Even with the invention and adoption of chalk paint, sanding is a process that is not fading away any time soon. Whether a piece of furniture is chalk painted or not, it will need to be refinished. With the latter option then, you will need to invest in a sander that is both effective and reliable to guarantee satisfactory results.
Here, read through for insights on the best sander for refinishing furniture. You will also learn about our budget and premium picks, key features and benefits, pros and cons, and also a buying guide to help you buy the best tool.
Top Rated Sanders for Refinishing Furniture. Our Picks
The Editor’s choice for the best sander for refinishing furniture is the Makita BO5041K 5" Random Orbit Sander. The tool assures the user of a mix of precision, advanced technology, and ease of use. It is ideal for both professionals and DIYers as it boasts of a 3.0 Amp motor and varying speeds of 4,000 – 12,000 OPM enough to match with the application.
Best Sanders for Refinishing Furniture Reviews
1. Editor choice: Makita BO5041K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit
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Specifications
Key Features
Features and Benefits
- If you are working in confined surfaces and corners, the Makita product has an adjustable front handle that makes it easy to work in such areas.
- The Makita BO5041K Sander Kit is also designed as the ideal tool for both professionals and DIYers. This is because it features a 3.0 amp motor that helps the user achieve smooth and fast sanding without much effort.
- The product will also be ideal if you are looking comfort while operating as it is fitted with an ergonomic rubberized palm grip and handle.
- The tool is ideal for people who are wary of sawdust or are allergic to it. Fitted with an efficient and through-the-pad dust collection system, it offers the most efficient dust collection. It can also allow a vacuum cleaner instead of a dust bag.
- If the user is looking for maximum productivity, the Makita tool offers all that since it is fixed with a pad brake.
- If the person operating it wants to match the sanding speed with the application, the tool makes that happen all thanks to its variable speed control dial. The dial allows them to switch between 4,000 (minimum) to a maximum of 12,000 OPM.
Pros
- Relatively cheap
- Firm and secure casing.
- Relatively fewer vibrations.
- Lightweight design which eases portability.
- Versatile
Cons
- The motor is relatively week.
- The speed dial would have been better if it had detents for firm grip.
2. Budget Pick: TACKLIFE (PSFS1A) 3 ×18-Inch Belt Sander
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Specifications
Key Features
Features and Benefits
- The Tacklife sander features a 5-Amp motor. This means it is equipped to tackle a range of tough jobs.
- The sander also comes with two screw clamps. The clamps allow the user to use it as a bench sander by flipping it over.
- If you are looking for efficient dust collection, Tacklife Tools has made the tool your perfect asset as it features an efficient system for up to 90% dust collection.
- It is also ideal for everyone who wants a soft yet firm grip as it features a new and improved soft-rubber that covers the overmold handle.
- The tool also features a low-profile design. This ensures to reduce fatigue to the user.
- If you desire for a tool that lets you control its speed, this tool is ideal since it features a variable speed control dial.
Pros
- Has two vacuum adapters which allow the user to collect the sawdust.
- Features a low-profile design which reduces user fatigue.
- Designed with a pair of clamps for attaching it to a workbench.
- Relatively cheap
- Reliable customer care.
- Variable speed control dial to match the speed with the application.
Cons
- Relatively slow
- Only effective for small jobs.
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3. Upgrade Pick: Bosch OS50VC 120-Volt 1/2-Sheet Orbital Finishing Sander
Specifications
Key Features
Features and Benefits
- The Bosch orbital finishing sander features an exclusive vibration control mechanism which ensures a comfortable grip, maximum comfort, and superior handling.
- The tool is also versatile in that it accepts stick-on paper which means you don’t have to wait for the ordinary sandpaper fixing.
- The product is also designed with a SheetLoc Supreme sandpaper attachment system. This ensures to pull regular sandpaper flat and tight.
- The product also features a rugged die-cast aluminum gear housing which means a long-life design. It also translates into reduced wobbling and vibration.
