Last Updated on October 24, 2021
Sanders is used for giving the best possible finish to your furniture, and sanding is a process that has been around for a while, and even with the invention of newer processes like chalk paint, it’s still going strong.
Sometimes even if you have furniture that was chalk painted, you will need to refinish it. You will need to get a sander that gets you effective results for refinishing.
The best sander for furniture refinishing is the one that best suits your needs. There are many types of sanders available in the market, and we will look at some of their pros and cons to give you the best possible options to make a decision.
Best Sanders for Furniture Refinishing – Comparison
5 Best Sander for Furniture Refinishing
Different jobs need different types of sanders, so it is important to know what to purchase. In this section, we’ll describe the finest sanders for furniture refurbishing. Read on to find more about them.
1. Makita BO4556K Finishing Sander with Case
Key Features
- Motor: 2 AMP
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 4.4 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
The Finishing Sander from Makita has multiple features along with fast and smooth performance. It is ideal for woodworking and finishing. The tool comes with a convenient case for easy storage. This model weighs 2.5 lbs only, making it easy to work with. The motor is a 2 AMP one delivering 14,000 OPM for fast sanding work.
There is significantly lesser noise and vibration on the device thanks to its all-ball bearing design.
Working with the Makita sander is easy thanks to its palm grip. The rubberized design is perfect for having proper control over the device while providing great comfort. As a result, this one is considered as the best hand sander for refinishing furniture thanks to this feature.
And there are also features to prevent dust from getting everywhere. The Makita has a rubber sealed switch to keep dust at bay. There is a ‘Through the pad’ dust collecting system as well, with 6 holes under the pad that collects the dust inside a handy dust bag.
Another feature worth mentioning is the paper installation system. Large paper clamps make it easy and convenient to get the job done.
- The machine is durable with the use of the dust-proof rigid aluminum foot
- Dual counterweight balance system for reduced vibration
- Convenient dust bag under the pad
- Large paper clamps for easy installation
- The dust bag can’t contain a lot and needs repeated changing
- Paper punch plate can’t make clean holes, so you need to use scissors or knife instead
2. DEWALT DWE6411K Palm Sander
Key Features
- Motor: 2.3 AMP
- Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 10 inches
- Weight: 4.2 lbs
- Warranty: 3 year
Included are the sander, a dust bag, a paper puncher, and a carrying bag. There is also a paper clamp feature for easy paper installation. The model has improved design for paper clamps, which ensures better retention.
There is a 2.3 AMP motor with a sanding power of 14,000 OPM. The machine has a smooth rubber texture to ensure good grip and control for sanding. You’ll find a height adjustment option, which lets the user get closer to work.
And the sander has a separate counterweight, which helps in reducing the vibration. This, in turn, helps in making the device easier to work with.
Working longer hours while the sander vibrates away is not easy, and this particular device took that into account. This makes the DeWalt the best sander to furniture refinish if you plan to work for longer hours at a time.
Moreover, the sander has a locking dust port system for locking the vacuum hose up. There is a rubber dust boot covering the switch. This helps in keeping the tool working for a long time.
- Improved paper clamp system for easy paper installation
- A foam pad for using on the flatter planes
- Locked dust port system
- Low vibration thanks to a separate counterweight system
- No option of customization without buying other DEWALT products
- Dust bag falls off on a vertical surface when it is filled only 1/3
3. Bosch GSS20-40 Orbital Finishing Sander
Key Features
- Speeds: 2 AMP
- Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 6.7 inches
- Weight: 2.7 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
The Bosch device has an aluminum-made sanding plate. This ensures even sanding, as well as long-lasting results. All your woodworking projects will have perfect finishing touches, thanks to the precise sanding plate. The sander has a dust collection option for a better working environment.
Bosch GSS20-40 comes with a microfilter dust canister attached with a screw-off cap system. All kinds of dust, be it coarse or fine particles, will get extracted thanks to its ‘Through the pad’ system, which is quite efficient. The canister needs to be emptied frequently during work.
