Choosing and Using Random-Orbit Sanders

For small projects, such as stripping furniture or sanding a drywall patch, a palm sander is tough enough to do the job but easy on the wallet. These little machines get their power by orbiting quickly—at least 10,000 times per minute. Compact and light, they can be held either over the top or around the neck, whichever is more comfortable.

Similar to shown: Makita BO5030K 5-inch random-orbit sander; about $70; northerntool.com