Orbital Sander Vs Palm Sander: A Comprehensive Comparison
In the world of DIY and woodworking, sanders are indispensable tools. They help in smoothing out rough surfaces and preparing materials for further treatment like painting or varnishing. In this blog post, we will delve into a detailed comparison between two popular types of sanders – the Orbital Sander and the Palm Sander.
While both these tools serve similar purposes, they have distinct features that make them suitable for different tasks. Understanding their differences can help you choose the right tool for your project. We will discuss their design, functionality, usage scenarios, pros and cons to give you a thorough understanding of each tool.
What is an Orbital Sander?
An orbital sander is a handheld power tool used for sanding wood or other materials. It gets its name from its sanding pad’s motion – it moves in tiny orbits or circles at high speed to remove material from the surface being worked on.
The orbital sander typically uses square or rectangular sanding pads which allow it to reach corners easily making it perfect for most flat surfaces. The rapid circular motion ensures that no single part of abrasive material travels the same path twice during any rotation which results in a fine finish without visible swirl marks.
What is a Palm Sander?
A palm sander also known as finish sander is another type of handheld power tool used primarily for finishing work because they provide ultra-smooth finishes on wood surfaces before applying paint or varnish.
Palm Sanders are usually smaller than orbital sanders and fit comfortably into your hand (hence named ‘palm’ sander). These tools use quarter-sheets of standard-sized sandpaper sheets clamped onto their flat square pads which vibrate in small orbits to create an even smooth surface.
Differences Between an Orbital Sander and a Palm Sander
Now that we understand what each tool is, let’s look at their key differences:
Power and Efficiency
Orbital sanders are generally more powerful than palm sanders. They have larger motors, higher OPM (orbits per minute) ratings, and can remove material faster. This makes them more suitable for heavy-duty tasks or projects that require quick removal of material.
On the other hand, palm sanders are less aggressive in removing material which makes them ideal for fine finishing work where you need a smooth surface without damaging the underlying material.
Size and Weight
As mentioned earlier, palm sanders are usually smaller and lighter than orbital sanders. This makes them easy to maneuver especially on smaller pieces or intricate shapes. The compact size also allows for precision work which is often needed in finish carpentry or furniture making.
Meanwhile, orbital sanders being larger can cover more surface area quickly but might be cumbersome to use on small pieces or tight spaces.
Sanding Pads & Paper
Orbital Sanders typically use hook-and-loop (Velcro) system for attaching the square/rectangular pads while Palm Sanders use clamps to hold quarter-sheets of standard-sized paper. The former system allows easy changing of pads but specific sizes/types might be expensive compared to regular sheets used by palm sander which can be cut from any standard-sized paper thus offering cost savings over time.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between an orbital sander vs a palm sander ultimately comes down to your specific needs:
– If you frequently undertake large projects requiring quick removal of material then an Orbital Sander with its power & efficiency would be your best bet.
– If you do fine woodworking projects requiring smooth finishes then a Palm Sander with its precision & control would be more suitable.
Remember, each tool has its place in a well-equipped workshop. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses will help you make the most of these versatile tools. Happy Sanding!
