Mastering Woodworking Sander Tools: Essential Guide for Professionals

Introduction

In this article, we will be testing and reviewing 14 of the most common sanders under 100 dollars that most people are buying. These sanders were purchased from Home Depot, Harbor Freight, and Amazon. The aim of this test is to find the best sander or the best sander for most people.

Methodology

The test will consist of a series of trials where the sanders will be put through their paces in terms of sanding, dust collection, hand fatigue, and durability. Each sander was tested for 15 minutes to determine the heat buildup, vibration, and overall performance. The sanders were then ranked from worst to best based on their performances.

The Sanders

The sanders that were tested include the following:
– Bauer
– Black and Decker
– Bosch
– Craftsman
– DeWalt
– Hercules
– Makita (2 versions)
– Metabo
– Milwaukee
– Ridgid
– Ryobi
– Skil
– WEN

Results Summary

The top three recommended sanders for most people are the Milwaukee, Craftsman, and DeWalt sanders. These three sanders performed well in terms of dust collection, hand fatigue, and overall performance. The Milwaukee sander had the best dust collection and hand fatigue, while the Craftsman and DeWalt offered good performance with a budget-friendly option in the Craftsman.

Individual Performances

– Bauer: The Bauer sander was underpowered and had poor dust collection. However, its hand fatigue was only moderate. Its proprietary dust connections make it difficult to adapt.

– Black and Decker: This sander had good dust collection but suffered from significant hand fatigue. It performed well overall, but the hand fatigue may be an issue for some users.

– Bosch: The Bosch sander was disappointing. Although it had little hand fatigue, it was underpowered and had poor dust collection.

– Craftsman: The Craftsman sander performed well with good dust collection, low hand fatigue, and a budget-friendly price.

– DeWalt: The DeWalt sander also performed well with good dust collection, low hand fatigue, and a variable speed feature. It is a recommended option for most people.

– Hercules: This sander was heavy and had poor performance, poor dust collection, and significant hand fatigue.

– Makita (2 versions): The Makita with the rear and front handle was shocking during use, while the other version had poor dust collection. Both sanders performed well but have some drawbacks.

– Metabo: The Metabo sander had very little hand fatigue but poor dust collection. The dust bag was also a weakness, as it would pop off easily.

– Milwaukee: The Milwaukee sander had the best dust collection and the least hand fatigue of all the sanders tested. It also had good overall performance and a durable design.

– Ridgid: The Ridgid sander performed well with fair dust collection and moderate hand fatigue. It is a middle-of-the-road option.

– Ryobi: This sander had fair dust collection but significant hand fatigue. Its performance was similar to the Ridgid, but with more hand fatigue.

– Skil: The Skil sander had poor dust collection and mediocre hand fatigue. It also suffered from durability issues during the drop test.

– WEN: The WEN sander had poor dust collection and the worst hand fatigue of all the sanders tested. It also broke during the drop test, making it a poor choice overall.

Conclusion

Based on this testing, the best sanders for most people are the Milwaukee, Craftsman, and DeWalt sanders. These sanders performed well overall, with good dust collection and low hand fatigue. Budget-conscious buyers may want to consider the Craftsman sander, while those willing to invest a bit more should consider either the Milwaukee or DeWalt sanders.