The best sander
Sander – Opinions, Analysis and Comparison in 2022
Sandpaper was invented to correct defects on surfaces of different materials, but sanders are designed to simplify the time and effort of such work. In the market you can find many of these tools with various options and features, which can make your selection difficult, for this reason, we have compiled the most pertinent information about some of the most outstanding sanders. Thus, we find the Makita Diverse M9400, which has a bag for vacuuming dust and has a 100 x 610 mm band, suitable for sanding, polishing, removing stains, among other tasks. On the other hand, the Black+Decker KA161BC-QSIt has a mouse-type design that makes it easy to sand corners and its tips are removable to work on different materials.
The best sanders on the market
These tools generally offer simple systems that provide quality finishes, making them very useful for detail users in the DIY and woodworking areas. Therefore, we have compiled a list of some of the best sanders of 2022, so you can choose the most convenient option.
Belt sander
Makita Diverse M9400
This is a belt sander that includes a 100 x 610 mm sandpaper, with an 80 grit composition, which provides a medium texture to remove stains, marks on the wood, remove imperfections and smooth surfaces. However, you can also use finer 120 and 240 grit versions.
On the other hand, it has a practical bag to collect work waste, such as dust and sawdust. It also includes a metal piece that serves as a support to install stationary, so it can work as a table sander, for this reason, it is considered by many to be the best sander.
It has a weight of 6.2 kg, which provides greater force on the surface to achieve optimal sanding and with fewer passes. As if that were not enough, it is a high-performance sander, thanks to its 940 W of power, which allows it to be used for the toughest jobs.
If you need a powerful machine with which you can achieve professional finishes, you should take into account what some users consider to be the best sander of the moment. For this reason, we invite you to review its pros and cons:
Pros
Versatility: It has been designed as a portable sander, but offers a support to use it as a stationary.
Weight: It has a weight of 6.2 kg, enough to exert effective pressure against the surface.
Power: It offers a power of 940 W, which gives you good performance on difficult surfaces.
Cons
Cable: Some users indicate that the cable is very short, since it measures only 2 m, so it may be necessary to purchase an extension.
orbital sander
Black+Decker KA161BC-QS
If you are wondering which is the best sander, you should know that it gives you 55 W of power and 11,000 rpm, for this reason, you can obtain fine finishes on not very rough surfaces. On the other hand, it allows you to hold the sandpaper with a velcro system for greater security and has removable tips, so you can use it in corners and narrow areas.
During use, the sandpaper moves 1.5 mm to the sides, which makes it an orbital sander, in addition, this gives you random movements, allowing the surface to have no marks from the sandpaper and you can obtain smoother and more professional finishes..
Its design has been inspired by the computer mouse, making it a practical and compact tool that gives you a comfortable grip, so you can move it on any surface without causing you fatigue. Also, its weight is only 445 g, making it a light model and easy to carry everywhere.
If you need an efficient portable sander to focus on surface details, then you might want to check out some of the highlights of this model:
Pros
Function: Can continuously move sideways 1.5mm, to provide a pattern-free, sand-mark-free surface.
Tips: The sandpaper tip is removable to reach the tightest corners. In addition, it includes several for different surfaces.
Design: It offers a portable and lightweight design at only 445g, suitable for carrying.
Cons
Power: It has a power of only 55 W, so some users consider that it could be insufficient for heavy work.
Electric sander
Meterk E4193
It is one of the cheapest sanders and has a computer mouse design, capable of sanding, waxing and polishing according to your needs. In addition, it performs up to 13,500 rpm and has 125 W of power, which translates as good performance. Also, it offers 6 holes that suck up dust and keep the work area clean.
Includes 16 self-adhesive sandpapers to use on different projects; 8 have a composition of 80 grains and the others offer 180 grains. The first ones are designed for rustic surfaces and those of the second group for delicate finishes.
It is an electric sander made with polypropylene plastic and fiberglass, so it provides resistance to continuous use. Its design incorporates an ergonomic rubber handle and openings to effectively dissipate heat, giving you a comfortable grip. Also, you should know that its cable has a length of 1.8 m for greater freedom of movement and includes a user manual.
If you want to buy one of the cheapest and most functional sanders, then this might be the one for you. However, it is good to know its pros and cons before making a decision:
Pros
Accessories: Includes 8 80-grain sandpaper and 8 180-grain sandpaper, which allows you to work with different types of materials.
Ventilation: It has openings in the upper area to expel heat and prevent overheating.
Handle: Its structure has an ergonomic rubber handle that facilitates holding.
Cons
Use: A user indicates that the sandpaper accumulates dust when passing it through the paint and loses effectiveness, however, this does not affect the operation of the device.
