Orbital Sander Vs Palm Sander Comparisons
Contents
- Our Top Palm Sanders Are:
- 1. DEWALT DWE6411K 1/4 Sheet Palm Grip Sander Kit: Top Pick
- 2. Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander
- 3. Makita BO4556K Palm-Sander
- Our Top Orbital Sanders Are:
- 1. DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander: Top Pick
- 2. PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander
- 3. BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 Random Orbital Sander
- Buying Guide
- Orbital vs Palm Sander: What is the Difference?
- Factors to Consider when Buying an Orbital or Palm Sander
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
Photo by Mark Hunter, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sanding is one of the last steps before finishing a woodworking project, and mistakes at this stage show up under the stain or clear coat.
That makes the right sander important. Two common choices are the random orbital sander (often just called an orbital sander) and the palm sander, which usually means a 1/4-sheet finishing sander.
If you are new to woodworking, the names can be confusing. This orbital sander vs palm sander comparison explains the difference.
Keep reading to know their difference, strengths, performance, features, and associated Pros & cons.
OUR TOP PICK
We like the DEWALT DWE6411K 1/4 Sheet Palm Grip Sander Kit for its compact design and good dust control. Its square pad reaches into corners that a round pad cannot.
Our Top Palm Sanders Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. DEWALT DWE6411K 1/4 Sheet Palm Grip Sander Kit | 1. DEWALT DWE6411K 1/4 Sheet Palm Grip Sander Kit Top Pick | - 2.3 AMP - 14,000 OPM - 1/4-sheet pad - Corded electric | Check Current Price |
| 2. Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander | 2. Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander | - 2.5 AMP - 5-inch round pad (random orbit) - Variable speed - Corded electric | Check Current Price |
| 3. Makita BO4556K Palm-Sander | 3. Makita BO4556K Palm-Sander | - 2.5 pounds - 2.0 AMP - 14,000 OPM - Corded-electric | Check Current Price |
1. DEWALT DWE6411K 1/4 Sheet Palm Grip Sander Kit: Top Pick
The DEWALT DWE6411K 1/4 Sheet Palm Grip Sander Kit is our top palm sander. It is compact and well balanced, which makes it easy to control on fine finish work.
According to DEWALT's product page, it has a 2.3 AMP motor that runs at 14,000 orbits per minute (OPM). It uses standard sandpaper cut to a quarter sheet, held by a paper clamp.
Dust control is good for this class. A locking dust port lets you connect a vacuum hose, and a rubber boot over the switch keeps dust out of it.
Specs
- 2.3 AMP motor
- 14,000 OPM
- Corded electric
Pros
- Short to allow you get closer to the workpiece
- Light and compact
- Easy to use
Cons
- Cannot be used if you do not have electricity
Rating: 4.8 stars
2. Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander
Coming a close second is the Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander. Note that this is a palm-grip 5-inch random orbit sander, not a 1/4-sheet sander. It is held like a palm sander but sands like the orbital sanders below.
It has a 2.5 AMP motor and variable speed, so you can slow it down for delicate work or speed it up to remove material.
Bosch added a pad-dampening system to reduce vibration, which helps reduce swirl marks and hand fatigue.
Specs
- 2.5 AMP motor
- 5-inch hook-and-loop pad
- Variable speed
- Corded electric
Pros
- Ergonomic handle
- Can be used on a wide range of sanding tasks
- Light and easy to use
- An efficient dust collection system
Cons
- Expensive
Rating: 4.6/ 5.0
3. Makita BO4556K Palm-Sander
The Makita BO4556K is a 1/4-sheet finishing sander. Makita's spec page lists a 2.0 AMP motor, 14,000 OPM, a 4-1/2 x 4-inch pad, and a net weight of 2.5 pounds.
It has a contoured, rubberized grip and a sealed switch designed to keep dust out.
Ball bearing construction keeps vibration and noise low, and a large clamping lever makes paper changes quick. The kit includes a dust bag and a tool case.
Specs
- 2.5 pounds
- 2.0 AMP, 14,000 OPM
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Ergonomic design that makes it easy to work for longer without fatigue
- Low noise and vibration
- Large paper clamps for easy sandpaper installation
Cons
- Some clients complain of clamp not being so secure
Rating: 4.2/5
OUR TOP PICK
The DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander is our pick for its strong motor, variable speed, and good dust collection.
