Palm Sanders

About Palm Sanders

Palm sanders are compact, handheld power tools designed for smoothing and finishing wood, metal, plastic and other materials. Sized to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, these versatile machines offer excellent control and manoeuvrability for detailed work. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks palm sanders from leading professional brands including Bosch Professional, DeWalt, Makita, Flex and Black and Decker, available in both corded 240v and cordless 12v-20v configurations.

The category encompasses random orbital sanders with circular pads for swirl-free finishes, standard orbital models with rectangular pads ideal for corners and edges, and detail sanders featuring triangular heads for precision work in tight spaces. Modern palm sanders offer brushless motors, variable speed control (typically 7,000-14,000 OPM) and efficient dust extraction systems. Their lightweight design (1-2kg) makes them particularly suited to overhead work, extended sanding sessions and tasks requiring a delicate touch, making them essential tools for joiners, decorators and DIY enthusiasts throughout the UK.

Applications

Palm sanders are versatile tools used across multiple trades and applications:

• Joiners and Carpenters: Smoothing timber joints, preparing wood for finishing, and detail work on bespoke furniture and cabinetry
• Painters and Decorators: Surface preparation, removing old paint, keying surfaces for adhesion, and light sanding between coats
• Kitchen and Bathroom Fitters: Finishing exposed timber edges, smoothing filler work, and preparing surfaces in confined installation spaces
• Furniture Restorers: Detailed sanding work on antiques, refinishing projects, and delicate restoration tasks requiring precision control
• Shop Fitters: Preparing display units, smoothing laminate edges, and finishing work on-site installations
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects, upcycling furniture, woodworking hobbies, and general household maintenance
• Vehicle and Boat Restorers: Preparing bodywork for painting, smoothing filler, and detail work in confined spaces

Choosing The Right Palm Sanders

Sander Type: Random orbital models offer the best all-round performance and finest finish for general woodworking. Standard orbital sanders with rectangular pads excel at edge work and corners, whilst detail sanders with triangular pads are specialists for tight spaces.

Power Source: Corded 240v palm sanders (150-300W) provide consistent power for extended workshop use. Cordless models (12v-20v) offer excellent portability for site work without trailing cables. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks 18v platforms from Makita, DeWalt and Bosch that share batteries across your existing tool collection.

Motor Technology: Brushless motors deliver approximately 30% longer runtime, reduced maintenance and better performance under load. While initially more expensive, they represent better long-term value for regular users.

Speed Control: Variable speed settings allow you to match the tool's aggression to the material and task, essential for working with different timber species or when a delicate touch is required for finishing work.

Dust Management: Effective dust extraction is crucial for visibility, surface quality and health compliance with COSHH regulations. Look for models with high-capacity dust boxes and optional vacuum hose connections.

Ergonomics: For extended use or overhead work, lighter models (1-1.5kg) reduce fatigue significantly. Rubberised grips and well-balanced designs improve control during prolonged sanding sessions.

Safety Information

Respiratory Protection: Always wear FFP2 or FFP3-rated dust masks when sanding, particularly when working with MDF, hardwoods, or old painted surfaces that may contain lead, in compliance with HSE guidelines and COSHH regulations.

Eye Protection: Safety glasses should be worn at all times during sanding operations to protect against airborne particles, even when using dust extraction systems.

Dust Extraction: Use dust collection systems whenever possible to minimise airborne particles. When sanding metal, disconnect extractors as sparks can ignite fires in dust systems.

Electrical Safety: Inspect cables regularly for damage and use RCD protection when operating corded 240v sanders, particularly on construction sites or in damp environments.

Secure Workpieces: Always clamp items being sanded to prevent movement. Never hold small pieces in your hand while sanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a palm sander and a regular orbital sander?

Palm sanders are compact, handheld versions designed to fit comfortably in your palm, typically weighing 1-2kg with smaller sanding pads (90-125mm). They excel at detailed work, confined spaces and overhead tasks. Full-size orbital sanders are larger, more powerful tools better suited to sanding extensive flat surfaces quickly. Palm sanders sacrifice some speed for improved control and reduced fatigue during precision work.

Should I choose a random orbital or standard orbital palm sander?

Random orbital sanders use circular pads with dual-action movement (simultaneous rotation and oscillation) that produces superior, swirl-free finishes, making them ideal for general-purpose woodworking. Standard orbital sanders with rectangular pads are better for edge work, corners and light finishing between coats. If you can only own one, a random orbital offers more versatility for most applications.

What grit sandpaper should I start with for my project?

For rough, unfinished timber or heavy material removal, start with 60-80 grit. General smoothing and preparation of previously finished wood begins at 100-120 grit. For fine finishing and preparing surfaces for painting or varnishing, use 180-240 grit. Always progress through the grits sequentially—don't skip more than one grit level in the sequence (e.g., 80?120?180?240).