Which is better orbital sander or random orbital sander?

Orbital Sander Overview

An orbital sander, also known as a vibratory sander, is a power sander that uses abrasives and an orbital sanding motion to sand and finish wood and other materials. The sanding pad oscillates in a small circular pattern to scour the workpiece. This allows the orbital sander to sand smoothly across the grain and prevent swirl marks typically caused by rotary sanders.

Some key features of orbital sanders include:

• Orbital/vibratory sanding motion
• Use circular abrasive sandpaper discs
• Generally have a rectangular or square sanding pad
• Best for finishing applications and finer grit sanding
• Produce very smooth, swirl-free results
• Available in different sizes from small palm models to larger deck sanders
• Typically use hook-and-loop style abrasives for fast paper changes
• Dust collection systems can attach to extract dust

The oscillating orbital movement allows these sanders to efficiently smooth materials while minimizing scratches and other sanding marks. The constant movement across the workpiece evens out the sanding action rather than concentrating it in one place as with a disc or belt sander.

Orbital sanders excel at fine finishing work and detail sanding on items like furniture, cabinetry, trim carpentry, crafts, and auto body work. The small orbital size and abrasives make them suitable for delicate sanding needs. While orbital sanders are not extremely aggressive, their smooth sanding action can still remove material efficiently.

Advantages of Orbital Sanders

Some key advantages of orbital sanders include:

• Produce a very smooth, swirl-free sanding finish
• Even sanding action does not leave behind deep scratches or gouges
• Versatile for both stock removal and finish sanding
• Less risk of removing too much material too quickly
• Compact size allows for detail and precision sanding
• Wide range of models available for small to large sanding needs
• Easy to control and maneuver for comfortable operation
• Hook-and-loop abrasives allow fast paper changes
• Minimal noise compared to aggressive sanders

The smooth orbital action gives a consistency that is hard to achieve with other sander types. Even though orbital sanders do not sand as aggressively, their predictable sanding pattern can help avoid accidentally removing too much material.

Random Orbital Sander Overview

A random orbital sander has a similar vibratory oscillating motion as a standard orbital sander but adds an additional random rotation of the sanding disc. This gives the abrasives a multi-directional movement pattern. The random orbital motion prevents distinct scratch patterns while aggressively removing material.

Key features of random orbital sanders:

• Combines oscillating and random orbital movements
• Same hook-and-loop abrasive discs as orbital sanders
• Rectangular or square sanding pad design
• More powerful motors with higher OPMs (orbits per minute)
• Generally used for stock removal over finish sanding
• Available in cordless battery-powered models
• Dust collection systems can attach to contain dust

The random movement allows the abrasives to cut more freely across the workpiece for faster material removal. While not as smooth and controlled as a regular orbital sander, random orbital sanders are significantly less likely to leave swirl marks and deep scratches. The random action fractures the scratch pattern to create a consistently smooth surface.

Random orbital sanders excel at removing material efficiently from wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, and other materials. Their aggressive sanding capabilities make them ideal for projects like stripping old finishes, flattening slabs, removing layers of gel coat, and rapid stock removal. They can also be used lightly for final finish sanding in some cases.

Advantages of Random Orbital Sanders

Some of the notable benefits of random orbital sanders include:

• Rapid stock removal from all types of materials
• Leaves a smooth surface finish in most cases
• Minimizes deep scratches and swirl marks
• Versatile for both heavy sanding and finish work
• Added orbit rotation increases abrasion
• Good for removing paints, varnishes, coatings
• Ideal for flattening warped boards or slabs
• Available in small and large sizes
• Cordless models allow more flexibility
• Powerful motor withstands heavy workloads

The dual-action orbital and rotational movements are able to aggressively scour surfaces to remove material much faster than a standard orbital sander. The random motion also constantly changes the scratch pattern to create a uniform finish.

Orbital vs. Random Orbital Sanders

So which sander is better – orbital or random orbital? Here is a comparison of the key differences:

Sanding Action

• Orbital: Oscillating “orbital” circular motion. Even, consistent sanding pattern.
• Random Orbital: Combines oscillating orbital and random rotational movements. Multi-directional sanding pattern.

The standard orbital sander moves smoothly in a consistent orbital pattern, while the random orbital adds a random circular rotation to fracture the sanding pattern.

Finish Quality

• Orbital: Produces the smoothest, swirl-free finish.
• Random Orbital: Leaves a smooth finish but not quite as flawless as a regular orbital sander.

The predictable movement of an orbital sander gives it an edge for truly glassy smooth finishes. But a random orbital sander still leaves a pretty smooth surface considering its aggressive sanding abilities.

Sanding Aggressiveness

• Orbital: Not overly aggressive. Better for fine finish sanding.
• Random Orbital: Much more aggressive sanding action. Better for removing stock.

Random orbital sanders have a clear advantage when it comes to rapidly removing material. Their powerful motors and dual motion allows much heavier sanding.

Scratch Prevention

• Orbital: Consistent motion minimizes swirl marks and deep scratches.
• Random Orbital: Multi-directional pattern also prevents swirls and scratches.

