When it comes to restoring and refinishing furniture, the best furniture sander is a necessary tool. Sanding the wood is the first step in any refinishing project, and it’s important to choose the right sander for the job.
Whether you’re sanding an entire piece of furniture or just a small spot, the sander you choose can make a big difference. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the different types of sanders and how to select the best sander for furniture.
| Preview image | Model name | Features | Nomination |
| DeWALT DWE6411K ¼ Sheet Palm Sander | Power: 2.3 Amp Speed: 14,000 OPM Pad size: 1/4 sheet Weight: 4.1 lbs Separate counterweight reduces vibrations Low-height design for comfortable control | Best overall | |
| BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander, 5-inch (BDERO100) | Power: 2.0 Amp Speed: 12,000 OPM Pad size: 5-inch Weight: 1.0 lb Extremely lightweight and compact Dust collection system Pretty cheap | Best for large surfaces | |
| WEN 6301 Electric Detailing Sander | Power: 1.0 Amp Speed: 13,500 OPM Pad size: 3.75 × 5.5 inch Weight: 2.0 lbs Lightweight design Dust collection port Easy sandpaper changing | Best by price | |
| Bosch ROS20VSK Variable Speed Palm Sander | Power: 2.5 Amp Speed: 12,000 OPM Pad size: 5-inch Weight: 3.5 lbs Lightweight design Variable speed control Anti-vibration system | Best for furniture restoration | |
| Makita BO3710 Finishing Sander | Power: 1.7 Amp Speed: 11,000 OPM Pad size: 1/3 sheet Weight: 4.1 lbs Built-in counterbalance anti-vibration system Efficient dust collection system Large and comfortable switch with lock-on button | ||
| WORX WX820L 20V Multi-Sander | Power: 2.3 Amp Speed: 14,000 OPM Pad Size: 1/4 sheet Weight: 4.1 lbs Hyperlock quick tool-free pad change Large orbital radius for dust removal Variable speed 20V battery compatible with other WORX tools | Best battery-powered sander | |
| ZFE Mini Random Orbital Air Sander | Power: 4 Amp Speed: 15,000 OPM Pad Size: 1, 2, and 3 inch Weight: 2.03 lbs Versatile kit with many pads and backing plates Small size for easy carrying and working | Best mini air sander | |
| SKIL Corded Detail Sander with Dust Collection Box | Power: 1.0 Amp Speed: 12,000 OPM Pad Size: 5.2-inch Weight: 2.31 lbs Microfiltration system and dust port collect dust really well | Best sander with micro filtration | |
| GALAX PRO Orbital Sander with Dust Collection Bag | Power: 2.5 Amp Speed: 13,000 OPM Pad size: 5-inch Weight: 3.79 lbs Easy-to-empty dust collection system | Best dust collector | |
| TECCPO TAMS22P 14,000 OPM Detail Sander | Power: 1.1 Amp Speed: 14,000 OPM Pad size: 4.72-inch Weight: 2.61 lb Perfect for getting into nooks and corners due to pointy shape Minimal vibrations while working | Best mouse detail sander |
Contents
- 1 The best furniture sanders for refinishing furniture
- 1.1 1. DeWALT DWE6411K ¼ Sheet Palm Sander (the best overall)
- 1.2 2. BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander, 5-inch
- 1.3 3. WEN 6301 Electric Detailing Palm Sander (the best by price)
- 1.4 4. Bosch ROS20VSK Variable Speed Palm Sander (the best for furniture restoration)
- 1.5 5. Makita BO3710 Finishing Sander (the best for large surfaces)
- 1.6 6. WORX WX820L 20V Multi-Sander (the best battery-powered sander)
- 1.7 7. ZFE Mini Random Orbital Air Sander (the best mini air sander)
- 1.8 8. SKIL Detail Sander with Dust Collection Box (the best sander with microfiltration)
- 1.9 9. GALAX PRO Orbital Sander with Dust Collection Bag (best dust collector)
- 1.10 10. TECCPO TAMS22P 14,000 OPM Detail Sander (the best detail sander)
- 2 The job of refinishing the furniture
- 3 Reviving the old coverage
- 4 Reasons for furniture refinishing
- 5 Choosing the power sander for furniture refinishing — Guide
- 6 FAQ
- 7 Conclusion
The best furniture sanders for refinishing furniture
Without wasting any more time, let’s dive into the top models of sanders that we’ve deemed the most suitable for furniture restoration. These sanders will help you achieve excellent results and a beautiful, professional finish.
