what style of small sander?

[masraum]

If you had to get one of the 3 sanders at the top of this image, which would you prefer and why?



Interesting, 10k orbits per minute, 11k orbits per minute and 12k rpm according to the web.

They are $45, $40 and $45.

[1990C4S]

I'm a random orbit fan. But they are weak sauce compared to a belt sander...

[craigster59]

I've always been partial to the Makita 1/4 sheet sander...

[masraum]

I'll probably be going battery powered. I've got a handful of Ryobi batteries. I think I had a Porter-Cable 1/4 sheet sander before. It used to bug me how the paper would sometimes slip out and loosen up.

[LWJ]

I have one like this. https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-7346-6-Inch-Random-Sander/dp/B002EQ96NK/ref=dp_prsubs_1?pd_rd_i=B002EQ96NK&psc=1

It is pretty amazing. Did a big reclaimed wood table with it. No hiccups.

Also have a cheap-O HF orbital. It has done just fine.

Had 1/4 sheet sanders in the past. The paper attachment is a pain.

[1990C4S]

Paper attachments have worn out on my random orbit, dead velcro and the paper slips off...

[herr_oberst]

I use the 5" random orbit mostly. Porter cable. Velcro pads are super easy, I have ooodles of them in all grits.

For my 1/4 sheet Makita , I have rolls of sticky back paper in various grits. Those wire bales are just a pain in the ass.

I have a corner attachment for the multi-tool that uses velcro backed paper. Surprisingly useful.

I rarely use the handheld belt sander, but I don't build homes for a living

I'm trying to think how convenient or not battery power would be. Realistically, I don't see corded as a problem since by the time I need the sander, ever single woodworking tool in the box is out anyway and that includes the table saw and the chop saw; hence power cords are out anyway.

[rusnak]

I would get the random orbital, corner sander (but Dewalt makes a better one that also has a saw), and belt sander.

[1990C4S]

As a counterpoint, I've sanded my share of 120VAC cords. And Sawzall-ed one...

I have yet to cut through a battery.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by 1990c4s

as a counterpoint, i've sanded my share of 120vac cords. And sawzall-ed one...

I have yet to cut through a battery.

LoL!

[gregpark]

I've got 3 or 4 of pretty much every type sander because I re finish hardwood floors but I gave away my mouse sanders after I bought a Fein Multi tool.

[masraum]

I've had 2 thoughts.

1 The random orbital will leave you screwed when you get to a corner since it's round, but the 1/4 sheet will get you 95% of the way there.

2 I always hear how random orbital is the best way to sand, but the 1/4sheet is not an RO sander.

< edit >

I just had a third thought (crap, that's my monthly quota!)

the 1/4 sheet will probably be cheaper on paper. Just buy sheets and cut them vs buying packs of the pre-cut and perforated disks.

[Sooner or later]

only one?

Quarter sheet

[Baz]

Steve,

I have an older Ryobi mouse sander (cordless) and it works great. I'm sure the others shown have their uses too, just wanted to pass along my input. I like how it can into tight spaces. It's also very light and easy to maneuver.

I bought a whole bunch of sandpaper refills from eBay in about 6 different grits. Bulk pricing so now I have a grit for every need.

[drcoastline]

Each sander serves a different purpose but if you had to have just one the mouse (top row center) would be most versatile. If you can get two the random orbit and the mouse will tackle 90% of your jobs.

[vash]

Originally Posted by craigster59

I've always been partial to the Makita 1/4 sheet sander...

agree. I have done some ridiculous things with this tiny thing.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by masraum

1 The random orbital will leave you screwed when you get to a corner since it's round, but the 1/4 sheet will get you 95% of the way there.

That's why I like the Bosch multi tool with the triangle shaped sander. It gets right into the corner.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by vash

agree. I have done some ridiculous things with this tiny thing.

This is where I voted. You can put any paper you can dream of in it and get four pieces and not have to rely on some proprietary attachment system of velcro or something. No contact cement either. Eff' that.

I've got all these sanders btw, and this type is the one I have used the most, and that's by a longshot.
Also, it lets you put weight right over the sander, Some of the triangular ones are offset, and you cant do that. Make sure you can put some "umphh" right over the subject with a palm grip, whatever you do.

I even wet sand with it. Don't tell anyone, but I do. I used the hell out of this type when building guitars. Perfect for sanding sides, etc. Even though it isn't a RO sander, mine is orbital motion, and if you see the marks in the wood/finish, you can back off or change grit easy enough b/c you are using regular sandpaper.

I need to go buy a new one. Next time I'm in HF Im going to buy several of these just to have. they are that good.

[look 171]

For finish items, ya can't beat that 1/4 Makita. We grab the random orbital sander a lot. then there's the 3" belt sander that gets a lot of use. Can't just have one.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

I'm going to go ahead and hijack this thread and throw in "7 inch angle grinder/sander/buffer/polisher."

If I could only choose one tool, this does it all, from grinding my crappy welding, remove 2 inches of bondo, to shaping wood, to buffing cars/ guitars, to polishing headlights. With the right touch, it can work wonders on both extremes of the small sanders listed. In conjunction with the square sander mentioned above, they are quite the duo.