Our Top Orbital Sanders Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander | 1. DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander Top Pick | - 3.0 AMP - 8,000-12,000 OPM - 5-inch hook-and-loop pad - Corded-electric | Check Current Price |
| 2. PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander | 2. PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander | - 4.5 AMP - 6-inch pad - Side handle - Corded-electric | Check Current Price |
| 3. BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 Random Orbital Sander | 3. BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 Random Orbital Sander | - 5-inch pad - Hook-and-loop paper - Compact - Corded-electric | Check Current Price |
1. DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander: Top Pick
In the orbital sander category, the DWE6423K random orbit sander is our top pick. It is powerful, comfortable, and collects dust well.
DEWALT lists a 3.0 AMP motor with variable speed from 8,000 to 12,000 OPM. Lower speeds help on veneer and between finish coats, and higher speeds remove material faster.
The sander is short, so your hand sits close to the work, and the rubberized grip is comfortable on long sessions. A dust-sealed switch and a locking dust bag or vacuum port help keep dust under control.
Specs
- 3.0 AMP motor
- 8,000-12,000 OPM variable speed
- Corded-electric
Pros
- An efficient dust collection system
- Built to task
- Suitable for diverse sanding tasks
Cons
- Pricier than basic random orbit sanders
Rating: 4.7 stars
2. PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander
This PORTER-CABLE random orbit sander is a larger, two-handed machine for sanding big surfaces such as tabletops and doors. A side handle lets you guide it with both hands.
It has a 4.5 AMP motor and a 6-inch pad, which covers more area per pass than a 5-inch sander. Variable speed lets you match the speed to the job.
You can remove the side handle when you need to work in tighter spots.
Specs
- 4.5 AMP motor
- 6-inch pad
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Good for tough sanding
- Allows you to control the speed based on the project at hand
- Effective vibration dampening system
- Designed to last
Cons
- Heavy
Rating: 4.5/ stars
3. BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 Random Orbital Sander
Are you looking for a sander on a budget? The Black+Decker BDERO100 could be the best choice for you.
It is a small 5-inch random orbit sander that is easy to handle in tight spaces. Random orbit action removes material quickly while leaving fewer swirl marks than a sheet sander.
It is built for DIY projects rather than daily professional use.
Whether you are using this sander for a home project or in the workshop, it is pretty simple even for newbies. First, changing the sandpaper using the hook and loop system is easy and fast.
Further, the sander has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to comfortably sand with a single hand. If the surface is tough and you need more pressure, one hand can grip the tool on the handle and the other on its neck.
Specs
- 5-inch pad
- Hook-and-loop paper
- Corded-electric
Pros
- Light and compact
- Easy to use even for newbies
- Affordable
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty sanding
Rating: 4.5 stars
Buying Guide
We have highlighted the best orbital and palm sanders on the market, but you might be wondering, ‘What is the difference?’
Here is our guide that will help you to identify the best option for your situation.
Orbital vs Palm Sander: What is the Difference?
The main differences between the two are pad shape, sanding motion, and how fast they remove material. In this comparison, "orbital sander" means a random orbital sander. Its round pad spins while it moves in small, offset orbits.
That random pattern removes material quickly and helps reduce swirl marks. These sanders are also known as random orbital sanders.
Palm sanders, also called sheet or finishing sanders, use a square or rectangular pad that moves in small orbits without spinning. They take a quarter sheet of regular sandpaper.
Palm sanders remove material more slowly. Their square pad reaches into corners and along edges that a round pad cannot.
Factors to Consider when Buying an Orbital or Palm Sander
Now that you know the differences between orbital and palm sanders, it is time to go deeper into the factors to consider when selecting the piece ideal for your sanding tasks:
The Brand
If you want to get the best palm or orbital sander, it is advisable to stick with the top brands in the market. These are companies that have demonstrated their relentless commitment to quality. Good examples in the market today include Makita, Bosch, DeWalt, and Black+Decker.
Motor
For a lot of sanding, choose a sander with a stronger motor and variable speed.
For occasional weekend projects, a light-duty sander with a motor of about 2 AMP is fine.
Dust Management
Sanding makes a lot of fine dust. Choose a model with good dust collection that connects easily to a shop vacuum.
Fine wood dust is a health hazard. OSHA notes that breathing wood dust can cause allergic and other respiratory symptoms and cancer. Use dust collection and wear a properly fitted dust mask or respirator, plus eye protection.
Final Thoughts
Both types of sanders can give you a smooth, professional finish. Random orbital sanders remove material faster and leave fewer swirl marks, so they are the better first sander for most woodworkers.
On the other hand, palm sanders are lighter and reach into corners and along edges that a round pad misses.
For a professional with a lot of work to do in the workshop, a great orbital sander such as DEWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander would be a great choice. But if you only have light duty finishing tasks, a palm sander such as the DEWALT DWE6411K 1/4 Sheet Palm Grip Sander Kit would be the better option.
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