Sanders
A random orbital sander is the tool that turns rough lumber, old paint, and drywall patches into a finish-ready surface without leaving the swirl marks a cheap disc sander can.
The right pick comes down to dust collection quality, variable-speed control for different grits, and whether you want corded power or cordless freedom for smaller jobs.
What to look for
Dust collection quality varies a lot
A sander with a well-sealed shroud and a real dust port (not just a bag) keeps far more dust out of the air and off your lungs — pair it with a shop vacuum for the best results.
Variable speed matters more than raw power
Slower speeds prevent swirl marks on finish work and keep you from gumming up fine-grit paper, while higher speeds speed through rough stock removal.
Cordless is convenient, corded still wins for long sessions
A cordless sander is great for quick touch-ups and job-to-job work, but corded models avoid battery swaps in the middle of a full refinishing project.