1. DeWALT DWE6411K ¼ Sheet Palm Sander (the best overall)
The Dewalt 1/4 Sheet Sander is an excellent choice for a variety of finishing tasks, offering a powerful 2.3 Amp motor and 14000 OPM of power. You can handle it with ease, even when using lower grit paper, and its anti-slip top and body grip make it comfortable to control.
To reduce user fatigue, the sander features a rubber-covered knob and a counterbalanced low vibration design. It also boasts a sealed 100% ball bearing construction, replaceable brushes, and a dust-sealed switch. Dual locking lever clamps on the back and a heavy-duty spring-loaded front clamp make the whole system steady and safe.
Changing sandpaper on the sander is also a breeze. However, some users find that the sandpaper is prone to tearing, so it’s important to be gentle when removing it.
To minimize dust, the sander features a dust removal system that can be used with either a cloth bag or a shop vac, with a built-in vacuum adapter for attaching two different diameter hoses. Though the bag does a decent job, it’s not quite as effective as a shop vac.
Overall, the DeWALT 1/4 Sheet Sander is a great choice for a variety of jobs, offering plenty of power, comfort, and convenience. With its reliable dust removal system and user-friendly features, the sander can easily help you achieve professional results.
We choose this DeWALT sander to be the best sander for furniture overall.
2. BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander, 5-inch
This BLACK+DECKER random orbital sander is also among the budget ones on the market, though it offers all the comforting features. With this sander, you will get swirl-free results with ease, due to its reliable dust collection system.
The motor is powerful enough at 2.0 Amp and with speeds of up to 12,000 OPM. Besides the power, the sander has all the features any good sander should possess: low weight (just 1 lb!), compact design, and comfortable grip handle. We can only recommend you buy a box full of hook and loop sanding discs in assorted grits, so you have more sanding options.
This is also one of the most reviewed sanders on the market, with more than 12,000 positive ratings and 2,300 reviews!
All of this makes the BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander the second-best choice on our list.
3. WEN 6301 Electric Detailing Palm Sander (the best by price)
This lightweight and compact sander is the perfect tool for detailed work. Not only it is the most affordable sander on the list, but also its 1.0 Amp motor and 13,500 OPM speed provide enough power for finishing tasks in hard-to-reach places.
The rubberized grip makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use, and its dust-sealed switch is covered in rubber to keep out dust and debris.
The paper changing pad is a Velcro type, allowing for quick and easy paper changes. When purchasing sandpaper, make sure it fits the holes in the pad, so the dust will be removed as intended. Alternatively, you can save some money by buying 6-inch sanding disks and trimming them to fit.
The sander also features a dust port, allowing you to hook it up to a shop vac or other dust removal system. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a dust bag, but one can be purchased separately.
Overall, this sander is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget detail sander. It’s perfect for completing small furniture refinishing jobs, and with the right sandpaper and dust removal system, it will help you achieve nearly professional results.
This model ranks as the cheapest one on our list. It is also the second-best palm sander in general.
4. Bosch ROS20VSK Variable Speed Palm Sander (the best for furniture restoration)
The Bosch palm sander is a great choice for furniture restoration projects. This powerful tool offers a pad-dampening system to reduce vibrations and a microcellular backing pad that’s perfect for fine sanding. With its variable speed control, users of all skill levels can achieve a smooth, professional finish.
Being relatively lightweight (3.5 pounds) and having a comfortable rubberized palm grip design, the sander will not shake your arm to the point of fatigue and discomfort. It also has a hook-and-loop disc attachment system.
Thanks to its impressive features and powerful motor (2.5 amp, with a maximum of 12,000 OPM), the Bosch sander is ideal for anyone looking to achieve professional results with their furniture projects. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, you’ll find that this sander is up to the task.
5. Makita BO3710 Finishing Sander (the best for large surfaces)
The Makita Orbital Sander is an impressive tool, with a reasonable price tag and excellent quality construction. The 11,000 OPM operation gives you smooth finishes, and the 1.7 Amp motor is powerful enough for longer sessions, even with coarse-grit sandpaper. It’s also easy to control, regardless of the grit.
The sander features a wider baseplate (1/3 sheet pad size) than most competitors, making it ideal for larger furniture surfaces. The pressure is evenly distributed, resulting in a uniform flat surface with no corners left untouched.
