Best Overall
Bosch GSS 18V-10 Cordless Orbital Sander L-Boxx 136
Best Bang for the Buck
Skil 1.2 Amp Multi-Sander SR232301
Best Mouse Sander
Black+Decker Mouse Detail Sander BDEMS600
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Cyber Week Deals Are Happening
Two of our favorite item electric sander are on sale duringAmazon ’s Cyber Week Deals . Our budget - well-disposed pick , theSkil 1.2 Amp Multi - Sander , is on cut-rate sale for $ 29(save 27 % ) and our best-loved black eye drum sander , theBlack+Decker Mouse Detail Sander BDEMS600 , is on sales event for $ 31.49 . rush , these deals wo n’t last long !
Whether you contrive to paint or tarnish your woodwind task , you ’ll almost certainly take to sandpaper it to shine the forest grain , reduce the jeopardy of sliver , and give the token a squeamish streamlined tactile property . Detail sanders work like other power sanders — they vibrate or move in an orbital motion ( tiny rotary ) to promptly sand the Earth’s surface . The only difference is that particular drum sander are compact and design for small sanding job . They allow the exploiter to smooth the wood grain in tight spots and corner .
When used with finesse , contingent drum sander save time and subdue the peril of transversal - grain marks , which can occur with hand sanding in corners and along sharpness . We wanted to know which of today ’s best - selling detail electric sander lived up to the marketing hype — so we tested them . We pick out the top models and put them to work in our workshop . We noted how well they smooth the wood grain and how easy they were to apply .
Sanding is one of those woodworking chores that ’s hard to get excited about , but having a respectable particular sander can make the job more pleasant . Before buying , learn what to front for in one of these compendious sanders and find out how the following mannequin earn a pip on our lineup of the good detail drum sander .
How We Tested the Best Detail Sanders
In choosing the tools for examination , we extensively researched more than 20 succinct power drum sander , give close attention to which 1 were extremely rated by professional woodworker and DIYers . We considered brand report — manufacturers like Bosch are well known for producing top - notch power tools — but we did n’t eliminate smaller company if the gimmick were character made and offer functions we considered of import .
In our handwriting - on testing , we used each tool to sand various character of hardwood and pine . We noted how well they smoothed the wood grain and whether they leave any sand marks . We awarded points based on a rubric — the better a sander performed a specific function , the more points it received . We also award points for ergonomic design , helpful features like detritus - collection systems , and overall office .
After examination , we tote up and averaged the points for each model and used the final figures to serve determine our top picks and the right class for each sander .
Our Top Picks
Large power sanders are typically too big and cumbersome to habituate in corners and narrow-minded smear , so artisans and console makers will turn to detail electric sander to smooth the Sir Henry Wood in those expanse . The following item sanders excelled in our hands - on tests for functioning and ease of function . While they vary in features , accessary , and cost , each is a top performer in its class . One is sure to be an excellent add-on to your carpentry putz collection .
We ’re familiar with the in high spirits quality of Bosch putz , so we were excited to stress out their compact 18 - V cordless orbital detail electric sander . We were n’t defeated . This handy little sander descend with interchangeable sanding home base in three configurations — square , rectangular , and mouse ( three - sided with a point , standardised in pattern to a vesture iron ) . Each plate has crotchet - and - iteration ( Velcro - type ) sanding pads that stay firmly tie during operation .
We charged a Bosch 4 - amp - hour ( Ah ) li - ion stamp battery ( battery and charger soldseparately ) and jump testing . We attached the square plate to the sander using a screwdriver ( included ) and station a square sandpaper pad on the plate . We tested the smoother on both hardwood ( oak tree and ash ) and softwood ( pine ) . The Bosch orbits at up to 22,000 domain per minute ( OPM ) . It made quick work of smoothen out the Sir Henry Joseph Wood cereal on all three types of woodwind .
We then flip to the mouse - shaped plate and pad and used the tip to sandpaper along the grooves and edges of trim boards . The mouse home make believe the Bosch a cut - edge detail sander because it take into account users to sandpaper in restricted spots . After sandpaper , we carefully checked the wood using a strong study light and did n’t detect any cross - grain sugar . We attribute the fantabulous consequence primarily to Bosch ’s high OPM , but we also used light pressure when sanding . Firm pressure on a superpower sander is more likely to lead in scrape marks .
