Sanding is never an enjoyable task to complete, but it is something every woodworker must go through. However, it can get a bit enjoyable if the sanding experience ends quickly and smoothly. This is why we need the correct tools which can help sanding for hours bearable. Here, let’s discuss two of the most famous sanders. These are admired by people from small woodworkers and DIY people to professional ones engaged in carpentry or other works. These two sanders are the orbital sanders and the sheet sander. When it comes down to buying the perfect one, you need to know which one has better functions. You are sure to find the answer by the end of this Sheet Sander Vs Orbital Sander comparison article.
You are probably confused about their differences if you are new here and just learned about the sheet sander and the orbital sanders. They both look a lot similar and almost do the same thing. We have compared the sheet sander and the orbital sander side by side to help you figure it out. We will discuss their functions as well as their differences and similarities to find out which is the best choice between them. If you can stick till the end, you will not have any confusion about which sander to choose.
Comparison Table: Sheet Sander Vs Orbital Sander
| Features | Sheet Sander | Orbital Sander |
|---|---|---|
| Sanding Motion: | Straight back-and-forth motion | Circular, random orbit motion |
| Sanding Surface Area: | Narrow, linear surface area | Wider, circular surface area |
| Sandpaper Attachment: | Uses pre-cut sheets held in place with clamps or clips | Uses circular sanding disks attached with a hook-and-loop system or adhesive |
| Sandpaper Replacement: | Requires manual replacement of sheets as they wear out or become clogged | Easy to replace sanding disks by peeling off the used one and sticking on a new one |
| Sanding Speed: | Slower than orbital sanders | Faster |
| Dust Collection: | No Dust Collection System | It has a dust collection system |
| Best For: | Not suitable for heavy-duty works | Larger, flat surfaces like tabletops, flooring, and walls |
| Price: | Medium | Expensive |
What is a Sheet Sander?
A sheet sander has a square shape pad that needs sheet sandpaper cut into ¼ size to match the sander. There is some spring-loaded clamp device that holds the sandpaper in place. This type of sander is quite famous for its portability and the ability to reach tight corners easily. Sheet sanders are not suitable for any heavy-duty work as they cannot take off a lot of materials while working. It works well to smooth out any harsh edges and give a finishing look to your workpiece. As they are highly affordable, you will see that they are quite popular in the market.
How Does Sheet Sanders Work?
Unlike a belt sander, a sheet sander works well with its back and forth motion, creating tiny circular orbits. High-speed movement like this helps to have a smooth finish. The sheet sander has many different names: palm sander, finishing sander, quarter sheet pad sander, etc. They fit perfectly for any small job and DIY project. The sheet sanders are easy to use, affordable, and easy to find as well. However, as the sheet sanders work in a back and forth motion, they cannot remove material in one go. It is not possible to cut through a lot of layers in one shot. If you still want to try, it will just be a waste of time and effort. For those heavy-duty jobs, you can opt for the belt sander or the random orbital sanders.
Advantages Of Sheet Sanders
- The sheet sander and the sandpaper are easily available everywhere
- These sanders are budget-friendly, so you can easily afford them
- They are also ideal for corners and curves due to their square shape
- It is lightweight compared to other high tech sanders, so you will not be fatigued while using it
- Lightweight makes it portable, which means you can take it anywhere and use it
- Suitable for the finishing jobs but also good for smoothing harsh surfaces
- Does not leave visible marks
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for heavy-duty works
What is an Orbital Sander?
The orbital sander has a lot of things in common with the sheet sander. However, the main difference is that the orbital sanders most commonly have a round sanding pad. There is one widely known orbital sander which is known as the random orbital sander. The difference between them is in the functions. That also sets it apart from a sheet sander. The motor of an orbital sander turns the sanding pad in a random circular motion. That is why it is called the random orbital sander. The random movement eliminates the swirl marks and leaves a smooth finish. However, orbital sanders come with holes in their sanding pad so that the dust can get sucked in through those and end up in the dust bag.
How Does Orbital Sanders Work?
Orbital sanders are a bit more powerful than sheet sanders. So they can take on some tough jobs that might be hard for the sheet sander to complete. As the orbital sanders are more powerful, they create more vibrations, making the user uncomfortable. However, some sanding machines have low vibration mechanisms that you might go for. Or else, try taking frequent breaks to ease your muscles up.
Advantages Of Orbital Sanders
- Has a strong motor
- It is versatile as it can work on a lot of different types of materials
- It comes with an impressive dust collection system
- Some of them do not leave any swirl marks
- After a heavy-duty sanding by a belt sander, an orbital sander comes to give a smooth finish to the workpiece.
- Another useful advantage of this sander is the variable speed option. Now you can easily adjust the speed of the sander according to your need.
- Most of the orbital sanders have a vibration absorption mechanism which helps reduce fatigue.
Limitations
- Not good for sanding in the corners
Similarities Between Orbital and Sheet Sanders
You will notice a lot of visible similarities between these two sanders. They both are lightweight and portable. They are mostly corded and powered by electricity. Both come in a small size that fits the palm, so they are also known as palm sanders. You can grab them easily with one hand. The sandpaper in the bottom moves in a circular motion so that it can leave a smooth finishing. Both of these sanders are not capable of taking on a large project like sanding a whole deck.
Sheet Sander Vs Orbital Sander: What Are the Differences?
Although they look quite similar, they have a few differences as well. The 1/4 sheet sander uses a plain sandpaper sheet cut into ¼ size to match its plate. Some clamps hold the sandpaper in its place. In contrast, the orbital sanders have special sanding discs of different sizes and grits. They attach to the sanding pad either in a hoop and loop system or another classic system. The sandpapers already have holes that suck out the dust for the dust collection system, unlike the sheet sander. However, the sheet sanders get the upper hand as they can easily reach the corners and curves for their square plate. But the orbital sander has a more powerful motor than the sheet sander, which gives it more power to work. So, it can work better than a sheet sander but not better than a belt sander.
Related Comparison Article: Check the differences between Orbital and Drum sanders
Orbital Sander Or Sheet Sander-Which One To Choose?
We have already discussed the similarities and the differences between these two sanders in our orbital vs sheet sander comparison article. But in the end, the choice is yours as the sander depends on the type of work you do. If you are a beginner learning to sand, then these sanders are the best choice to start with. However, orbital sanders can work better with their stronger motor power, so you can use them to sand on small projects. But the sheet sander can only work on the finishing. We would suggest taking the sheet sander only if you face a lot of problems with sanding the corners and edges. Otherwise, the orbital sander is always a better choice.
FAQs
Is an Orbital sander better than a sheet sander?
Yes, it is. The orbital sander is versatile and can work more than just as a finisher, while the sheet sander cannot. So if you can choose only one sander between these two, the orbital sander is the ideal one.
Which orbital sander is best?
The BOSCH ROS20VSC is one of the best orbital sanders in the market. It has a powerful motor and high speed and some unique features that are needed in a sander.
Which type of Sander is the best?
The random orbital sanders are the best when we discuss the most effective sanders. They might not be as strong as the belt sander, but they are good for any quick material removal and finishing.