Last updated: August 13, 2024
Regarding sanding, the right tool can significantly affect your project’s outcome. Two common types of Sanders are Belt Sanders and Orbital Sanders. Each serves distinct purposes and comes with its own set of advantages and limitations. In this blog post, we’ll compare these two types of sanders based on power, precision, versatility, ease of use, and cost to help you determine which is better suited for your needs.
Table of Contents
Belt Sander vs. Orbital Sander: Power and Aggressiveness
Belt Sanders
Belt Sanders are renowned for their power and aggressiveness. Designed for heavy-duty tasks, these sanders are ideal for rapid material removal. They use a continuous loop of sandpaper to tackle large, flat surfaces and can effectively strip paint, remove old finishes, and smooth rough surfaces. For example, if you’re working on a large wooden deck that needs its old finish stripped away, a belt sander’s power can handle this task efficiently.
Orbital Sanders
Orbital Sanders are designed for lighter to medium tasks. They move in a random orbit pattern, which results in a finer finish and less aggressive material removal. Orbital Sanders are perfect for finishing furniture, preparing surfaces for painting, or sanding between finish coats. If you’re refinishing a wooden chair and want a smooth, polished surface, an orbital sander would be the better choice due to its gentler approach.
Belt Sander vs. Orbital Sander: Versatility and Applications
| Factor | Belt Sanders | Orbital Sanders |
| Versatility | Best for aggressive material removal and large surface areas. | Highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of tasks, including both rough and fine sanding. |
| Applications | Ideal for initial material removal, such as refinishing worn-out floors or smoothing large wooden beams. | It is excellent for detailed tasks like sanding between coats of finish, preparing surfaces for painting, and providing a smooth, even finish. |
| Examples | Stripping old paint from a deck. | Prepping a cabinet for painting by ensuring a smooth surface. |
| Strengths | Effective at handling large surface areas quickly. | Provides a fine finish and is effective in detailed and intricate work. |
| Limitations | Less suited for detailed work due to aggressive sanding action. | It may be less effective for heavy material removal or large surface areas. |
Belt Sander vs. Orbital Sander: Precision and Control
Belt Sanders
While powerful, Belt Sanders, as a power tool, lacks the precision and control that orbital sanders offer. Their aggressive sanding action makes them less suited for detailed or intricate work. They are best used on large, flat surfaces where precision is less concerned. For example, you wouldn’t use a belt sander on delicate mouldings or intricate carvings, as it could damage the detail.
Orbital Sanders
Orbital Sanders are great for precision and control. Their power tool design allows for finer adjustments and is better suited for detailed work. This makes them ideal for woodworking projects involving intricate designs or delicate surfaces. Many woodworkers prefer orbital sanders for tasks like sanding around detailed inlays or finishing work on high-end furniture.
Belt Sander vs. Orbital Sander: Ease of Use and Ergonomics
| Factor | Belt Sanders | Orbital Sanders |
| Ease of Use | Can be heavy and bulky, making them challenging to handle for extended periods. | Generally lighter and easier to manoeuvre, reducing fatigue during extended use. |
| Ergonomics | Requires more physical strength and skill due to size and weight. | Ergonomically designed for comfortable handling, making them user-friendly. |
| Control | Maneuvering can be physically demanding and requires practice to avoid gouging the surface. | Offers superior control and precision, making them ideal for tight or intricate spaces. |
| User Experience | It might be less enjoyable for long periods due to weight and handling requirements. | DIY enthusiasts and professionals favour its ease of control and comfortable use. |
| Handling | Handling can be difficult, especially in tight or detailed areas. | Designed for easy manoeuvrability, making them suitable for detailed and intricate work. |
Belt Sander vs Orbital Sanders: Cost and Maintenance
When considering a sander, the initial cost and ongoing maintenance are important. Belt sanders and orbital sanders differ significantly in these aspects. Below is a comparison of their costs and maintenance requirements to help you understand the long-term financial implications of each tool:
| Factor | Belt Sanders | Orbital Sanders |
| Initial Cost | Typically higher than orbital sanders. | Generally less expensive compared to belt sanders. |
| Maintenance | Requires regular belt replacements and occasional alignment adjustments. | Mainly needs occasional pad replacements and basic upkeep. |
| Long-Term Costs | Over time, replacement belts and maintenance costs can add up, making it a more significant investment. | Lower long-term costs due to simpler maintenance and fewer replacement parts. |
| Budget-Friendliness | More costly to maintain and operate in the long run. | More budget-friendly due to lower maintenance costs and simpler upkeep. |
Choosing between a belt sander and an orbital sander depends largely on your specific needs and the nature of your projects. A belt sander might be the best tool if you require aggressive material removal and work on large, flat surfaces. Conversely, an orbital sander would be more suitable if you need precision, control, and versatility for detailed work and finishing.
