Best Palm Sanders (Things to Consider When Choosing)

Published on: January 22, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

Sanding is the easiest and simplest part of woodworking. It doesn’t require so much skill or experience. If you have got the right tool, you’ll give a smooth finish to your project.

However, you’ll find a number of varieties while buying a sander, among all palm sanders are comparatively handy to work with. Because with them you can have more control over your work.

Though it is not so complicated to choose a palm sander for your job if you have a list of the best quality products and the best sanders’ features, it’d be the easiest task.

Don’t worry!

You’ll find lots of reviews and guidelines regarding that.

You can also check this guideline to know the details about palm sanders.

Hope this will help you to choose the best one for your project.

Types of Palm Sander

There are different types of palm sanders available in the market. So it’d be better if you know about palm sanders before buying one for yourself. The available types are-

Electric Palm Sander

Electric power sanders make the sanding job much simpler also you can complete the job without using any elbow grease. While using an electric power palm sander you need to keep the sander moving because if you don’t keep it moving, it will over the sand in one place.

Air Palm Sander

Air palm sanders are self-vacuuming and you can do excellent sand without exhaustion. It stimulates your hand movement which gives you an almost scratch-free, swirl-free finish, also you can have a good grip for the highest convenience & control.

Related Resource: Top Rated Handheld Belt Sanders [Must Read]

Things to Consider When Choosing Palm Sanders

Though the list of palm sanders we’ve mentioned above is the best in the market, you must know how to select the right one for you. By knowing the features of a good quality palm sander, you can compare them with the specific sander features and match them with your requirements then easily make a decision.

So we’ve listed some basic features of a good quality palm sander in this part of the buying guide, they are-

Ease of Changing Sandpaper

If you need to change the sandpaper of your sander by stopping your work for a long time, you won’t be able to finish your project on time. So you should choose a sander that has an easy and convenient sandpaper replacement process.

Sanding Performance

We know that the bigger the motor, the better the performance. Because a large motor has enough power to handle the job. Also, you can get the best result without applying a lot of pressure. But in my opinion, while buying a palm sander, look for smooth operation and less vibration to avoid discomfort and numbness.

Dust Collection

Yes, for all sanders, it is necessary to have a nice dust collection system. Because sanders produce a lot of dust during the process which can increase your health risk as you may inhale them.

The good news is that modern palm sanders come with a wonderful dust collection system that lessens the health risk and you’ll be able to clean up easily.

So choose the model with a built-in dust collection system that uses its fan to collect the dust through the sandpaper’s holes and throw them into the dust collection bag.

Ergonomics

This is another important feature you need to look for while buying a palm sander for your project. Most of the sanders have a twin body system with which you will hold them either at the top or at the waist. This design helps you to change your grip, and you’ll have less fatigue. In short, if the sander has an over-mold rubber, you’ll have a comfortable grip & minimum vibration.

Orbits Per Minute

You should check orbits per minute to know what type of surface the sander will be able to deal with. For example, hardwoods need more power to sand. For this, you’ll need more orbits per minute.

However, not all of your projects need 14000 orbits per minute, but some may need it. Many sanders can operate under the maximum threshold but can’t go higher. So you should be careful about choosing one with a high OPM.

Pressure Detector

If your sander comes with a pressure detector, it will notify you with a sensor light or vibration in case of excess pressure. Though an experienced one may not need that feature, it is very much useful for a beginner or newbie. Because if you are a little bit careless with your sander, it can cause serious damage to your workpiece.

Power Source

Get started with choosing the power source of the palm sanders: 

• Corded Palm Sander.
• Cordless Palm Sander.

Corded Sander	Cordless Sander
It is more stable and has a strong performance.	These powered sanders eliminate the need to handle a cord.
There is nothing to worry about if you run out of sand in the middle of your project.	It can be easily used when the project is out and away from accessible outlets.
This sander can be efficient and efficient, never running out of energy or slowing down in orbit every minute less than needed.	If these sanders have low power, it is difficult to maintain orbit per minute level, it is better to switch to extra power brakes.
For projects in a shed, a garage, or a basement workshop corded sanders will more often than not be the most ideal choice.	Cordless Sanders also wins in strategy.
A corded sander can be used in any workshop site that has electricity.	It also costs a lot to replace a dead battery.