Bosch Sander
Bosch PEX 220A
It is a Bosch sander with 4 mm eccentric movements, suitable for achieving smooth surfaces without sanding marks. In addition, it has 220 W and performs up to 24,000 rpm, which allows fast progress on large materials and hard textures.
On the other hand, it weighs only 1.4 kg and measures 34.7 x 7 x 22 cm, which makes it a light and easy-to-use model. In the same way, it is good to know that the blade change can be done without any tools. On the other hand, the turntable is 125 mm with Velcro closure, which allows efficient work in the shortest possible time.
For cleaning, the machine has a microfilter system, which sucks up the dust in the workspace and stores it inside to be discarded later. As if that were not enough, it has an ergonomic handle with an anti-vibration system, to avoid discomfort during use.
If you are looking for a quality tool that gives you durability, you need to buy the best brand of sanders. For this reason, we invite you to review the main characteristics of this Bosch product:
Pros
Power: Produces 24,000 rpm and has 220 W of power, offering high performance for hard surfaces.
Design: It has a compact, lightweight and comfortable grip design, which includes an ergonomic handle and anti-vibration system.
Disc: Its rotating disc is 125 mm in diameter and its movement is eccentric for smoother finishes.
Cons
Cleaning: A user has indicated that his tank becomes saturated quickly, so it would be necessary to constantly empty it in continuous work.
wall sander
Tacklife PDS03A
Its body is made of robust metal for greater stability and it has a circle of LED lights, suitable for night work. On the other hand, it offers 800 W of power and allows its speed to be varied with 6 adjustment levels, from 550 rpm to 1900 rpm. As if that were not enough, it has a self-cleaning system, which removes dust and residue up to 98%.
It is a tool with a telescopic handle that you can fold or extend between 30 cm and 190 cm, in this sense, it is a wall sander capable of reaching certain difficult surfaces without the need for a ladder. Plus, you can set it at 90 degrees for added versatility.
It gives you the possibility to sand and polish the tightest corners, since it offers a removable edge. It also has a steel ball at the base, specially designed to alternate movements and increase sanding capacity.
If you need a sander for professional or DIY jobs, but at the same time it provides strength and durability, it might be appropriate for you to consider the most important aspects of this tool before making the purchase:
Pros
Cleaning: It can provide a self-cleaning rate of up to 98%, thus reducing the dust in the workspace almost completely.
Speed: It can perform between 550 rpm and 1900 rpm, thanks to its 800 W of adjustable power in 6 levels.
Accessories: It offers 6 sandpapers with a composition of 120 grains and 6 of 320 grains. In addition, it has an appropriate bag for storage and transport.
Cons
Weight: Some users indicate that the sander is a bit heavy to be a wall tool, this is because it incorporates the motor and the vacuum cleaner in the front.
eccentric sander
Einhell TE-RS 40 E
It is the best value for money sander according to some users, as it is affordable for the pocket, but has a robust structure for strength and durability. In addition, it provides 400 W of power that allows it to perform between 12,000 and 24,000 rpm. Also, its speed can be set through an electronic regulation system with 6 levels for different finishes.
This eccentric sander is suitable for working on metal, plastic or wood, thanks to its double rotary movement. In this way, the sanding plate can swing up to 2.5mm from the center point, for a smoother, more professional-looking finish.
On the other hand, it has a velcro system called micro-hook and loop, to change the abrasive sheets in just a few seconds. In this sense, you should know that it is compatible with 125 mm diameter sandpaper to use on large surfaces.
You may still be wondering which sander to buy, which is why we invite you to carefully review some of the positive and negative aspects of this machine:
Pros
Design: It has a robust design, which incorporates a non-slip grip and two handles to hold it with greater confidence.
Oscillation: It can make movements of 2.5 mm at a speed between 12,000 rpm and 24,000 rpm, so it is indicated for rough surfaces.
Cleaning: It offers a system to vacuum the dust and a filter box to collect it, in this way you will have a cleaner workspace.
Cons
Velcro: Some users indicate disagreement with the velcro system, since at the time of use it could lose its fastening capacity.
Orbital roto sander
DeWalt DWE6423-QS
It allows the use of 6 speed levels that produce between 8,000 and 12,000 opm, so you can choose the most suitable option according to the type of surface and the finish you want. Plus, it has a quick-connect Airlock adapter to reduce dust and give you a cleaner work area.
It is a roto-orbital sander, as it can move 2.6mm from the center of the sander while at the same time rotating the sanding disc, thus giving you cleaner and finer finishes. Also, you should know that it is compatible with 125 mm diameter sandpaper, which is an easy to get standard size.
Its ergonomic structure has a rubber coating for easy grip. In the same way, it avoids long-term joint problems, since it has a low level of vibrations, designed to work without exhaustion.