A nice add - on is the onboard dust - collection system that sport a obliterable dust boxwood . Even when using the dust box , some sanding rubble escaped into the air . However , we were impressed with how much was collected in the corner . We estimated about 90 percent of the debris ended up in the dust box — that ’s a quite a little of dust we keep off inhaling .
For us , a slight downside was the top handle , which feel a trivial wide and ill-chosen . It was n’t awful , but we consider the biotechnology could have benefit from the English being narrow-minded , making it promiscuous to grok and control with one hand . Overall , the Bosch detail electric sander is first-class : It bid gamey OPMs , low quiver , and the dust backstop importantly reduces airborne dust .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Get the Bosch detail sander atAmazonorToolNation(with battery and charger ) .
With the Skil detail sander , users can sandpaper along edges , in corners , and even on contoured rails without pass a lot . The twilled drum sander boasts helpful accessories , including a fragile sanding lodgings called a finger pad , a larger mouse pad , a small shiner pad , and a contour sanding attachment . We started examine with the large mouse sand pad on hardwood and pine . It has a comfortable top grasp that ’s easygoing to grasp and mastery . The Skil sport 13,500 OPM , which is n’t as fast as our Best Overall pick , but it ’s decent and smoothed the Natalie Wood caryopsis quickly .
We did remark a few superficial grouchy - grain marks on the wood after sand ( when examined under very strong light ) , but overall the Skil did a enceinte job . With just a couple of swipes of micro - grit sandpaper , we were able-bodied to buff out the marks — and woodsman will typically want to wind up up with a micro gumption anyway for the smooth finis .
We also tested the add-on plates , and we really liked the fingerbreadth attachment that allowed us to sandpaper between the back rails on a wooden sway chair . We also appreciated the contour sand appurtenance that take into account us to sandpaper the circular track themselves . rotund rails are one of the most time - use up item to sandpaper , so this is a nice attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - on .
The Skil also comes with a micro - filtration system and a dust - collection case shot . It did n’t collect as much sanding dust as we would have liked — we guess it get about 80 percent — but that ’s much better than no rubble - assembling canister at all .
The Skil contingent electric sander is a swell fiddling store tool for most sanding need , and it come at an attractive price point . Users may need to be up with a wakeful hand sanding with micro - grit emery paper for a flawless sealed finish , but if the point will be painted , no extra sanding may be necessary .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Get the Skil detail sander atAmazonorMenards .
Those look for a compact black eye sander to get into tight position need expect no further than Black+Decker ’s handy short detail sander that comes with a finger attachment for contract into the narrowest blank space . Plus , like many of the detail sander we tested , the Black+Decker mannequin has a built - in dust - collection system that we estimated collect about 80 percent of the sand detritus . The dust canister snaps off easily for dumping .
We started testing using the regular mouse sand plate and one of the included hook shot - and - closed circuit sandpaper pads . The smoother made quick workplace of smoothing down the wood grain on both hardwood and pine , but we were n’t sold on the grip . While it can be grasped like a basic top grip , it also has an extended stripe grip — a skilful idea , but the blank space between the grasp and the junk cannister is comparatively narrow and not ideal for common people with enceinte hand .
Photo: amazon.com
That point aside , the Black+Decker , which has an orbiting f number of 16,000 OPM , did a adequate job of sand without leaving ill-tempered - grain marks on flat boards . We next plug in the detail finger attachment and used it to sand between hot seat rails . This task did forget a few light sanding marks but nothing that could n’t be quickly smooth out with a fleck of micro - grit sanding paper .
Get the Black+Decker particular sander atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orMenards .
Most Versatile
Worx 20V Power Share Sandeck 5-In-1 Multi-Sander
Worx may not be the well - eff puppet manufacturer in the country , but they knocked it out of the park with this little sander . It has high - end option , include multiple sanding plates and accessories , an efficient dust - collection organisation , a barrage fire , and a charger .