The tool is also relatively quiet. The trigger is lockable, so you can use one or two hands while working intensively. The rubberized handle of the sander makes it easy to hold and maneuver.
The dust collector bag included in the sander isn’t the best, but it still manages to capture around 70% of sawdust. For improved efficiency, you can attach a shop vac. The only issue is that the sander doesn’t come with an adapter – you’ll have to buy one separately.
Additionally, you can use regular paper sheets instead of hook and loop, which will make running costs cheaper. Changing sandpaper is also a breeze with the remarkable clamping system.
Overall, this Makita finishing sander is one of the best orbital sanders on the market. It’s durable, reliable, and affordable, making it a great choice for sanding large furniture pieces. It’ll save you time, and money, and reduce your stress caused by finicky sandpaper changes.
6. WORX WX820L 20V Multi-Sander (the best battery-powered sander)
Looking for something to tackle furniture refinishing projects? Then look no further than this amazing cordless sander set from Worx! This set has everything you need to get the job done, including a 5-inch random orbit sander, a 1/4 finishing sander, a detail sander, a finger sander, and a contour sander.
As you can see, this choice is perfect if you don’t have any sanders currently and want to invest in a good starter pack.
The unit has a hyper lock handle on top, which makes changing the pads quick and easy. The variable speed dial allows you to adjust the speed from aggressive to gentle depending on the project. Plus, the bases are made of metal, not plastic, so you can be sure they’ll be as durable as possible.
The battery is interchangeable with all other 20V Worx power tools. It is a 20V 2.0 Ah battery that lasts a long time and charges quickly with the 5-hour charger. But you can still upgrade to a better battery if you wish.
The DustStop micro filter reduces airborne dust, and the dust port allows you to hook the tool up to a shop vac for even greater dust collection. But the bag that you can see in the pictures doesn’t actually come with the set.
This set is perfect for those looking to tackle furniture refinishing projects of any size. It includes a 20V 2.0 Ah battery, a 5-hour charger, the main tool, 5 sanding bases, 3 sanding sheets for each pad, a dust collection bag with an adapter, and a hole punch for the finishing sander pad.
So don’t wait – get the most out of your furniture refinishing projects with this wonderful cordless set from Worx!
7. ZFE Mini Random Orbital Air Sander (the best mini air sander)
The ZFE mini random orbital air sander is a great tool for getting into all the hard-to-reach spaces and tricky nooks within the furniture.
This mini sander offers a set of backing plates that range from one to three inches, making it ideal for those more intricately detailed jobs. This tool works with powerful 15,000 OPM, making it both efficient and of high quality.
One customer even remarked that it was “really solidly constructed.”
The sander is extremely versatile, as it can be used on a variety of surfaces and materials – not just wood!
This kit also comes with many other sanding pads, allowing for a wide range of applications, from buffing and waxing to polishing. On top of it all, this mini sander is incredibly easy to transport and store. All of these features combined make this mini sander an excellent value for money!
8. SKIL Detail Sander with Dust Collection Box (the best sander with microfiltration)
Woodworking can be a tricky and tedious endeavor. It’s important to find a way to minimize the mess and danger from sawdust getting in your way, the allergies it can cause, and the risks of inhaling harmful fine dust particles. This SKIL sander performs the task ideally.
Its microfiltration system collects the majority (up to 90%) of the dust particles before they can create a hazard, and comes with a dust port for easy disposal. With its on/off switch securely sealed to further prevent dust interference, you won’t have to worry about accidental dust buildup.
Finding replacement sandpaper pads for this sander can be tough because of its unique design. However, users have recommended looking for the detail sander pad with 11 holes or taking it to the hardware store to find sanding pads that fit perfectly.
When it comes to power, the sander uses a 1.0 amp motor that provides 12,000 OPM, which itself is not really powerful.
By investing in a product like the SKIL Detail Sander, you can keep sawdust under control and sand furniture safely.
9. GALAX PRO Orbital Sander with Dust Collection Bag (best dust collector)
With its 5-inch sanding pad and 13,000 OPM capabilities, the Galax Pro Random Orbital Sander is an excellent tool for sanding wood surfaces quickly and efficiently, while also minimizing the mess.
With an effective dust collection system, users no longer need to worry about long, tedious clean-up times. Customers are pleased with the tool for its comfortable rubber outer body and its adjustable speed settings. The great performance it offers for its price is also a major selling point.
