Last Updated on February 18, 2023
Sanding up your home floor? Trying to polish your car exterior? Or just want to give your office ceiling a smooth look? To any of these, you can use the best DA sander.
A dual-action sander is a super versatile and handy tool to sand all kinds of surfaces. They’re also ideal for commercial and home use. And you can get them for a very affordable cost.
But there’s a lot more to know about them. That’s why we’re going to make a brief yet helpful guide that will help you learn all there’s to know about DA sanders.
So, if you’re looking to buy one of these but don’t know what to look for – then this article is for you. Read further and learn why!
Best DA Sanders – Comparison
DA Sander VS Random Orbital Sander
The differences between DA sander and random orbital sander are very tiny, as most DIYers can’t identify them properly.
For your convenience, we have generated all the common differences between the DA sander and the random orbital sander.
DA Sander | Random Orbital Sander |
DA sander is a multi-functional and versatile hand tool that provides all the functions of a disk sander and belt sander, moving back and forward like the belt and rotary sander. | The random orbital sander is a handheld sander that features the oval or orbital movement of the head. |
Provides better versatility and power | Provides smoothness and accuracy |
Can cover up large area | Used for furniture’s, stairs, toy manufacturing, etc. |
Needs to move gently | Easy to maneuver |
Can put scratches on the surface | Hardly makes error |
Best for pro’s | Best for beginners’ |
By following these differences, you can identify your desired sander very easily.
Best DA Sander Reviews
So, do you know what a DA sander is? If yes, then let’s go over the 5 best models available out there. Here’s what each one of them offers:
1. Hutchins 4500 DA Super Sander
Specifications
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
- Dimensions: 24 x 12 x 12 inches
- Power: air-powered
- Warranty: 1 year Limited
The Hutchins 4500 is a pneumatic Super Sander that does everything effectively and without leaving a single thing to be desired.
It is a decently powered 6-inches sanding machine. At first, you’ll notice that it comes with a positive-action drive along with 4-special bearings. This ensures excellent performance at all times, without using much air. That means you won’t need much pneumatic power to get the most out of this sander.
Apart from that, it is still a low-profile model. You won’t have to worry about vibrations or too much noise when using. It makes sanding a piece of cake, as well as a pretty enjoyable experience.
The results will be amazing, still. You will get an over-sized drive head that promotes full-contact with surfaces. Any pad-wobble for full-contact sanding will be eliminated, so you can sand anything fast and effectively.
But it is not only the full-contact design that makes that possible but how easy it is to handle. You will get a custom handle option so you can control the machine without issues. Even in the hardest of angles, handling the sander will be effortless.
You can also add the flex-cover design, so you can grab the machine comfortably and prevent any stiff fingers. If you hate working with tools that numb down your hands, then you will love this one – because it offers none of that.
Overall, it leaves no space for low quality. If you want something to take your sanding to another level – the Hutchins 4500 Super Sander will not disappoint you.
- Decently powerful machine for effective sanding
- Low-profile design makes it enjoyable to use
- Comfy & easy-to-use design
- Top-notch sanding with full-contact head drive
- Hugely expensive
- Awkward speed-control thumbwheel design
2. DeWalt DWMT70780 Dual Action Sander
Specifications
- Speeds: 11000 RPM
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 6.2 x 3.5 inches
- Power: Pneumatic
- Warranty: 3 year Limited
This 6-inches dual-action sander boasts one of the most effective sanding procedures out there. Delivering up to 11,000 RPM, you can sand even the hardest of surfaces without problems. And if you need it, you can change the speed with the control dial, so you can make it work however you prefer.
It works directly with air pressure from a compressor through the 1/4-inches air inlet. This pushes the tool to provide consistent performance.
But the real advantage comes from how easy it is to handle. This sander comes with light aluminum construction, ideal to operate with ease – even for the hardest jobs. And with an ergonomic rubber handle, you can move it even more easily, no matter the situation.
You will get a touch control trigger to make it work in a breeze. And when it comes to changing the grit disc, you won’t have any problem either. A keyless release allows fast changes so you can get it working, depending on your desires.
Overall, it leaves no space for discomfort or difficult handling. Instead, you will get one of the most practical models out there, offering a simple and straightforward model. And for such an affordable price, it is a no-brainer.
- Decent power & speed for the cost
- Light &reliable aluminum build
- Simple operation with touch-control trigger
- Super easy keyless disc change
- Not the sturdiest sanding pad
- The small grip can be a little awkward to handle
3. Chicago Pneumatic CP870 Air Dual-Action Sander
Specifications
- Speeds: 10000 RPM
- Weight: 4.25 lbs
- Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.5 x 4.5 inches
- Power: air-powered
- Warranty: 1 year
It delivers an outstanding 10,000 RPM of total power along with a 0.5 HP motor. That’s enough to get even the toughest of jobs done.
