Best Sander for Pallets in 2024

This post includes affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through my link, I might get a small commission for it at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Upcycle This DIY That!

Sanding is the least favorite thing for most woodworkers, and sanding pallets can be especially challenging. Pallet planks are rough and full of knots; if you want them to look good, you’d have to spend a lot of time to achieve that.

That’s why finding the best sander for pallets can greatly help and speed up the whole process.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

Wood Sanding Tips for Upcycling and Pallet Projects
Best Benchtop Belt Sander
Best Finishing/Sheet Sander
Best Sander to Remove Paint
Best Random Orbital Sander

What sander is best for pallets

There are a couple of options: belt sanders and random orbital sanders. These types of sanders will take care of the rough pallet planks with no problem.

Belt sanders are more powerful but, at the same time, can be challenging to control and are bulkier. Random orbit sanders, especially with variable speed, are more versatile.

If you have a bigger budget, get both. Otherwise, a random orbital sander would be the best choice here.

Finishing(orbital) sanders are not the choice I’d recommend, but if you have no other option, make sure you get a powerful one. Start with P-40/P-60 sandpaper. It‘ll take longer, but it’s doable.

Best sander for pallets in 2024

Let’s look closer at the best sanders for sanding pallets available on the market.

Best belt sander for sanding pallets

Makita 9403
  • Low noise (84dB) for operator comfort
  • 4" wide belt with a speed of 1,640 ft./min. for fast material removal
  • Labyrinth construction seals and protects motor and bearings from dust and debris for longer tool life
  • Large front grip is positioned for operator comfort
  • Innovative design for sanding flush to wall with nose and side of sander

Although this sander is not cheap, you might wonder if the price is justified. This tool is one of the top ones in its class and will help you get all the jobs done in no time.

Anything from rough pallet planks to hardwood floors to decking. Whatever you need.

The 11 Amps of power with electronic speed control, wide 4-inch belt, and 1640 ft/min mean fast stock removal and better speed maintenance under load—good news when it comes to sanding pallets. Great power combined with a wide belt and speed means better and faster performance, saving you precious time.

This machine will tackle any task, such as sanding soft or hardwoods, and will last ages thanks to the labyrinth construction, which seals the motor and bearings from debris contamination. Despite being a powerful tool, this sander is one of the quietest on the market, at only 84 dB. It will even allow you to work without ear protection, not that I recommend that anyway.

The versatility of this sander is somehow limited because of the lack of variable speed. The set speed of 1640 ft /min combined with a grit lower than 80 will give you fantastic stock removal qualities, but put on a 100 grit, and you’ll get a beautifully polished surface. That said, don’t expect random orbit sander or finishing sander results.

This sander comes with a dust bag, a powerful blower that keeps the sanding dust away from the sanded surface, and a 360-degree swivel that allows you to move it out of the way to have a better view. This bag should be enough for small jobs. But if you plan on more significant tasks, like sanding decking, you should hook it up to a dust collection system, like a shop vac or even just a hose with the bucket.

  • Large 24×4 inch belt and Powerful 11 Amp motor means fast and efficient stock removal
  • Adjustable and 360-degree swivel dust bag
  • Low noise at only 84 dB
  • Built out of quality materials
  • Sealed motor and bearings for prolonged life
  • Ability to change sanding belts fairly easily
  • Quite heavy at 13lb
  • No variable speed
  • On the expensive side

If you want to know what users think of this sander, you can check the reviews on Amazon by clicking the button below.

Best value belt sander for pallets

Jellas BS02
  • 🏠 (Power & Variable-Speed Design) - 7 Amp, 120V motor rotates the belt at over 13 feet per second. Variable-speed knob with 6 dials enables you to match the best speed to the application from 120-400rpm.
  • 🏠 (Bench & Belt Sander) - Jellas belt sander with 2 metal C clamps, it can be turned over and fixed to table, acting as a bench sander, lock-on button will help you release your hand, reduce your work intensity.
  • 🏠 (10 Pcs Sanding Belts) - The deck sander comes with 2pcs 40 grits, 2pcs 60 grits, 2pcs 80 grits, 2pcs 120 grits and 2pcs 180 grits aluminum oxide sanding belts, they can save your money, meeting the requirements for your different projects.
  • 🏠 (High Effective Dust Collection Bag) - The dust collecting bag is detachable, can be easily installed and removed, easy to clean dust. 2 in 1(35mm and 32mm) vacuum dust adapter makes it possible to connect your vacuum cleaner, reaching the perfect dust collection effect.

