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5 Best Sander for Trim Work: Reviews & Buyers Guide

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Trimming is one of the most important things when it comes to fine finishing. No matter what the material is if this part of the process isn’t done properly you won’t get good results. And that’s why you need the best sander for trim work to get the best results possible.

We have picked 5 different sanders for this list, we have listed sanders that come with different features, prices, and sanders that can be used for different projects as well. You can read the detailed reviews down below, plus a buyer guide that will help you decide which one to buy.

Products
Product NameDetailsPrice

Bosch
  • Motor: 2.5 AMP
  • Speed : 7.500 - 12.000 OPM
Buy On Amazon

DEWALT DWE6411

  • Motor: 2.3 AMP
  • Speed : 14.000 OPM
Buy On Amazon

Makita BO4556K
  • Motor: 2.0 AMP
  • Speed : 14,000 OPM
Buy On Amazon

Makita GV7000C
  • Motor: 7.9 AMP
  • Speed : 2.500 - 4.700 OPM
Buy On Amazon

SKIL 7292-02
  • Motor: 2.0 AMP
  • Speed : 14.000 OPM
Buy On Amazon

 

Best Sander for Trim Work


1. Bosch ROS20VSC

Best Features  BOSCH ROS20VSC Palm Sander 2.5 Amp 5 In. Corded Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander/Polisher Kit...

  • Variable Speed Settings
  • In-built micro-filter
  • Durable

More detailed review ↴

If you are looking for an electric sander that you can use for different projects then make sure to check the Bosch ROS20VSC. I mostly use this sander when I need a smooth finish or when I have to remove materials from wood material.

A reason why you can use this electric sander for different projects is that it comes with a variable speed setting, meaning that you can change the speed of the pad to match the project you are working on. This tool features a 2.5 AMP motor that comes with 7,500 to 12,000 OPM.

Except for the speed variable setting, another thing I like about this orbital sander is the dust extractor. I was impressed with how good it was. It has an in-built micro-filter system that can get particles as small as 1/2 micron in diameter. This system pushes the particles into the dust canister. The dust canister is incredibly easy to detach.

The tool is also very comfortable to use, it offers soft-grip top and body which allows you to hold the tool in multiply positions and therefore help you get less tired.

Overall a great tool, I highly recommend it for wood trim work. The price is inside the DIY price range too.

Pros:

  • Variable Speed Settings – You can change the speed from 7,500 to 12,000 OPM.
  • Powerful – Comes with a 2.5 AMP Motor
  • Good Dust Collection System – It has an in-build micro-filter system.
  • Comfortable – Offers soft-grip top and body.
Cons:

  • If used for a long time without stopping it can be noisy.


2.DEWALT DWE6411

Best Features  DEWALT Electric Sander, 1/4-Inch Sheet, (DWE6411)

  • Powerful
  • Lightweight
  • Fewer Vibrations

More detailed review ↴

If you are going to use a sander for trim work then you need a lightweight one. This DeWalt sander might be your perfect choice. It is lightweight but at the same time powerful too.

The DEWALT DWE6411 weighs 3.7 pounds, therefore you will be able to work longer hours without having to stop.  It has a powerful motor too, it features a 2.3 AMP motor which sands at 14,000 OPM.  The speed of this motor is enough if you will use the sander for trimming, polishing, sanding, etc.

What I like about this electric sander is that it has great control, meaning that you will be able to move the sander very easily but at the same time feel comfortable doing it, and the reason for that is that it comes with a rubber over-mold texture and the height is reduced for better control.

This is a sheet/palm sander, so you need to change the sandpaper a lot of times while working with it. This sander comes with an improved paper clamp which I think is very effective. If you are working on projects that require to change the sandpaper a lot then I recommend you check this sander out, it will make your life easier.

A thing I don’t like about this sander is the dust collection system, it is nothing special and sometimes the dust collector port doesn’t lock properly, so always make sure to double-check it. Except for that, the sander does a great job, and I highly recommend it, especially for trim work.

Pros:

  • Lightweight – Weighs only 3.7 pounds.
  • Powerful –  2.3 AMP motor that delivers 14,000 OPM’s.
  • Good Control –  The height is reduced to make it easier to control.
  • Fewer Vibrations – It comes with a separate counterweight to reduce vibrations.
Cons:

  • Sometimes the dust collector port doesn’t lock properly.


3.Makita BO4556K

Best Features  Makita BO4556K 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander, with Tool Case

  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Fast

More detailed review ↴

I highly recommend Makita BO4556K if you don’t use sanders a lot and you need a sander that doesn’t require big maintenance and does the job every time you need it.  There are times that I don’t touch this sander for months and it still works like a charm every time I need it.

This sander comes with a good 2.0 AMP motor that can deliver up to 14.000 OPM’s. As mentioned earlier, it is durable, and a reason for that is because of the construction that this sander has. The inside parts are protected by a full ball-bearing construction that gives the tool a longer life and at the same time, it reduced vibrations and noise too.

It also has a rigid aluminum foot and dust-proof sponge to make the tool even more durable.  Although the inside parts are very well protected and will last longer, the outside parts are not that protected.

The dust collection system is pretty good, it has 6 holes that extract the dust. The only problem with the dust collector is that its capacity is very low, so you will have to empty it frequently.

