Belt Sander vs Orbital Sander: Which to Choose?

Belt Sander vs Orbital Sander: Which to Choose?

Though there are a range of distinct sanders, belt, and orbital sanders are the two most well-known. They are equally excellent for working with furnishings and wooden floors, but you shouldn’t use them interchangeably. Considering that these instruments are so comparable, it can be challenging to know which 1 to choose.

Basically put, you ought to get a belt sander if you have large work, but you need to get an orbital sander if you have modest or rounded jobs.

To discover much more about belt and orbital sanders, preserve reading. This post fully points out the difference in between these sander types and how to use each and every.

Overview of Belt Sanders:

A belt sander is an incredibly effective tool. It uses an electrical motor that moves a pair of drums. These drums then move a loop of sandpaper so that the resource can sand the floor down. Because of the design of this sander, it is a bit larger than other choices, but it is very powerful.

Belt Sander vs Orbital Sander: Which to Choose?
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  • Speed: The speed of a belt sander is measured in feet per minute, or how many feet the tool can sand in a minute. The higher the speed rating, the faster it moves and sands down the surfaces. Most belt sanders come with variable speed functionality to easily control the speed.
  • Power: Belt sanders are known for their incredible power, which is measured in amps. Most belt sanders have power ratings between 8 and 11 amps. If you expect to do a lot of work, you should get a belt sander with higher amperage.
  • Varieties: There aren’t many belt sander varieties since all are designed to be powerful. The main difference between individual belt sanders is speed and power. However, you have the choice between a stationary or handheld belt sander.
  • Ideal Use: Belt sanders are ideal for sanding large surfaces and rough surfaces. For example, belt sanders are great for hardwood flooring and large pieces of furniture like tables. In comparison, belt sanders are not ideal for small pieces since they are quite powerful.
Pros
  • Incredibly powerful
  • Works quickly
  • Great for large surfaces and metal
Cons
  • Not suitable for small surfaces
  • Easy to sand down too much material with

Associated Study: five Very best Belt Sanders – Evaluations & Top Picks

Overview of Orbital Sanders:

An orbital sander employs sanding discs and moves in small circles or orbits, after which the device is named. These swirl patterns make it easy to sand down large pieces in a brief quantity of time. Even although the sander moves in circles, the tool by itself is formed like a square so that you can get into corners and related locations.  Simply because of the round pattern these sanders use, they can leave swirly marks on whatsoever objects you are sanding.

Belt Sander vs Orbital Sander: Which to Choose?
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Speed

With orbital sanders, the velocity is calculated in how several orbits the tool can go in a moment. Most orbital sanders transfer at around 10,000 orbits per moment. The faster the resource can shift, the more rapidly you can get the job accomplished. So, you constantly want to seem for substantial speeds, especially if you are operating on massive surfaces.

Power

The energy of orbital sanders is measured with amps. As you possibly know, the more amps that are detailed, the far more strong the sander is. Orbital sanders aren’t effective ample to eliminate a good deal of surface area spot at as soon as. If you need to just take off a lot of area spot, you may want to consider a completely various tool, these kinds of as the belt sander.

Varieties

Deal with kinds largely determine orbital sander versions. There are three main kinds of handles:

  • Pistol-Grip Handles: Offer maximum control because you use both hands; usually on professional sanders
  • Jug-Grip Handles: Ideal for using the sander underneath furniture
  • Palm Grip Handles: Most common because they are easy to hold, small, and comfortable

Orbital sanders also come in corded and cordless types. Corded versions are much more strong, but they are restricted by cord size. In comparison, cordless sanders can go anywhere, but they aren’t as potent.

Ideal Use

Orbital sanders are best for acquiring into hard corners and working on rounded edges. They are also best when sanding a floor that will be dealt with later. You should not use an orbital sander if you do not take care of the wood after sanding given that it can depart swirls.

Pros
  • Great for corners and rounded areas
  • Gets the job done quickly
  • Several varieties to choose from
Cons
  • Can leave swirl marks
  • Not the most powerful

Connected Read through: 10 Ideal Random Orbital Sanders – Testimonials & Best Picks

What Are the Differences?

There are a few major variances amongst belt and orbital sanders:

Power

Belt sanders are notably more strong than orbital sanders. They are so potent that it is effortless to sand off as well significantly content with a belt sander accidentally. Conversely, orbital sanders are not as potent, but they are the best sum of electrical power if you are nervous about sanding away as well significantly content.

Belt Sander vs Orbital Sander: Which to Choose?
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Sanding Mechanism

The genuine sanding system on these sanders is diverse. With belt sanders, the sandpaper is moved in a loop so that it sands down the materials quickly. Orbital sanders are distinct in that the sandpaper is laid flat on the surface and is moved in a circle. The sandpaper is usually attached to the orbital sander with a peel and stick or Velcro program.

Sanding Grit

The sandpaper utilized on the sanders differs also. Orbital sanders are the easiest due to the fact you can use nearly each and every variety of sandpaper on the sander if you can link the sandpaper to the gadget. Belt sanders require a particular kind of sandpaper because they are moved in a loop. Belt sander sandpaper is more costly as a end result.

When To Use Which?

Even though belt and orbital sanders are related, you should not use them interchangeably. Listed here are a few illustrations of when to use which:

Uses for Belt Sanders
  • Large surface jobs
  • Leveling rough surfaces
  • Creates even and smooth finishes
  • Jobs that won’t have additional treatment after sanding
Uses for Orbital Sanders
  • Small surface jobs
  • Corner jobs
  • Rounded surfaces
  • Jobs that will have additional treatment after sanding
Belt Sander vs Orbital Sander: Which to Choose?
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Which Is Right for You?

The sander that is right for you is dependent totally on your wants and tasks.

If you carry out huge, flat surface employment that require a great deal of sand power, belt sanders are excellent. In comparison, orbital sanders are greater for modest, flat area employment or rounded surfaces. If you are nervous that you don’t have a delicate adequate hand for a belt sander, the orbital sander is the far better selection.

Conclusion

In the end, belt and orbital sanders are excellent resources on hand. Specially if you do a lot of property renovations and woodworking, these resources are essential. Nonetheless, get a belt sander if you have huge jobs or get an orbital sander if you have small work. Greater nevertheless, get each so that you can complete a vast selection of jobs!

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