For DIY and woodworking projects, the DeWalt DWE6423-QS sander may be one of the most appropriate, so we’ll explain its pros and cons before you make a decision:
Pros
Speed: It allows you to sand at a speed between 8000 opm and 12000 opm, thanks to its 6 adjustable levels.
Power: It offers 280 W of power, enough to perform tasks on solid wood and hard surfaces.
Design: It has a compact design with easy grip and rubber coating, so you can move it comfortably.
Cons
Cleaning: Some users indicate that the integrated dust extraction system can become saturated very quickly during work.
wood sander
TECCPO TASS22P
It is an orbital-type sander for wood, which produces movements of 1.5 mm in diameter, thus providing finishes with greater detail. In addition, it has 210 W that allows up to 14,500 rpm, for more powerful and efficient sanding.
On the other hand, it offers a comfortable grip, thanks to its ergonomic handle with uniform pressure and molded palm, with which you will have greater control over movements. It also weighs only 1.3kg and is capable of reducing vibration, so it won’t cause fatigue.
The base area features a clip to hold paper securely while sanding. In addition, it has holes to extract the dust and store it in an easy-to-clean bag. As if that were not enough, it includes 6 sheets of sandpaper of 80 grains and 6 of 180 grains, to use according to your needs.
It’s important to have a quality sander for DIY tasks like removing paint and smoothing wood. For this reason, it might be wise to review the positives and negatives of this product:
Pros
Grip: The grip offers a molded palm design and even pressure, allowing you to hold it securely and confidently.
Sandpaper: This package contains 12 sandpapers for different projects, 6 of 80 grit and 6 of 180 grit.
Speed: Performs up to 14,500 rpm, enough to polish surfaces in the shortest possible time.
Cons
Use: Some users consider that this sander is not very effective for professional use, since it could get hot in long-term work.
belt sander
Guellin 300W
This is a versatile and practical tool that works as both a belt sander and a disc sander. In this sense, it is compatible with discs that have a diameter of 127 mm, suitable for use with transportable materials, whether you need to remove paint or level pieces of wood.
On the other hand, its adjustable strap is indicated for more precise work that requires more delicate and smooth finishes. Also, you should know that it is capable of performing up to 2950 rpm, so it provides enough speed to complete projects in the shortest possible time.
It has a dust extraction port and airtight switch, which offer a cleaner work surface and a long service life. As if that were not enough, it has 300 W of power and a 230 V motor, to achieve better performance in very hard materials and withstand continuous work.
If you need a versatile and resistant sander to use in professional jobs, then you should know the most outstanding aspects of this machine:
Pros
Adjustable: It offers a guide with an inclination angle between 0° and 45°, in addition, it has positioning control, to carry out more precise work.
Multifunction: You can use it to sand on tape or disc according to your work needs.
Materials: The frame has been made of steel to provide greater strength and durability over time.
Cons
Robust: It is not a portable tool, so it may be at a disadvantage compared to other sanders on the list.
Guide to buying sanders
Sanders are essential tools in any workshop, since they provide you with the appropriate surface to paint or varnish any object, in addition to greatly simplifying the work. However, there are multiple models of these machines, so we invite you to review this guide to buy the best sander before selecting a model.
Shopping guide
Types
When making a comparison of sanders, we can see that there are more types than expected, since despite basically fulfilling the same function, not all of them can achieve it in the same way. Therefore, you should know that the types of sanders are mainly defined by the movements they make during sanding.
Such is the case of the orbital sander, capable of moving slightly from the center of the plate when turned on, thus providing more professional finishes without leaving sandpaper marks on the surface. For this reason, it is suitable for sanding wood and other materials that require a more precise finish.
It is also possible to purchase an orbital roto sander, which incorporates a circular plate capable of rotating at the same time as it moves, making it a machine that can be used for harder jobs, where it is necessary to sand large surfaces.
On the other hand, the plate of an eccentric sander can rotate and move, but it has more power to do so and its movements are usually more abrupt than a smooth finishing sander, so it is generally designed as a tool for professional use, which It must be used with a certain degree of knowledge to avoid damage to material surfaces.
There are also belt and belt sanders, which have two internal rollers that move a sanding belt at high speed, thus providing an abrasive area of greater amplitude and capacity. For this reason, they may be suitable for sanding transportable parts and materials.
Performance
If you want to know how much a sander costs, you need to take into account its power, speed and type of sandpaper, since this defines its performance and therefore how good and economical the machine can be.
Speed is defined by revolutions per minute (rpm) and orbits per minute (opm). The first is according to the sanders that perform displacements, while the second measures the orbits of the sanders that rotate on their own axis. In this sense, you should know that you can find machines that perform between 500 rpm and 24,000 rpm, as well as those that reach between 8,000 opm and 12,000 opm, the higher the speed, the shorter the working time.
