A random orbit sander is best used for large surfaces.
The power sander is one of the most commonly used power tools for woodworking. The two basic models are the hand sander and the bench sander. Portable sanders also fall into two categories: belt sanders and finish sanders, which include finish sanders, random orbit sanders, and detail sanders.
The portable belt sander is generally considered the most aggressive type of portable belt sander. It is designed for heavy duty sanding applications and is primarily used to remove large amounts of material from a surface. This portable sander is designed with a continuous loop or sanding belt that is stretched by two pulleys that rotate it. It is suitable for smoothing and leveling rough or uneven surfaces in the early stages of a sanding project.
Random orbital sanders are often used during auto body repairs.
The portable finishing sander is often used after a bench sander to finer and more precisely level and smooth a surface. The three main types of portable finishing sanders are straight line sanders, random orbital sanders, and detail sanders. While all three types can be used for finishing purposes, each excels in different applications.
The random orbital sander gets its name from its unique sanding motion, which incorporates two simultaneous motions. It is designed with a circular sandpaper base, which rotates in a circle while moving in a random elliptical loop. This dual sanding action eliminates the problem of swirl and belt sander marks, creating a very smooth surface.
The random orbital sander is a type of aggressive sander and is best suited for sanding large surfaces. The random sanding motion of this tool allows the operator to sand the surface in any direction without marking or scratching the wood. It is usually designed with a dust collector for nearly dust-free sanding.
The Straight Line Finishing Sander is designed with a rectangular block-shaped base that holds a sanding sheet. This type of portable sander moves back and forth along the grain of the wood. Unlike the random orbit sander, which has a circular sanding base, the straight line sander has the ability to get into corners and also creates a much smoother surface. The smaller models of straight line sanders are called “palm” sanders.
Also called a mouse or profile sander, the detail sander is designed for use on oddly shaped or contoured surfaces and for complex, detailed sanding applications. It usually comes with attachments and can be used for many different projects. The detail sander is suitable for use on craft and woodworking projects.