The Best Sanders for Furniture

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Prepare aging or custom wooden furniture using a sander to smooth rough edges and cut through old lacquer to rejuvenate the wood.

Furniture projects and repairs can be challenging. But, using abrasive sandpaper and rapid oscillation, sanders can grind away the top surface of the wood for staining or lacquer. Several different types of sanders are available, including palm, belt, rotary, detail, or random orbital to remove old paint, rough patches, and revitalize old furniture.

The best sander for furniture depends on the type of furniture, the size of the project, and whether there are tight corners, rounded edges, or difficult angles. This list of top products includes a range of wood sander options to help you find the best sander for furniture refinishing.

1. BEST OVERALL: Bosch ROS20VSC 5-Inch Palm Random Orbit Sander
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Skil SR250801 Corded Detail Sander
3. BEST BELT SANDER: Black+Decker DS321 Dragster Belt Sander
4. BEST RANDOM ORBITAL: Jellas OS280 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander
5. BEST ROTARY SANDER: DeWalt DWE6401DS 5-Inch Variable Speed Disc Sander
6. BEST DETAIL SANDER: Black+Decker BDEMS600 1.2-Amp Electric Detail Sander
7. BEST PALM SANDER: Genesis GPS080 Corner Palm Detail Sander
8. BEST WITH VACUUM ATTACHMENT: Wen 6301 Electric Detailing Palm Sander
9. BEST CORDLESS: DeWalt DCW210D1 Cordless Random Orbital Sander Kit

Before You Buy a Sander for Furniture

While sanding down furniture is a common step in refinishing tables, chairs, wardrobes, standing closets, and more, some DIYers might prefer to strip the paint or lacquer to preserve the wood. Stripping the wood involves using a paint and varnish remover to chemically break down the finish on the furniture.

Stripping often is faster than sanding, and it doesn’t damage the furniture underneath. However, stripping furniture can get messy quickly, especially with larger projects. It also requires the use of powerful chemicals, requiring proper breathing protection and a well-ventilated space in which to work. It takes some time between applying the paint stripper and removing the paint for the stripper to eat through the old finish.

Some people find it difficult to simply wait around for paint to “melt,” and those who get impatient and wipe the remover away too soon can leave layers of paint or lacquer in the wood that prevent the even absorption of a new lacquer. This can cause the furniture to become stained and blotchy. In this case, sanding is quicker and more effective.

Whether you choose to sand or to strip, don’t rush the process. The final outcome will be worth the extra time, especially with the best sander.

How We Chose the Best Sanders for Furniture

We researched the most sought-after sanders for furniture refinishing and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, power source, speed, size and weight, and other special features included by top brands.

While searching for the best sanders available, the most popular picks among users were the corded detail, belt, palm, rotary, and random orbit sander types with speeds ranging from 3,700- to 14,000 oscillations per minute (OPM) or 4,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). Many of the above picks are also lightweight enough to sand with ease and vary between large and small sanding discs and pads depending upon the type of furniture refinishing you want to do.

For convenience, most of these sanders also come with variable-speed triggers, dust collection systems and canisters, internal fans, micro-filtration systems, and even vibration-absorbing handles to make your task easier and safer.

Our Top Picks

The key factors and shopping tips mentioned above provide a foundation to help decide on the best sanders for furniture projects. Take a look at this list of top products that were selected based on the type of sander, power, versatility, speed, and overall quality.

Best Overall

Bosch ROS20VSC 5-Inch Palm Random Orbit Sander

This Bosch random orbital sander has a 5-inch sanding pad and comes with a 5-inch sanding disc, a dust canister, a vacuum adapter, and a carrying case to keep everything neat and organized. The dust canister connects directly to the sander to capture dust while the user sands, keeping the area clear and easy to see. This added visibility helps to avoid uneven sanding or missed rough patches that stand out from the furniture once painted.

This corded electric sander weighs 3.5 pounds and has a powerful 2.5-amp motor that can drive the orbiting speed from 7,500 to 12,000 OPM. A variable-speed trigger controls the speed so users can gently sand a fine piece of furniture or rapidly remove paint, stains, or other undesirable marks from the material.