Working for longer hours at a stretch becomes a chore when a sander vibrates too much. The Bosch has a soft-grip instead, which was specifically designed with this in mind. This provides both low vibration and better control with a stable grip to the user. Using the device for longer hence becomes comfortable.
Moreover, the sander has a clamp and pad design. This lets the user use a stick-on paper, as well as multiple sanding sheets at once. The tool has a flush sanding feature, meaning the user can use the sander for multiple applications, depending on the particular project.
- Considerably less noisy than most other sanders
- Lightweight and easy to use with small strokes
- Easy sandpaper replacing
- On/off switch is conveniently located for easy reach
- Need to cut the sandpapers to fit unless you buy a specific size
- Small base is not suitable to work in large areas
4. BLACK+DECKER Mouse Detail Sander
Key Features
- Speeds: 1.2 AMP
- Dimensions: 10.2 x 4.6 x 5.4 inches
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Warranty: 2 years
This sander can easily fit into tight spaces thanks to the added finger attachment, so if you are working with projects that need to reach the crooks and crannies, this will be the best option for you. The motor is a powerful one with 1.2 AMP and the capacity to refinish with 14,000 OPM.
It gets the maximum job done within a short time, so you don’t need to spend the entire day sanding one place only.
And the device comes with finger attachment and sanding pads for a better grip. Finger attachment can be interchanged to use when it gets harder to reach some places. It has a 3-position grip feature for tight control on the device. The tool weighs 2.8 lbs, so you should be able to use it for longer hours under most circumstances.
Of course, everyone’s body is different, and you might lack in stamina, but even so, you should be able to use the BLACK+DECKER sander with ease due to its lesser weight. The compact body added to the low standing legs is perfect for easy operating.
Also, the sander is also capable of keeping your working area dust-free and clean, thanks to its high performing micro-filtration feature.
- Compact size for ease of use
- Extra finger attachment to get into all the crooks and crannies
- 3-position grip feature for better control of the device
- Sandpaper with Velcro attachment makes replacing them easier
- The plastic area around the finger attachment part is not durable
- Dust collecting attachment is not connected securely to the unit
5. Bosch Palm Sander – Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander
Key Features
- Speeds: 2.5 AMP
- Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 6 inches
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
And the tool has the HOOKTIGHT disc attachment technology of Bosch for firm gripping of the disc while in use. This attachment has over 35,000 long hooks. The disc attachment is easy to use. It works the same as Velcro and sticks the sanding pads to the sander with ease.
One of the coolest features of the sander is that it has a variable speed control option. Not all projects are the same, and Bosch understands that users need that variable options to control the speed.
It is adjustable from 7,500 to 12,000 OPM. The single-speed is at 12,000 OPM, and the user can either dial-up or down to adjust the speed. It weighs 3.5 pounds, so it is easy to use. The sanding work done by the tool is one of the best available on the market.
Alongside this, the tool has a soft grip top, and the body is comfortable as well. This ensures that the user can use different grips while working. Using a single grip can lead to fatigue from discomfort, and this tool frees the user from that.
Also, the device has a built-in microfilter in it, so it is capable of catching particles as small as ½ micron. Dust canister makes sure that there is not too much dust flying around while the device is on use. The canister twists off easily, so cleaning out the dust is easy while working.
- Convenient disc attachment
- Variable speed options
- Easy-to-detach dust canister
- Multiple grip options
- No rotational speed options
- Sandpaper pads do not stick after a couple of uses
Buyer’s Guide
Now that you have some ideas about how some popular sanders work, it is time to decide what to look for before making the final decision.
Power
Find out how the sander is powered. There are 2 types:
- Corded
- Cordless or battery operated
The source of power does impact the sander’s capability, as well as its weight. Cordless or battery-operated sanders are heavier because of the weight of the battery. They are less powerful comparatively as well. But if you need portability, then this is the one you should get. Ultimately, it comes down to your own needs and comfort.