Besides the anti-dust properties, the sander offers a pretty powerful motor at 2.5 amp. The tool design makes it easy to hold and control even with small hands.
With the Galax Pro Random Orbital Sander, woodworking enthusiasts can get high-quality results with less time, energy, and mess.
10. TECCPO TAMS22P 14,000 OPM Detail Sander (the best detail sander)
The Teccpo mouse detail sander is the perfect tool for sanding small, hard-to-reach spots that standard sanders simply can’t get to.
With its pointed shape and 1.1 amp motor, it offers an impressive 14,000 OPM and comes with two six-packs of sandpaper for tackling any surface, from bare wood to rubber.
Though it’s not meant for large surfaces,
One happy buyer noted that it worked great for refinishing a large furniture piece.
It has minimal vibration when you use it thanks to its lightweight (2.61 lbs) design. It is also easy to handle and guide the sander into all the nooks and tricky places.
Though this model is the last one on our list, it does deserve some attention and consideration! We think it is still one of the better detail sanders out there!
The job of refinishing the furniture
If you’re looking to refinish a piece of furniture, it’s important to ask yourself what you want to get out of it.
For many furniture collectors, keeping the piece in its original condition is usually worth more when it comes to monetary value. However, if the piece of furniture has a lot of sentimental value, and it is in poor condition, then refinishing it could be a practical option. It can help to preserve old memories and make the piece look new again.
It’s important to consider all of your options when deciding whether furniture refinishing is right for you.
Reviving the old coverage
In some cases, you don’t need to clean away the present stain. You can go for a simple wipe-on color or finish to bring back the look of the furniture surface. This solution could retain some of its original features, but it may not offer the required protection for the daily use of the piece.
If you plan to use the item as a part of your daily furniture, it is best to go for a more extensive cleaning and protection option.
Reasons for furniture refinishing
Paint
Painting furniture is a great way to cover up any imperfections from water damage to small surface issues. You will need to put more work into a painted furniture piece, not only refinish it.
Materials used
Furniture production from the late 1950s has usually included materials such as particle boards or laminates, which can be especially helpful for enduring moisture and expansion.
However, this type of material may not be an ideal match for a solid wood finish. You should not spend your time trying to refinish such materials.
Structural integrity
Before deciding to refinish, you should ensure that the furniture piece fits snugly at all connection points, and if not, the joints should be cleaned and reglued before applying the finish coat.
Wood darkening over time
Another factor to consider when refinishing is the discoloration of the wood, which is inevitable with most types of wood, apart from walnut. As the wood ages, it tends to become darker, which may impact your decision to refinish.
Choosing the power sander for furniture refinishing — Guide
Here’s a quick guide that you can use to understand what features you should be looking for when choosing your hand sander for furniture.
Different types of sanders for refinishing
Choosing the right type of sander is an important part of the process. There are a few different kinds of sanders available, each with its unique qualities and best applications.
Belt sanders
Belt sanders are the most powerful handheld sanding devices and are great for removing large amounts of wood from a surface in a short amount of time.
As the name implies, they use a running sandpaper belt that works in one direction. They are not suitable for achieving a smooth finish, however, and should be used in combination with other sanders.
Random orbital sanders
Random orbital sanders are the preferred tool of choice for most professionals and serious hobbyists. They offer sanding versatility and are capable of removing layers of wood as well as producing a smooth and polished finish.
These sanders rotate in a random pattern, which helps to minimize scratches and swirl marks. You can use them on most surfaces, from furniture to paneling and wood floors.
Random orbital sanders are best for flat and large surfaces.
Palm sanders
Palm sanders are convenient and lightweight power tools that are perfect for smaller furniture projects. These hand-held sanders can provide a smooth, even finish to surfaces that are too small or intricate for large belt sanders.
For those who are just starting, palm sanders are also a great option, as they are simple to use and require less skill than other types of power sanders. Furthermore, some people also use palm sanders for more detailed work, as they are versatile and can fit into areas much more easily than the best random orbital sanders.
Detail sanders
This class of power sanders is designed to work with detailed and carved surfaces when the wood grain is important. They are similar to palm sanders in that they are also smaller tools, not meant to take off large amounts of surface material.
Their pointy shape, small size, and specialized pads make detail sanders the top choice for precision sanding tasks.
Sander features and specs
Speed
The speed of sanders is often measured in either OPM (orbits/oscillations per minute) or RPM (revolutions per minute). Though the exact reason for the differences in measurements between manufacturers is unknown, it is widely accepted that the higher the OPM/RPM, the faster the sander can remove surface layers.