Product Specs

• Type: Random orbital sander
• Power source: Corded
• Speed: 7,500 to 12,000 OPM

Pros

• 2.5-amp motor provides a maximum of 12,000 OPM of power
• 5-inch sanding pad and disc for large or small sanding tasks
• Dust-collection system and canister prevent dust from circulating
• Vacuum adapter can be used for limiting debris in the workshop
• Carrying case included for easy storing and transporting if necessary

Cons

• Pricey compared to similar models; may have too many bells and whistles for some users

Get the Bosch sander for furniture at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools.

Best Bang for the Buck

Skil SR250801 Corded Detail Sander

Plug in this inexpensive Skil corded detail sander to get up to 12,000 OPM using the 1-amp motor. The 2.3-pound detail sander has a narrow triangular sanding pad and comes with three pieces of sandpaper made to fit. It also has a built-in dust collection system, including internal fans to draw in particles, a dust collection bin, and a micro-filtration system to help collect very fine dust particles.

This corded detail hand sander runs at a single speed that it reaches quickly after activating the dust-sealed on-off switch, but the vibrations produced by the power sander are dampened by the soft rubber grip and padded design. This insulation reduces hand fatigue and helps prevent muscle strain.

Product Specs

• Type: Detail sander
• Power source: Corded
• Speed: 12,000 OPM

Pros

• Narrow triangular sanding pad helps with precision while sanding
• 3 pieces of sandpaper included; no need to purchase sandpaper separately
• Attached dust-collection system and bin; prevents dust particles from circulating
• Internal fans and micro-filtration system keep dust and debris in the machine
• Lightweight compared to similar models; unlikely to cause fatigue or strain while working

Cons

• Some users report issues with sandpaper sizing; may not be the right size for some users’ tasks

Get the Skil sander for furniture at Amazon, Acme Tools, or Grainger.

Best Belt Sander

Black+Decker DS321 Dragster Belt Sander

The Black & Decker belt sanding machine is a good option for refinishing or repairing large pieces of furniture like a dining table, desk, or wardrobe. The 7-amp motor drives the sanding belt at up to 800 RPM, allowing this sander to quickly and efficiently remove paint, lacquer, and wood. The belt sander has a sanding surface area that measures 3 inches by 21 inches, and users can fine-tune their control with the variable-speed trigger.

A built-in dust collection system draws in dust as it’s produced, helping to keep the surface of the material clean and clear so woodworkers can see what they are sanding, making it ideal for tabletops. The 8.25-pound belt sander also has a unique front roller that extends beyond the limits of the sander frame, allowing this sander to access corners, edges, and sit flush against a vertical surface. These features work well for sanding furniture, flooring, and baseboards.

Product Specs

• Type: Belt sander
• Power source: Corded
• Speed: 800 RPM

Pros

• 7-amp motor can provide over 800 RPM of power
• Large 3-inch by 21-inch sanding surface suitable for small and large projects
• Variable-speed trigger allows users to adjust sanding power as necessary
• Dust-collection system prevents unwanted dust and debris from circulating

Cons

• Pricey compared to similar options; may be too heavy duty for some user’s needs
• Some users report poor long-term quality

Get the Black+Decker DS321 sander for furniture at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Best Random Orbital

Jellas OS280 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander

This 3.1-pound Jellas random orbital sander has six adjustable speed settings that users can easily switch between using a simple speed dial. The 2.5-amp motor drives the sanding disc at up to 13,000 OPM, but the sander can also run at lower speeds, to a minimum setting of 8,000 OPM. It has a built-in dust collection system, including internal fans to help pull in particles, and a detachable dust collection bin that is easy to empty when it fills.

The corded random orbital sander has a 5-inch sanding disc pad and comes with 18 replacement discs with a range of sandpaper grits. A rubberized palm grip design reduces vibration and muscle fatigue so woodworkers can keep going for longer periods without having to stop because of hand cramping or strain.

Product Specs

• Type: Random orbital sander
• Power source: Corded
• Speed: 8,000 to 13,000 OPM

Pros

• 6 adjustable speed settings for light to heavy-duty sanding
• 2.5-amp motor provides 8,000 to 13,000 OPM of power
• Dust-collection system and internal fans prevent unwanted dust and debris
• 5-inch sanding disc; ample sanding space for tackling large jobs quickly
• Lightweight model will not cause any strain or fatigue while using

Cons

• Should not be used for wall sanding; dust from the wall is too thin for this model to handle
• Some users report difficulty while using; may be tricky for first timers

Get the Jellas sander for furniture at Amazon.

