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Choosing the perfect portable electric sander

Electric portable sanders are indispensable to carry out sanding jobs quickly. Each model can be used for different tasks according to its shape, size or operating principles. Find the one that best suits your needs!

Operating principles of electric sanders

The sanding action of portable electric sanders is based on one of the following three principles: oscillation, elliptical rotation, and reciprocal motion.
  • Oscillation: the oscillating motion of sheet sanders is always in the same direction; micro-oscillation is often confused with vibration. This movement is associated with sheet sanders.
  • Elliptical Movement and Rotation: The sandpaper disk spins while moving in an elliptical pattern. This elliptical movement is associated with random orbit sanders.
  • Reciprocal: The motor in a belt sander vibrates in a reciprocating movement, running the sandpaper clamped to a rectangular base in a straight line, backward and forward motion.

Anatomy of a Sander

Understanding a sander's main components and their usage will allow you to make better use of the tool.
Note: Certain features may not be available on all models.

1- Trigger Lock

The trigger lock allows you to keep the sander locked in the ‘on' position without having to manually depress the trigger, freeing up your hands to focus on guiding and controlling the sander.

2- Handle

There are two types of handle: the palm-held and pistol grip. The palm-held fits snugly into the palm of the hand. You'll find this handle on smaller orbital and sheet sanders, and also on detail sanders.

The belt sander and larger-model sanders come equipped with both a pistol-grip handle and palm-held handle or right/left mounted or “D” grip handle in front for a secure two-handed grip.

3- Trigger Switch

To start the motor, you need to depress the trigger switch. Certain sanders have a sealed switch which keeps dust from getting into the switch, prolonging the life of the machine.

4- Dust Collector Container (or Bag)

Most sanders are equipped with an integrated dust collector bag or container, a vacuum connection or both. It keeps the work environment clean and prolongs the life of the machine.

5- Clamping Mechanism

This is the mechanism that holds the sandpaper on the pad; it varies according to model-type.

6- Pad

Finish quality is enhanced on sheet and orbital sanders with the use of a soft backing pad to hold the sandpaper. The pliable pad on sheet sanders in particular ensures a smooth, fine finish on flat or contoured surfaces. It may have a perforated design for use with a dust extractor, in which case you need perforated sandpaper, which you can buy pre-drilled or perforate yourself using the hole-punching plate supplied with the sander.

7- Counterweight System

The counterweight system is found in some models with a palm-held handle; it reduces the tool's vibrations and provides increased comfort and control.

Types of sanders

Find the right sander for the job, from stripping large surfaces to finishing sanding

Random orbit sander

Features:
  • Power rating of 1.4 A to 2 A
  • Elliptical and rotary movement
  • Velcro or self-adhesive attachment system
  • 5" – diameter paper

Benefits:
  • Ultra-smooth sanding with practically no scratching; produces the best finish
  • Two changes of paper grit size for the final finishing, saving time
  • Quick and efficient paper changes

Usage:
  • Small or medium-size surfaces
  • Finishing sanding
  • Not intended for planing
  • Not suitable for inside corners

Finishing and sheet sander

Features:
  • Power rating of 1.2 A to 2.3 A
  • The 1/4- sheet sander generally has a more powerful motor than the 1/3 – sheet sander, to better respond to pressure over a smaller surface
  • Oscillating motion
  • Available in the ¼ sheet version (small - square) and 1/3 sheet (large - rectangular)
  • Front/rear clamp or Velcro attachment system

Benefits:
  • Works well in corners
  • Produces a smooth, soft and uniform finish
  • Quick and efficient paper changes
  • The most versatile

Usage:
  • Medium to large surfaces (i.e. plywood sheets, tabletops)
  • Ideal for flat surfaces, but can also be used on slightly rounded surfaces
  • Pre-finishing or finishing sanding, or light stripping
  • Suitable for removing paint, rust, varnish, bulges and scratches
  • Requires 5 to 6 changes in sandpaper grit size prior to final finishing, and therefore more time and handling
  • Sand with the wood grain for a smooth and soft finish.
  • Sand against the grain to remove matter more quickly. This produces a rougher sanding surface and the final finishing takes longer to obtain.

Detail sander

Features:
  • Power rating of 0.3 A to 1.8 A
  • Oscillating motion
  • Triangular shape (like an iron)
  • Velcro or self-adhesive attachment system
  • Interchangeable pads

Benefits:
  • Can be used in hard-to-reach spots and corners
  • Can sand curves
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to manoeuvre
  • Quick and efficient paper changes

Usage:
  • Small surfaces
  • Finishing and light stripping
  • Ideal for flat surfaces, but can also be used on slightly rounded surfaces
  • Corners, between chair bars, staircase bars, shutters, shelf edges
  • To remove rust, paint and varnish

Belt sander

Features:
  • Power rating of 4.5 A to 12 A
  • Adjustable speed
  • Equipped with a system that helps keep the belt in alignment
  • Available in 4 sizes:
    - 2.5" x 16" and 3" × 18": lighter models
    - 3" × 21": very stable model without being heavy, a favourite with carpenters.
    - 3" × 24": heaviest model, stable, for more demanding jobs
    - 4" × 24": ideal for big jobs, like removing patio paint
  • The larger the belt and bigger the motor, the heavier the sander
  • Two types of motor:
    - Transverse: located on top of the sander. Models with this type of motor can be equipped with bigger motors, producing more power and faster execution; the more common of the two
    - Parallel: smaller, since the motor is parallel to the belt and space is limited; easier to control

Benefits:
  • Aggressive sanding
  • Very fast
  • Removes a lot of material easily
  • Certain models are designed to be turned upside down to become bench sanders

Usage:
  • For large surfaces, .e. tabletops, plywood sheets, patios (to paint a deck or install a kitchen counter, for example)
  • For rough sanding jobs, pre-finishing, stripping, and planing
  • Removing paint, varnish and rust
  • More difficult to control than other sanders
  • For horizontal use
  • Do not apply pressure; the weight of the tool itself is sufficient
  • User beware: any loss of control may result in a gouged or damaged surface

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