The Daily Driver

An random orbital sander is a tool used to sand and smooth rough and uneven wood surfaces. It works by using a circular sanding disc that moves in a random orbit, this random motion reduces the risk of leaving sanding marks on the surface of the wood. An orbital sander is typically the daily driver of the woodworker. Hand sanding for small intricate work and belt sanding for heavy duty get this wood off type of work. 

An orbital sander can be used for a variety of woodworking projects, including:

• Prepping for finishing: Proper sanding is the first step in finishing a project. The key to even stains and varnishes is a properly sanded project. 

• Sanding Furniture: Sanding furniture helps to remove any rough or splintered areas, creating a smooth surface that’s comfortable to the touch.

• Smoothing Edges: Sanding edges helps to remove any rough or splintered areas, creating a smooth and finished look.

• Refinishing Wood: An orbital sander can be used to refinish old or damaged wood, removing any rough or damaged areas and creating a smooth surface that looks brand new.

Benefits of Using an Orbital Sander for Woodworking:

• Precision: An orbital sander allows for precise sanding and smoothing of rough and uneven wood surfaces, creating a smooth and finished product.

• Efficiency: An orbital sander can quickly and easily sand large areas, reducing the amount of time and effort required for sanding and smoothing when compared to hand sanding.

• Versatility: An orbital sander can be used for a variety of woodworking projects, from furniture to cabinets, making it a versatile tool for any woodworking project.

Top 3 Orbital Sanders for Smoothing Wood Surfaces:

Bosch ROS20VSC:  Our Top Choice and the one that we use daily. This little power machine can handle most of what you throw at it. It can take a beating as well. Best of all, it is the most budget friendly on the list. Even with the inflation nightmares of recent, this little wonder can be had for right around $60 when on sale. It is the most reviewed of all three on Amazon. The motor is slightly smaller than the others (2.5amp) but it has done the job for us time and time again. 

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DEWALT DWE6423K: Middle of the pack pricing with the highest average rating on Amazon. This powerful orbital sander has a 3-amp motor and variable speed control, making it ideal for sanding large areas or for more delicate woodworking projects. It also features a dust collection bag to help keep your workspace clean and tidy.

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Makita BO5041K: The most expensive in the group of three, this random orbital sander has a 3-amp motor and a dust-sealed switch, making it ideal for small to medium-sized woodworking projects. It also features a rubber over-molded grip for comfortable and easy handling.

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An orbital sander is used to sand and smooth rough and uneven wood surfaces. It can be used for a variety of woodworking projects, including furniture, cabinets, and refinishing wood.

An orbital sander moves in a circular motion, while a random orbital sander moves in a random circular and back-and-forth motion. The randomness of the latter helps reduce tiny imperfections caused by repetitively sanding the same place. In essence, the abraision is less likely to strike the same spot twice when the orbital sander is spinning randomly. For this reason, we only recommend using a random orbital sander (though the terms are often used interchangably).

The grit of the sandpaper you use with your orbital sander depends on the level of roughness of the wood surface you are sanding. Generally, a lower grit sandpaper (60 to 80) is used for rougher surfaces, while a higher grit sandpaper (120 to 220) is used for smoother surfaces. The key is to determine the roughest grit that you need, then work up to a higher grit. You should always start with a lower grit then work up. This is because each level higher will reduce the scuffs caused by lower grits. It is also important to remember that not all projects should be sanded super smooth, too smooth may cause certain woods to reject stains and varnishes. Typically, we recommend sanding up to 120 grit. For more polished projects we go up to 220 grit.

To use an orbital sander, first, make sure the sandpaper is securely attached. Turn on the sander and begin sanding the wood surface, moving the sander in a circular motion. Keep the sander moving at all times and apply consistent pressure. The key to a successful sanding is to move with the grain and try not to stay in the same place for too long. Be sure to wear safety goggles and a dust mask. For full detailed instructions on how to sand, check my Sanding 101 page here.

While orbital sanders are primarily used for wood surfaces, they can also be used for other materials such as metal and plastic. However, it’s important to use the appropriate sandpaper grit and technique for the specific material being sanded. We typically sand plastics by hand sanding but large projects can benefit from random orbital sanding as long as you move quickly and use the proper protection.

To clean your orbital sander, first, unplug the sander.  You can use compressed air to blow away any dust or debris that may be in hard-to-reach areas. Cleaning the dust collector (if you are using one) is a bit of a messy task. I would like to give you some professional advice here but really I just remove the dust collection, open it and bang it against the side of my garbage can until a plume of dust rises like Lebron’s pregame ritual. I then flick all the individual nooks inside the collection until it is mostly clean. There is really no point in getting it perfectly clean as one sanding session will mess that up pretty quickly.

Now that you know how to build a bar in a basement, let’s explore what else to add. See how I build this entire room for less than a contractor wanted to put up studs.