But it is not the power only that works that way, but the rotary & orbital motion of every DA sander. This one, however, has a super-rapid removal of inconsistencies and a superb finishing capacity.
The machine still manages to work with 6-inches discs. That’s enough to cover a lot of space when sanding, no matter the type of surface.
Still, it is essential to note that it is not the size of the disc or the power it offers, but the power regulator that keeps it super easy to control. Along with a 4-pound design and a 1/4-inch air inlet – it won’t take much work to make this sander do its job.
Another exciting part to consider is the easy-to-use design. You get a lock-off throttle that prevents accidental starts, as well as an insulated grip, which provides extra comfort when using.
In short, this DA sander from Chicago Pneumatic makes it easy to enjoy a simple yet hugely reliable product in its entirety. If you want more than decent sanding, this is the tool to choose from.
- Powerful system at 0.5 HP and 10,000 RPM
- Easy-to-handle insulated grip
- Light build at only 4 pounds of weight
- The safe system with a lock-off throttle feature
- Disc slows down with pressure
- A little heavy build
4. Gedu Professional Air Random Orbital Palm Sander
Specifications
- Speeds: 12000 RPM
- Weight: 2.75 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.9 x 7.9 x 6.2 x 4.9 inches
- Power: air-powered
It is one of the most resilient and long-lasting models you can find despite its low price. Thanks to a 90 PSI working pressure along with 12,000 RPM of total sanding speed, you can expect it to work well every time.
Apart from its performance, you will also get a practical design overall. Its air inlet is the standard 1/4-inches design, yet it is the light build that makes it so amazing. Using heat-treated steel components and a plastic body, it weighs less than 3 pounds, so you can use it horizontally and over-head if needed.
The design also allows comfy handling. It boasts a hand & wrist support, so you don’t get tired quickly. And with the practical built-in regulator for speed, you won’t have any problem using it in the most difficult of jobs.
It works on all kinds of surfaces as well, including metal, wood, and plastic. Yet, it can also get rid of the weld, slag, rust, and other surface contaminants. If you want to make metal look impressive, this is the sander to go for.
Adding up the entire set of features makes it a super effective & convenient model to have. And with such a price, it has no competitor.
- Light & durable heat-treated steel & plastic build
- Excellent performance at 90 PSI and up to 12,000 RPM
- Easy-to-handle design with hand & wrist support
- Ideal for sanding & polishing metal
- Speed-control system is annoyingly sensible
- Produces a lot of noise
5. Presa Turbine All-in-One DA Sander
Specifications
- Speeds: 6800 RPM
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Dimensions: 18 x 8 x 8 inches
- Power: corded-electric
You can make it work with any 6-inches disc without problems. It actually comes with several pads to consider, including a hard pad, a soft pad, and a medium pad. That will be enough to get almost any polishing job done.
The machine is still decently powerful offering 6800 OPM in total. This adds up well to the soft-start system. It prevents any vibration and keeps the machine working consistently through entire operations. If you want something easy to control and ready to get the job done – this is the sander to go for.
Let’s not forget it also boasts an easy-to-use power switch. You can turn it off whenever you want with a simple turn of a switch – in seconds.
As for handling, you get a 3-position grip. It will help you achieve the proper place to start working with the machine on any surface. And with a horizontal side grip, you can install it either left or right, depending on what you’re doing. Also, being4.5 pounds of weight, it is effortless to handle.
It also boasts a 19.6-feet cord so you can connect it anywhere for extra convenience. And it comes with a Velcro strap, so you can manage the power cord with ease.
From its simplicity to its excellent potency – this machine performs amazingly well. If that sounds great for you – then don’t overlook it when buying.
- Electrical sanding for consistent performance
- Excellent 6800 OPM for effective sanding
- Easy-to-use with fast power switch & comfy grip
- Soft-start & vibration-free motor for extra control
- Super noisy performance
- Heavy & tricky to handle
6. Ingersoll Rand 311A 6-Inch Heavy-Duty Air Dual-Action Sander
Specifications
- Speeds: 6800 RPM
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 10.5 x 6.4 inches
- Power: Air- Powered
Unlike some of the sanders that are out there, this one comes with a motor that does not produce that much vibration. Alongside that, the built-in silencer that it features will make sure that it operates at a minimal amount of noise.
Apart from that, the motor that it packs inside comes with an innovative ball bearing. That ball bearing will ensure that it rotates in a balanced manner. The motor also comes with a dual-action pad to make sure the finish that you get is swirl-free.
Other than that, the housing that it features is of composite, which makes the unit extremely durable. It also comes with a built-in regulator that will allow you to adjust the speed.
- Operational noise is relatively low
- Motor exerts a minimal amount of vibration
- Exceptionally durable
- Features a speed control mechanism
- Has a ball bearing construction that is quite balanced
- Some units ship with a broken speed button
- Weight comparatively heavier
Benefits of a DA Sander
Let’s start by explaining why getting a DA sander is an excellent idea. First off, they work on practically any jobsite or work area. Whether it is a workshop, construction site, or even at home or office – they’re super versatile.
