When we refinished our kitchen cabinets, I thought hand-sanding would be “good exercise.” After two doors, my arms disagreed. I bought an orbital sander out of desperation and instantly wished I had done it sooner.
The tool glided smoothly, removing old finish without gouging the wood. The dust bag didn’t catch everything, but it cut mess significantly. Paired with different grits, I could go from rough removal to smooth finishing quickly.
What surprised me most was control. I expected it to be aggressive, but it actually felt forgiving as long as I kept it moving. My cabinets looked professionally prepped, and the final paint adhered beautifully.
The downside? Noise. I learned to wear ear protection and take breaks. And yes, there was still dust everywhere just less than before.
Final thought: For any renovation involving wood, an orbital sander is worth every penny. It saves time, energy, and honestly, your patience.
