Furniture sanders are basically machines that give a finishing touch to all the furniture you use or see around. And if you are interested in or regularly make your own furniture, you know that you cannot just use any sander for your projects.
Specific sanders are needed for particular reasons.
So, in this article, we will discuss our own top picks for the best furniture sanders and why they are on this list.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Sander For Furniture
- OUR TOP PICK: BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander
- RUNNER-UP: Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Makita BO4556K 2.0 Amp 4-1/2-Inch Finishing Sander
Comparison of the Best Sanders for Furniture
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What Makes a Sander Great for Furniture?
There are different types of furniture sanders, but there are a few salient features among them that make them useful, which are as follows:
Does Not Leave Swirls
At times, sanders such as those with orbital motions, if made of bad quality material or not used correctly, can actually leave swirl marks all over the project. This leaves you with a really bad end result and a product that probably not even you want to keep.
Good Waste Disposal
No one wants dust, debris, or sawdust all over or around them, especially when you are so tired from working and do not feel like cleaning up. A sander with a proper waste disposal system, something that captures the dust in a container so that it can be disposed of, later on, is highly recommended.
Easy to Use
We do not want something with a million controls or something whose manual is larger than the tool itself. We want to work with something that is easy to handle, to carry from place to place, and to maneuver, that comes with just the right settings that are your personal requirement.
Makita BO4556K 2.0 Amp 4-1/2-Inch Finishing Sander
Durable
The tool should be of good quality and should be sustainable. You should not have to go through the problem of constant replacements because this setting stopped or that thing blew. Do your research to make sure you are spending your money on the right one.
Review of the Best Sanders for Furniture
Now that we have discussed what makes a sander suitable for use or what should be the essential points to keep in mind about it, let's get into our own top picks and their positive and negative aspects.
Best Overall:
BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Aside from a few minor complaints regarding the dust collection of some products, people have been happy with what they have. A lot of reports tell that the unit is powerful, easy to handle for different kinds of projects, so they use it as the primary finishing tool on all of them now, etc.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us because of its small size. This makes it super easy to handle and great to work with, plus you do not have to lug around a large and heavy machine for the entirety of your project, as this little tool is enough to make all the difference in the world.
Who Will Use This Most
People who are furniture makers or builders, either making things for their home or on a professional scale for clients or customers, can definitely make use of this product. It is excellent for both scenarios, and its small size makes it easier to handle. This is true, especially if you are new at the whole process, making it safer as well.
Bottom Line
People who are frequent users of this tool have recommended it for new buyers as it consists of a number of features, including a sealed switch, great hook and loop system, compact size, and random orbital movements for an excellent finish.
Runner-up:
Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People who have recently bought and used this product have been quite impressed by its performance, saying that it is a reliable tool that is also highly durable. Reports suggest that it has a great dust collection system, and the variable speed setting makes it great for the user, as they can choose the speed at which the sand.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find the variable speed setting unique and essential as well. This is because not a lot of companies give this setting in their tools, causing the user to just work at one speed for the entire project. But this makes it more user-friendly as you are able to choose the speed you are comfortable with.
Who Will Use This Most
People who are carpenters, woodworkers, or metal workers can definitely make use of this product. Also, beginners of furniture building who are meaning to take it up as a hobby or as a profession can also use this product, as it is highly durable and easy to use.
Bottom Line
It is a great product that comes with a lot of impressive features and a guarantee of quality. The people love it, as they believe that a BOSCH product can never go wrong and have complete faith in its functionality. And with features such as this, no wonder people have been impressed by it.
Best for the Money:
Makita BO4556K 2.0 Amp 4-1/2-Inch Finishing Sander
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There have been some complaints of faulty products, but they were replaced by efficient customer service, which was appreciated by the users who have said that the workers were very understanding. Apart from that, the ones that received normal products have praised its durability in regard to the aluminum base.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Its aluminum cast bases. Aluminum is a very light but durable metal that is a great conductor of heat and electricity, along with the fact that it is highly corrosion-resistant, so using it as a base will make sure that the tool functions perfectly as well as remain durable. Therefore, a sturdy and reliable built is very impressive for us.
Who Will Use This Most
People who are interested in learning how to make furniture or people who regularly make their own furniture at home can make use of this product. Its features cater to both learners and professionals, and it being easy to use is a great feature as well.
Bottom Line
A long list of features and excellent customer reviews make this a favorite of ours. Things such as being easy to use, durable, having a good dust collection system, a rubber sealed switch for lasting switch life, through the pad dust collection, double insulation, etc. Make it a great product.
Best Sander for Refinishing Furniture:
DEWALT Electric Sander DWE6411
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of the buyers of this tool have loved it, saying that this is exactly what they were looking for, is easy to use, and that the rubber dust boot is great at its job and keeps out any and all dust particles. If you want any one unit to fulfill the needs of multiple projects, this unit will be a good pick for you.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The rubber over-mold texture is a perfect addition to the tool as it gives a sturdy grip upon it, making sure it does not slip from the hands of the user. This is useful, especially after long durations of use as hands can become sweaty. It helps the user maintain a firm grip on the tool.
Who Will Use This Most
People who are interested in learning to make their own furniture, who love to build things such as furniture or in general or are willing to take this up as a hobby, will be able to make great use of this tool. This is not the best unit for professional, commercial-grade usage.
Bottom Line
A high-quality product that is perfect for sanding furniture. The features such as good rubber texture, rubber switch boot, lockable dust port, paper clamp for multiple sheets, etc. all make it a great product for anyone interested.
