Best Sanders of 2022
Whether you need an orbital, belt, DA, palm or benchtop sander for your project; we’ve reviewed 33 of the best sanders from 11 different types for you below.
All 33 Sanders We Recommend
Best Orbital Sanders
Orbital sanders have small discs that spin in circles (or orbits). They’re designed to use on large surfaces to remove paint and give a smooth flawless finish. If you’re planning on using your sander regularly, a (random) orbital sander is a good choice.
Best sander for: Removing old paint, awkward angles, tight spaces
DeWALT DCW210B
Makita BO5041
Black + Decker BDERO100
Best Belt Sanders
A belt sander is a powerful tool that loops the sandpaper around a continuous belt. Belt sanders are some of the most powerful and best for heavy-duty jobs such as sanding down furniture or floors.
Best sander for: Large projects, sanding flooring
Makita 9403
SKIL 7510-01
WEN 6321
Best Palm Sanders
If you don’t need something as heavy-duty as a belt sander, a palm sander is a less powerful alternative. Because of this, palm sanders are a popular choice for DIYers who do small woodwork projects and jobs around the house.
Best sander for: Light finishing work
DeWALT DCW200B
DeWALT DWE6411K
SKIL 7292-02
Best Detail Sanders
When it comes to intricate projects, the best choice is a detail sander (also known as a mouse sander). These are less useful for large jobs, but will get into tight spaces that a palm or belt sander can’t.
Best sander for: Corners and tight spaces
BLACK+DECKER BDEMS600
Best Dual Action Sanders
A dual action sander is a specialized tool for autobody work and other fragile surfaces like fiberglass. Any other type of sander would leave swirl or scratch marks, so this is a good option for professionals.
Best sander for: Auto-body work, polishing delicate surfaces
Ingersoll Rand 300G
Gedu GAOA124-3
Proshi 6"
Best Air File Sanders
If you need a sander to shape wood, remove rust, or reach confined spaces, an air file sander is the tool for the job.
Best sander for: Cutting & shaping
3M 33575
Astro Tools 3036
WEN 6307
Best Benchtop Sanders
For those who do large woodwork projects and need something more heavy-duty than a belt sander, a benchtop sander is the right option. Mounted on a bench, it makes quick work of large sanding projects.
Best sander for: Heavy-duty sanding
Jet J-41002
WEN 6502T
WEN 6515T
Best Spindle Sanders
If you’re looking for a more specialized sander for decorative woodwork, a spindle sander is designed for decorative, curved woodwork such as ornaments, banister spindles, and more.
Best sander for: Sanding curved edges
WEN AT6535
WEN 6524
WEN HA5932
Best Drum Sanders
A drum sander is a benchtop sander that uses a rotating drum rather than a belt. Not to be confused with a planer, a drum sander is best for giving a fine finish, not reducing the thickness of wood.
Best sander for: Sanding tabletops, doors and windows
Jet 723540OSK
Jet 723520K
Jet JWDS-1020
Best Drywall Sanders
Although you could use a belt or palm sander for drywalls, a drywall sander is the best tool for the job. These are designed to catch the majority of the harmful dust, making the job far less messy.
Best sander for: Plastered walls and ceilings
WEN 6377
WEN 6369
Ginelson YJ001
Best Floor Sanders
If you need to refinish dated or marked floors, a floor sander will make even large jobs quick and easy compared to a palm sander.
Best sander for: Large hardwood floors
Clarke 7058A
Clarke 07081B
Bosch GET75-6N
All Sander Reviews
- 1
Best Orbital Sanders
Fast, less powerful
- 2
Best Belt Sanders
Powerful, heavy-duty
- 3
Best Palm Sanders
Smallest, lightest sander
- 4
Best Detail Sanders
Triangle design for precision
- 5
Best Dual Action Sanders
Ultra smooth finish
- 6
Best Air File Sanders
For awkward and confined areas
- 7
Best Benchtop Sanders
Powerful, not portable
- 8
Best Spindle Sanders
Specialist but versatile
- 9
Best Drum Sanders
Professional tool for furniture makers
- 10
Best Drywall Sanders
Must-have when renovating
- 11
Best Floor Sanders
Heavy-duty, easy to use
Best Random Orbital Sander
A (random) orbital sander is great for prepping furniture and giving a consistently smooth finish. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Random vs Traditional: A normal orbit sander can leave swirl marks. A random orbital sander helps reduce these marks and give a smoother finish.
- Cordless vs Corded: Cordless orbit sanders give the most flexibility of movement. But they are less powerful than corded versions.
- Sheet Size: The most common size is ¼ sheet, however the larger the sandpaper the larger the surface you can work with.
- Compact Design: Random orbital sanders are compact, meaning they easily reach awkward corners or angles.
Best Random Orbital Sander Reviews of 2022
DEWALT DCW210B 20V MAX Orbital Sander
Best cordless orbital sander
Cordless with a decent sized battery, this orbital sander a versatile option for most light to moderate sanding.