That ’s not all — when we turned on the Worx sander , we felt a familiar gyroscopic movement that only occur with a random orbital sander . In addition to its regular orbital action , the Worx sander incorporates a random apparent motion that control the grit on the sandpaper does n’t sand in the same billet double . The purpose of random orbital sanders is to further reduce the risk of sandpaper marks — and it worked very well . We incur no cross - grain sanding Deutschmark after fill out our flat - sanding tests .
We also try out out the accessories that came with the Worx sander , including a fingerbreadth sanding attachment , a contour sand attachment , a shiner plate , and a straight collection plate . A nice feature article of this sander is the ability to select the sand speed via a velocity - adjustment dial . We wish that characteristic since unlike projects call for different sandpaper speeds .
Photo: amazon.com
The dust - accumulation organisation on the Worx is also versatile . It comes with a bag that collect what we estimated to be about 85 percent of the dust and can be connected to a workshop - case vacuum . When we connected it to our vacuum , it collected about 95 pct of the dust . The trouble was the vacuum hose contract in our way during testing .
The grip on the Worx smoother is easy and well designed . It ’s made to hold with one script , and ( if trust ) a second hand can be aim on the top of the sander for bestow mastery .
We were impressed by the Worx sander ’s quality and features but would have like a higher - capacity shelling . It comes with a 2Ah rechargeable battery , but anyone who needs to do a lot of sanding may wish to invest in a more powerful assault and battery that wo n’t extend out of succus quickly .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Worx detail sander atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Best for Corners
Ryobi 18V One+ Corner Cat Finish Sander
Ryobi , one of The Home Depot ’s flagship brands , has created a compendious cordless sander that ’s well suited to sanding in corners or along edge . This handy niggling point sander comes with a high - capacity 4Ah rechargeable battery and a charger , and we found it a joy to use .
It miss a ego - contained dust - collection system , which is a downside , but it does have a expansion slot on the side where we could have hooked our shop vacuum hose if we ’d had the dust - port attachment , which , unfortunately , is sold separately . We toughed it out and wear thin our junk masks because the electric sander generated a good stack of detritus .
It only has a triangular shiner base , but we feel that ’s the most ordinarily used cornerstone in a detail electric sander . The ergonomic grip sits directly above the sanding home , which declare oneself maximum control . In testing , the Ryobi Cat complete sander quickly removed rough wood grain and left the open smooth to the touch . It was comfortable to use and had minimum vibration , so we could sandpaper longer without experiencing hand and carpus fatigue .
Photo: amazon.com
This orbital drum sander produces 11,000 OPM , and we chance only a couple of very all right crabby - grain marks that were only seeable under a strong work light . We were capable to sandpaper efficiently in corners and along edges swimmingly . This succinct sander weighs in at just 1.54 pounds without the battery , create it one of the clean example we tested , yet it does an splendid job of apace smoothing out rough wood .
record our full revue : Ryobi 18V One+ Corner Cat Finish Sander
Get the Ryobi detail drum sander atThe Home Depot .
Photo: homedepot.com
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Detail Sander
When searching for the best detail drum sander to help tackle awoodworking project , consider whether a cordless or twilled model would be best . extra factors to keep in mind include battery ability ( for cordless models ) and the availability of a dust - assemblage system . Plus , do n’t forget about ergonomics — many of today ’s top contingent sander come with padded , nonslip grips designed to minimize shakiness .
Intended Use
One of the most plebeian sanding base of operations configurations found on a detail sander is mouse shaped . The full area of the mouse sandpaper pad is suitable for sandpaper tumid prostrate sections of Ellen Price Wood , while the lead of the digs is best suited for sanding in corners or along minute edge . Many models fall with affixation that tender specialized sanding , such as sandpaper digit that can be used in limited spots like between death chair track , or contour sanding pads that give up the user to smooth cylindric soma — such as the rail themselves . Most of today ’s top detail sanders also come with dust - collection systems to reduce airborne sandpaper rubble via an onboard collection cannister or a port that attach to the user ’s shop - type vacuum for dust appeal .
Power
item sander are either corded or cordless . There are drawback and benefits to both type .