This sander is a more affordable option on the market, yet it still has much to offer. With a 7-amp power motor and variable speed, it offers many features that more expensive sanders have for a fraction of the price.

Let’s have a closer look.

The variable speed option has a 6-speed setting, allowing you to adjust it accordingly for the task you have in mind. The speed lock lets you set it at the required level without the need to hold the trigger all the time. It will make holding the sander more comfortable and give you more control over the tool.

The belt’s size is 3x21in, so it’s smaller than Makita 9403 but still big enough for most sanding jobs. The 7 Amp motor will give you enough power for efficient sanding even the rough pallets planks surfaces.

The quick release of the sanding belt makes changing the belts faster and easier. Extra belts(2 pcs of P40, P60, P80, P120, and P180grit aluminum oxide) come with it, actually saving you money and allowing you to hit the ground running as soon as the sander arrives.

Another great feature worth mentioning is the ability to fix it to a table and use it as a sanding platform. You use the screw clamps provided. It’s great for sanding disassembled pallet planks and gives you more flexibility.

This sander is lighter than the Makita, weighing only 9.5 lbs. This has a positive and a negative side. The plus side is that it makes it a lightweight, portable tool great for working even on vertical surfaces, and it helps reduce fatigue. The drawback could be that the weight behind a belt sander makes removing the stock more aggressive/efficient.

It comes with a dust collector box for dust removal, which does a pretty good job, but if you want to up the dust removal game, you can hook it up to a shop vac. As it comes with a 2-in-1 (35mm and 32mm) vacuum dust adapter, you shouldn’t have a problem here.

Although not designed for professional work, it’s an excellent sander and exceptional value for money that will handle any DIY job. Plus, it has great user reviews on Amazon.

  • Lightweight at only 9.5lbs
  • Long cord
  • Fast belt changing system
  • Efficient dust removal with a dust bag and two-in-one shop vac adapter
  • Variable speed for different applications and better control
  • 7 Amp motor and 13ft/sec speed for efficient stock removal
  • Toolless adjusting knob for belt tracking
  • Great value for money
  • No locking mechanism on the belt-centering knob
  • Mostly made of plastic

Best budget belt sander for pallets

Sale
SKIL 7510-01
  • Pressure control technology monitors sanding pad pressure applied for optimal finish
  • 6.0 A of power sands any type of wood surface
  • Micro-filtration – captures and contains fine dust particles
  • Auto track belt alignment keeps belt centered
  • Vacuum compatible – fits standard 1-1/4 In. vacuum hoses.Flush edge sanding sands right up to the edge for maximum capacity

If you’re looking for a budget belt sander, this one certainly should be on top of your list to consider.

It has many features that more expensive sander models have, like pressure control technology that lets you know when too much pressure is applied and an Auto Track System that keeps the belt nice and centered on the track.

The 6 Amp motor and a large belt will take care of most jobs you throw at it, including sanding rough pallet wood.

The pressure sensor will make sure that you won’t damage the wood surface while sanding. And belts are easy and quick to change thanks to a single lever.

Dust removal is pretty good, even with the dust box, which comes off easily and empties with a few shakes. The see-through plastic lets you control how full the box is, and the filter catches most of the dust, making the workspace almost spotless.

If you don’t like working with a box, the adapter that comes with it allows you to attach the sander to the shop vac.

This sander is lighter than the Jellas BS02, weighing 7.5 lb, which makes it portable and great for all kinds of jobs, including vertical sanding.

It has many happy user reviews on Amazon, stating that this is a great little sander capable of handling many DIY jobs, including floor sanding.

  • Powerful 6 Amp motor for all kinds of applications, including floor sanding
  • Pressure sensor allows for avoiding damaging the wood surface
  • Fast belt changing system
  • Efficient dust removal with a dust box and a filter
  • Auto Track System that keeps the belt nice and centered on the track
  • Great value for money
  • It doesn’t have a variable speed
  • Dust box tends to come off
  • The motor is not sealed against any dust particles

Best random orbital sander for pallets

If you are not confident enough to use a belt sander or are looking for something more versatile, you should look at random orbit sanders. The variable speed models are a great option, allowing you to adjust the speed to the sanding task. Below are some great examples you should consider when looking for the best sander for pallet projects.