1 DeWALT DCW210B Review
If you’re looking for the best sander for light to moderate finishing work, the DeWALT DCW210B orbital sander is a good choice. And since it’s cordless, it gives much more flexibility of movement than corded sanders.
The 20V battery means it’s not powerful enough for more heavy-duty sanding such as stripping heavily varnished wood floors, but it gives a smooth, even finish when sanding furniture. And the rubberized grip is comfortable to hold and is easy to operate one-handed, which is great for small projects.
The battery isn’t included with this orbital sander, but if you already have a 20V DeWALT tool such as their wood router, that battery is interchangeable.
It’s easy to see why the DeWALT DCW210B orbital sander is a bestseller. It’s a reliable sander for most DIY sanding projects.
Makita BO5041 3-Amp 4000-12000 OPM D-Handle Random Orbit Sander
Less flexibility, more power
This corded orbital sander comes with an impressive motor that can smooth even the toughest surfaces.
2 Makita BO5041 Review
If you’re looking for a random orbital sander with a little more power and unlimited run time, the Makita BO5041 is our best value pick. The 3 AMP motor is powerful enough for heavy-duty sanding and since this is a random orbit sander, it doesn’t leave swirl marks.
Unlike our best pick, the Makita BO5041 also comes with an additional front handle. This gives more control and better precision on tough jobs such as sanding floors.
You do lose some of the flexibility of movement having the cord, but the added power makes it worth it. If you plan on doing a lot of sanding, you’ll be glad you opted for this corded Makita orbital sander.
BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander
A popular budget option
With a compact design and dust sealed switch, this is an impressive budget orbital sander.
3 Black + Decker BDERO100 Review
If you’re looking for the best orbital sanders on a budget to get started, the Black + Decker BDERP100 is a great option. Just like the best random orbital sanders, it gives a smoother finish than the non-random variety.
Whereas our best value pick is 3 AMPS, the Black + Decker BDERO100 is 2 AMPS. So it’s less powerful but still sufficient for most finishing and smoothing projects.
Our budget is extremely popular and is impressive for the budget price point. If you’re looking for an orbital sander and you don’t need the most powerful one on the market, this Black + Decker random orbit sander is a great choice.
Best Belt Sander
A belt sander works by feeding sandpaper on a belt through a continuous loop. These are more powerful than orbital sanders and built for heavy-duty projects. Here are four key factors to look for:
- Belt size: A 4” belt is considered large and will sand around 1.6 sq. feet per minute.
- Motor power: The larger the motor, the more powerful the sander. The most powerful sanders are 8+ amps.
- Adjustable handle: The best belt sanders come with an adjustable handle. This is useful when sanding floors and you need to get right up against a wall.
- Detachable dust bag: Belt sanders produce a lot of dust. A detachable dust bag helps make the clean up much easier.
Best Belt Sander Reviews of 2022
Makita 9403 4″ X 24″ Belt Sander
Built for heavy-duty sanding
Well-balanced with a powerful motor, this belt sander makes quick work of large sanding projects.
1 Makita 9403 Review
Are you looking for a quiet yet powerful belt sander for woodworking projects? The Makita 9403 is a popular choice for sanding furniture, flooring, decking, and more. At just 84 decibels, it’s impressively quiet for a finishing sander but is still sufficient to strip paint and prep rough wood.
The Makita 9403 doesn’t have a variable speed control, so works best for heavy-duty sanding such as prepping wood flooring. It’s less useful for lighter jobs and will be too powerful for light finishing.
However, if you’re looking for the best belt sander to make sanding jobs quick and easy, this Makita belt sander is our top choice.
SKIL 7510-01 Sandcat 3″ x 18″ Belt Sander with Pressure Control
Unrivaled value for money
The auto-track system keeps the belt centered on the track for quick, efficient sanding.
2 SKIL 7510-01 Review
Powered by a 6-amp motor, the SKIL 7510-01 could be the best belt sander for most contractors. It isn’t quite as powerful as the Makita but has all the features you’d expect from a top-class product.
One of its most useful features is the pressure technology that warns you if you’re applying too much pressure. In this way, you’ll never have to worry about ruining expensive floors or other surfaces.
Another nice touch is the micro-filtration that captures even the finest dust. The unit has a clear-view canister, so you’ll always know when to empty it. Changing the belt and using the sander is a cinch – an excellent choice for pros who don’t want to break the bank.
WEN 6321 7-Amp 3 in. x 21 in. Corded Belt Sander with Dust Bag
Best budget belt sander
Lightweight and affordable, this is a basic belt sander for DIYers and beginners.
3 WEN 6321 Review
If you don’t want to splash out on a high-end belt sander, the WEN 6321 is a decent budget option. This lightweight sander is great for small projects such as stripping paint from furniture, prepping small areas of flooring, and smoothing rough wood.