Best Sander for Wood Furniture:
Bosch GSS20-40 Orbital Finishing Sander
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers who recently bought and used this product have been quite impressed by it, saying that it is excellent to use and is the perfect tool for the process. Many also report that it is not at all heavy, and the soft grip feature makes it easier to hold for extended amounts of time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The flush sanding option is something new, as this setting has not been common among sanders of other companies. It is very beneficial to the worker, as it allows for a number of different applications for a single project, so the user can choose whichever one they are comfortable with.
Who Will Use This Most
People who are professional furniture builders or designers, as well as people who are beginners in this field or have an interest in it as a hobby, can make use of this product. Also, people who are interested in DIY projects, or those who want to make something at home will also be able to use this.
Bottom Line
BOSCH is a company famous for its quality, and it shows in this product. It has an extensive list of features such as a microfilter dust system, an aluminum sanding plate, paper clamp for multiple sheets, flush sanding options, etc. that make it a great product for use.
Best Small Sander for Furniture:
TECCPO Mouse Detail Sander
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There has been a high satisfaction rate among the customers in regard to this tool. They say that not only is it easy to handle because it fits the palm of their hands. Reports also tell that it is energy-efficient and eco-friendly because of its copper motor.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Its copper motor is something new, as most companies do not use this metal when making the motor, preferring metals such as aluminum. Not only is it more environmentally friendly, but it is also deemed better for the job as copper is a great quality conductor of heat and electricity, making the sanding process more efficient.
Who Will Use This Most
People who are DIY lovers, who are interested in learning how to make their own furniture or are beginners who want to get into this field professionally should add this tool to their list for the next time they go hardware shopping.
Bottom Line
It is a good quality product that comes highly recommended for use from previous users. It is compact, efficient in function, easy to use, and comfortable to handle for professional furniture builders or beginners. It is great for finishing work and is perfect for someone who is looking for a sander that is not huge or big in size.
Best Orbital Sander for Furniture:
PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People have been quite impressed with its performance, saying that they like the features it offers, that its hook and loop system allows easy attachments and removal of paper. They also find how it does not leave any marks on the finished product an impressive feature. Overall, it is a decent tool to work with, as reports suggest.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The dual planed counter and the balanced fan is the most outstanding feature. This is great for the overall working of the tool, as it contributes to minimizing noise while turned on. Also, the vibrations are reduced, and this allows for fewer interruptions or imperfections in the design.
Who Will Use This Most
People who make commercial level furniture or need to do sanding projects at home will be able to make sure of the silent and safe functionality. Its sturdy design and safety features also make it a good unit for first-timers and beginners.
Bottom Line
Top of the line construction and great features make it a must-have for any furniture builder. It is compact in size and has a great hook and loop system, with a dual-plane system and a balanced fan to reduce vibrations, dust-sealed switch, and a compatible hook and loop system for great performance in every way.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying?
The important things you need to know before buying are as follows:
What You Need
This should be your first requirement to fulfill. You cannot want something to finish or paint or refurbish and end up with a big old standard floor sander. Do your research and make sure you know what you need according to your project.
Budget
Do not go for the most expensive option or the one with a big manual. You do not need to get into all this confusion about what to buy. Know what you need and also figure out how much money you want to spend on it, then in that loop, look for the best product for you.
Durability
We are spending our money wisely, so a durable product is of the utmost importance. We do not want to continuously buy cheap products one after the other just because they look cute or cost less. Buy within a set range but buy a good product that will last you for years, so you have no doubt that you have spent your money well.
BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander
Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Sanding Furniture:
Here we have some tips and hacks for you in case you find it difficult to sand furniture:
Woodworking File
Sometimes it is not easy to get into every nook and cranny of your project to sand it off properly, which can affect the look of the finished product, but with this hack, you can do that.
Take a paint stir stick and a piece of sandpaper that will fit around it, then take some glue or adhesive spray and stick them together. That’s it. Now you can easily reach every corner.
Swiffer Sheets
Right before the finishing touches, rub your project with no. 0000 steel wool, which will lift all the remaining dust and sanding debris from it, leaving it shining. Then take a Swiffer cloth and just wipe the surface once more, for a complete finish.
Radiator Hose for Contouring
This is great for sanding your wooden projects and their curved contours. Take a hacksaw and cut off a straight piece of the radiator hose, then clean it from both inside and out and wrap a piece of adhesive sandpaper around it. That’s all. It is great for light finishing touches as well.
Folded Sanding Pad
Take a quarter sheet of sandpaper and your own hand. Using your hand, take some adhesive spray and apply it to the quarter sheets, then fold them over to make a one-eighth double sheet. These will last you a long time and are great for sanding sculpted or molded edges of your project.
Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander
Conclusion
All the products in this article are listed here, after our thorough research, as well as looking into customer reviews. All of these products are great for use, as all of them have features that are as good as the others and are definitely easy to handle and to work with. Not to mention highly durable. Do give these a try if they interest you.
People Also Ask
Although we have answered a lot of the general questions and given information and details about each of the products, people may still have some confusion or reservations they would want to clear up. So below, we have compiled some commonly asked questions to help.
How Do You Use an Orbital Sander on Furniture?
Turn it on and place it flat on your piece of furniture or ledge and apply even pressure as you move it in the direction of the grain of the wood. This gives you a uniform and smooth finish.
What Grit Sandpaper Do You Use to Distress Furniture?
Usually, people use a variety of 100 to 200 grit sandpaper, depending on the type of and level of distress they want their furniture to have.
What Kind of Sander Do I Need for Furniture?
Most people vote that the best sander for furniture is a palm sander. They are usually small in size and able to be comfortably gripped by the hand and are mostly used on wide and flat surfaces.
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