Quick Solutions

Is an Orbital Sander Better Than a Palm Sander?

Lower grit, higher power

Bigger and more powerful, orbital sanders typically use sandpaper within the 80-160 grit range. Compared to other power sanders, they’re fragile flowers. Compared to the palm sander, however, they’re big and brutish.

Orbital sanders are a touch costlier than palm sanders.

What Makes Hand Sanders a Better Choice Compared to Palm Sanders?

When it comes to hand sander comparison, one of the main advantages is the ability to cover larger surface areas more quickly. Hand sanders are also more versatile, allowing for different types of sandpaper to be used, providing the user with more control and efficiency in the sanding process.

What Are Palm Sanders Used for?

Palm sanders work well for several sanding jobs, and you’ll buy a good one for less than $50. Delayed mind that though it’s an influence tool, a palm sander still requires manual movement and frequent paper switching. Use one for small- or medium-size projects, like resurfacing furniture or removing paint from plywood.

Can You Sand a Floor With a Palm Sander?

Palm sanders even have the additional advantage of getting a square edge, which will be wont to sand right into the ground’s corners. With this sander, the matter is that it still doesn’t cut the mustard in terms of power and aggressiveness. Again, if you select to use this sander, steel yourself against an extended hard slog.

View Our Selected Top 5 Palm Sanders-

1. DWE6411K 1/4 Sheet Palm Sander by DEWALT

• Paper size: 4 ½ ” x 5 ½” ;
• Power: 2.3 amp;
• No-load speed: 14000 OPM;
• Weight: 2.8 lbs;
• Package includes DWE6423 sander, dust bag, carrying bag, warranty card, etc.

With a lightweight body, vibration-free operation, and a comfortable grip, this Dewalt palm sander is the ultimate tool for projects where long-term sanding is required. The highest speed is 14000, which makes this sander one of the most powerful of its kind. The power comes from a 2.3 amp dust-protected motor.

Operating this machine is quite comfortable. The grip is well-balanced, and the power switch is also conveniently located. The barely there vibration makes it ideal for prolonged use. The attached cloth dust bag and O ring adapter complete the dust collection system and the collection is very effective.

It is a ¼ palm sander; changing paper is a breeze in it. All the features didn’t make it an expensive deal. In fact, the price seemed reasonable as well.

Things We Liked

• Lightweight;
• Long warranty;
• Powerful;
• Minimum vibration;
• Effective dust collection.

Things We Didn’t Like

• No cons.

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2. Hi-Spec 2A 240W Palm Sander

• Weighing a maneuverable: 1.35kg;
• Power: 2 amp;
• No-load speed: 12, 000 OPM;
• Weight: 3.55 pounds;
• Diameter Size: 125mm/5-inch available. 

Our second-best pick is an orbital palm sander. Rather than an oscillating motion, it uses orbital motion, so the result is a superior finish compared to oscillation sanders. 

This sander is compatible with both clip and stick-type papers. So, you have the freedom to choose according to your convenience.

The dust collection is okay, but the collection bag is very small. The small bag makes sanding easier in the corners, though it requires emptying more often. 

The speed is impressively high and takes only seconds to leave a sleek finish on wood, metal, or any surface.

For a high-quality sander, the price asked for is very low. In fact, it is also backed by a warranty, a year of free service, and a money-back guarantee. 

So, there is no chance of regret in purchasing this tool.

Things We Liked

• Cheap price;
• High speed;
• Takes both clips on and sticks them on paper;
• Uses orbital motion for a sleek finish.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Small dust bag.

