When it comes to sanding drywall, a power tool with a vacuum connection is the best way to go. Drywall sanders make quick work of large flat surfaces, although a drywall sander won’t be practical for some spaces and they can’t sand the corners. That’s where the random orbital sander comes in!
There are a lot of orbital sanders on the market and it can be tough to choose the right one for the job. This article will guide you to the best orbital sander for drywall so you can get the job done quickly and efficiently.
What is the best orbital sander for drywall?
The best orbital sander for drywall should have the following features:
- Rectangular: The rectangular shape will help you to sand tight corners.
- Lightweight: A lightweight sander is easy to maneuver and won’t fatigue your arm.
- Powerful motor: You don’t want the motor to stop from time to time from overheating and to be powerful enough.
- Dust extraction: Orbital sanders create a lot of dust and you don’t want to breathe it in.
- Low profile: For easy maneuverability
- Variable speed: So you can adjust the speed according to the task at hand
Orbital sanders are usually circular and therefore can’t reach into tight corners which makes a rectangular-shaped sander the best choice for drywall.
A sander that fills all these criteria is the Mirka DEOS which I use as a professional painter for smaller projects, but also in combination with the larger drywall sander when sanding the corners.
The best orbital sander for drywall: Mirka DEOS
This Finnish-made high-quality orbital sander is quite expensive and more for professional use, but it’s perfect for sanding drywall.
It’s lightweight with its 2.2 lbs weight and has a powerful brushless motor that can handle even the most challenging tasks.
The dust extraction system is excellent in combination with the Mirka Dust Extractor 1230.
The 4-inch low profile of the Mirka DEOS makes it easy to maneuver and doesn’t feel clunky as some orbital sanders can.
The only downside I have experienced with this sander is that the sandpaper has a tendency to curl when you move it from side to side in too fast motion over long periods of time, but this is easily prevented by using the right technique which you learn after some time of use.
When this occurs the sandpaper is usually worn out and needs replacing anyway.
Recommended orbital sanders for drywall
Other orbital sanders that aren’t as expensive as the Mirka but still offer good quality and has the rectangular shape are:
DEWALT orbital sander
The DEWALT 1/4 Sheet Palm Sander Kit has a 2.3 amp motor that delivers 14,000 OPM. The separate counterweight reduces vibration and along with the rubber grip provides comfortable sanding.
A shorter design allows users to get closer to the work surface and the one-handed locking dust bag attaches securely to the sander to aid in dust collection or the user can attach the sander directly to the DWV010 or DWV012 dust collectors.
To attach dust port to other vacuums with a 1 1/4-inch hose, use the DWV9000 universal quick connector.
Steel Force PFS300
TACKLIFE 3-In-1 Multi-Function Electric Sander
Multi-function orbital sander
Vacuum cleaner adapter that can connect to the vacuum cleaner
6 variable speeds
Not only are these sanders good for sanding drywall but they can also be used to sand other surfaces such as wood.
If you want to use your sander for other surfaces such as furniture, windows, wooden stairs or the like then a good option is the TACKLIFE 3-in-1 since you can change out the sanding discs to fit your needs.
What to look for when buying an orbital sander
When you’re looking to buy an orbital sander for drywall there are a few things you should take into consideration:
- Dust extraction: If you’re planning on sanding a lot then a small dust collector might not be enough, in which case you should look for a sander with a powerful dust extraction system. Some power sanders can be connected to a shop vac for even better dust collection.
- Cord or cordless: A corded orbital sander has its benefits. but a cordless orbital sander can be more convenient since you’re not tethered to an outlet, although you’ll have to keep an eye on the battery life and dust can be an issue since it’s not connected to a dust collector.
- Shape: A round orbital sander can’t reach into tight corners, so if you’re planning on sanding a lot of drywall then a rectangular orbital sander is the way to go. If you prefer a round one you could always sand the corners by hand.
- Size: The size of the orbital sander will also be a factor in how easy it is to maneuver and effectiveness. A smaller orbital sander will be easier to control but might not have the effectiveness of a larger orbital sander.
- Speed: Look for an orbital sander that has variable speed so you can adjust according to the task at hand.
- Weight: A larger and heavier orbital sander will be more difficult to maneuver but will sand faster, while a lighter orbital sander will be easier to control and won’t be as strenuous but it’ll be slower.
- Price: In general, you get what you pay for. The more expensive orbital sanders will be of better quality and have more features than the cheaper ones.
It comes down to what you need and how often you’ll be using it. Have in mind that you can use your orbital sander for other tasks than just drywall.
The benefits of using an orbital sander when sanding drywall
The absolute biggest pro of using an orbital sander when sanding drywall is the dust collection. If you’ve ever sanded without a vacuum or dust collector then you know how messy it can be.
An orbital sander with a good dust extraction system will make your life so much easier and the clean-up afterward will be minimal.
Another benefit of orbital sanders is that it isn’t as strenuous to sand compared to doing it by hand.
If you have a lot of drywall to sand then an orbital sander will be a huge time saver. The finish is usually better as well since you don’t take any shortcuts when using an orbital sander as I myself can be guilty of taking when sanding by hand.
Orbital sanders make the job so much easier and quicker, with a better finish. If you’re planning on doing any drywall work then I would highly recommend getting an orbital sander.
FAQ
Here are some questions you might have about orbital sanders:
What’s the difference between an orbital sander and a random orbital sander?
The difference is that a random orbital sander doesn’t just spin in circles, it also moves randomly which gives it a more uniform finish and prevents swirl marks.
Can I attach a vacuum to an orbital sander?
If you can’t connect your orbital sander to your vacuum then there are adapters that you can buy that will fit most models.
Is an orbital sander worth it?
In my opinion, an orbital sander is absolutely worth it. It’ll make your life so much easier and the finish will be better. Some of the benefits are:
- Dust collection
- Less strenuous
- Quicker and more effective
- Better finish
Which grit of sandpaper should I use for drywall?
When sanding drywall that is going to be painted you can use a finer grit like 120 or 150. If you’re planning on hanging wallpaper or lining paper then you can use a slightly coarser grit like 80 or 100.
Have in mind that the coarser sanding paper eats through the joint compound quicker so you’ll have to be more careful not to over-sand.
Related Videos
Here is a video of me using it on a project where I used it for both walls and trim:
Another video showcasing the Mirka DEOS:
Conclusion
I hope this article on the best orbital sander for drywall has been helpful.
An orbital sander is a great tool to have and makes the job so much easier for you, be that sanding drywall, wood, windows, doors, furniture etcetera.
Orbital sanders are worth the investment and I’m sure you’ll be happy with your purchase.