While the orbital sander makes it a little harder to scratch the workpiece, both tools effectively minimize sanding marks due to their orbital actions.

Versatility

• Orbital: Mainly used for light finish sanding and detail work.
• Random Orbital: Can perform heavy stock removal or fine finish sanding.

Random orbital sanders have a wider range of uses from coarse to fine sanding. Orbital sanders excel at finer detailed sanding.

Control

• Orbital: Smoother, more consistent motion is easier to control.
• Random Orbital: The random action makes it slightly harder to control.

The pure orbital motion gives you more control over the sander. Random orbital sanders tend to be a bit more aggressive and harder to hold steady.

Cost

• Orbital: Less expensive on average.
• Random Orbital: Typically cost more than a comparable orbital sander.

Considering their increased abilities, random orbital sanders generally have a higher purchase price. Basic orbital sanders are very affordable.

Recommended Uses

Based on their characteristics and advantages, here are the ideal uses for each sander:

Orbital Sanders

• Fine finish sanding – final smoothing before finishing
• Detail and precision work
• Auto body sanding
• Wood furniture sanding – staining, painting
• Sanding between finish coats
• Crafts, small projects

Random Orbital Sanders

• Removing previous finishes – paint, stain, etc.
• Aggressive stock removal – fast smoothing
• Sanding warped boards flat
• Wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass
• Coarse sanding for shaping
• Drywall sanding
• Wood floor/deck refinishing

Conclusion

In summary, orbital and random orbital sanders both perform well but are ideal for different applications. If you need to aggressively remove material quickly, a random orbital sander is the clear choice. The dual-action motion cuts faster while still leaving a smooth surface.

For fine finish sanding and detail work, a standard orbital sander produces the best results. The oscillating orbital pattern gives an ultra-smooth finish for prepping surfaces before staining or other finishing steps. The controlled movement also allows for precision work.

Many woodworkers and DIYers often own both an orbital and random orbital sander to cover all their projects. But if choosing only one, pick the random orbital for more versatility in a single tool. Or go for the orbital sander if purely focused on finish sanding needs.

Whichever model you select, be sure to use the proper grit sandpaper and remove dusts often for optimal performance. Taking light passes and avoiding excessive pressure will also maximize a smooth sanded surface.

Orbital Sander vs Random Orbital Sander Comparison Table

	Orbital Sander	Random Orbital Sander
Sanding Motion	Oscillating orbital motion	Combined oscillating orbital and random rotational motion
Finish Quality	Ultra smooth, swirl-free finish	Very good finish but not as perfect as orbital
Aggressiveness	Light cut for finish sanding	Much more aggressive stock removal
Scratch Prevention	Consistent pattern minimizes scratches	Random pattern also minimizes scratches
Versatility	Mainly finish sanding	Finish sanding to coarse sanding
Control	Smoother motion for control	Random action harder to control
Cost	Less expensive	Higher price on average

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between orbital and random orbital sanders?

The main differences are the sanding motion and aggressiveness. Orbital sanders have an oscillating circular motion for smooth finish sanding. Random orbital sanders add a random rotation for much more aggressive stock removal while still minimizing scratches.

Which sander leaves the best finish – orbital or random orbital?

Standard orbital sanders leave the most flawless, swirl-free finish. The consistent orbital movement evens out the sanding pattern. Random orbital sanders still leave a very good finish but orbital sanders are better optimized purely for finishing needs.

Can a random orbital sander be used for fine finish sanding?

Yes, a random orbital sander can be used effectively for final finish sanding in many cases. The key is to use good technique – very light pressure, proper sanding grits, and cleaning dust buildup. While the finish may not be quite as perfect as with an orbital sander, random orbitals can produce very smooth surfaces.

What grit sandpaper do you use with orbital and random orbital sanders?

For orbital sanders, 120-220 grit papers are common for final finish sanding. Random orbital sanders can use anywhere from 40 grit for coarse work up to 220 grit for final sanding. Match the right abrasive grit to the task.

Are orbital or random orbital sanders better for woodworking?

Orbital sanders excel at the finish sanding stage before applying stains and finishes. Random orbital sanders are great for tasks like sanding lumber smooth, removing old finishes, and flattening boards. Many woodworkers use both sanders.

Can you use an orbital sander for removing paint and stains?

In some cases an orbital sander may work, but it will be very slow. Random orbital sanders are much better suited for removing old finishes. The aggressive dual-action movement cuts through paints and stains much faster while still smoothing the wood.

Is an orbital or random orbital sander better for drywall sanding?

Random orbital sanders are highly effective for drywall sanding. Their rapid stock removal abilities allow you to smooth drywall seams and patches quickly. Some orbital sanders may lack the power for heavy drywall work.

What size of orbital or random orbital sander should I get?

For most general sanding, a 5″ model is ideal. Smaller 3-4″ sanders allow access in tight areas. Larger 6-8″ models are best for extensive stock removal over large surfaces like decks. Purchase the size appropriate for your most common tasks.