orbital sander vs mouse sander
Rotary sanders: how does it work? Well, they are 2 different tools made for different applications. 99% Upvoted. And in ONE HOUR, I had completely stripped my table down to the bare wood and gotten a nice, even bare surface to stain. If you didn’t know already. In essence, a mouse sander is really a variation of orbital sanders- the two are, first off, finishing sanders. So I ended up buying one and took it home. Its head moves in a circular motion to sand any surface. An orbital sander is a handheld sanding tool with a rectangular or square sanding pad that moves back and forth at a high speed in order to remove a small amount of material. $23.97 $ 23. All Metabo random orbital sanders can score here and each of them has its very particular application focus: The small random orbital sander SX E 400 shows its advantages on small surfaces and curves. Also go over how a random orbital sander works. Not very aggressive so it won’t damage timber, plaster, or previously painted surface. These are pretty cheap, this one costs about $30, the one I have. Once you power on the device, its plate along the sanding pad makes a dual movement. The Orbital Sander comprises a telltale square foot which means it can easily go up against edges and into corners. Orbit Sander - HERE. This type of sander is easier to wield than a rotary or belt sander because its action is more like vibration. It looks so shiny and smooth! I love your color choice and I want mine to look just like it! Our orbital sander vs mouse sander matchup will help you make the right decision when shopping for a sander. You see, because a random-orbit sander makes two separate motions when sanding- circular and back and forth- the sanding marks are less obvious making it more ideal for extra- or superfine work. With either sander, remember to use a grit progression. Power sanders are designed to make sanding faster and effortless, and they do an impressive job. RC7128 Rotary Sander. 9.9. Judging by the article and many of the comments, I think some diy furniture restorers could stand to spend some time on more ‘traditional’ woodworking sites, even if the testosterone-infused atmosphere is uncomfortable. For this reason, the sander is used frequently to sand odd shapes, seams, corners, and most of the extremely small and tight spots. In contrast, the sanding action in mouse sanders can be oscillating – the pad rocks forward/backward in a somewhat short arc- or orbital (rotating in small circles). Random orbital sander considerations. It has a flat shape and usually uses grit paper between 160-220 range. Orbital sander vs mouse sander – the differences. Finally I asked him, “Do you think I should just try to refinish my tabletop that I have?”. The biggest difference between the two devices is the design: First, as indicated earlier, the orbital sander features a square sanding base while the “mouse” comes with a small, triangular-shaped sanding base (some says it resembles a clothes iron). And it has held up great so far, everything my kids do to it, it just wipes right off with nothing left behind, unlike my white tabletop. But sometimes, you don’t need this feature for your work. My table…oh my table. So, you’ll want to take a look at what your average project actually entails. It has a round sanding pad that vibrates while also spinning around in a circle at the same time. Random orbital sanders have the advantage that they aren’t as prone to leave ugly marks if your attention is momentarily diverted from … level 1. In addition, the two shares one major drawback: compared to random-orbit sanders, they often leave more noticeable swirl marks. Easily strips down to bare wood. A random orbital sander can cover a lot of ground quickly, but they are not as powerful at removing a lot of material as belt sanders. The round pad on a random-orbit sander moves in "random orbits," meaning it vibrates in tiny circles, like an orbital finishing sander, but … I have the same table and I can’t wait to get it refinished! Sheet sanders use a linear or orbital (circular) motion, and some can be switched between the two. Compare 5 -inch Backer Pad for Orbital Sanders . Best sandpaper grits are 160 and 220. The mouse sander and other sheet sanders are mostly orbital, not random orbital (ROS). Changing sandpaper is extremely easy, simply a matter of affixing the paper to the sander's hook-and-loop surface. I ended up using Minwax Early America–a great color. $64.97 $ 64. The white I can’t remember–that was done last year. In the post you said you used Early American by miniwax, but in the comments you said Old American… just wanted to nail down which stain you actually used, because it’s the perfect color for one of my upcoming projects! The orbital sander is a favorite among professionals and woodworking enthusiasts, it is possibly the most versatile of all types. A random orbital sander can be used for various applications from painting jobs to restoring headlight transparency. Orbital Sanders are typically priced at 30$ to 40$. share. Orbital sanders get their name because they move their heads around in small circles called orbits. You’ll need a belt sander for heavy-duty sanding and shaping. Not available