Bosch GET75-6N
  • Dual mode: Provides 2 sanding modes, random orbit mode for normal stock removal or fine finishing and "turbo" Driven eccentric orbit mode for aggressive stock removal at 5 times the rate of the normal random orbit sanding mode
  • Variable speed: The GET75 6N comes with a powerful 7. 5 amp variable speed motor (no load speed: 290 to 640 RPM, no load orbit speed: 3300 to 7300 OPM) provide power, flexibility for jobs
  • Ease of use: Get fast, smooth finishes on a variety of surfaces
  • Passive dust collection system: Passive dust collection system that requires a vacuum cleaner and hoses; Accepts Bosch VAC001, VAC009 and VAC010 hoses (sold separately) or a Bosch VAC002 hose adapter (included)

This sander is one of the best when it comes to dealing with rough wood, sanding off paint, etc. With its 7.5 Amps of power and turbo mode, it’s a beast. It’s on the pricey side, but you’d never regret spending money on a reliable tool that will last you ages and will be able to tackle anything you throw at it.

The turbo mode and variable speed will let you work through rough timber, producing excellent, clean surfaces in no time. If you need to make them even smoother, flip a switch to finishing mode, and you’re sorted. This versatility is what’s best about this particular sander.

This sander is as aggressive as a belt sander, so I also recommend it for removing paint from wood. The soft-start function reduces start-up torque, making you less likely to damage the sanded surface.

This tool is very solidly built. Bearings, gears, and the switch are sealed against dust, prolonging their life.

Another great thing about it is the 6-in sanding pad that you can easily change. You get a choice of 3 different types- extra soft, soft, and hard, especially useful for fast stock removal.

The passive dust collection system is excellent. It requires the shop vac to be attached, but it makes the workplace virtually dust-free. And if you want to use turbo mode, a dust removal system is necessary, especially if you sand rough wood pallets.

A word of warning, though: This sander might not be the right choice for a beginner as it is quite a powerful tool, especially when using turbo mode.

  • Dual Mode with Turbo Mode for fast stock removal
  • 7.5 Amp motor with variable speed
  • Constant Response™ circuitry and speed dial maintain pad speed under load
  • Cheap replacement pads with different firmness for different tasks
  • Excellent dust removal with a shop vac
  • No case included
  • No locking mechanism for a vacuum port
  • It needs some firm grip to handle and getting used to in Turbo Mode

It is a great, random orbit sander, and with many 5-star reviews on Amazon, you can be sure this is a good investment that will last you for many years to come.

Best value random orbital sander for pallets

Makita BO5041k
  • Smooth and fast sanding with 3.0 AMP motor
  • Variable speed control dial (4,000-12,000 OPM) enables user to match the sanding speed to the application
  • Ergonomic rubberized palm grip and handle for improved operator comfort
  • Ergonomic rubberized palm grip and handle for improved operator comfort
  • Makita BO5041K 5" Random Orbit Sander

This model is one of my favorite sanders. It is greatly priced, well-balanced, and powerful enough for any upcycling pallet project or any woodworking project.

A solid plastic body is housing a 3 Amp motor that will not bog down nor slow down even under pressure, and that’s important for an evenly sanded surface.

The variable speed (4000-12000 OPM) will give you more control over the sanded surface. A quality lower grit sandpaper at a higher speed will give you faster and more efficient material removal.

Even at the highest speed, this sander is very easy to control. Plus, three rubberized handles make it even easier. 1/8″ random orbital radius gives you smoother results.

Although dust removal is not the best when using the supplied dust bag, it changes dramatically once it is hooked up to a shop vac and working at lower speeds. The drawback, however, is that the manufacturer does not supply the shop vac hose adapter.

The one thing that users mentioned repeatedly is extremely low vibrations across all speeds. This makes this tool great to work with even when suffering from arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Less stress on your hands and smoother results.

If you’re looking for an all-around sander that would be great for sanding pallets, as well as other projects, this is the model you should definitely consider.

  • 3 Amp motor for more power
  • Variable speed for better control
  • Low vibrations for user comfort
  • Long handle and extra removable foregrip that can be set in any position around the body
  • Lightweight
  • Fantastic dust collection with a shop vac attached
  • Hard plastic case
  • Very quiet at lower speeds
  • No shop vac adapter is included in the kit
  • Poor dust collection with the dust collector bag

For more detailed users’ reviews click the button below.