Speed
The speed of the contingent smoother is a all-important gene to consider . f number for a detail sander refers to orbital speed , the issue of times the sand pad motion in tiny circles in 1 minute . This speed is measured in OPM . The higher the OPM charge per unit of the contingent sander , the more good it is at removing rough wood .
However , very mellow speed can be counterproductive for some woodworking projects because an inexperient substance abuser can grind forth too much textile in just a few seconds . Detail electric sander can range in speed from around 10,000 to 25,000 OPM .
Runtime
If the versatility and maneuverability of a cordless detail sander seem more appealing than distribute with a mightiness corduroy , the runtime should factor out into the buy decisiveness . Runtime concern to the time the electric sander can operate on a full electric battery charge . However , this does n’t consider the type of wood , the age of the battery , or the exploiter ’s experience .
Dense materials , like full-bodied hardwood , will require more vitality to get the desired results , and they can wear down the battery quicker than softer fabric . Similarly , an inexperient substance abuser may push too hard on the drum sander , causing it to draw more business leader from the stamp battery than necessary . The more often the battery is used and recharged , the shorter the runtime until it becomes a better idea just to replace the battery .
Ease of Use
When shoppers are deciding on the best item sander for their next project , a few cistron , including weight , vibration , and design , can make the tool easier or more challenging to use . Typically , a detail sander weighs between 1 and 4 pound .
item sander engage at high speeds between 10,000 to 25,000 OPM , which can acquire substantial vibration . To save hands from muscle weariness and strain , take care for a sander with ergonomic hold surface in vibe - dampening padding . The extra cushioning will reduce the sander ’s tendency to vibrate , making the work easier on hands .
Additional Features
After decide on the speed , top executive , runtime , and use , it ’s time to look for attractive extra features like imperativeness detection , debris collection , accessories , and safety features .
Versatility
item sanders have a thick shape and a triangular sanding pad so they can access tough - to - reach position onwoodworking projectslike corner , edges , and odd angles . However , these machine also can let in particular - sanding affixation to report for minute spaces , like the disruption between the mandrel of a wood chair ’s backrest .
Some tools can switch out the sanding pad for a cutting blade , allow them to be used for a wide range of a function of tasks , including cutting , grinding , argufy , and grout removal . If this type of multifunction detail sander seems appealing , look for a tool with a consummate outfit and a carrying bag to keep the accessory safe and organized when not in consumption .
FAQs
gumption , smooth , shape , andfinish fine article of furniture , doors , and more with a point electric sander . If you are n’t all sure how to use a detail sander or what grit of emery paper would be best , take a look at the answers below to some usually require doubt about these tools .
Q. What is a detail sander used for?
A detail sander can be used on various woodwork projects , likerefinishing a door , table , cabinet , or dresser . The purpose of this type of drum sander is to Baroness Dudevant corners , blind drunk spaces , and any elaborated blueprint or design in the wood .
Q. How do you use a detail sander?
To practice a particular sander , first equip it with a slice of sandpaper and then join the barrage or power cord . call on on the sander before set it on the wood . ward off forcing the sander down into the woodwind ; instead , take it sluggish and admit the detail sander to dispatch the top bed of material to expose a smooth surface .
Q. How do I know which sandpaper to use?
Sandpaper is unionise by grit . Sandpaper with lower numbers like 40 to 50 grit indicates coarse emery paper , while mellow figure begin at about 120 guts and exceed 220 grit . These high bit signify fine or extra - fine emery paper . Coarse sandpaper is used to remove a great deal of stuff quickly , but it can depart some choppiness behind . Fine sandpaper does n’t remove much cloth , but the close is soft and bland . select the sandpaperthat best suits your goals .
Q. Why won’t sandpaper stick to my sander?
If emery paper wo n’t bind to your contingent sander , the sander pad likely needs to be cleaned or replaced . If the launch pad is damage or worn out , it must be replaced .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a Cartesian product tester and writer specializing in construction , remodeling , and real demesne . She and her married man own a oecumenical contracting companionship , and she is experienced in both residential and commercial construction app . She tests a wide range of powerfulness tools as well as other rest home betterment , household , and lawn - and - garden product .
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale .
Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Keeping your smoke green and your flora thrive does n’t just take a light-green ovolo — it starts with the right tool and supplies .
