Orbital sander

An orbital sander is an incredibly versatile tool best used for smoothing surfaces and preparing materials for finishing by removing imperfections, old paint, or varnish without leaving deep, unsightly scratches.

The Bosch ROS20VSC is widely considered the best orbital sander for home use because of its exceptional vibration dampening, variable speed control, and reliable dust collection, with popular alternatives like the DeWalt DWE6423 and Makita BO5030K also offering fantastic performance for DIYers.

A standard power sander is a broad category that includes belt and sheet sanders that move in fixed linear or back-and-forth patterns, whereas an orbital sander (specifically a random orbital sander) moves the sanding pad in small, overlapping circles simultaneously to prevent visible scratch marks and swirl patterns.

Standard orbital sanders produce noticeable swirl marks on wood grain (unlike random orbital sanders), have a slower material removal rate than belt sanders, can easily burn through thin veneers or round over sharp edges if held in one spot too long, and tend to vibrate heavily, causing hand fatigue during extended use.

Depending on the application, a belt sander is vastly superior for rapid stock removal and flattening large panels, a random orbital sander (ROS) is better for a swirl-free, high-quality finish, and a detailing or oscillating multi-tool sander is better for tight corners and intricate profiles where standard round pads cannot reach.