- The tool would also be ideal for anyone looking for versatility in dust collection as it has two options. The user can use the microfilter dust canister or connect a vacuum which means a cleaner and safer working environment.
- The tool is also designed with a variable speed control dial which allows the user to switch the speeds to match the application.
Pros
- Durable and powerful.
- Excellent dust control.
- Reliable customer care.
- Easy to use.
- Considerably quieter
Cons
The plastic casing is a bit weak.
4. Bosch Random Orbit 5 inch Sander/Polisher ROS20VSC
Specifications
Key Features
Features and Benefits
- The Bosch ROS20VSC random orbit sander/polisher features an integral pad dampening braking system. This ensures to prevent swirl marks.
- It is also designed with microcellular braking pad which means it’s made to deliver fine finishes.
- If you’re looking for versatility in speed, the tool is designed with a variable speed control dial. This means you can vary the speeds to match the workpiece and task.
- The product also has an optimal onboard dust collection system. This enables it to filter even the finest dust particles.
- It also features a soft-grip top and body which allows for maximum comfort.
Pros
- Variable speed dial for switching the speed to fit the circumstance.
- Ergonomic soft-grip top and body for maximum comfort and handling.
- Comfortable soft grip on the top and body.
Cons
- Slow start speed.
- The dust filter is a bit hard to clean.
5. BLACK + DECKER BDEMS600 Mouse Detail Sander
Specifications
Key Features
Features and Benefits
- The Black + Decker Mouse detail sander features a compact size. This allows the user to get through to tight spaces as well as maximize their control.
- The tool also has a 3-position grip which eases control and enhances use for many applications.
- Also fitted with a high-performance dust collection system with micro-filtration, the tool ensures you get a cleaner and safer working environment.
- The tool is also designed with contour attachments. The attachments ensure it can easily sand even curved surfaces.
Pros
- High speed of up to 16,000 OPMs.
- Considerably cheap
- Fit for tight spaces.
- High-performance dust collection.
- Sanding pad included.
- Sturdy design
- Relatively cheap
Cons
- Less powerful motor.
- Not efficient for large jobs.
Buying Guide
Even with a finely finished furniture, whether you used chalk paint or not, you will need to do more refinishing. The refinishing needs to be finer and without swirl makes. This calls for more than manual sanding or painting and looking for a good sander for refinishing furniture would come in handy to give you that fine refinishing.
If you are a professional, DIY home improver, or just doing it for fun, a refinishing sander would come in handy for your every need.
You can use it to small details, hidden spots, or surface preps. It is also ideal for sanding furniture legs, decorative items, tight corners, finishing intricate items, and getting spaces perfectly cleaning for painting or staining.
What is a furniture sander machine?
A sander is a power tool used to smoothen uneven or rough surfaces using sandpaper and the process of abrasion. The sandpaper is attached to the sander on top of the abrasive disc for mechanized sanding instead of the traditional and hand process. For benchtop disc models, they can be used for knife making.
The tool can be battery- or electric-powered and features a switch on/off lock to turn it on. Its other uses include sanding decks, refinishing tasks or drywall sanding.
Types of Sander Machines
If you’re looking for a tool to refinish your furniture, you can choose one from the following sander types:
Orbital Sander
An orbital sander has a rectangular or square base and rotates in tiny circles.
Random Orbital Sander
A random orbit sander has a circular sanding surface which moves in an ellipse. A specially designed sandpaper is attached to the machine using a hook- and loop system. The advantage about it is that you can move it in any direction since the disc moves in a circular motion There are corded and cordless models.
Detail Sander
The detail sander also referred to as a mouse sander is best at giving detailed results, as the name suggests. The tool is ideal for workpieces that have crannies, nooks, or carvings. The sandpaper for the detail sander is usually a triangular one which allows it to sand even the tiniest crevices.
Belt Sander
A belt sander, also called strip sander is a power tool that is used for shaping or finishing wood pieces and other materials. Its design consists of an electric motor, a pair of drums, and sandpaper. A continuous loop of the sandpaper is fixed on the drum and the motor’s work is to run the drum.
