How To Choose The Best Palm Sander For Your Woodworking Projects

Cons: 

This highly-rated palm sander is what you need for your home DIY project. It comes with a brushless motor that’ll efficiently get the job done, and it also has variable speed control from 8,000 – 14,000 OPM.
Replacing the batteries of your palm sander can also be costly. On the other hand, corded palm sanders can run for the entirety of your project with no issues at all; the only problem is that maneuvering your palm sander can be difficult, especially if you’re working outside.
Cons

What Is A Palm Sander?

An out-of-balance or out-of-square backup pad can also produce defects. If you sand a flat surface and you feel the sander pulling back and forth across the surface of the wood, the backup pad needs to be replaced.

Difference Between An Orbital Sander and Random Orbital Sander?

Orbital Sander

Related: 5 Best Circular Saws Money Can Buy

Random Orbital Sanders

Cons: 
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Take the time to read through reviews as customers will have pointed out whether or not the palm sander that they’ve purchased is well-built. 

What To Consider When Buying A Palm Sander

The best palm sanders will not damage anything, but you never know with other power tools. More than anything, you’ll need to have the right sanding paper.
You can use your palm sander on drywall, but an orbital sander might be a better choice as it works faster. If you don’t want to apply too much pressure and you’ll be better off using a round pad with drywall surfaces.

Comfort

Either way, both corded and battery alternatives come with their pros and cons, and you should select the one that best suits your needs.

You may have noticed that a disc sander has holes circling the center of the disc. These holes help to pull dust particles away from the sanding paper so it doesn’t become clogged with sanding debris.

Durability

Another excellent palm sander, this particular one is made with high-carbon steel, and it’s also battery-powered. It’s one of the first-ever cordless quarter-sheet sanders on the market and can be used for a variety of projects.

Orbits Per Minute

Dust Collection

Finally, the last thing you’d need to consider is the dust seal. The last thing you’d want is for the dust to start flying everywhere. Not only is it bad for your health, but it can also affect the tool that you’re using.
Pros: 

Power Source

If you feel the sander bouncing as the pad rotates, then you most likely need a new backup pad. Also, you might want to check the hook and loop system to make sure it’s secure.
Palm sanders are inexpensive tools designed to handle a variety of woodworking jobs. From refinishing furniture to touching up paint jobs, a palm sander can help you achieve your goals.
Before we get started, let’s identify the most common types of sanders.

Extras

This can determine the type of surface that your palm sander is suited for. Harder woods will require more power and will thus need a sander with more orbits per minute. Ideally, you should go for a sander that has higher capabilities as it’s always better to have it just in case. 
Finally, we’ve got this powerful sander that’s great for a wide variety of applications from smoothing out wood to removing paint. It also has an efficient dust removal system that’ll help ensure the longevity of your device.

Seal

For your health and safety, the device also comes with a dust collection system that’ll efficiently collect dust while you’re sanding. It’s also dust sealed to minimize contamination and comes with an on/off switch for your convenience.
Since they’re smaller compared to other sanders, they’re great for precision. They also won’t leave marks. They’re also ideal for projects where you’re sanding down wood that has been treated or painted. 

Top Palm Sanders

1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Palm Sander

Pros: 
Pros: 
Another great palm sander, this particular model is easy to use and even comes with a unique micro-filtration feature to capture and contain fine dust particles. It’s also great for beginners since it comes with pressure control technology that’ll let you know if excessive pressure is used.

• Brushless motor 
• Variable speed control
• Low profile height
• Dust-sealed switch
• Paper clamp 

Another great palm sander, this particular model is easy to use and even comes with a unique micro-filtration feature to capture and contain fine dust particles. It’s also great for beginners since it comes with pressure control technology that’ll let you know if excessive pressure is used.

