Recommend an Electric Sander

paperclap

Hi all,

So, as much as I “enjoy” sanding with a block… I’ll have a fair amount of sanding (and arguably, planing) to do now, and in the near future.

I’d like to…

Sand down our existing door linings, so back to a decent, smooth finish.

Sand down / take off millimetres of internal door edges, if when I saw doesn’t quite take enough off.

Sand down / take off millimetres of the bottom of skirting board, due to the floor being out of level in areas. May be good for finishing off mitres, too?

Sand down window sills. Though, they’re concaved inward, so not sure how well an electric sander would work here.

I’ll be making some built-in units – shelving, cupboards, etc. So would be good to get a decent finish there.

I know different tools are used for different purposes. But, is there a go-to sander that would be the perfect bill for the above?

Thanks!

flashg67

Personally, I've found a 1/3 sheet 'flat' electric sander fine for most jobs using varying grit of sanding sheets. Recently I've added an orbital sander for 'less flat' items and an electric planer for bigger jobs - (I'd recommend practising if you get a planer -  they can make a mess of a work piece in seconds!) I also have a little used 'mouse' detail sander, recently superseded in my diy tool box by a multitool that cuts/saws & detail sands.

Overall, for me, the flat sander would be the most used and the best initial investment. I've had decent results with Screwfix own brand tools.

stuart45

A belt sander is handy for getting the job done a bit quicker if you have quite a bit to take off.

Grenage

I've got a Bosch rectangular orbital sander, I think it's 1/3 sheet; wouldn't be without it.  Do the intricate stuff or curves by hand.

Make sure it's got an exhaust so that you can attach a wet and dry vac, I'd not use one indoors without it.

greensalad

I've got a Makita Orbital, bought for doing house renovation and basic stuff (e.g decoration) and it works great. 

plumb1_2

Go for dewalt 18v, 

paperclap

Grenage said:

I've got a Bosch rectangular orbital sander, I think it's 1/3 sheet; wouldn't be without it.  Do the intricate stuff or curves by hand.

Make sure it's got an exhaust so that you can attach a wet and dry vac, I'd not use one indoors without it.

I had actually bought a Bosch rectangular orbital sander, never used it, then took it back.

This one...
https://www.diy.com/departments/bosch-250w-corded-random-orbit-sander-pss-250-ae/258943_BQ.prd

Took it back as it isn't a "random" orbital sander? Despite saying "random" on the product page...!

Was concerned it would leave marks on surfaces. Maybe it doesn't?

maisie_cat

For large flat surfaces a belt sander is the best, and for finishing I would get a cordless orbital and lots and lots of sander sheets.
The rounded end of a belt sander is also excellent for scribing small amounts or tidying to the line where a jigsaw is used.
We have a Makita corded version we've had for years, previously had a Bosch one that I killed.
I've found in the past that removing the door linings and planing or stripping in the garden is easier that doing in situ.
An alternative to removing and renovating door linings is to remove and replace with new pine versions.

paperclap

maisie_cat said:

For large flat surfaces a belt sander is the best, and for finishing I would get a cordless orbital and lots and lots of sander sheets.
The rounded end of a belt sander is also excellent for scribing small amounts or tidying to the line where a jigsaw is used.
We have a Makita corded version we've had for years, previously had a Bosch one that I killed.
I've found in the past that removing the door linings and planing or stripping in the garden is easier that doing in situ.
An alternative to removing and renovating door linings is to remove and replace with new pine versions.

Thanks maisie_cat

Makes sense! But a concern of mine is an orbital sander (typically rectangular) vs a random orbital sander (typically circular).

I'd be inclined to go for a rectangular sander, as its use it probably more universal, and the pads are arguably cheaper (as you could get away with cutting a roll down!). But, don't want to have the issue of it leaving marks, if that is what they're prone to doing.