SANDERS: RoS vs Vibrating kind

versus a square bottoms

Just about any circumstance the ROS is better. One exception is corners; the square can fit better.

When my square sander died I bought an ROS and never replaced the square job. The better ROS are faster and leave a better pattern of scratches. Ed

bottoms

When it's a good ROS. A bad (ie cheap) vibrating sander works, bu tis underpowered. A bad ROS scratches circles into everything and ruins whatever finish is already there.

-- Klein bottle for rent. Apply within.

bottoms

I used a square bottom for many years. Recently I go a ROS, which is a bit more aggressive than the square palm sander. The square bottom palm sander does not require special sandpaper than the ROS. I like having both!

I only have a random orbit sander (DeWalt) and I love it more than nearly any other tool I own. I don't mind having to get the special sandpaper with the velcro backing because it's so convenient. I get absolutely fantastic results with it. The sanding is perfectly even, smooth as a baby's bottom, and can be done very quickly with little effort.

If you are trying to decide on just one, then it is a no-brainer... ROS. Cuts faster, leave a better surface, more convenient.

The 1/4 sheet sanders are useful, but you can live without one.

Now if you have a third sander, it's time to debate the virtue of a belt vs another ROS....

versus a square bottoms

Actually I already have the square kind (pretty much like the one in the link) and I'm considering getting a RoS with some Christmas money I got. Just wasn't sure if it was worth it but from reading this thread, it sounds like it is...