Choosing and Using Random-Orbit Sanders

When you face a lot of sanding but don't feel comfortable with a big right-angle machine, try a unit whose motor sits above the pad. It's a good compromise between small palm sanders and beefier models, especially for people with small hands, who can grab the handles fore and aft instead of having to grip a right-angle's body.

Shown: Bosch 3727DEVS 6-inch random-orbit sander; about $155; acetoolonline.com