Having a variable speed option allows users to choose the right speed for the job and, although more costly, may be worth it for the versatility it offers.
Power
When it comes to power sources, sanders come in three varieties – corded electric, battery-powered cordless, and pneumatic air powered. Generally, the most common type is a corded electric sander, as it does not require battery charging or an air compressor.
However, if you happen to have a compressor, a pneumatic sanding tool would be a convenient choice. On the other hand, if you value portability and flexibility, you should consider a cordless option.
Regarding the power of the tool, small sanders, such as palm and detail sanders, may offer as little as 0.5 amps, which is sufficient for their more precise tasks. Larger sanders, such as a belt sander or a random orbital sander, may offer up to 8 amps, which is great for stripping away large amounts of surface material.
However, this amount (8 amps) of power is excessive for general furniture making. Motors with 2 – 3 amps are usually powerful enough for all furniture refinishing projects.
Dust collection
One of the most important features to consider when shopping for a sander is sanding dust collection. Many sanders come with a dust canister, bag, or some kind of dust system to make the job easier. It can pick up even the smallest particles, keeping your work area clean and giving you a better view of your furniture project.
Design
When selecting a sander, it’s important to consider its design. Many woodworkers opt for newer models with an ergonomic design, such as a rubber grip handle, which helps keep the tool secure and comfortable to use.
The sander should also be lightweight to avoid user fatigue and have vibration dampening to reduce strain while sanding for longer periods.
Such detail as rubber-sealed switches is also a standard, so the best sanders should all offer that.
Sandpaper grits
The sandpaper used with a sander also comes in various grits. Coarsest to finest, the grades have been set by the Coated Abrasives Manufacturing Institute (CAMI) and Federation of European Producers of Abrasives (FEPA) and include: very fine, extra fine, super fine, and ultra-fine. Knowing the different grits is essential to getting the best possible results.
| Grade (coarsest to finest) | CAMI | FEPA |
| Very fine | 240 | P240, P280, P320, P360 |
| Extra fine | 320, 360 | P400, P500, P600 |
| Super fine | 400, 500, 600 | P800, P1000, P1200 |
| Ultra fine | 800, 1000 | P1500, P2000, P2500 |
FAQ
What kind of sander is best for sanding wood furniture?
It is widely accepted that there is no single type of sander that is the best for sanding wood furniture. What tools to use depends largely on the piece you are working on and the job you are trying to accomplish.
For larger jobs, such as removing old finishes and furniture stripping, a powerful random orbital sander or belt sander is probably the way to go.
Finishing the furniture’s surface and getting into tight corners requires something a bit more delicate and easier to maneuver, like a sheet sander or detail sander.
When looking for the best sanders to use on furniture, you should consider those that offer variable speed, low vibration levels, and plenty of power. This way, you can be sure that your sander will be able to handle even the toughest refinishing jobs.
What do you use to sand old furniture?
One of the best sanders for old furniture restoration in particular is Bosch ROS20VSC Variable Speed Sander. We’ve described it above in our list. It has all the necessary features: a comfortable grip, reduced vibrations, a microcellular backing pad perfect for fine grit sanding, and variable speed control.
What sandpaper should I use on furniture?
Again, it depends on your goals. For example, a CAMI-graded ultrafine 240-grit sandpaper or sanding pad works great in between coats of paint. On the other hand, 1000-grit works best for finishing and polishing tasks, especially when the surface is carved.
In general, the more accurate and gentle you need to be while working, the higher the grit number of the paper should be. Higher grit paper leaves fewer swirl marks, too.
Conclusion
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of the perfect sander for furniture refinishing, you can confidently make an informed decision about which one is best for you. As we mentioned, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so use this article to help you make the right choice.
The best furniture sander overall on our list is DeWALT DWE6411K ¼ Sheet Palm Sander. It is a brand name choice that is powerful and durable while having a comfortable design that reduces vibrations and fatigue to a minimum.
My name is Alex Mashinsky
I am an enthusiastic woodworking hobbyist who created topwoodworkingtools.com to provide helpful information and advice to fellow woodworkers.
The goal of the website is to help readers make informed decisions about woodworking tools and materials, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that they achieve the best possible results from their projects.
My main focus is on offering accurate, honest, and well-reasoned opinions and advice to help readers choose the most suitable tools and materials for their particular needs.