• Easy to use 
• Special micro-filtration feature 
• Pressure control technology 
• Built-in vacuum to collect dust 

Another great palm sander, this particular model is easy to use and even comes with a unique micro-filtration feature to capture and contain fine dust particles. It’s also great for beginners since it comes with pressure control technology that’ll let you know if excessive pressure is used.

• Tri-layer filtration
• 270-degree flush sanding clearance
• Soft grip 
• Paddle switch activation 

Another great palm sander, this particular model is easy to use and even comes with a unique micro-filtration feature to capture and contain fine dust particles. It’s also great for beginners since it comes with pressure control technology that’ll let you know if excessive pressure is used.

• Comfortable to hold 
• Comes with a dust collection system 
• Dust sealed 
• On/off switch 

Another great palm sander, this particular model is easy to use and even comes with a unique micro-filtration feature to capture and contain fine dust particles. It’s also great for beginners since it comes with pressure control technology that’ll let you know if excessive pressure is used.

• First cordless quarter-sheet sander 
• Compatible with most sandpapers
• Comes with a lock-on switch 
• Has a dust collection bag  

Another great palm sander, this particular model is easy to use and even comes with a unique micro-filtration feature to capture and contain fine dust particles. It’s also great for beginners since it comes with pressure control technology that’ll let you know if excessive pressure is used.

• Suited to a wide variety of applications
• Efficient dust removal system 
• Compact size 
• Comes with six speeds 
• Cordless options

Pros

• The vibration is strong

What Are Palm Sanders Used For?

Palm sanders are great for smaller projects, or if you don’t see yourself using a sander often. Palm sanders are versatile and work on a variety of smaller DIY sanding projects. They’re also lightweight and budget-friendly. 
Pros: 
It runs at 1,600 orbits per minute, is compact, and is a great tool to have for precision.

• Lightweight and easy to handle 
• Compatible with regular sandpaper 
• Inexpensive 
• Won’t leave marks like an orbital sander

Orbital sanders are bigger than palm sanders and use a square pad. The tool works in a circular motion, making them more versatile. The sanders are ideal for bigger sanding jobs. Also, orbital sanders are unique in that they use square pads.

• Requires more sandpaper
• Less dust-collecting capabilities
• Not ideal for large wood pieces

How To Use A Palm Sander 

Finished Product

Unfortunately, they’re not the best tool to use for arthritis as you will have to hold the sanders with a tight grip while you’re sanding. When you’re working with tight spaces, it can be hard on your hands, which would irritate your arthritis.
Palm sanders can also come with a pressure detector that’ll let you know if you’re pressing too hard. When selecting your sander, this is a feature you should get if you’re new to sanding.

1. If you’re sealing your deck, you’ll want to start by sweeping your deck floor.
2. Use 150 or 180-grit sandpaper.
3. Knee pads are recommended.
4. Remove pebbles and sticks that have fallen through the cracks of your deck floor. 
5. Begin sanding the deck floor – remember to always sand with the grain and also sand the side finish pieces. You’ll also want to sand along the gaps to ensure a more even deck floor. 
6. After you’ve sanded the entire deck, you’ll also have to do the deck surface, side trim, and railings.
7. Stain the length of one board at a time. Once you’ve stained your deck, allow it to dry for at least 48 hours.

Palm Sanders Conclusion

Cons: 
If you’re not careful with a sander, you can end up causing damage to the piece that you’re working on, safety features such as pressure detection can help minimize the risk of you ruining your project. 
It also has a soft grip so you can comfortably hold your palm sander for an extended period of time. It also has a paddle switch activation so you can easily switch it on and off, and also comes with a high-performance dust collection feature. 
As it’s got a low-profile height, you can get close to the work surface for sanding that’s more precise. There’s also a paper clamp to securely hold the sandpaper, along with a dust-sealed switch that’ll help with extending the life and usability of your palm sander
Most palm sanders will come with a dust port and even a collection pouch that’ll help take care of all the dust. Even if you won’t be using your palm sander often, a dust port’s a must – also remember to wear gloves and goggles while you’re sanding.