in store. The rectangular ones, often called quarter-sheet sanders, are also orbitals. Works with tons of attachments for more fine results when sanding right into super tight corners/crevices. Let at first choose one wood sander among all of them. as someone else said, the b&d isn't that great. Not suitable for large scale jobs- best corners, crevices, and edges. Is this because he used a water based PU? made progress but this is turning into more of an ordeal than I thought. The second difference is the sanding direction. The Bosch 5-inch Random Orbit Sander produces 12,000 Orbits Per Minute and uses orbital and rotational action and a soft, pliable microcellular backing pad to produce a blended, smooth finish on contoured and flat surfaces. But I didn’t and now that I know…my life is changed. Yes, I wholeheartedly recommend buying an orbital sander before trying to refinish a table. the mouse is an orbital sander, the motion is different. A random orbital sander is, in effect, whatever kind of sander you want it to be – and extremely popular as a result. 00. As well, the random orbital sander provides an added weight feature that can be either locked or unlocked. Because both sanders are light and easy to handle, there is a tendency to round over the edges. Orbital Sander vs Random Orbital Sander. What this means is that an RO sander can be used (by changing to fine grit sandpaper and applying less pressure) as a finish sander, much more so than a finish sander can be used as a prep sander. An orbital sander is a handheld sanding tool with a rectangular or square sanding pad that moves back and forth at a high speed in order to remove a small amount of material. I stripped again and now the leftover stain will not budge !! i’ve really struggled with the squiggly lines and was so frustrated with my corner cat!! It was a really long time ago so I don’t remember…sorry! The random orbit can do everything the orbital sander does except reach into tight spaces, and it works quicker and usually gives a better result. It also costs more. A subcategory of orbital sander is the random orbital sander, which moves its head around in random orbits instead of staying in the same pattern. Get it by Today, Feb 26. When working with a random orbital sander, keep the sander moving with the grain of the material. Because both sanders are light and easy to handle, there is a tendency to round over the edges. Get it by Friday, Feb 26. Leaving the sander in one place may cause an uneven finish. I didn’t know what to do. Home Depot just started carrying a P100 paper mask – it traps much finer particles than the standard P95. Perhaps I should add that orbital sanders generally accept 1/4 of a typical 9-in x11-in sheet of sandpaper. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Sheet Sander (BDCMS20C) Buy Now. save. 97. I go over the difference between a random orbital sander and a finish sander, overview of how to sand. $44.00 $ 44. If you are in the business of refinishing furniture, knowing the difference between orbital and palm sanders is something that is essential to know and so helpful. These orbits are elliptical but random. Uneeda’s orbital sanders are all a similar style, featuring an ergonomic, symmetrical, lightweight body with a lever on the top to activate the sander. Get it by Friday, Feb 26. . Thank you for your great advice! Random-Orbital: Good for removing paint, stain, and poly (provided you have already used stripper because it will gum up the sanding pads.) Rotary sanders: how does it work? Thanks! If you can’t seem to remove the scratches from your last grit, don’t skip so many grits. I also sanded it with a 220 grit and then sealed it with Minwax semi-gloss Polyurethane. A standard orbital sander can leave unsightly swirl marks whereas a random tool version will not. "An orbital sander has a square sanding pad, and a random-orbit sander has a round pad. There’s a lot to say when discussing orbital sanders vs. palm sanders, but remember, what matters is the purpose of sanding. I had no idea about the difference between the sanders. Summary of key features . Thank you so much thank you!!! So remember my post a little while ago about how I decided to refinish my dining room table again? How to Use a Random Orbital Sander. The square foot of these sanders still allows the tool to get inside crazy corners and sand sharp edges. Thanks, this was a a really helpful post! You’ll need a belt sander for heavy-duty sanding and shaping. I am having the exact same problem you had. Is there anything to recommend a standard disc-orbital over the iron shape? 