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3. BO3710 1/3 Finishing Sander by Makita

• Paper size: 3 ⅔’’ x 9’’ ;
• Power: 1.7 amp;
• No-load speed: 11000 OPM;
• Weight: 3.3 lbs;
• The package includes the sander, paper, punch plate, and dust bag. 

Large projects require larger tools. ⅓ sanders cover larger areas compared to ¼ sanders at the same time. So, you will be able to save time and labor by using this sander from Makita. Other configurations are quite similar to ¼ sanders, only the paper size differs mostly.

It creates less speed because the motor is under 2 amps. Most of the ¼ sanders deliver 2 or above amperage to achieve high speed. On the other hand, the weight is as light as most ¼ sanders.

Its trigger and lock-on buttons make sanding easier than trigger-only sanders. You can sand for a longer time with more comfort. This sander is a high-quality one and is crazy expensive. So, I will recommend it only for professionals who do large projects on a regular basis. For daily use, this sander may seem fancy and large.

Things We Liked

• Large paper size for sanding large areas;
• Ergonomic construction;
• Dust protected;
• Easy to use.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Less powerful;
• Very expensive. 

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4. 7292-02 Palm Sander with Pressure Control Technology by SKIL

• Paper size:  4 IN. x 4-1/2 IN.” ;
• Input Voltage & Frequency: 120V;
• No Load Speed (r.p.m.): 14,000;
• Weight: 3 lbs;
• Power Source: Corded Electric;
• Input power (ampere) (watt): 2.

The package includes the sander, paper, punch plate, and dust bag. 

This palm sander is the best option to save the downtime of repeatedly checking the dust bag and cleaning up. In place of a dustbag, there is a see-through dust canister. So, you will know when it’s full without detaching it from the palm sander. A simple twist motion is all it takes to remove and attach it.

A pressure control technology is incorporated in this sander to save the sander and the sanding surface from overpressure. It indicates the pressure you are applying to it with LED lights. It is light and moderately powerful.

This sander’s price ranges from very cheap to overly expensive, depending on how many accessories you are ordering with it. Only the sander costs very little. Considering that, you are going to need several of these pieces quite frequently. And I don’t appreciate using demanding applications on a daily basis.

Things We Liked

• Clear dust container;
• Lightweight;
• Pressure control;
• Budget-friendly price.

Things We Didn’t Like

• Less powerful;
• Not for heavy use.

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5. ROS20VSC 5-inch Random Orbit Sander/Polisher by Bosch

• Paper size: 4 ½ ” x 5 ½” ;
• Power: 2.5 amp;
• Speed: 7,500-12,000;
• Weight: 3.5 lbs;
• The package includes the sander, disk, vacuum adapter, bag punch plate, and dust bag. 

Even the sanders from renowned brands become unusable when their hooks that keep paper in place break off. We ended up purchasing another sander while the features of the previous one were still working well. To minimize that incident, the hooks are made two times more durable than other sanders on the market. It was tested 35,000 times and remained intact.

The other feature involved is a clear dust canister with a microfilter to catch even the finest particles. It does its job surprisingly well, in fact, it becomes annoying at some point. It diminishes the hassle of cleaning up due to the terrible dust collection of cheaply made sanders but takes the time of cleaning up the microfilter itself.

However, the variable speed is useful for DIY projects. It will be the right choice for hobbyists for long-lasting clips, an amazing dust collection system, and a reasonable price.

Things We Liked

• Long-lasting hooks;
• Variable speed;
• Amazing dust collection;
• Clear dust container. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• Microfilter needs to be cleaned more often.

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Conclusion

Choosing the perfect palm sander mainly depends on the type of project you are working on. You’ll find a lot of variations of palm sanders available in the market. But to complete your project properly, you need the right one.

You can choose anyone from the list we’ve provided here. For your convenience, we’ve included their features, advantages, and disadvantages. You can simply check them, match them with your requirements and select the one that suits your job.

You can also check the tips to select the best one as it helps you to have a clear idea about palm sanders.

So get the one that is able to do your job properly and enjoy it.

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