However, with a relatively small 7 AMP motor, the WEN 6321 does run the risk of overheating with heavy-duty projects. So if you’re looking to use a finishing sander regularly, this one probably isn’t the right one for you.
But if you’re a beginner or DIYer looking for a budget-friendly belt sander for small DIY jobs, the WEN 6321 is a good choice.
Best Palm Sander
A palm sander is the smallest and least powerful kind of sander. They are best for light finishing work such as sanding furniture surfaces that only need a light finish but are less useful for removing paint or sanding floors.
- Compact design: palm sanders are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for small jobs.
- Small motor: they also have small motors so they won’t damage surfaces by over-sanding.
- One-hand operation: palm sanders are easily operated with one hand, giving better precision.
- Pressure control: the best palm sanders have pressure controls to let you know when you’re applying too much pressure. This helps avoid damage to surfaces.
Best Palm Sander Reviews of 2022
DEWALT DCW200B 20V MAX XR Variable Speed Sheet Palm Sander
Powerful cordless palm sander
The variable speed control, removal dust chute, and cordless system make this palm sander our best pick.
1 DeWALT DCW200B Review
When it comes to small sanding jobs that don’t take hours at a time, a cordless palm sheet sander is a popular choice. Without the restrictions of a cord, you have more freedom to move around as needed. The downside is DeWALT DCW200B is less powerful than corded options but is still sufficient for small projects.
Several features make this sheet sander our best in class pick. The variable speed control means you can customize the speed to different projects, depending on the power needed. And the removal dust chute is a nice additional feature that makes dealing with a clogged dust port.
Overall, this is a reliable palm sander for hobbyists and professionals alike.
DEWALT DWE6411K 1/4 Sheet Palm Sander
Best for most small projects
The unlimited run time and low-profile design are highlights of this 1/4 sheet palm sander.
2 DeWALT DWE6411K Review
Our best value palm sander is another DeWALT model, however this one is more compact than our best pick. The lower profile lets you get closer to the sanding surface and a better level of control.
Similar to the best pick, the DeWALT DWE6411K also has the sandpaper clip. This holds the sandpaper in place much better than Velcro, so you get fewer slips when working. Plus, this ¼ sheet sander is corded, giving unlimited run time.
Overall, if you’re looking for a 1/4 sheet palm sander that can keep up with longer, light projects, the DeWALT DWE6411K is a great option.
SKIL 7292-02 1/4 Sheet Palm Sander with Pressure Control
Best budget palm sander
The pressure control is great for beginners getting to grips with 1/4 sheet palm sanders.
3 SKIL 7292-02 Review
Just like our best value pick, the SKIL 7292-02 is a corded palm sander, giving unlimited run time but less flexibility. What sets this palm sander apart is the pressure control which lets you know when too much pressure is being applied. This is a great feature for DIYers and beginners who are new to palm sanders.
With a 2-AMP motor, the SKIL 7292-02 isn’t designed for heavy-duty sanding, but is sufficient for finishing work. Although it is slightly larger than our other picks, so not as easy to hold in one hand when working.
If you’re a DIYer or beginner looking for the best sheet sander for small projects, the SKIL 7292-02 is an affordable option.
Best Mouse Sander
A detail sander (or mouse sander) helps remove paint and give a smooth surface on banisters, molding, and other tricky surfaces. These are particularly useful in DIY home renovations.
- Triangle design: the pointed front of the sandpaper fits into very tight spaces easily.
- Lightweight and compact: great for small DIY projects around the home.
- Multi-angle grip: allows you to rotate and angle the sander for awkward projects like banister, chairs or crown moldings.
- Varied grit: the best detail sanders come different sandpaper grits for multiple uses.
Best Mouse Sander Reviews of 2022
BLACK+DECKER BDEMS600 Mouse Detail Sander
Best for finishing jobs
The compact design and comfortable 3-position grip make this a great detail sander for finishing work.
1 BLACK+DECKER BDEMS600 Review
Are you looking for a small sander for detailed jobs such as finishing furniture? A detail sander (also known as a mouse sander) is the best option. The Black + Decker BDEMS600 is compact and has a three-position grip for extra control and ease getting into awkward spaces.
Although it’s not powerful enough for large jobs like stripping thick paint or sanding floors, it’s best suited to lightly finishing and polishing furniture.
This Black + Decker mouse sander comes with a 12 pack of aluminum oxide sandpaper. This is a strong paper that will give a smooth finish on most surfaces.
Easy to operate and lightweight, this is the best detail sander for most DIY projects.
Best DA Sander
A dual action sander (or DA sander) is a hybrid of an orbital and belt sander. It rotates and moves back and forth at the same time to give a smooth finish with no scratches or swirl marks.
- Low vibration: gives a smooth finish and is very comfortable to hold.
- Lightweight: weighing around 2lbs, DA sanders are extremely lightweight which is perfect for vertical surfaces like car bodies.
- Large surface: the best DA sanders are 6”, allowing more surface to be sanded in less time.
- Multiple surfaces: suitable for wood, metal, iron, plastic, rubber, stone, and marble.
Best DA Sander Reviews of 2022
Ingersoll Rand 300G 6″ Pneumatic Air Random Orbit Sander
Great for auto-body shops
The lightweight and ergonomic design make this the best DA sander for professionals.
1 Ingersoll Rand 300G Review
Are you looking for the best sander for polishing and prepping car bodies or other metalwork? This Ingersoll Rand 300G DA sander is a great tool for the job. It’s lightweight so easy to handle for hours at a time. And the ergonomic design makes it easy to hold in the palm of your hand.
The limitation of this dual action sander is the lack of variable speed control, which many users find useful when working on cars. However, the set speed is still good for light polishing, finishing work, and prepping panels.
Overall, the Ingersoll Rand 300G is an impressive DA sander for car body shops, giving a smooth finish.
Gedu GAOA124-3 Professional Air Random Orbital Palm Dual Action Pneumatic Sander
Best for hobbyists
Lightweight with low vibrations, this is a good value DA sander for non-professionals.
2 Gedu GAOA124-3 Review
The Gedu GAOA124-3 is a great value dual action sander for hobbyists, but probably won’t stand up to everyday professional use. It’s lightweight and has low vibration, but the handle isn’t as comfortable to hold as our best pick since it doesn’t come with a rubberized grip.
Even so, if you’re a hobbyist looking for the best dual action sander for auto-body projects, prepping wood or metal surfaces, the Gedu GAOA124-3 is a decent option.
Proshi 6“ Random Orbit Dual Action Pneumatic Air Sander
Good budget option
This budget dual action sander is more suited to DIY projects than professional auto-shops.
3 Proshi 6" Review
The Proshi B076ZH6D2X is a budget-friendly pneumatic dual-action sander for small projects. It gives a smooth, swirl-free finish but is heavier than our other picks. So expect to tire during longer projects. It also has a larger, flatter grip which can be a little awkward to handle. Especially for vertical projects.
Even so, this is a powerful DA sander that offers great value for money for DIYers or hobbyists on a tight budget.
Best File Belt Sander
The thin belt design and lightweight build make air file sanders useful for awkward jobs that traditional sanders can’t reach. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right one:
- Length: air file sanders range from 12” up to 18”. The longer ones are best for auto-body work that is difficult to reach. Shorter ones are best for shaping and cutting.
- Rotating housing: the best air file sanders have a rotatable housing to help reach the most awkward spaces.
- Powerful motor: although air sanders look small, they have a powerful motor that can handle metalwork and collision repair with ease.
- Variable speed: allows you to work on wood, metal or plastic with the most suitable sanding speed.
Best File Belt Sander Reviews of 2022
3M 33575 Air File Belt Sander
Extra-long air file sander
The rotating housing and extra-long sanding arm make this our best in class choice for air file sanders.
1 3M 33575 Review
Looking for a specialized sander for cutting and finishing work in auto-body repair? The 3M 33575 is our best file belt sander. It’s impressively lightweight and with .65 HP, it’s powerful enough for collision repair applications.
The rotatable housing and 18-inch sanding arm are designed for hard to reach areas. Removing spot welds, shaping body filler, and welds in awkward places are a breeze with the 3M 33575.
Although it’s one of the more expensive air file sanders on the market, you get what you pay for with this 3M file belt sander.
Astro Tools 3036 3/8″ x 13″ Air Belt Sander
Powerful and versatile
The variable speed control makes this air file suited to grinding, cutting, and more.
2 Astro Tools 3036 Review
The Astro Tools 3036 air file sander is shorter than our best pick, at 13 inches. However, this pneumatic sander comes with a variable speed control, giving more options for different applications from grinding rivets to fiberglass work. It also comes with 3 different belt pieces, making it great value for money.
Although the Astro Tools 3036 isn’t as well constructed as our best pick, it’s still great value for money for hobbyists looking for an affordable tool for DIY projects.
WEN 6307 Variable Speed Detailing Air File Sander with 1/2-by-18″ Belt
Best for small projects
With a long sanding file but less powerful motor, this air file is best suited to decorative finishing work.
3 WEN 6307 Review
Like our best pick, the WEN 6307 has an impressive 18-inch sanding belt in pivoting housing to give the most functionality on awkward projects. It also has variable speed control, making it suited for a range of functions including polishing and smoothing wood, metal and plastic.
What makes this WEN air file sander a budget pick is the relatively small motor. Unlike our other picks, the WEN 6307 won’t live up to cutting or grinding in auto-body repair. It’s more suited to finishing and detail work on hard-to-reach projects.
So if you’re a DIYer or metal hobbyist looking for a budget air file sander for small, decorative projects, the WEN 6307 is a top choice.
Best Benchtop Belt Disc Sander
Designed for heavy-duty projects, a benchtop sander (or stationary sander) is perfect for smoothing doors, longboards, and panels even with curved edges.
- Combination belt disc sander: most benchtop sanders combine a disc sander and belt sander, giving two useful tools in one machine.
- Heavy-duty: 80-grit sandpaper is made for heavy-duty sanding such as smoothing rough wood, stripping paint, or quickly shaping edges.
- Adjustable belt: the best benchtop sanders have an adjustable belt to make sanding large, awkward pieces of wood much easier.
- Made for workshops: although a bench sander is probably too powerful for DIYers, it’s a great addition to a hobbyist or professional woodwork shop.
Best Benchtop Belt Disc Sander Reviews of 2022
JET J-41002 3/4-Horsepower Bench Belt and 8-Inch Disc Sander
Professional-grade benchtop sander
The heavy-duty belt and disc sanders take care of cutting, grinding, and finishing all in one tool.
1 Jet J-41002 Review
Do you do a lot of woodwork? A benchtop sander is a heavy-duty tool that will save you time and effort on grinding, cutting, sanding, and finishing. The combination of belt and disc sanders in one machine is great for most projects and gives a superior finish to handheld sanders.
The Jet J-41002 is well built with an abrasive belt unit that does the job of a jigsaw while removing material and finishing. And the disc sander takes care of curved edges with ease.
Solidly built from cast iron, this is a professional-grade benchtop belt sander that will be at home in most workshops.
WEN 6502T 4.3-Amp Benchtop Belt and Disc Sander with Cast Iron Base
Compact benchtop sander
With a 90-degree tilting belt, this benchtop sander has more functionality but a smaller footprint.
2 WEN 6502T Review
If you’re workshop is already filled with large tools like a wood lathe, the WEN 6502T is a compact sander that will help save space. The belt sander pivots 90 degrees as needed, so lays flat for more functionality and easy storage.
Although not as a well built as our best pick, the WEN 6502T is the best benchtop sander for the lower price point. The 4.3 AMP motor can easily handle regular cutting, smoothing, grinding, and finishing work. The miter gauge is a little flimsy, but for the value price, it gets the job done.
Overall, the WEN 6502T is a good option for anyone looking for a compact benchtop belt and disk sander for semi-regular sanding projects.
WEN 6515T 1 in. x 30 in. Belt Sander with 5 in. Sanding Disc
Best for light sanding
The thin belt and smaller motor make this benchtop sander best suited to light sanding and sharpening.
3 WEN 6515T Review
The WEN 6515T is a smaller, less powerful stationary sander than the other two picks in this category. Not built for heavy-duty sanding, the 1-inch belt and 2.3 AMP motor are better suited to light sanding and sharpening jobs.
Unlike the best and value picks, this WEN combination belt disc sander features two separate dust ports. This is great for removing additional dust during precision jobs that kick up a lot of fine dust.
If you’re a craftsman who does small piece work or knife sharpening, the WEN 6515T is a decent benchtop sander at a great price.
Best (Oscillating) Spindle Sander
Although a spindle sander isn’t a traditional tool for most DIY projects, it’s popular among woodworkers who do a lot of decorative, precision work.
- Sanding sleeves: Spindle sanders come with a range of different sized sanding sleeves which can be switched out depending on the size of the wood.
- Tilting table: the best spindle sanders have a tilting table to accommodate angled pieces.
- Combination sander: some spindle sanders come with a belt option to give more varied use.
- Portable vs Benchtop: portable spindle sanders give more flexibility but are less powerful than benchtop versions.
Best (Oscillating) Spindle Sander Reviews of 2022
WEN AT6535 3.5-Amp Oscillating Spindle Sander with Extra Large Beveling Table Top
Best all-round spindle sander
This bestselling spindle sander features 5 sleeves for most curved woodwork projects.
1 WEN AT6535 Review
Do your woodwork projects involve a lot of arcs, curves, and contours? The WEN AT6535 spindle sander gives smooth, professional edges quickly and easily. It comes with 5 different sized sanding sleeves which are easy to switch out depending on the size of your projects. And the oscillating spindle gives an ultra-smooth finish, even on intricate jobs.
The table itself is spacious and tilts up to 45 degrees to accommodate awkward angles. It does come with onboard storage but if you don’t want parts to get covered in dust, they are best stored away from the sander.
Even so, if you’re looking for the best oscillating spindle sander for curved woodwork projects, the WEN AT6535 is our best pick.
WEN 6524 Oscillating Belt and Spindle Sander
2-in-1 spindle sander
With both spindle and belt sanding options, this is great value for money.
2 WEN 6524 Review
If your workspace is too small for a full-size spindle sander as well as a belt sander, this 2-in-1 belt and spindle sander is a good compromise. It features five spindle sleeves as well as a belt sander to give a full range of uses from curves and arcs to smoothing flat surfaces.
It’s also very easy to change out the belt to a spindle, taking around a minute to do. So changing mid-project is a breeze.
For woodworkers who regularly need both a spindle and belt sander, the WEN 6524 is a great combination sanding tool.
WEN HA5932 5-Amp Variable Speed Portable Oscillating Spindle Sander
Best handheld spindle sander
For hard to reach jobs, this handheld spindle sander is a flexible alternative.
3 WEN HA5932 Review
Where both our best pick and value pick are benchtop spindle sanders, the WEN HA5932 is a portable handheld option. This oscillating spindle sander is built for hard to reach places on prebuilt furniture that can’t be lifted onto a bench. However, it also has the option to be mounted onto a workbench for added functionality.
With a powerful 5 AMP motor and variable speed control, this WEN handheld spindle sander is great for most contouring, arcs and curves. Although if you plan on mounting it to a table often, a benchtop spindle sander may be a better option.
If you need the functionality of a spindle sander for infrequent jobs and don’t want to splash out on a top of the range spindle sander, the WEN HA5932 is a great budget option.
Best Drum Sander
If you build furniture in your workshop, a drum sander saves time on finishing work. Instead of hand sanding pieces to get a fine finish, a drum sander takes care of this final step in one, quick pass.
- Large dust hood: drum sanding produces a lot of dust, so this is a must to reduce harmful inhalation.
- Heavy-duty design: with a reinforced conveyor belt and die-cast drum, these are built for heavy-duty sanding jobs.
- Tool-less parallelism adjustment: reduces the chances of crowning.
- Made for cabinetry: drum sanders are the best option for making cabinet doors, butcher blocks, and other furniture pieces that need an even, flat finish.
Best Drum Sander Reviews of 2022
Jet 723540OSK Jwds-2244 Drum Sander With Open Stand
For professional woodworkers
The wide feed design makes sanding large furniture pieces quick and easy.
1 Jet 723540OSK Review
Are you looking for a sander to re-level pieces and remove tough finishes? A drum sander is the best tool for the job. The open feed design allows you to sand pieces up to 44” wide in two passes, and the tool-free parallelism adjust dial prevents seems on larger pieces. However, this drum sander shouldn’t be confused with a planer – it doesn’t take layers off wood, only sands.
The Jet 723540OSK also features a variable speed dial that allows you to crank out smaller pieces at a faster pace, or slow down to give a smooth finish on larger pieces such as cabinet doors or small tabletops.
Although this drum sander is probably overkill for hobbyists, it’s an efficient tool for furniture makers or professional woodwork shops.
Jet 723520K JWDS-1632 16-32 Plus Drum Sanders with Stand
Same design, smaller feed
With a smaller feed, this drum sander is best for smaller woodwork projects.
2 Jet 723520K Review
Our best value pick has all the same features as our best pick. It comes with variable speed control, a compact stand design, and a parallelism adjustment dial. The main difference is the size of the feed. Whereas our best pick can sand up to 44” pieces in two passes, the Jet 723520K is limited to 32” pieces.
If you work with smaller pieces of furniture such as butcher blocks, kitchen cabinetry, or other small products, the Jet 723520K is good value for money.
Jet JWDS-1020 Benchtop Drum Sander
Best for hobbyists
This benchtop drum sander is a budget alternative for weekend woodworkers.
3 Jet JWDS-1020 Review
If you’re a hobbyist who would get use out of a drum sander but can’t afford the professional price point of our other picks, the Jet JWDS-1020 is a great alternative.
This compact drum sander features Jet’s usual variable speed control, parallelism adjustor, and dust hood. However, it’s compact design is limited to 20” pieces. It also is designed to sit on top of a workbench, saving space in small workshops. If you have a router table, this makes a good base.
If you’re an avid woodwork hobbyist who makes small pieces, the Jet JWDS-1020 is an affordable way to add a drum sander to your workshop.
Best Drywall Sander
Drywall sanders make quick work of removing wallpaper residue, paint layers, and adhesive residue. If you have plastered walls or ceilings, a drywall sander will give a perfectly smooth surface for paint or wallpaper to be added.
- Retractable handle: the long handle makes reaching high ceilings or corners easy without the need of a ladder.
- Auto-dust removal: drywall sanders have an extendable hose attached to remove dust before it falls.
- Pivoting head: great for getting into corners or awkward angles around crown molding.
- Multiple sanding heads: the best drywall sanders come with both round and triangle sanding heads to help reach every inch of wall and ceiling.
Best Drywall Sander Reviews of 2022
WEN 6377 Variable Speed 5-Amp Dual-Head Drywall Sander
Professional-quality drywall sander
With both a disc and triangle head, this drywall sander gives an ultra-smooth finish.
1 WEN 6377 Review
Looking for a quick and easy way to sand down rough drywall? The WEN 6377 is our best in class pick. This drywall sander comes with a spinning disc sander for heavy-duty removal as well as a vibrating triangle head for light finishing work to give a smooth finish.
The 15-foot hose and adjustable handle are great for high ceilings. However, since the motor is housed on the head, it can get heavy with extended use.
Whether you’re a professional or DIYer renovating your home, the WEN 6377 drywall sander is a great choice.
WEN 6369 Variable Speed 5-Amp Drywall Sander with 15′ Hose
Less features but powerful
Although it doesn’t come with a triangle head, it’s still good value for most jobs.
2 WEN 6369 Review
Whereas our best pick comes with both a disc and triangle head, the WEN 6369 only has the disc head. This is great for the majority of ceilings and walls but has a hard time getting into tight corners.
Even so, it has a powerful 5 AMP motor which easily sands down rough drywall and popcorn ceilings, even across large surfaces. It also has the standard 15-foot hose for flexibility and collects a good majority of dust.
If you don’t need the triangle head attachment, the WEN 6369 drywall sander is a good value option.
Ginelson YJ001 800W Drywall Vacuum Sander
Best for DIYers
The built-in LED light and removable base are great features for small renovation projects.
3 Ginelson YJ001 Review
For a budget drywall sander, the Ginelson YJ001 comes with a range of accessories including 13 replacement sanding discs, replacement carbon brushes, and a carry bag. It is heavier than our other picks and has half the hose length, which isn’t great for professionals who plan on using it regularly.
However, it offers some decent features for DIYers doing a renovation. The LED light means it’s easy to sand in the evenings when light is low. And the bottom can be removed to allow grinding right up to the edge of walls and ceilings.
If you’re a professional decorator, this isn’t a professional-grade drywall sander. But it’s a great budget option for small DIY projects.
Best Floor Sander
Sanding wood floors to be refinished is a tough job when all you have is a palm sander. A floor sander makes sanding large wood floors much easier and gives a flawless smooth finish.
- Handheld vs Walk-behind: For large areas of floor, a walk-behind is best. For staircases and small areas, a handheld will be better.
- Heavy: walk-behind floor sanders are very heavy, so you may need help transporting it up stairs.
- Powerful motor: the best floor sanders offer 1-1/2 HP, which will make quick work of even heavily varnished floors.
- Dust collection: floor sanders should always have substantial dust collection to help reduce airborne dust when in use.
Best Floor Sander Reviews of 2022
Clarke 7058A Ez-8 Expandable Drum Floor Sander
Built for professionals
The heavy-duty motor makes quick work of large hardwood floors.
1 Clarke 7058A Review
The Clarke 7058A is a heavy-duty floor sander made for large jobs. The 1-1/2HP motor makes quick work of stripping hardwood floors, even with thick layers of oil or lacquer.
It’s a heavy floor sander at 126lbs, but it does disassemble to help with transport. However, even disassembled the parts are pretty heavy to move around.
If you’re unfamiliar with heavy-duty floor sanders, you might run the risk of creating perpendicular lines with this drum sander, which is why it’s best suited to professionals who understand the different levels of sandpaper and their uses on different finishes of floor.
But if you’re a professional looking for a quality flooring drum sander, the Clarke 7058A is the best sander for hardwood floors.
Clarke #07081B Orbital-Dust Control Floor Sander
Best orbital floor sander
Great for DIYers who want to minimize swirl marks and lines when finishing floors.
2 Clarke 07081B Review
Whereas our best in class pick is a drum sander, the Clarke 07081B is an orbital floor sander. This helps to reduce the chance of creating perpendicular lines or swirl marks when sanding floors. It also comes with a large dust bag and dust control which is great for large projects.
This floor sander is heavier than our best pick and doesn’t disassemble, which makes it difficult to transport and move between rooms. However, for the powerful output, the heavy weight is to be expected.
If you’re looking for an affordable floor sander that reduces the risk of swirl marks and unwanted lines, the Clarke 07081B is a good choice for professionals and DIYers alike.
Bosch GET75-6N Electric Orbital Sander Floor Polisher
Best handheld floor sander
Two different sanding settings help give the smoothest finish even on rough floors.
3 Bosch GET75-6N Review
If you want an affordable, handheld floor sander for smaller areas, the Bosch GET75-6N is a great choice. It has both random orbit and aggressive turbo modes to help get the smoothest finish on floors. Plus, the auxiliary handle mounts on either side of the sander head to give comfortable control on stairs, flooring, and even furniture.
Although the Bosch GET75-6N isn’t as powerful as walk-behind floor sanders, it does give a better level of control for DIYers who are unfamiliar with heavy-duty deck sanders.
So if you are doing a home renovation and want a budget sander to finish floors and stairways, this Bosch handheld floor sander is our top choice.
Sander Buying Guide
What is a sander?
A sander is a power tool that smooths surfaces using abrasive sandpaper. If you do woodwork or build furniture, a sander is a vital finishing tool that gives wood and other materials a smooth, seamless finish.
Which type of sander is best for my project?
Different types of sander are best for different applications. The best one for you will depend on the specifics of your project.
What are the different types of sanders?
- (Random) orbital sanders – circular sanding discs spin to give a streak-free finish.
- Belt or finishing sanders – sandpaper feeds around a continuous loop for heavy-duty sanding.
- Palm sanders – small handheld sanders designed for light jobs.
- Detail sanders – also known as mouse sanders, the point helps reach awkward spaces and corners.
- Dual action sanders (DA sanders) – a combination of an orbital and belt sander that spins and moves back and forth at the same time.
- Air file sanders – long sanding wands designed for auto-body repair.
- Benchtop sanders – heavy-duty sanders for bulk carpentry projects.
- Spindle sanders – specialist sander for working with curves, arcs, and contours.
- Drum sanders – built for feeding flat pieces of wood through such as cabinets and butcher blocks.
- Drywall sanders – on a long arm to smooth walls and ceilings.
- Floor sanders – heavy-duty sanders for finishing and prepping hardwood floors.
Best sander brands
Whether you’re looking for a benchtop, orbital, palm, drum, or spindle sander, there are several great brands on the market. Here are some of the best sander brands you should consider:
- WEN sanders: are a popular option for hobbyists and DIYers. WEN are known for well-made budget sanders that are affordable but still reliable. They have a full range of sanders from benchtop sanders to palm sanders and even more specialist spindle sanders.
- DeWALT sanders: are consistently rated highly with customers. They are most well-known for their handheld sanders, including palm and orbital options. They are in the mid to high price point range, but the quality of tools produced by DeWALT is worth the price tag.
- Makita sanders: are another good option for DIYers and professional woodworkers. Makita belt sanders are especially popular as they are heavy-duty and well made. Generally, Makita are a more affordable option but they offer a good price range for different price points.
- Black + Decker sanders: are a budget option for beginners and DIYers. Although well-made, Black + Decker sanders don’t offer the power needed for professional applications. Most known for their orbital and other handheld sanders, these are a good choice for DIYers.
- Jet sanders: are some of the bestselling drum sanders on the market. With a range of models available for different skill and price levels, Jet drum sanders are consistently popular with professional woodworkers.
- Clarke sanders: are some of the best heavy-duty floor sanders on the market. Whether you’re a professional carpenter or DIYer doing a renovation, Clarke sanders are great for getting a smooth finish on hardwood floors.
Some of the other top sander brands worth mentioning are SKIL, Meterk, Ingersoll, and Tacklife.
What is an orbital sander?
An orbital sander works by rotating the sanding disc in an elliptical motion (oval shape). This motion means the sanding disc doesn’t travel over the same section more than once, reducing the chance of swirl marks or scratches. The result is a smooth, even finish.
A random orbital sander is a more advanced tool than a regular orbital sander. A random orbital sander also has rotating discs, but it also turns at the same time (the same way the Earth rotates while also orbiting the sun). A random orbital sander gives the smoothest finish by having these two different motions at once.
How to use an orbital sander
Orbital sanders are a good option for a range of projects including:
- Finishing furniture
- Stripping paintwork
- Prepping pieces before painting
How to sand hardwood floors with an orbital sander
If you have level floors in fairly good condition, an orbital sander can be used to prep hardwood floors. However, they do take longer than drum floor sanders.
When using an orbital sander, it’s best to go with the grain as much as possible to avoid leaving noticeable marks or tearing the fiber of the wood. Begin with a lighter grain of sandpaper and less pressure to ensure you don’t gauge the floor.
How to use a belt sander
A belt sander work by feeding the sandpaper around a belt on a continuous loop. These are one of the most powerful handheld options for prepping wood and stripping paint. Benchtop belt sanders can also be used for cutting and grinding in more heavy-duty projects.
When using a belt sander, it’s important to keep the sander flat and level to avoid gauging the wood. When you first begin, the back roller should make contact with the wood first as you make a forward motion. Then gently set the rest of the sander down to make a smooth connection with the wood.
Belt sander vs orbital sander: which is best?
The main difference between a belt sander and an orbital sander is the way they function. A belt sander has a continuous loop of sandpaper on a belt system. Whereas an orbital sander has spinning discs of sandpaper.
Because of this, belt sanders work best on flat surfaces, whereas orbital sanders are useful on awkward angles such as the edge of furniture.
Overall, belt sanders are much more powerful than orbital sanders. So they are best used on heavy-duty projects where you want to remove a lot of material.
Orbital sanders are better for finishing work where you don’t want to take away as much material but want a smooth finish.
What is a DA sander?
A DA sander (or Dual Action sander) is a hybrid of an orbital sander and belt sander. It works by moving in a circular motion as well as back and forth to give the smoothest finish possible.
Because of this ultra-smooth finish, these are a popular choice for auto-body work and metal polishing.
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