Wooden worktops not only enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen area but are also durable if well-maintained. And similar to most wooden surfaces, you’ll need to sand regularly to remove blemishes, cuts, or scratches that might occur over time. So what is the best sander for wooden worktops?
The best sander for wooden worktops depends on the type of wood used and a user’s preferences. However, the most commonly used sanders are random orbital sanders and palm sanders. These sanders are easy to use and allow for neat smooth finishes without sanding away too much wood.
Curious to learn more about the best sander for wooden worktops? Then you are in the right place. Read on as we discuss sanders you should consider for your DIY wooden worktop sanding project.
Random Orbital Sander
A random orbital sander is an ideal option for sanding your wooden worktop. Unlike sanding manually, which requires a lot of work and precision, a random orbital sander does all the work for you. All you’ll need to do is interchange the different grit discs depending on your preferred finish.
So what should you consider when looking to buy a random orbital sander for sanding your wooden worktop?
Speed Variation
Most random orbital sanders come with a single speed. However, some models feature different speed settings. A higher speed setting might come in handy when looking to grind built-up stains and roughness. But for wooden worktops, working with medium to low speeds is highly recommended.
While having an orbital sander might come in handy, it isn’t a mandatory feature for random orbital sanders. You can easily sand your wooden worktop by using sanding discs of the appropriate grit.
Disc Size
You won’t need an extra-large disc size when working on wooden worktops. The standard 5-inch discs should be enough to get the job done. However, if your wooden worktop has some tight spots, smaller 1-4 inch discs can come in handy. Please note that you might have to buy brand-specific sanding discs as not all discs and sanders are compatible.
Dust Collection
Since you’ll be sanding indoors, getting a random orbital sander with attached dust bags can come in extra handy. These bags collect wood dust generated during the sanding process, thus leaving the work area reasonably neat. However, when sanding, you’ll still need to wear a dust mask for extra protection.
Power Options
Random Orbital sanders are usually powered in three main ways: electrical cords, compressed air, and rechargeable batteries. Corded sanders might work if your wooden worktop has several electrical outlets or if the sander has a long enough cord. Compressed or pneumatic sanders work well for woodworkers with a central air compressor.
A cordless sander is ideal if you’re working in areas without access to a power source. It can also come in handy when working on worktops, and you don’t want the hassle of dealing with a cord. Point to note, though, most batteries tend to last for 40-50 minutes on a single charge, so it might be best to have a spare battery.
Best Random Orbital Sanders for Wooden Worktops
Makita XOB01T 18V Cordless Random Orbit Sander
- Three speed settings (7, 000/9, 500/11, 000 OPM) engineered for faster material removal
- Up to 65 minutes (low speed) and 32 minutes (High speed) of run time on a single charge
- 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5. 0Ah battery BL1850B provides up to 65% more run time per charge*
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This cordless random orbital sander by Makita comes with three-speed settings 7,000, 9,500, and 11,000 OPM. The compact design ensures you can easily sand your wooden worktop without hand or finger fatigue. And for improved cordless performance, the sander is powered by a high-quality 5.0 Ah battery that allows you to sand for up to 65 minutes on low speed and 32 minutes on high speed.
Dewalt Random Orbit Sander
- 3.0-amp motor of the orbital sander spins the pad at 12,000 OPM
- Shorter height of the hand sander allows the user to get closer to work piece
- Separate counterweight design reduces vibration for improved comfort of the electric sander
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This corded electric orbital sander manages an impressive 12,000 OPM, which allows you to sand your wooden worktop at fast speeds. The dust port is made from high-quality material and helps collect dust resulting from sanding the wooden worktop. Besides its high disc oscillation rate, the Dewalt Random Orbit Sander features a rubber over-mold that reduces overall vibration, thus increasing comfort.
Tacklife 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander
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Not too many random orbit sanders have smooth dust collection systems like this 5-inch sander by Tacklife. The dust-collection system is easy to remove, thus reducing the risks of spilling sawdust during removal. And for enhanced comfort, the handles are fully rubberized, which minimizes the sanding vibrations’ impact.
Palm Sander
Palm sanders are also ideal for sanding wooden worktops. However, you’ll need to ensure you sand along the grain of the wood to get the desired smooth finish.
Palm sanders are more effective than manually sanding as you’ll get a high level of precision provided you interchange between coarse grit and fine-grit sandpaper. Working with a palm sander also allows you to complete projects at a much faster rate.
On most occasions, woodsmen prefer starting with random orbital sanders before completing the project with palm sanders. However, you can still sand the wooden worktop with a palm sander as your only sanding tool.
Palm sanders usually have similar features to orbital sanders. You’ll need to check on factors such as dust collection, oscillations per minute, ergonomics, and speed variations, which we’ve discussed in the previous section.
Best Palm Sanders for Working on Wooden Countertops
Dewalt 20V Max Variable Speed Palm Sander
- Brushless motor of the electric sander provides runtime and efficiency to get the job done
- Variable speed control from 8,000 - 14,000 OPM to match the speed to the application
- Low profile height of the 1/4 sheet sander allows user to get close to work surface for precise sanding
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This palm sander by Dewalt can manage a variable speed of between 8,000-14,000 OPM, which ensures you get an extra-smooth finish. Its low profile height is convenient as it allows you to get close enough to the surface. The compact design makes this palm sander comfortable on the hand and ideal for long-term non-stop sage.
Wen 6313 Electric Sheet Sander
- Features a 3-5/8 x 7-3/8 inch surface for sanding large faces
- Powerful 1.2 amp motor provides 12,000 OPM
- Lightweight design weighs in at a mere three pounds
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This corded electric sander weighs 3.6 pounds, making it light enough for usage on wooden worktops. It also comes with a velcro base pad that allows for easy sandpaper installation and removal. And for that extra fine finish, the Wen 6313 Electric Sheet Sander features a 1.2 Ah motor that manages an impressive 12,000 OPM despite its small size.
Black+ Decker Mouse Detail Sander
- COMPACT DESIGN – Allows access to cramped corners and tight spaces.
- POWERFUL MOTOR – 1.2 Amp motor supplies 16,000 orbits per minute for fast and thorough material removal.
- DETAIL FINGER ATTACHMENT – Interchangeable attachment allows access to hard-to-reach spots.
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With a total weight of 2.8 lbs and a pointed front edge, this palm sander is designed to sand in both broad and tight spaces for extended periods. It also features a 3-position grip for enhanced control and ease of use when sanding. This handy tool can manage 14,000 OPM despite its compact size.
Can I Use a Belt Sander for Wooden Worktops?
Although a belt sander can still be used for wooden worktops, it isn’t the best option, especially when working on regularly maintained options. Due to experience, some woodworking experts might achieve a smooth finish using the right grit sander belts.
But suppose you’re relatively new to DIY sanding. In that case, it’s best to stick to random orbital sanders or palm sanders as they’re more appropriate for wooden worktops and also easy to use.
All you’ll need to do is strategically alternate between the coarse and fine grit discs when using a random orbital sander. You should also start with coarse-grit sandpaper as you move to higher grit sandpaper when using a palm sander.
Final Thoughts
The best sander for wooden worktops depends on several factors- top of the list being your preference and the type of wood you’re working on. But for a regularly maintained wooden worktop, it’s highly advised to utilize easy-to-use sanders to avoid over sanding the worktops.
You can either opt for a random orbital sander if you want to remove dents and fairly deep knife scratches. But if your wooden worktop doesn’t need much work, then a palm sander can do the job.