You should also consider power, since sanders are multi-purpose tools that may require more or less force for surfaces of different textures, materials, and consistencies. In this way, you can find machines with a power from 55 W to 940 W, where 55 W is sufficient for DIY tasks and simple finishes, while 940 W works effectively for sanding solid surfaces and long-term work. duration.
Its performance also largely depends on the type of sandpaper you use, as some are capable of smoothing, polishing, cleaning and polishing. In this sense, you should know that not all sandpapers have the same composition, shape, or size, so not all of them will be able to optimally sand any surface, it is even possible that some lose abrasion capacity if they are not used incorrectly.
The effectiveness of the sandpaper is defined by the number of its composition, which indicates the hardness of the grains, therefore, the higher the number of grains, the finer and smoother its texture will be. Therefore, you can find sandpaper between 80 and 320 grit, where the 80 grit is suitable for removing surface marks, as well as smoothing and removing imperfections, while the one with a composition of 320 is extra fine and can remove stains. and marks among other superficial tasks.
Design
Sanders can come in different designs that cater to specific tasks or hard-to-reach spaces; Such is the case of wall sanders, which have a long rod to sand the ceiling or large walls without the need to use a ladder.
Also, finishing sanders have a more compact design and versatile structures, incorporating points or narrow sandpaper that can be easily moved around corners and edges, in this way, they are appropriate tools for polishing details.
Another common design is that of table sanders, which generally work with belts and can be fixed, in this way it is possible to move the objects on the belt without having to move the machine. In addition, these usually have a resistant structure to provide greater durability.
However, for greater ease of use, some machines incorporate non-slip, anti-vibration and easy-grip handles, which are the most recommended if you plan to use the sander constantly, as they prevent fatigue and offer greater comfort of use.
On the other hand, to avoid interruptions or cleaning problems, it is important that the machine of your choice has a dust extraction system, which in addition to protecting your health, provides you with a cleaner workspace to clearly see the results.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to use a sander?
It is important that before turning on the sander you properly immobilize the surface to be sanded, in this way you avoid accidents and guarantee comfortable work. Although many pieces of equipment have a dust extraction system, it is advisable to use safety accessories, such as goggles or gloves. Before turning on the machine you must place the sandpaper on the movement plate, this step depends on the type of sander and compatibility with the blade. Then, you can turn on the sander, for this it is advisable to set the necessary speed before placing it on the surface, in this way you can obtain the desired finish. Next, you just have to bring the sander closer to the surface and move it back and forth, using the front handle to guide it correctly.
Q2: How to make a belt sander?
One of the most common ways to make a home belt sander is with the use of a fan motor. The first thing you should do is remove the coupling that joins the fan blades and weld a perpendicular rod that is 1 cm in diameter, which will serve to screw it onto a wooden roller later. This part will go on the motor and cause the movement. The other roller will be made using the central axis of a bicycle wheel. Then it’s time to assemble everything using solid wood pieces and trimming carefully. When finished, you include the sanding band on both rollers and connect the fan motor.
Q3: What is the best sander for wood?
Although most sanders can be used on wood surfaces, orbital machines provide cleaner finishes. This is because when they are turned on they begin to make displacement movements to the sides of the central axis, usually between 1 mm and 2.5 mm. For this reason, they do not leave sandpaper marks when sliding over the wood, since this movement and that of your hand produce a random effect for more professional finishes. In addition, you must take into account the appropriate number of sandpaper so as not to damage the surface of the wood, since not all of them have the same hardness.
Q4: How to make a sander with a washing machine motor?
You must take the circular piece that incorporates the old washing machines to turn the drum, and then pierce it three times around its center. Then, place this piece on a thick sheet of wood and mark on the surface the total diameter and the diameter of the 3 holes you made earlier. Draw a circle of the desired size around this mark so that you can use the wood as a disk. It may be a good idea to sand the piece of wood after cutting to avoid problems when sanding. Now, you must screw the circular piece with the wooden circle and proceed to join both to the washing machine motor, sealing with construction glue. It is important to secure the motor to the workbench before turning it on for the first time. Lastly, cut out and adhere a sheet of sandpaper to the surface and edges of the wood.
Q5: How to sand wood with a sander?
When carrying out a sanding project, it is important to choose the grade and size of the sandpaper, depending on the type of wood you are going to work on. In this sense, coarse sandpaper can be more effective on very rough surfaces.
Start with hard-to-reach areas like corners and edges, if spaces are tight you can use the hand sanding sheet as these areas don’t require much effort. For centers and large surfaces, it is recommended to pass the sander from bottom to top without making diagonal movements. Then, remove the excess dust from the surface to see its condition and proceed with the next space until the piece is completely sanded.