Both tools have their place in a well-rounded toolkit, and understanding their strengths and limitations will help you make the right choice for your sanding needs.
Our Best-Selling Belt and Orbital Sanders
Milwaukee M18 BOS125-0 18V 125mm Random Orbital Sander (Body Only)
- High-performance motor delivers 14,000 to 24,000 sanding strokes per minute
- REDLINK™ overload protection for durability
- Variable speed wheel with 6 settings
- Dust extraction box with internal filter
- Universal hook and loop sanding pad for easy disc changes
- Lightweight design
- Vacuum adapter fits all MILWAUKEE dust extractors
- REDLITHIUM™ battery for superior performance
- Compatible with all MILWAUKEE® M18™ batteries
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DeWalt DCW210N 18V XR Brushless 125mm Random Orbital Sander (Body Only)
- Brushless Motor Technology
- Variable Speed Control
- Dust Sealed Components
- Textured Anti Slip Housing
- Dust Extraction Connection
- Low height gets you closer to the work surface for more control when sanding.
- The ergonomic design makes sanding more comfortable
- Excellent counterbalance with low vibration
- Pad brake for increased efficiency, safety and convenience
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Milwaukee M18 FBTS75-0 M18 FUEL™ 18V 75mm Belt Sander (Body Only)
- Compact design with flat front and side edge for flush sanding
- Captures 90% of dust via universal port or multi-layered dust bag
- Variable speed: 230 to 410 m/s
- Tool-free adjustable pommel for optimal sanding position
- Standard belt size: 75 x 457 mm
- Tool-free belt change with easy roller adjustment
- LED lights provide 180° illumination
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DeWalt DCW220NT-XJ 18V XR 75mm Brushless Belt Sander in a T-Stak Case (Body Only)
- 18V Brushless motor for durability, efficiency, and a high no-load speed of 320 m/min
- Variable speed for precise control
- DEWALT ergonomics for enhanced comfort and safety
- Direct AIRLOCK dust port and wireless tool control for a cleaner job site
- WTC™ enables remote dust extractor activation (requires compatible DEWALT extractor)
- Larger Pro belt size: 75mm x 533mm
- Responsive, adjustable belt tracking
- Quick-release belt change system
- Includes T-STAK VI Kit Box
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FAQ
What is the primary difference between a Belt Sander and an Orbital Sander?
- Belt Sanders: Use a continuous loop of sandpaper to remove material from large, flat surfaces quickly. They are ideal for heavy-duty tasks like stripping paint or smoothing rough surfaces.
- Orbital Sanders: Use a circular sanding pad that moves in a random orbit pattern, providing a finer finish. They are better suited for light to medium sanding tasks and detailed work.
How often do you need to replace Sandpaper for Belt Sanders?
The frequency of sandpaper replacement depends on the type of material being sanded and the amount of use. Generally, sandpaper should be replaced when it becomes clogged, worn out, or ineffective. Regular inspection and timely replacement will ensure optimal performance.
Are there different types of Sandpaper for Orbital Sanders?
Yes, orbital sanders use various types of sandpaper, including different grits for different tasks. Sandpaper for orbital sanders comes in discs or pads and is available in coarse, medium, and fine grits, allowing for versatility in sanding tasks.
Are there any Safety Tips for using Belt and Orbital Sanders?
Always wear appropriate safety gear, including dust masks and eye protection. Ensure the sander is properly secured and the work area is debris-free. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation and maintenance of the tool.
At Toolden, we offer various Sanders for domestic and commercial applications.
Need help deciding which to choose? Need some help with your order? Our new help centre has a wide range of helpful articles and guides!
If you have any additional queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at 01358 726719 or by email at admin@toolden.co.uk
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