4.5 out of 5 stars 32. Both styles come with the option of 3/16” or 3/32” orbits and are available in 3”, 5”, 6” and 3×4” formats with and without dust extraction options. If your work isn't properly fixed, it could end up on the other side of the shop. Don’t make the same mistake: here is our orbital sander vs mouse sander comparison article to help point you in the right direction. Well, they are 2 different tools made for different applications. The biggest difference between the two devices is the design: First, as indicated earlier, the Product Title. There are different sandpaper sizes that you can use, but it all depends on the type of sander you have. Looks amazing!!! The most familiar application is to wood, especially stripping old paint and preparing the surface for varnishing or painting. Means, it never repeats the same orbit in succession. How to Use a Random Orbital Sander. Image. Copyright © 2021 Honey Bear Lane. best. Premium Sanding Disc (120 Grit) (15-Pack) (148) $13 And. After I sanded it down to the bare wood, I was able to stain the table top again and it went on beautifully. Thanks to the typical rotating and oscillating movement a particularly uniform grinding result is achieved. So, what are the distinct upsides and downsides of each tool? Thanks! Due to their square shape, they’re great for stairs and floors. I just set the sander on the carpet and let it wiggle quietly to a stop.The Sander Sitter has come to the rescue. Orbit sanders can ruin your work surface if you haven’t figured out how to use them properly, so make sure you read the instruction manual (and consult a professional if necessary) before getting started. Random Orbit Sander with ONE+ Corner Cat Finish Sander (Tools Only) (1574) Model# P411-P401 $ 69 00 $ 84.94. A standard orbital sander can leave unsightly swirl marks whereas a random tool version will not. BLACK+DECKER Orbital Sander, Compact Detail (BDEMS600) 4.5 out of 5 stars 7,364. Detail sander Vs Orbital Vs Sheet Sander – What is the difference? Improve this answer. Makita 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 5 in. You’re going to want to take a look at things like power, capabilities and the specific type of projects that you might want to attempt. DEWALT DCW210B 20V Max XR 5-in Random Orbital Sander, Bare Tool #054-8393-8 (91) 4.9 out of 5 stars. If you have a palm sander then you need bigger sandpaper, if you use orbital sanders then you need another type of sandpaper and so on. I didn’t know the difference between palm and orbital sanders…it seemed to me like they were basically the same thing. On the other hand, sanders – as the name suggests, use a sandpaper belt or pad to complete the rotations. 4.8 out of 5 stars 11. FREE Shipping by Amazon. They are perfect for prepping a surface for painting or sealing, or for knocking down a layer of paint. If you need to choose between one, the orbit sander is definitely the better option since it’s faster to work with and the finish is very smooth. And it didn’t work. 97 Cents / each. Thank you, I just started refinishing a large solid coffee table today, just finished the stripping process and realised I will need a sander, I thought one of those little palm sanders would be perfect, so glad I found you on google, can’t wait to go get myself an orbital sander tomorrow. In this section, we will briefly discuss the differences. I felt like my table was cursed!! Hi there I am just stumbling on this blog while researching orbital sanders. A random orbital sander, on the other hand, moves in two directions – it rotates, and it orbits. Also go over how a random orbital sander works. That said, mouse sanders are inventive tools and some accept loads of attachments including hardened rubber “bits” (in various shapes and sizes) to help you tackle specific applications. So there you have it. I sanded for what seemed like hours, stained and it was full of uneven blotchiness and squiggly marks. Sander Sitter Sander Sitter Orbital Landing Pad It used to drive me nuts waiting for my random orbit sander to stop spinning so I could set it down. And I already had the Black and Decker Mouse palm sander which has served me well for many years. OMG like you said luckily split the table and all 4 chairs sanded. However, I'm going to be refinishing some furniture, and a round random orbital just won't be very useful for getting into small corners. Differences: Random orbital sander vs Sheet sander vs Palm sander. First, note that an orbital sander features a square-shaped sanding pad and sands by vibrating the foot rapidly in tiny circles/orbits. and for your bolded question, yes, it makes that much difference. The peculiarly shaped pad in this sander helps it to reach inside crevices, small corners, and other tight spaces. He said the reason it didn’t accept the stain was because it wasn’t sanded down to the bare wood. Let us know them in detail. That explains why the tool sometimes goes by names such as corner sander/detail sander/triangle sander. Today, in our Orbital vs. Palm Sander comparison, we’ll be taking a look at two of the most commonly used sanders. Fun, huh? […] joints. Belt Sander vs. Orbital Sander – Which to Get. I cannot even express to you how annoying this was. For the polyurethane…what type works best with kids? Belt Sander vs. Orbital Sander. For the rest of the article, we’re going to talk … now I need one. Now that we have decided to make use of the power tools that are there in the market, we have to choose between them, and it depends on how you plan to use your sander as each sander comes with a unique purpose. A joy to use on the hardest-to-reach spaces. And that is awesome to know the difference between the two sanders. Orbital Sander. Lol!!! In all honesty, most sanding projects can’t be completed with only one of these tools. Random-Orbit Sander. The former can be used on curved wood and have the advantage of not leaving behind unsightly streaks or marks from sanding. I used Old American by Minwax–I really love that color! 95. What?! My dad refinished my table a few years back after one of my daughters spilled nail polish remover all over it and he used a type that left a terrible cloudy finish, and with condensation from glasses there are the worst white rings that eventually go away when dry. It looks beautiful now, but just listen to the story. Check other stores. STAFF. 91 reviews. The random orbital sander is the most versatile sander on the market. Keep in mind that for mouse sanders, you attach triangular sanding discs using the easy hook-and-loop system for most brands. 97. I did 3 coats. Ryobi has two in the One+ family: a standard disc orbital sander, and an iron-shaped detail sander they call the Corner Cat, in the same vein as the B&D Mouse and Skil Octo. That one variation makes all the difference. Wow could you tell me or recommend to me the first step before you sand I’m so new to this I need help!!!! Belt Sander. I thought I was doing something wrong. The one pictured below is the one I bought–it’s about $70 and has worked great. 7 years ago. For example, when you wrap the bits with special self-adhesive sandpaper, the mouse sander makes short work of extraordinarily tight spots and corners. It looks fabulous! So are you going to rush off and buy yourself a Random-Orbital Sander? Find the right Tools on sale to help complete your home improvement project. An orbital sander will remove paint and varnish which palm sander won’t. An orbital sander comes in handy when you need to eliminate deep gashes left by a belt sander and when dealing with pesky corners and edges. Compare Detail Sand Paper 3-7/8x5-1/2 CAT/Mouse 120 Grit . I’m definitely pinning this for future reference! However, it depends on several issues practically. Filed Under: Catablog, DIY, home decor 29 Comments, Ooh, I LOVE it! Personally, I would get an orbital sander first, they are way more versatile. Oh yes, an orbital will make all the difference! BestReviews. Orbital sanders get their name because they move their heads around in small circles called orbits. Uses for Each: Orbital Sander vs. Palm Sander. You were reading my mind! Premium Sanding Disc (120 Grit) (15-Pack) Diablo 5 in. 1. The ability to effectively sand in tighter places, and cover larger areas of the same job without changing tools is one of the most beneficial qualities of the orbital sander. For example, if you want to sand large surfaces fast, a belt (or even a random orbital sander) works best. Orbital sanders are a little smaller and more compact than random orbital sanders so they’re the better choice if you have to get into tight spaces. Another tool that's critical for finishing projects professionally is a palm sander. (If that makes any sense). Then he recommended that I try an orbital sander. Electric sander for car bodywork- top 3 picks in the market, Best sander for removing paint from walls- Truly great tools, Best sander for car paint removal- make your pick here, Best 12v air compressor for truck tires (Top picks), What is an orbital sander used for? I teach women how to decorate, DIY, and design so that they can love the home they live in. Orbital sanders are handy for places where a random-orbit sander won’t fit, and when only light sanding is required. Cost: $30 to $50. If I didn’t wait, it would dance around and tumble off my workbench. Now, most newbies have problems choosing between an orbital sander and mouse sanders and often end up making the wrong choice. 99 $98.03 $98.03. 20 comments. Random orbital sanders can be used for very varied applications. Here is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of using each type of sander: To sum up, there’s no one size fits all approach when it comes to sanders – truth be told, there are countless other options in sanding. I am going to home depot tomorrow, I stripped what I could of the nasty stain job, what grit should I use tomorrow to even this thing out and get to bare wood??? An orbital sander, aka, random orbital sander, on the contrary, is more cumbersome and comes with more power. I started refinishing my table by hand that lasted about an hour. That’s so nice looking! Side Note: For woodworking, an orbital sander is typically most effective when you move it with the grain (of the wood). It is difficult to know which sander type you need for a particular project. Orbital sanders typically leave swirls. Was this your situation? The reason being that a dual-action sander works in two ways – it moves in a random pattern while orbiting in a circular motion at the same time. report. When working with a random orbital sander, keep the sander moving with the grain of the material. The pad is linked directly with the tool’s motor and therefore gets its full power. No more squiggles! The rotary sander also comes with a round pad but compared to a random orbital sander, the rotary sander doesn’t vibrate. Orbital sanders are sold as sheet sanders as they accept standard 9×11-inch sandpaper. I really love this color and while I’m not normally a huge fan of shiny, it is really helpful with all the table messes my kids make!