Best budget random orbital sander for pallets

Several options are available if your budget is limited, and I think you’ll like this one. With its 3.5-amp motor, this sander has enough power to tackle any job and won’t bog down under pressure.

It’s not a lightweight and compact sander, so it might not be for everyone, especially if you have some vertical/above-head surfaces to sand. But the size and weight have advantages, like speeding up the sanding process.

The d-shape handle and trigger switch with a lock-on button make this sander very comfortable to use and reduce hand fatigue. The sander’s body is big enough that you can actually use both hands if you ever need to.

The 5-inch pad with a hook-and-loop system makes it very easy to change sanding discs. You should know that the pad doesn’t have a brake, so it will keep spinning after you release the switch. But for that price, I wouldn’t expect extra features.

The dust collection box tends to pop off and doesn’t collect much of the dust. So if that’s the feature you’re after, you should look into Makita or Bosch random orbital sanders.

The one solution to this problem is to hook it up to a shop vac. Unfortunately, this sander doesn’t come with an adapter, so you’d have to look into it and perhaps come up with some DIY solution.

Overall, it’s a solid sander. For the price of BDRO600, you’ll get a surprisingly quiet tool with little vibration. It also comes with nine sanding disks and three different pads for many other applications, like polishing and buffing.

  • Powerful 3 Amp motor
  • Variable speed
  • Extra accessories – sanding disks and polishing pads
  • Reduced vibrations
  • Comfortable and easy to use
  • Budget-friendly
  • No break-disc keeps spinning
  • The popping of dust canister that doesn’t collect much dust
  • No shop vac adapter included

Check out users’ reviews on Amazon by clicking the button below.

Best finishing/orbital sander for pallets – Makita BO3710

Sale
Makita BO3710
  • Ergonomic rubberized grip and handle designed for better fit and added comfort
  • 11,000 OPM for increased efficiency and smooth finish sanding
  • Built-in counterbalance system engineered to reduce vibration
  • Large 2-finger trigger switch with conveniently-located lock-on button for continuous use and increased operator comfort
  • Efficient through-the-pad dust collection system for a cleaner work environment

Although an orbital/finishing sander wouldn’t be my first choice when it comes to sanding wood pallets, this sander is very much worth mentioning. I’ve written a full review on this particular sander, and if you want to know more, check it out here.

Although it doesn’t have the ability to remove stock like a belt sander or RO sander, it has enough power to go for long periods, even with coarse-grit sandpaper. A 1.7-amp motor and 11000 OPM are ideal for getting nice, smooth results.

It has a 1/3 sheet pad, and the baseplate is a simple cast that is a lot thicker than any of its competitors. Frankly, I don’t think it has any competitors, as there are not many sanders of this quality in this size available on the market.

Of course, you could buy a cheaper 1/4-sheet sander, but the bigger size means faster results, especially if you have a lot of big, flat panels to sand.

Another plus – thanks to a counterbalance system, vibrations and, therefore, user fatigue are reduced, allowing you to work for longer. 

The dust collection with the dust bag attached is not tremendous, capturing around 70 % of dust particles. However, it changes dramatically when connected to a dust collection system like a shop vac. This sander is reasonably quiet and easy to navigate.

The clamping system in this sander is fantastic and will let you change the sheet quickly and without damaging the paper, which can be a problem in some cases. Buying bigger sheets and cutting them to size also makes it more affordable.

  • Well built, robust, and durable
  • Powerful enough to tackle any finishing job and beyond
  • Counterbalance system for reduced vibrations
  • Reasonable price
  • Excellent dust collection with a vacuum attached
  • Easy paper changes with a great clamping system
  • No box or bag included
  • Only 70% of sawdust collected when the dust container/bag attached
  • Odd sized port for attaching the shop vacuum hose, and no adapter is included

For more info or users’ reviews, please click the button below.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many choices when it comes to the best sanders for sanding pallets. I hope my post has given you some answers and you’ve found what you’ve been looking for.

If you are still unsure, you can check my buying guides on the best random orbital sander and best finishing sander models, with many more products to choose from.

If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them for you leave them in the box below.

Subscribe To My FREE DIY Newsletter!

Stay in touch and receive things like updates, special offers, new projects, tips, gear reviews, and more. No spam, promise!

By entering your email address, you agree to get an email newsletter from UpcycleThisDIYThat. I’ll respect your privacy, and you can unsubscribe at any time. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Last update on 2024-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *