Belt, Orbital, & Palm Sander: Which To Choose?
No workshop is complete without a belt, orbital, and palm sander. These tools are essential for sanding down wood, removing paint or varnish, and preparing surfaces for staining or painting. Which one should you buy next time you visit the hardware store?
In this blog post, we’ll look at each type of sander and discuss their differences. So whether you’re a beginner looking to buy your first sander or an experienced contractor who wants to learn more about these tools, read on!
Belt Sanders
Belt sanders are the heavy-duty option when it comes to sanding. These tools have a belt of abrasive paper that rotates around two drums. One drum is driven by an electric motor, while the other is free-rolling.
Belt sanders are powerful and can remove a lot of material quickly. They’re typically used for larger projects, such as sanding down a rough piece of lumber or removing paint from a door.
Orbital Sanders
Orbital sanders are a bit lighter weight than belt sanders, and they have a square pad that oscillates. The abrasive paper on orbital sanders is also held in place with Velcro, making it easy to change out.
Orbital sanders are ideal for smaller projects, such as sanding furniture or cabinets. They’re also good for finishing work, such as smoothing out edges after cutting with a power saw.
Palm Sanders
Palm sanders are the smallest and most lightweight option. These tools have a rectangular pad that vibrates. Palm sanders are easy to maneuver and can get into difficult spaces.
Palm sanders are perfect for finishing work and small projects. They’re also a good choice for getting into tight spaces, such as corners or along with molding.
How to Choose the Right Sander
Now that you know the difference between belt, orbital, and palm sanders, how do you choose the right one for your project?
The first step: Identify the type of material you’ll be working with. If you’re dealing with a large piece of wood, such as a door or table, then a belt sander is the best choice. An orbital sander will do the trick for smaller projects, such as furniture or cabinets. And for tight spaces or delicate work, a palm sander is the way to go.
The next step: Consider the type of finish you want. An orbital sander is the best option if you’re looking for a smooth, even finish. For a more distressed look, a palm sander can create interesting effects.
Finally: Think about the size and weight of the sander. Belt sanders are the heaviest and largest option, followed by orbital sanders. Palm sanders are the smallest and lightest type of sander.
Find Top-Quality Palm Sanders At Your Nearest Tool Store
Now that you know more about belts, orbital, and palm sanders, you can make an informed decision the next time you’re at the hardware store. With the right tool in hand, such as the DeWalt: Palm Sander Kit, you’ll be able to tackle any sanding project like a pro! You can find it at any Fix & Feed tool store for only $62.99.
Thanks to its ergonomic design, the DeWalt Palm Sander will give you a perfect finish. What are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Fix & Feed store and purchase your palm sander. We’ve got 4 stores all over Texas with a staff ready to help you.