Difference between orbital and vibrating sanders?

Question

i really have a large project and just feel as if the orbital will cut through the grain quicker, but wont get in the corners very well. Also - will the orbital make scratches in the garin since it moves in a circle?

Answer 1

There are two types of sanders--straight-line, and orbital.  Orbital is a bit misleading; the pattern is completely random, although it looks as though the pad is going in a circle.  If you sand your raw wood to 240 grit (NOT garnet paper, use aluminum oxide or silicon dioxide paper) and stain, you should not see any sanding swirls.  Sanding any finer than that will prevent the stain from saturating the wood fibers.  Straight-line sanders will probably be more difficult to use and you will have far fewer options when choosing one.  I would go with a Bosch or Dewalt, 5" pad.  I use the paper that does not have the dust holes because particulate tends to clog in these areas and leave swirl marks.