Base Plate
This is very important for getting a good finish on flat surfaces. You attach sanding papers to the base plate, which is what is used for sanding. Most sanders come with either hook and loop or the clamping system. There are some models with stick on paper option as well.
Newer models have base holes to ensure dust removal, which in turn makes lesser scratches on the surface.
The foam portion of this part wears off after a while. After this, you need a replacement. Alternatively, you can buy a new sander. Take this into consideration before making the device purchase. Replacing sometimes can be quite expensive too.
Dust Collection
Most newer models of sanders have some sort of dust collecting feature in them. Some have microfilter dust canister, some have dust bags, while some have vacuum attachment. There are holes in the base for collecting sawdust.
No matter what type you choose, make sure to do proper research to find out the durability, replacement process, cleaning process, etc.
Variable Speed Option
Some sanders have the option to choose between a certain range of speed, while others don’t. Usually, the compact ones don’t have this option, so choose whether you need easy portability or variable speed for different projects.
Grip
Different sanders have different types of grips and handles. The rubberized ones are the most comfortable for handling. Smaller sanders are generally used while holding them on the top. Some can even be held by wrapping the whole body.
Bigger sanders come with a barrel grip handle for more control. Some random orbital sanders also feature an additional one in the front part.
Vibration
All sanders will vibrate no matter what, but some do it more than the others. If you want to work for long hours on projects, then it is important to put some thought into this factor. Working for long with a sander that vibrates a lot is going to create a tingling on the hands.
Moreover, it can lead to fatigue. So do your research properly before choosing on a sander regarding vibration.
It might cost a little extra to get a sander that doesn’t vibrate much compared to another that does more, but that extra cost is worth it if you work long hours. Of course, if you only work on projects that don’t take long to complete and are not very frequent, then you don’t need to make that investment.
Sandpaper
Sanders uses sheets of sandpaper available in regular sizes, which are then in proper sizes. You can also buy them with premade holes if you like.
Of course, they will cost more than the ones that you need to cut and resize yourself. A punch plate will be handy in that case. You can punch holes in them by yourself with the punch plate.
Sandpaper sheets also come in the stick-on paper style. Another option is the hook and loop system. These cost more but saves time. Whether you choose time or comfort is completely up to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked queries regarding the best sanders for refinishing furniture:
Q: What kind of safety measurements do I need to take before using a sander?
A: Wear safety goggles to protect the eyes as anything can fly out at any time. Another important thing to wear for safety is hearing protection as sanders make a loud noise. Being on work for a long time will result in hearing loss in the long term.
Q: Do I need to oil the sander?
A: This depends on the type of sander you have. Some need it, while others don’t. Read the manufacturer’s instructions if your model needs to be oiled for keeping the parts moving properly.
Q: Is it possible to eliminate dust completely from my workspace?
A: No. Sanding itself is a process that will create dust no matter what. You can use different dust collection systems with your sander to keep it at a minimum.
Q: Which one is better? Corded or Cordless sander?
A: It depends on your needs. If you want to have more power, then you should get a corded one. If you want portability, then a cordless one is better.
Q: Is having a variable speed option necessary?
A: If you want to work on different types of projects, then yes, having a variable speed option for the sander will be helpful.
So, What Should You Buy
Depending on your need, you can buy the best sander for refinishing furniture. You know what type of projects you are working on, so making an individual decision based on that will be the best way to decide on a sander.
Now, if all the options made you a bit confused, I’d suggest that you stop overthinking and purchase the Makita BO4556K. Believe me, you won’t regret your choice. You can also check BLACK+DECKER Mouse Detail Sander is the best for the money. However, if you are looking for something less noisy, then Bosch GSS20-40 Orbital Finishing Sander would be a great choice.
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