Pros:

  • Lightweight – Weighs only 2.5 pounds.
  • Powerful –  2.0 AMP motor that features up to 14,000 OPM.
  • Durable –  It comes with a rigid aluminum foot and full ball-bearing construction.
Cons:

  • Small dust bag, you need to empty it frequently.


4. Makita GV7000C

Best Features  Makita GV7000C 7'' Disc Sander , Blue

  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Very Powerful

More detailed review ↴

When it comes to sanding, then you probably know that you need a lot of power. One of the most powerful sanders I have ever seen ( for DIY tasks ) is the Makita GV7000C. This sander is lightweight and very powerful.

The Makita GV7000C features a 7.9 AMP motor that delivers  2,500 to 4,700 OPM. When compared to other sanders, the speed may look low, but because of the powerful motor, you can complete the project a lot of times faster than other small sanders. Moreover, the low speed can help you control the sander easier and get smoother results.

A thing that makes this sander special is the design, this Makita tool has its motor over the pad, which gives the tool a better balance and gives you better control.  A thing that I don’t like about this sander is that it doesn’t have a dust collection system, meaning that you will have to get rid of the dust by yourself.

Pros:

  • Very Powerful –  Features a 7.9 AMP motor that comes with variable speed settings.
  • Good Design – The motor is placed over the pad to give the tool a better control.
  • Lightweight – 4.6 lb
Cons:

  • Slow
  • No Dust System Collector


5. SKIL 7292-02

Best Features  SKIL 7292-02 2.0 Amp 1/4 Sheet Palm Sander with Pressure Control , Red

  • Variable Speed Settings
  • In-built micro-filter
  • Durable

More detailed review ↴

If you are looking for a budget-friendly sander that will do the job then the SKIL 7292-02 is your perfect choice. Despite the cheap price, this sander comes with some really great features.

The SKIL 7292-02 features a really good dust system collector, the best I have seen for sanders at this price range. It comes with a micro-filter dust system collector that collects even the finest dust. The dust canister is transparent, therefore you will know when it’s full and when it’s time to empty it. Plus it has a built-in vacuum adapter.

Another great feature that I haven’t seen in many sanders is the pressure control. What this feature does is that it warns you when you have applied too much pressure by indicator light.

Despite the price, this tool comes with a great motor. It features a 2.0 AMP motor that delivers up to 14,000 RPM. It also features a soft-grip design that gives the tool a better control and makes the sanding process comfortable.

Pros:

  • Good Motor – 2.0 AMP motor that can deliver up to 14,000 RPM.
  • Good Dust Collector System – Collects even the finest dust, it also features a transparent dust canister.
  • Comfortable – Offers soft-grip design
  • Budget-Friendly
Cons:

  • Changing sandpapers can be sometimes hard.


Things To Know Before Buying Sander for Trim Work

Electric sanders can be used for various projects, that’s why you need to check all the functions before buying one. If you never used a sander before then checking functions can be hard because you don’t know what you are looking for; that’s why we have made sure to make a list of things that you need to look into before buying a sander for trim work.

These things need to be checked even if you will be using the sander for different projects.

Trimming is very important when it comes to finishing. You are going to need a very good sander to get smooth results. If you get a good trimming, the end results will be better.

Ergonomics

When it comes to trim work then you need a lightweight sander. A lightweight sander is best because you never know when you have to deal with horizontal sanding or when you have to sand difficult corners. A lightweight sander will make that process easier and allow you to work longer without having to stop to rest.

In terms of design, I would say that sanders that have their motor above the pad are the best, but the other ones will do a good job too. The ones with a side handle can be useful too.

Read also: Best Sanders For Pallets

Speed

All of the sanders listed here come with different speeds. The more speed a sander has the better. You need different speeds for different materials, if you are working with wood then a normal speed will do the job, but if you are working with glass or metal then you need more speed.

What I recommend doing is buying a sander that comes with a variable speed setting, that will make it possible for you to change the speed and match it to the project you are working on. In my list of the best sander for trim work I have listed 2 sanders that have variable speed setting, make sure to check them.

Read More: Best Sanding Tool For Cabinets

Noise

No matter how much you look and how much you are willing to spend, a sander will create some level of noise when it comes in contact with another object.  For people who use sanders daily, this isn’t a big deal, most of them are used to it.

But if you are a beginner then make sure to buy an electric sander that doesn’t make a lot of noise.  A way to know if a sander is quiet or not is to look are other people reviews when buying online, or if you are buying locally make sure to ask the owner if the sander makes a lot of noise or not.

Dust Collection System

One of the most important things when it comes to sanders is the dust collection system. As you may know, while sanding you create a lot of dust. Dust can be very bad to your health and to your sander. Always make sure to check how good the dust system collection is. The best ones are the ones that come with a micro-filter system, this system will collect even the finest dust.

The dust canister is also a very important factor. I like the ones that are transparent because you can see when the canister is full and you can empty it. The canister should also be big and easy to detach. Make sure to check the dust port too, see if it’s compatible with your vacuum hose or not.

Final Words

All the guidelines that you read here about speed, power, dust collection system, can be confusing but they are important. Now that you have read this article you are good to go.

Now you know the features you need to look into when buying the best sander for trim work. Moreover, you have a list of 5 sanders that we recommend using for wood trim work. We have listed different types of sanders such as sheet sander, orbital sander, detail sander, etc.

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We’re a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

The Tool Geeks Team

We're a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

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