What is the difference between an orbital and random orbital sander?

A basic orbital sander moves in a fixed circular pattern, while a random orbital sander adds a spinning motion that reduces visible swirl marks, giving a smoother finish.

Do I need dust extraction on a sander?

It's not compulsory, but connecting to an extractor or using the sander's built-in dust bag keeps the work area clean and noticeably reduces airborne dust.

What grit sandpaper should I start with?

Start with a coarser grit to remove material or old finish, then work up through progressively finer grits to reach the smooth surface you need.

Sanders

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This collection covers orbital, random orbital, multi-sanders and specialist sanders for wood, filler and paint finishing. It suits furniture makers after a swirl-free finish, DIY renovators sanding walls and surfaces, and anyone upgrading from hand sanding to a powered tool.

Choosing a sander

Random orbital sanders combine a spinning and oscillating motion for a smoother, less directional finish than a basic orbital sander, making them the better choice for final finishing before staining or painting. Pad size and grit range should match the job, with smaller pads suited to detail work and larger pads to flat panels. Dust extraction, either built-in or via a hose connection to an extractor, keeps the work surface visible and cuts airborne dust considerably. Geared eccentric sanders, a step up from standard random orbital models, remove material faster and suit heavier stock removal before finishing.