14 Different Types of Sanders and Uses: With Pictures

1. Sanding Block

Sanding blocks are the most basic type of sander. They have a surface and some kind of handle or grip. The sandpaper locks into place via two slots at either end of the block, and unlike other sanders, they require manual effort to get results.

2. Strip Sander

This is another manual sander that resembles a hand-planer. It has a large handle for better grip and control, and this design has stood the test of time, changing little in hundreds of years. For small detailed projects, this is an ideal tool.

3. Bow Sander

A bow sander gets its name from the bow-shaped body. A strip of sandpaper stretches across the bow and gives you greater control and precision when sanding irregular or curved surfaces. Again, it is a manual tool, although you can replicate this tool using a stationary belt sander.

4. Belt Sander

Belt sanders are either tabletop or hand-held varieties. They have a strip of sandpaper that scrolls at speed between two cogs to create a fast-moving surface. Tabletop belt sanders are superb for sharpening knives and achieving fine details.

You Might Also Like

Unlock Your DIY Potential: How to Use Belt Sanders

5. Disc Sander

A disc sander resembles an orbital sander in that it has a motor, a dust port, and a rotating abrasive disc at the bottom of the tool. The other alternative is a tabletop version with a vertical disc and a plate to support the material.

It is ideal for shaping rather than smoothing wood.

6. Detail Sander

As the name suggests, this sander performs detailed work. They typically have a triangular sanding pad to enable you to get into tight spots and achieve super-smooth results. A detail sander is the tool to use when you want your results to show and get the praise they deserve.

7. Orbital Sander

Orbital sanders are the workhorse of the woodshop. When you have a larger project, an orbital sander is your new best friend. It smooths the roughest of surfaces and is a favorite of woodworkers, carpenters, and auto shop owners.

Orbital sanders are not suitable for detailed work, so you will likely start with an orbital sander and progress onto a detail sander.

8. Random Orbital Sander

Random orbital sanders look and feel like orbital sanders. They share many of the same attributes except the sanding motion. They get the “random” name thanks to an off-center axis that not only spins but moves the sanding pad from side to side.

This motion is referred to as oscillating, and it works harder than an orbital sander at removing surface material. If you have ultra-rough surfaces to smooth, this is the tool to get.

9. Oscillating Spindle Sander (OSS)

Oscillating spindle sanders are either floor standing or benchtop models. They use an oscillating motion to smooth edges on boards like cabinet doors. A small drum protrudes from a tabletop and moves up and down as well as rotates.

The result is a super-smooth edge without burn marks and patternation on the wood. These tools are typically used in woodshops and bespoke furniture manufacturing.

10. Drywall Sander

A drywall sander is a specialty tool that removes plaster, paper residue, paint layers, adhesive residue, and loose plaster. They resemble orbital sanders mounted on a long pole with a vacuum tube to remove the dust safely. Imagine a metal detector, and you get the picture.

The vacuum hose is crucial because sanding interior plaster walls is a messy business, and the debris contains pollutants that cause lung conditions. Drywall sanders work when sanding walls, ceilings, and floors.

11. File Sander

File sanders are often called finger sanders because they have long, thin sanding strips that give an extended reach and fit the smallest spaces that other sanders struggle to do. For this reason, they are popular in garages and auto repair shops.

They enable the user to get behind tight contours of car bodywork to remove rust and smooth filler. They are not designed for large-scale areas and major projects but are better suited to small and detailed tasks.

12. Table Sander

Table sanders remove a lot of material quickly. They are not the tool to use when you want the smoothest result. Table sanders enable you to tackle large-scale projects efficiently.

Typically, these sanders use low grit paper to remove as much roughness as possible and shape the wood. You would then need to switch to another method of sanding once you’ve shaped your workpiece.

13. Drum Sander

A drum sander is a powerful tool that uses a sheet of abrasive material fed between drums to drive the sanding motion. It resembles a lawnmower and is only used to sand flooring to a high finish.

The strips of sandpaper are replaceable but make sure you remove any sharp or protruding objects from the floor, or you risk breaking the sandpaper. You can also get drum sanders as freestanding models with the sandpaper wrapped around a spinning drum.

The drum makes it easier to shape the material and create smooth contours.

14. Edging Sander

An edging sander allows the user to get close to the edges of your project. The sanding surface sufficiently protrudes that you can sand right up to the trim or wall without obvious gaps.

Floor edging sanders provide a smooth, score-free finish on hardwood, softwood, parquet, and even composite surfaces. If you want the quickest way to a blemish-free wooden floor, an edging sander is the perfect tool.