Best Power Sander Reviews 2018

The finishing is what makes the final product complete, and you can’t show your professional touch without the right tool for the job. You know you need a power sander to smoothen things out and you probably even have specific features in mind that you’d like in your tool. The problem is finding the brand and product that meets your requirements. This review aims to help you in your search as we have researched the available options. We came up with five of the best power sander brands (with a featured product from each of them). Now you need to read our review and keep in mind that these brands have other power sander variants that you can also check out.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Sander Type

Size/Weight

Max Speed

Sanding size

Amperage

Our Top Choice

WEN Oscillating Spindle Sander

WEN, since 1951, has been a leader in the power tools industry. Their team pioneered random orbital technology as well as helped develop power tools back in the 50s and 60s.

Lightweight, 35lbs. 58 OPM and 2000 RPM. ½ HP 3.5 Amp motor. Includes 6 x 80-grit sanding sleeves 1/2” – 3”. Disc slots for convenient storage. 1.5-inch dust port.

Spins anti-clockwise which might feel unnatural for those who’ve only ever worked with a clockwise spinning sander.

Oscillating spindle sander

20.3 x 15.5 x 24” / 35lbs

58 OPM, 2000 RPM

½-inch – 3-inches

3.5 amps

Best Value

DEWALT Random Orbit Sander

DEWALT is famous globally for their high-quality power tools used at home, in businesses and industries all over. They’ve got a wide range of power sanders available.

Counterweight reduces vibration. Rubber overmold grip. 3 Amp motor. Spins at 12,000 OPM. Dust-sealed switch. One-handed locking dust bag. Shorter design. 5” hook and loop paper.

Some customers had issues keeping the sanding disc on the pad.

Random orbit sander

10.4 x 7.2 x 6.2” / 4lbs

12,000 OPM

5-inches

3 amps

Porter Cable 6" Variable-Speed Random Orbit Polisher and Sander

Portable Cable has been in the tool manufacturing business for over 100 years and their experience shows in their impressive range of power sanders.

Easy to use. Variable speed gives you more control options. Eliminates swirls on the job. Good grip. Easy to hold on to while working.

It’s somewhat loud. May need to purchase different pads depending upon the surface and finish you want.

Random orbit polisher

14 x 6.5 x 6 inches; 5.8lbs

6,800 OPM

6-inches

4.5 amps

Makita Finishing Sander

Makita is present in over 40 countries thanks to their long-standing history of making world-class power tools. They’ve got a large range of random orbit, disc and belt sanders!

Contoured rubberized grip. 11,000 OPM for a smooth finish. Dust collection system with vacuum adapter. Counterbalance system. Easy-to-use clamping lever for paper changes.

Not ideal for wet sanding on an automobile.

Finishing sander

10-inch length / 3.5lbs

11,000 OPM

3 5/8-inches – 9-inches

1.7 amps

Black & Decker Dragster Belt Sander

Black & Decker is a huge name in the power tools industry, with decades of experience under their belt and a vast range of high-quality products.

Impressive power. Sands tight corners easily. Compact and lightweight. Easy belt adjustment.

Fills up with dust quickly. Many users feel that it should come with a bigger dust bag.

Belt sander

15.2 x 6.3 x 6.3” / 6.5lbs

800 SFPM

3 x 21-inches

7 amps

(Updated May 11, 2018)

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How Do I Choose the Best Power Sander?

Do you want the surfaces around you to take on a smooth and attractive luster? Do you want to do a professional job for your clients in order to earn their satisfaction and their loyalty? These are high goals for sure, but ones that you will achieve in minutes with the right tools. Whether it is the house paint that is wearing off, a repainting job or the need to smoothen the rough edges and surfaces of your favorite antique, an orbital sander or belt sander will come in handy. Perhaps, your kids have turned the dining area into their scrap haven? It doesn’t matter. There is a power sander tool out there that was made for such projects as these -- and finding it is as easy as reading through our review.

It isn’t enough to know about power sanders. You need to pay attention to each product’s features and peculiarities in order to decide on a suitable one. The best power sanders are created to make sanding tasks easier, smoother and quicker; if you make the right choice. The wrong power sander can mar your efforts at best or destroy the material you are working on at worst, especially if you are starting the project from scratch.

