Power tools are indispensable when it comes to handling home improvement projects in an efficient manner for consistent and quick results. Sure, you could rely on your bare hands and a regular hand tool to do the job the good old-fashioned way, but it would certainly take you much longer to complete the tasks. Not to mention, the exertion you’d experience from repetitive movements from the longer manual labour leads to an increase in the risk of aches, accidents or injuries.
Even something as simple as sanding could turn into a hassle, especially when you have to cover a larger surface. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or just a DIY enthusiast, the right sander can provide the needed smooth surface result for a renovation or a finish. With so many options of high-quality drywall sander and orbital sander models, however, it’s natural to be in doubt about the ideal choice.
What is the Difference Between a Drywall Sander and a Regular Sander?
At first glance, they may appear the same, but they’re quite different, and your choice comes down to the type of project you have. The name of the first is also a good indicator of the type of job it’s meant for, and you can use this for easy distinction purposes. In simple terms, the drywall option is the one that’s great for larger projects as it covers bigger surfaces, whereas the regular or orbital alternative is ideal for smaller ones. In broader terms, you should know:
Drywall Sander 101
This is a specialised sander designed for smoothing out drywall surfaces as it can remove joint compound as much as it can level seams, perfect for prepping up wall or ceiling surfaces for paint or wallpaper. Don’t worry if you find the popcorn ceiling texture outdated – with this kind of sander, you’d be able to remove it no time too.
Some of the more advanced drywall sanders are fit for sanding plasterboard and dry wall filler, and are capable of removing carpet residue, paint coats, adhesives, coverings and loose plaster. Typically, this type of tool is available in the regular manual option consisting of a sanding pad added to a pole. But, if you need efficiency and reliability, then the lightweight and power-operated (corded or cordless) counterpart is the go-to choice. It comes with a rotating disc and head plus an extendable handle for reaching high areas without requiring bulky ladders. For more flexibility, you can choose from a range of variable speeds fit for the specific tasks you’re doing.
To give you an idea on the efficiency, these sanders are able to remove up to 30 kg of material per hour. Still, to make the most without getting tired, be sure to do a few breaks in between as they’re slightly heavier than the manual alternative. Some of these advanced models even come with a dust collection system or give you the chance to pair them with suitable vacuum attachments to make for hassle-free clean-up.
Not to mention, the minimal airborne dust is also good for your health as there’s minimal exposure and risk of allergies, respiratory issues, irritation, and long-term problems. This detail may add to their price, but these sanders are worth the investment given the range of benefits they offer.
Orbital Sander 101
If you’re looking for an all-rounder, this is it. It’s a popular choice because of the versatility it provides in terms of materials you can use it with. Unlike the drywall counterpart, this one can be used for work with wood as much as metal so you can rely on it for more projects of different types, from refinishing and painting furniture like cabinetry to creating a smooth finish on medium-sized surfaces.
Although it’s not suitable for large surfaces, it’s compact and lightweight, making it perfect for precise and detailed work. The minimal risk of swirls with some designs, like the random orbital sander, comes from the addition of elliptical motion which is a huge plus especially for delicate surfaces like those of furniture.
While we’re at circular, attachments like circular pads and rectangular sheets are easy to apply and change, but the frequency related to this depends on the size of project you have at hand; bigger tasks require more frequent pad change, for example. Much like the power drywall sanders option, the orbital sander is available in corded and cordless models, and you can choose based on how much power and flexibility you’re after.
In terms of price, in general this tool is more affordable than the sturdier and bigger wall sanders because it tends to be more compact and more lightweight. Even though there are some more high-end models that come with built-in dust collection systems, overall the orbital variant tends to be on the cheaper end when it comes to price.
But remember to do some practice first as not using it properly can end up leaving some swirls on the softer materials. In case of removing heavier materials, like joint compound, just leave it to the drywall type to make for seamless results.