Secondly, DA sanders will sand almost any material. You can use them on concrete, paint, wood, metal, plastic, and all kinds of similar materials.
And thirdly, they’re super reliable and easy to use. You won’t have to worry about any danger when using one of these. And even if you don’t know how to use one – you can learn in just a few tries.
Buying Guide – How to Purchase the Best DA Sanders
You may find the perfect dual-action sander in the above list. But before you make a final choice, it is utterly recommended to know exactly what you’re going for. Here we explain the different factors to consider before doing so:
Type
You will find two kinds of DA sanders: the electric-powered model and the pneumatic or air-powered sander. Both have their ups and downs.
For example, an electric-powered model has the chance to work freely without the connection of a hose or compressor. It delivers decent sanding performance, but it is not powerful enough for sanding metals or difficult surfaces. Luckily, they’re easy to handle and pretty convenient.
As for pneumatic models, you’ll find them usually more powerful and ideal for challenging tasks. The problem is that they’re harder to use, handle, and prepare. They’re most suitable for people with experience, as the learning curve tends to be steep with them.
Speed
The speed refers to how fast the sanding disc or pad moves. This will tell the user how much sanding you can get out of the machine. It is important to note that this speed is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). Here, we recommend no less than 10,000 RPM if you want a decent experience.
Orbit or Disc Size
The size of the pad is another crucial factor to consider. It will tell you the area that the machine will sand around. The most common orbit size is about 6 inches. Most models come with this size because it is ideal for most operations, both small and large.
But you may also find small discs of about 4 and 5 inches or up to 8 inches for the largest ones.
Ease of Use
Something that adds extra practicality to DA sanders comes directly to how easy it can be to use. We usually recommend models that come with comfy handles and grips, as well as light designs of about 2 to 3 inches, and practical controls.
Other exciting features to consider that make a sander easier to use are vibration dampeners and well-positioned air exhausts. A dampener helps to prevent dangerous vibrations, which increases effectiveness. And a proper air exhaust prevents discomfort when handling.
Durability
Lastly, consider the durability of the piece. This comes directly from the construction. We can’t recommend metal builds enough. Especially if it is steel, that’s the best material to go for. But materials like aluminum or cast-iron are not bad either. They’re just not as durable or light to use.
Plastic bodies are not the best out there, but may also handle the job well enough. They won’t be as durable, though. Choose accordingly, and you’ll get a durable-enough sander for your needs.
FAQ About Dual Action Sander
Finding the perfect DA sanding machine takes a lot of thinking. And sometimes, that produces many doubts. With this following section, we want to solve some of them.
Q: What does grit disc mean in sanding?
A: The grit disc, pad, or orbit refers to the part that connects to the sander and grits the surfaces. It is a gritty component that has the purpose of moving in circles to providing the sanding effect of the machine.
Q: Can I change the grit disc of my DA sander?
A: Yes, all pads are changeable. Most of them tend to wear off over time, so it is necessary to replace them.
Q: Is it necessary to do any maintenance to a DA sander?
A: Yes, it is often recommended to use lubrication oil on the machine to keep it working correctly. It is also necessary to keep it clean and prevent any debris from entering the air inlet to prevent clogging. Furthermore, cleaning the muffler, sanding disc, and other parts is necessary after every use.
Q: What is the DA short for?
A: The full meaning of DA for tools is “Dual-actions” which means the head can move backward and forward easily.
Q: What is a DA sander used for?
A: The DA sander is one of the most versatile tools, features both disk and belt sander functions, and can move backward and forward at the sanding. This means you can use it for all kinds of sanding and buffing.
Q: How many CFM do I need for a DA sander?
A: With the CFM, PSI should be considered as well! For sanding, you need to run the sander at 10 to 13 CFM and 90 PSI whether the surface is metal or wooden.
Q: What type of sander is best for car bodywork?
A: For car bodywork, you should go for the random orbital sander. As it has variable speed, provides smooth finishing on the surface, and has less chance to make errors, making it a good option for car bodywork.
So, What Should You Buy
If you want quality, then you’ll want to go for the right model. In that case, we would recommend the DeWalt DWMT70780 Dual Action Sander as the best choice. It is affordable, practical, and reliable. For experienced or beginners alike, it will work well enough.
Otherwise, you can go for the cheapest Gedu Professional Air Random Orbital Palm Sander. It will be a perfect choice if you’re a beginner and comes at a fantastic cost.
Finding out which model is the best DA sander is not going to be easy. But if you take into account all our advice & recommendations – then you’ll get there eventually. Just make sure to pick something that matches your needs, and you’ll be ready to tackle any sanding job.
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