Some power sanders are built for industrial or professional use, like the Powermatic 1-3/4 HP Drum Sander which has an integrated LED control panel and cast iron drum panel for improved durability and performance. Of course, you probably don’t need a full industrial-sized power sander, which is why we’ve included many smaller sanders on our list that are similar to the Bosch Random Orbit 5-inch Sander. This is a fantastic handheld sander with a 2.5-amp motor that’s sufficient enough for most consumers needs. Bosch also has a bunch of other types of sanders to choose from too! There are so many awesome power tool brands around, with great power sanders, that it was hard for us to narrow it down to just 5! For example Astro manufacture some great quality products, like their Air Belt Sander with variable speed control. And not forgetting Triton too. They’ve got a range of options including an oscillating spindle sander, so handy for creating smooth arcs and curves. Basically, there’s tons of high-quality, functional and practical power sanders out there waiting for you!

Some interesting things about power sanders are their durability and versatility. Once you buy one, you will find yourself using it regularly and in more ways that you can even begin to imagine. You can get a tool bag that will conveniently accommodate your power sander of choice, and start creating the perfect finish.

Price

Power sanders have different features, speeds settings, sizes and types and all of these features affect the price of each product. A premium power sander with electronic speed control goes for about $250 while a fully functional, less expensive alternative can go for $50. Cheap power sanders will often be a waste of money as they are not durable, their motor is not powerful enough, and you can tell at a glance why they are categorized as cheap.

Features

Sanding jobs can take hours to finish if you are doing them by hand. However, with power sanders, you can be done in a more timely manner. You have several different options of power sanders to choose from, and their suitability will depend upon the job you have to do at the moment. Thus, each model has its pros and cons. At that, here are features you should look out for in a power sander tool you are considering:

Type
Size
Speed
Amperage
Design
Warranty
Sound

The above list will help you make an informed decision regarding your intended purchase. Please, read further to know how each feature contributes to achieving the purpose you have in mind.

Construction and Design

While you may not be a DIY enthusiast, there is a high chance you will need to smooth a rough surface at some point or another. As professionals, you can’t afford to use other types of sanding equipment, like sandpaper, as they can’t compare when you are looking at the quality of the finished project. Sanding is a wearisome chore for most, but if you have the right tools, it can be a walk in the park. With this tool, you can complete a sanding project that would usually take hours in short order and still get an enviable finish when compared to the surface that was painstakingly sanded by hand.

When looking at the construction and design of a power sander, there’s a few things to consider:

Speed: There are different types of sanders out there. Orbital sanders have speeds that range from 6,800 orbits per minute to 14,000 orbits per minute, and belt sanders run at speeds between 800 feet per minute to 1,640 feet per minute.
Sandpaper Thickness: The thoroughness of the power sander depends on the type that is used. For example, orbital sanders accept a ¼-inch of standard sandpaper while random-orbital sanders have round pads whose diameters range from 5-6 inches. This means random-orbital pads erase the swirls that would have been left behind by standard orbital pads.
Size/Weight: The sizes of different power sanders vary based on their brands and purposes. You may find some too bulky for use during extended periods of time while some can be easily grasped with one hand. This can be the difference between the sander you buy for personal use and the one you buy for heavy-duty purposes. Sizes range from 5-8 inches and weigh anywhere from 1 pound to around 13 pounds.
Amps: It is needful to say that the amperage doesn’t affect the efficacy of the power sander as it only signifies the strength of the electric current passing through the sander motor. However, you also don’t want to get a sander with low amperage as it may function abnormally or generate too much heat. Two amps and above are suitable for general usage.
Grip: Most power sanders have comfortable grip designs and dampening pads to ensure comfortable usage even when your hand is sweaty. They also come with dust bags or canisters to collect the debris from the sanding process. Some are built to accommodate other grip positions apart from the hands. There are power sanders that are aptly designed to aid sanding on vertical and contoured surfaces as well as other for corners that can be hard to reach.
Noise: A major challenge of earlier versions of power sanders that have been improved upon by most brands, is the resultant noise during usage. Some have been built to produce noise less than 84dB while others come with counter-balanced reduced vibration.

Performance and Ease of Use

Technology has not only made the world a better place; it has created an attraction for tasks that would have been otherwise daunting. This revolution is apparent in power sanders which have completely changed the perception of and approach to sanding jobs.

Nevertheless, there are many options out there with varying degrees of functionalities, each with its appeal. You may have noticed that some power sanders come with multiple grip positions allowing your hand to rest while the task continues. This means you don’t have to put excessive pressure on your hands. Some come with various speed options allowing you to adjust the pace of your sanding task. Further still, there are those that erase swirls on the job creating not only a smooth but also a perfect finish.