A belt sander is versatile in the mode of usage. It can be moved over the material by using hands or as a stationary tool by fixing it on a bench. The material to be sanded is passed over the sanding belt. it’s also very handy for sanding over a deck.
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How to Choose the Best Sander for Furniture
Choosing the best hand sander for wood and furniture calls for more than just knowing the brand you’re looking for. One needs to do due diligence and research thoroughly to avoid settling for anything that comes their way. The following are some of the important tips to consider:
1. The speed of the Sander
Among the top factors to consider while buying a sander is the speed. If you desire to work on a big project with speed and ease, then your choice would be a machine with a higher speed as well as the orbits per minute. The power of the motor should be based on your intended use too.
2. Power of the Sander
The power a sander produces determines its effectiveness. Also, the amount of power you will need a tool to produce will vary depending on the application. As such, it should be easy for you to make the right decision if you know the application at hand and the power it will require.
3. Your Safety First
Regardless of the tool, you are using, your safety comes first. If you're selecting a sander to buy, make sure to check and confirm all the necessary safety features are in place. Such components as dust bags or dust collection systems, pad brakes, ergonomic handles, and sealed switches are great components designed to keep the user safe.
4. The Design
The design of any tool should be one that offers the user optimum comfort and comfortable grip while serving them efficiently. As such, it wouldn’t cost you anything extra to have a feel of different models during the shopping process.
5. Dust Collection
When you’re doing refinishing, sawdust is bound to be produced. If it is not contained, it might be detrimental to your health and bring breathing complications. As such, you should ensure to check out the sanding machine that promises to collect much of the dust. A machine that can be connected to other dust collection or infiltration systems may also be better.
6. Type and Size of Sander
The surfaces and workpieces you need to sand should also guide you better. If you need a tool that can sand even the hidden corners, you should decide based on that need. The tool should also be one that can fit those spaces depending on how small they are.
7. Grit Rating
The sandpaper used is rated depending on the grit type. Each of them indicates the type, number, and rating as well as the job it is fit for. This should, therefore, be a good checklist while doing your shopping.
FAQs
Q. Does a sander come with components such as belts, dust bags, or sand paper? Or do I have to go and buy them?
A. Different sanders are packaged differently with some having extra components for free. A belt sander comes with one sander, and the user can buy more if they need to. The same applies to items like dust bags and sandpapers.
Q. What are the different types and grits of sandpaper?
A. The types include coarse, fine, and medium. The grit options could be 80, 100, 150, 180, up to 320.
Q. What’s the best speed to look for in a sander for refinishing furniture?
A. The speeds are dependent on the user’s needs, intentions, and the workpiece. As such, if you need more power and speed, a sander with higher oscillations and OPMs will be ideal.
What is the Best Sander for Refinishing Furniture: Our Pick
Our pick for the best sander for refinishing furniture is the Makita BO5041K 5" Random Orbit Sander It is the tool for any professional or DIYer who is looking for performance and great results without swirl marks when refinishing furniture. Whether it’s an old piece you want to refinish for painting or a new one that needs staining, the Makita tool gives it all.
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Our budget pick, the No products found. comes in second and is ideal for anyone operating on a tight budget. Despite its low cost, the Tacklife Tools product features a 5 amp motor and gives 560 RPMs. With its variable speed control feature, the user can switch the speeds to fit the task and workpiece.
If you are not curtailed by the budget, then our upgrade pick, the BOSCH OS50VC Electric Orbital Sander -... could be your best asset. It features a 2.5 Amp motor and a no-load OPM speed of 8,000 (minimum) – 11,000 (maximum).
References & Further Reading
- 5" Random Orbit Sander – Makita Tools
- Tacklife PSFS1A Belt Sander - TACKlife
- Half-Sheet Orbital Finishing Sander – Bosch Tools
- 5 In. Palm Random Orbit – Bosch Tools
- MOUSE® Detail Sander – Black Decker
- 11 Secrets for Sanding Wood Projects Like a Pro – Saws on Skates
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