Best Rotary Sander

DeWalt DWE6401DS 5-Inch Variable Speed Disc Sander

This corded DeWalt rotary sander weighs about 4.8 pounds and comes with an adjustable side handle to provide superior grip and balance while sanding. A variable-speed trigger gives users better control over this DeWalt sander while they work, and a vibration-dampening handle helps reduce muscle fatigue and strain.

This rotary sander operates with a 6-amp motor that can drive it up to 3,700 OPM. While this might seem low compared to some sanders, this is because the DeWalt rotary sander uses a powerful motor to increase the device’s torque instead of the speed. Higher torque is better for tearing away multiple layers of finish to quickly get to the wood, but it should be paired with high-grit sandpaper to produce a fine finish.

Product Specs

• Type: Rotary sander
• Power source: Corded
• Speed: 3,700 OPM

Pros

• 6-amp motor provides up to 3,700 OPM of power for sanding
• Adjustable side handle enables more control than other comparable models
• Variable-speed trigger allows the user to adjust the power output depending on the task
• Vibration-dampening handle promotes precision and prevents hand fatigue

Cons

• Pricey compared to similar models; may have too many bells and whistles for some users

Get the DeWalt DWE6401DS sander for furniture at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools.

Best Detail Sander

Black+Decker BDEMS600 1.2-Amp Electric Detail Sander

This 2.4-pound corded detail sander has a 1.2-amp motor and a compact shape that helps it get into tight corners. If the space is still too narrow, use the included detail sanding attachment that is small enough to fit between the bars on the back of a chair. The sander doesn’t have a variable-speed trigger, so it begins oscillating as soon as the device turns on, operating at about 16,000 OPM.

The Black+Decker detail sander is designed with a built-in dust collection system that pulls in the dust as it’s created to keep the work area clear and easy to see. This simple addition lessens the need to stop and clean up the material before continuing to sand. Its micro-filtration system prevents tiny dust particles from escaping. When the collection chamber is full, just remove it from the detail sander, empty it into a garbage can, and reattach to start working again.

Product Specs

• Type: Detail sander
• Power source: Corded
• Speed: 16,000 OPM

Pros

• 1.2-amp motor provides over 16,000 OPM of power while sanding
• Variable-speed trigger allows user to adjust the speed as necessary
• Dust-collection system keeps unwanted dust out of the air
• Micro-filtration system keeps any fine particles out of the air and lungs
• Compact and lightweight design is easy to transport and store

Cons

• Some users report manufacturing defects and difficulty using; may have a learning curve

Get the Black+Decker BDEMS600 sander for furniture at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Acme Tools, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Best Palm Sander

Genesis GPS080 Corner Palm Detail Sander

This uniquely shaped Genesis GPS080 palm sander is designed for tight corners and difficult angles. It comes with three pieces of sandpaper, including an 80-grit, 120-grit, and 240-grit piece, enabling users to begin working as soon as they can connect the sander to a power outlet. For detailed, precise sanding, this compact Genesis palm sander is a go-to option.

The 0.8-amp corded palm sander operates at 12,000 OPM and doesn’t have a variable-speed trigger, so when the sander starts, it rapidly reaches top speed. The tool weighs just 1.8 pounds, and it has a slender profile that helps the sander access tight corners, work within narrow gaps, and effectively sand awkward angles to ensure fine sanding throughout the entire furniture project.

Product Specs

• Type: Palm sander
• Power source: Corded
• Speed: 12,000 OPM

Pros

• Suitable for tight spaces; small size can access corners and hard-to-reach places
• 3 pieces of sandpaper for different surfaces and depth of sanding; 80, 120, and 240 grit
• 0.8-amp motor provides 12,000 OPM of power for medium to light sanding
• Affordable compared to other models available; suitable for those on a budget

Cons

• No included dust-collection system or bag; must be attached to a vacuum via its port
• Not suitable for heavy-duty sanding projects

Get the Genesis sander for furniture at Amazon or