The type of power sander you choose also depends on why you are using it and how often you will need to do so. The sander you will use for fast and aggressive removal is different from the one you would use for ultra-smooth sanding. Some have microfilter dust systems that trap the tiniest particles and make them safe for use without needing to wear a nose mask. If you are not sure about the longevity of the switch, there is dust-sealed power sander switch that prolongs the life of the switch as well as the equipment as a whole. Some power sanders come with retractable hoods making them useful for a broad range of activities thereby ensuring their versatility.

Whichever sander you go for, you might want to check for a manufacturer’s warranty to ensure you don’t need to worry about what happens if it kicks it a bit too early. A warranty also suggests a higher quality product. The warranties on power sanders obviously vary by brand, however most have a warranty between 1 and 3 years.

What is the Best Power Sander?

Best is a relative term that depends on what will work for you. From belt sander to random or palm grip sanders, you have what you need for a DIY task or professional projects. The best fit for you depends upon your preferences. Now that you have been informed about power sanders you can decide what features will fit your needs. With this information you can read the detailed reviews of the individual brands/products and find the best product for you. We believe you will be adequately prepared to make a selection at a price point that matches your budget.

Our Top Choice

The WEN Oscillating Spindle Sander boasts a ½ HP 3.5 Amp motor that spins at 58 OPM and 2000 RPM for a smooth, professional finish. If you’re looking for a belt sander instead, you should definitely check out the high-quality WEN 1 x 30” Belt Sander with 5” Sanding Disc.

WEN 6510 Oscillating Spindle Sander – Also Available as Belt & Spindle Sander

WEN Power Sander 6510

Features

WEN was founded in 1951, giving them decades of experience in manufacturing power tools. That’s not all though. The expert team at WEN played a vital role in the development of tools with electric (in other words, they helped put the power in power tools). They also pioneered random orbital technology which you see nowadays in buffers, waxers and polishers!

The WEN Oscillating Spindle Sander has been specially designed to help sand out curves, arcs and other odd shapes with ease. The multiple plates and drums give you more control when it comes to sanding and they’re easy to swap out as well if you need multiple different ones for a job. Usually, power tools are synonymous with being bulky and heavy, however WEN has manufactured this sander to weigh just 35lbs, without sacrificing on power either.

Here’s some more features to enjoy:

58 OPM and 2000 RPM speed
1/2 HP 3.5 Amp motor
Includes six 80-grit sanding sleeves from ½” – 3”
15 x 11.5-inch worktable for large projects
Disc slots and side rods are there for convenient storage
1.5-inch dust port to attach a dust extractor
Pre-drilled holes for mounting the tool for extra stability

You can also purchase the belt & spindle sander from WEN if that’s more tuned to your needs. If you’re not looking for a oscillating sander at all, that’s alright. WEN manufactures a whole range of power sanders including drywall sanders, disc sanders, file sanders and belt sanders.

Best Value

The DEWALT Random Orbit Sander boasts a 3-amp motor that spins at 12,000 OPM. If you’re looking for a palm grip sander, you should take a peek at the DEWALT Sheet Palm Grip Sander Kit which has a 2.3-amp motor and sands at 14,000 OPM.

DEWALT Random Orbit Sander Kit, 5”

DEWALT Power Sander DWE6421K

Features

A top name in power tools manufacturing, Dewalt makes tools that get the job done without much fuss. You can expect well-designed high-performance from any power tool that has the Dewalt name on it.

The DEWALT Random Orbit Sander is a single-speed sander manufactured for functionality and comfort through the use of a counterweight, to reduce vibration, and a rubber overmold grip, for comfortable handling.

Let’s look at some more important features:

3 amp motor delivers 12,000 OPM
Dust-sealed switch protects against dust ingestion
Get closer to the workpiece with the new shorter design
One-handed locking dust bag
3/32 orbit diameter with 5” hook and loop paper type
Includes dust bag and carry case
Measures 10.4 x 7.2 x 6.2” and weighs 4lbs

DEWALT is a world-renowned name in the power tools industry, so you can rest assured knowing they’ve got a whole range of power sanders available including disc sanders, oscillating multi-tools, orbital finish sanders and palm sanders, to name a few!

Love the Dewalt brand but have specific features in mind? Don’t fret, take a look at their other sanders today!

Portable Cable has been committed to making top quality power tools for over 100 years. Enjoy their expertise and experience in the PORTER-CABLE Variable-Speed Polisher. If you prefer a variable speed belt sander with a higher amperage, check out the PORTER-CABLE 352VS.

Porter Cable 6-Inch Variable-Speed Random Orbit Polisher/Sander With Three-Year Limited Warranty

Porter Power Sander 7424XP

Features

Portable Cable has been making top quality power tools for over 100 years. They take pride in the fact that their products are engineered for high quality, enabling the professional tradesmen/woodworkers to achieve professional results.

