
The Best Sander for Trim Work Reviews and Guide
The best sander for trim work is a light 1/4-sheet palm sander like DeWalt's DWE6411K, which reaches into corners. Compare 7 sanders and tips.
The Best Sander for Removing Paint: Reviews and Ultimate Guide
The best sander for removing paint is an aggressive 6-inch random orbit or belt sander. Test pre-1978 paint for lead first. Compare 4 picks.
The Best Sanders for Cabinets: Reviews and Guide
The best sander for cabinets is a compact 5-inch random orbit sander like the DeWalt DWE6423K, plus a sheet sander for corners. Compare 4 picks.
Best Liquid Sander Deglosser: Reviews and Guide
The best liquid sander deglosser for most jobs is Klean-Strip's wipe-on formula. Use a deglosser on sound paint, and a stripper to remove it.
Orbital Sander Vs Palm Sander Comparisons
Orbital sander vs palm sander: a random orbital sander removes stock fast with a round pad, while a 1/4-sheet palm sander does fine finish work.