Im currently looking for a new sander/polisher, I have always used a sander/polisher with a top handle but I know that quite a few people use sanders with side handles, I presume that top handles give better feel? Im open to opinions as I have never used a side handle sander.
What do you huys think?
Top handles, or loop handles can be nice because you can use them with a vertical or horizontal grip. Different options to avoid fatigue.
Personally I like side handles. Gives better control as you can get a hand right on top of the machine.
different strokes for different folks. My favorite sander polisher is the makita 9227cy. It’s set up for side or loop handles. Try both, see what you like.
Thanks for taking time to repond, I have seen a skil sander that I like, top loop handle, it’s a bit more expensive than I’d usually pay, but I think that I might go for that, it also depends on how much guarentee the product comes with.
I like the side handle, but I rest my hand over the top of the mahine and maybe a finger or two wraps the handle. Changing my grip has drastically improved my sanding. I do not like the loop because, with the elevation over the machine some “touch” is lost, and I can’t comfortably get my hand in the loop. Whatever gets you the best finish though.
…all depends on if you are a professional, amateur or rookie and quality intended.
To make couple of boards you can go with whatever; for consistent work: for sander, side handle, for polisher, you can use both but better side handle for polishing (sanding), the details as Pico says and one or the other for rubbing out.
Side handles on my quiver of Milwaukee sanders.
The only sanders I have seen with a loop handle were cheap Harbor Cheap models.
Side handles make the machine more nimble and versitile.
I did work for a guy who made his sander take off the side handle and made him put his hand over the head of the sander to make him keep the pad flat.
I do tend to tip the sander in many angles to reach areas more efficently. Glass-on fins and the like.
12 years on top from sanding to polishing, even with a broken hand this is what polished epoxy looks like
Thanks everyone, tomorrow is shopping day so im going to pick up a load of different sanders and just see what ‘feels right’ for me, and if iy happens to be a side handle I’ll go for that, I’ll also use the tip of seeing what they feel like with placing the hand on top of the sander body too and go with my gut instinct.
Just to update anyone thats interested I ended up getting the skil 9071 I must have picked up more than a douzen sanders/polishers today and the skil just felt right to me, seemed better weight distribution and general balance with soft start system to avoid a jerk when starting.
I picked it up in the shop with a top handle but after opening the box I found that it also comes with a side handle, and the side handle does feel better than the top handle
Different style.
I often have my hand under the sander holding it up to control the weight (touch) and left to right motion and using the trigger handle to stabilize it. I can feather in laps and do edge work with a lot of accuracy. Don’t use the polisher much. My sanders have the side handle.
I also use the random orbital sander a lot. Use my rotary sander for heavier work, and the random orbital for the finer stuff. The RO has a vacuum attachment, so it’s much cleaner. I have a vac attachment on one of my rotary sanders, but it still makes a lot of dust.
It’s all about preferance and what you are used to learned on etc. It’s got nothing to do with whether or not you are a Pro or how much you pay for the sander. The Makita sander/polisher is one of the best and usually comes with both a side and top handle… They are all I buy these days. They are soft start and light weight but well made. The Harbor Freight cheapo comes with the over the back handle, but I have adapted them by using a handle off of a angle rinder or home made from a dowel and “all thread”. I started out on Milwaukees with a side handle so that’s what I’m used to. I never use the the over the back handle. I could but I don’t prefer it. Buy the Makita and blow it out after every use. Change the brushes once in awhile and it will last you a long time. Amazon and Ebay under $200 and used ones are also available. The Harbor Freight is great for the money though and can be converted to a side handle. Lowel