The 6" Variable-Speed Random Orbit Polisher (selling for just $119 retail), is ideal for most projects that require polishing. It is equipped with features that help you deliver a professional level job you’d be proud to put your name on. These features include…

4.5 amp motor for high overload protection and random orbit
Electronic variable-speed dial (2,500-6,800 orbits per minute)
Full ball and roller bearing construction for durability under industrial workloads
Random orbit, swirl-free sanding/polishing action with 6-inch polishing pad included, but you can also use sanding pads and buffing pads as well
Proprietary counter balance for use with a 6-inch sanding/polishing pad
Removable two-position (left or right) side handle for greater comfort and control
Design that accepts 5/16 to 24 spindle thread accessories
Three-year limited warranty covers any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship (effective from the date of purchase)

Combining years of experience in the field with amazing warranties and contracts, Portable Cable is company that should not to be overlooked. They are so confident in their power tools that they include a free service contact. For the first year, they will maintain the tool and replace worn parts caused by normal use.

Porter Cable random orbit sanders/polishers come with different features and specifications depending on the particular model, so if the one isn’t quite what you need, check out their other models.

Looking for something other than an orbit style sander? Porter Cable makes belt sanders, drywall sanders and palm sanders.

The Makita Finishing Sander boasts smooth finishing sanding at 11,000 OPM with an ergonomic contoured grip for improved comfort. If you need a orbit sander instead you should take a look at the Makita 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit which has a 3 Amp motor and variable speeds from 4,000 – 12,000 OPM.

Makita Finishing Sander with Ergonomic Rubberized Grip, 11,000 OPM

Makita Power Sander BO3710

Features

Makita, a global brand in over 40 countries, has built a reputation for making best-in-class power tools. Backed by a strong research and development system, they deliver more compact high-performance products that vibrate less, giving you a better feeling.

The Makita Finishing Sander is a fantastic combination between comfort and performance. With a contoured rubberized grip you won’t need to worry about fatigue or pains when working and the all ball bearing construction reduces noise and vibration.

Here’s some more features:

Smooth finish sanding with 11,000 OPM
Efficient dust collection system for a cleaner workplace
Counterbalance system in place to reduce vibration
Large trigger switch with lock-on button
Easy-to-use clamping lever for efficient paper changes
Aluminum cast shoe base
Built-in vacuum adapter in the high-capacity dust collection bag

Makita doesn’t just manufacture finishing sanders though, they also make orbit sanders, belt sanders and polishers!

Get power, speed, low noise and ease-of-use with a Makita sander. Need something different? Check out their other models.

Black & Decker develops top quality power tools. Sand hard-to-reach areas with ease with the Dragster™ Belt Sander. If you are in the market for a less expensive alternative and prefer a random orbit sander, we recommend the BDERO100 (Also by Black & Decker).

Black & Decker Dragster 7 Amp 3-Inch by 21-Inch Belt Sander with Cloth Dust Bag

Black & Decker Power Sander DS321

Features

Black & Decker has made its name as a global leader in professional tools for tradesmen. They achieved this enviable status with their track record of innovation and development of high quality top-performance tools. If you’ve used a Black & Decker power tool before then you know the strength, reliability and attention to details that you get with them.

The Dragster™ Belt Sander (selling at $54.99 – MSRP) is no exception. It is designed to make your sanding jobs easier and more efficient, working well to smooth hard-to-reach areas. With its innovative front roller, you can reduce the need for flush sanding as you reach very tight corners easily. It comes with other great features for improved performance including…

7.0 Amp of Power for maximum performance
Belt release lever and adjustment knob ensure the belt remains in the correct position
Retractable hood exposes top of sanding belt for use in a variety of applications
Angled Belt Design sands 3x closer to the edge of the adjoining surfaces
Easy-empty dust bag
Three-position adjustable handle
Flush body design for sanding against vertical surfaces
Low profile design extended reach for maximum functionality
800 feet per minute speed for faster sanding
Medium grit sanding belt
2 years limited warranty

Work faster and reach tighter corners easily with a Black & Decker belt sander. Visit Amazon to see other sanders they offer.

Get the Best Power Sander of 2018!

You made it to the end of the review, you have done a great job! We hope you have enough information about power sanders to make your choice with confidence. Now, you’re ready to make that purchase and start making the surfaces you want!

Our Top Choice

WEN Oscillating Spindle Sander

Best Value

DEWALT Random Orbit Sander

Porter Cable 6" Variable-Speed Random Orbit Polisher and Sander

Makita Finishing Sander

Black & Decker Dragster Belt Sander