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In my shop, and professional and hobby woodshops around the world, the use of handheld power sanders is integral to achieving smooth finishes and preparing surfaces for various woodworking projects. Customers, and your spouse or partner, don’t want to get splinters while eating at the nice picnic table you decided to rush through, instead of completing all the steps to make it a true finished product. Wood stain, and wood finishing products, such as polyurethane, won’t adhere or absorb properly when you don’t have the wood sanded correctly.
Different types of sanders serve specific purposes, allowing woodworkers to choose the best tool for their needs. Here, I’ll discuss the most common types of handheld power sanders and their applications.
1. Orbital Sanders
Orbital sanders, also known as random orbit sanders, are versatile tools that combine rotary and orbital motion to create a swirl-free finish. They are equipped with a round sanding pad that moves in a circular motion while also oscillating, which prevents the sanding marks from being overly visible. Orbital sanders are ideal for sanding large surfaces, such as tabletops and doors, and can be used on wood, plastic, and metal. The use of different grits allows for both rough sanding and fine finishing, making them a staple in any woodshop.
Orbital sanders are best used when connected to a dust removal vacuum system. It helps keep the work surface clean, allowing for the sandpaper to maximize contact with the wood.

2. Palm Sanders
Palm sanders, or finishing sanders, are smaller and more lightweight than orbital sanders, making them easy to handle and maneuver. They typically feature a square or rectangular sanding pad, which is perfect for getting into corners and tight spaces. Palm sanders are best suited for light sanding and smoothing surfaces, making them ideal for finishing work on furniture or cabinetry. The ergonomic design allows for extended use without fatigue, which is essential for detailed finishing tasks.

3. Belt Sanders
Belt sanders are powerful machines that use a continuous loop of sandpaper to remove material quickly. They are particularly effective for heavy stock removal and leveling surfaces, making them ideal for preparing rough lumber or sanding large, flat surfaces. I typically use my belt sander when getting a tabletop, that’s too large for a planer, nice and level from board to board. Also, it comes in handy when a very rough whiskey or wine barrel needs smoothed down to some fresh oak. Belt sanders can be more aggressive than other types, so care must be taken to avoid gouging the wood. They are often used in the initial stages of woodworking projects when substantial material removal is needed. When using a belt sander in an aggressive manner, it is best to try and do so outside, and wearing a good dust mask or respirator. You will thank me later, when you don’t have to vacuum and sweep dust up, from all over your shop interior!

4. Detail Sanders
Detail sanders, also known as corner sanders or mouse sanders, are designed for intricate work and hard-to-reach areas. They often have a triangular or pointed sanding pad that can fit into tight spaces and corners, allowing for precise sanding of intricate designs or delicate workpieces. Detail sanders are particularly useful for refinishing furniture and for projects that require finesse. While they may not be suitable for large surface areas, their specificity is invaluable for detailed craftsmanship.
Another good feature of these small, non-aggressive sanders, is that they are good for educating kids on the practice of handling tools, and learning about how wood is affected by the different types of sandpaper. This is probably what every young cub scout uses on their Pinewood Derby balsa wood cars!
If you get a reputable brand detail sander, it should last a lifetime. Here is the one I have owned literally forever.

Ultimately, the choice of handheld power sander needed depends on the specific requirements of each individual project. From there, you’ll need to get the corresponding paper specific to that tool. A good range of low-grit (40-60) to high-grit (320-400) is also key to achieving the desired finish, based on your projects’ needs. Lower grit is usually the starting point, while higher grit will be the last few passes to complete the job.
Soon enough, you too can light-heartedly joke (or not) about how much you hate to sand for long, grueling hours!