Sander-polishers

Compare sander-polisher vs orbital polishers

Rotary sander-polisher

Multi-purpose machine
Great for repairs and preparation
Speed range from 600 rpm essential for polishing fibreglass

Orbital polisher

Best for polishing and buffing
Covers large areas very fast
Won't overheat gel coat or leave 'comet tails'

See our detailed comparison here

Rotary sander-polishers with an angle head are the tool of choice for fibreglass repair and maintenance. They're efficient machines that deliver good productivity.

Great for rapid shaping, sanding and final polishing
Quick change between sanding and polishing
Well-balanced for extended use
Alternative size heads available

We've selected three machines that we consider to be ideal for work on boats. They each have a large 180mm head and variable speeds with a range down to 1000 or 600 rpm, slow speeds being essential for good work on fibreglass. See our top tips on machine polishing here.

Variable speed sander-polisher

Heavy duty six-speed rotary polisher with 180mm diameter head. A great value sander-polisher with full specification and a three-year warranty.

This sturdy machine has been extensively tested and is highly recommended with good control from the wrap-around handle.

The Velcro backing pad accepts 180mm sanding discs, compounding and polishing foams, or tie-on polishing bonnets. Spindle lock makes changing heads easy. Accepts any of our listed pads, bonnets and discs.

Six speed settings from 600 to 3200rpm make it suitable for all surfaces, including fibreglass, wood and steel. It's an ideal yard machine and terrific value.

Technical details

Thumb wheel speed control

Operating voltage: 230V 50Hz
Power rating: 1200W
Double insulated, CE marked
Six speed 600 - 3000rpm through thumb wheel selector
Head: 180mm (7 inch) diameter on M14 x 2mm thread
Weight: 3Kg
Power cable: 3m
Supplied with velcro backing pad and soft lambs wool polishing bonnet
Right- or left-handed wrap-around handle

Professional Sander-Polisher

Sealy Sander-polisher Sealey brand professional grade variable speed sander-polisher capable of years of trouble-free service. Nominal power rating 1300W. Comfortable to use for extended periods with low vibration and 2-position handle.

Six-speed settings on dial-up control 1000 to 3200rpm. Alloy bevel gear head with composite motor housing. Supplied with nominal 170mm backing pad and side handle. Easy head change with convenient spindle lock. Accepts any of our listed pads, bonnets and discs.

Technical details

Operating voltage: 230V 50Hz
Power rating: 1300W
Double insulated, CE marked
Thumb-wheel speed control 1000 - 3200rpm
Head: 170mm (7 inch) diameter on M14 x 2mm thread
Weight: 3.5Kg
Power cable: 2m
Supplied with rubber backing pad
Right- or left-handed handle

Makita Sander polisher

For the discerning user, this Makita tool has a superb specification and an excellent reputation.

Electronic control provides continuously variable speed through the trigger as well as a no-load speed dial and a button to lock the preset speed. For ultimate performance, this is the machine to choose.

Technical details

Operating voltage: 230V 50Hz
Power rating: 1200W
Double insulated, CE marked
Continuously variable speed 0 - 3000rpm
Head: 180mm (7 inch) diameter on M14 x 2mm thread
Weight: 3Kg
Supplied with velcro backing pad and soft lambswool polishing bonnet

Polishing fibreglass gel coat

See our tips for machine polishing fibreglass here

Sander-Polisher accessories

Interchangeable heads on the sander-polishers enable you to select the correct size backing disk or foam pad for your application. At any speed setting, the larger disks have a higher peripheral speed than smaller ones, so use large disks and high speed with care - especially on fibreglass. We recommend 150mm pads for compounding.

In the trade, foam pads are generally used in preference to bonnets for applying and buffing compound, polish and wax. Pads are either secured to the standard backing disc with Velcro hook and loop, or come complete with their own backing disk that simply screws into place instead of the standard one. Bonnets are either secured with a drawstring or a hook and loop for the standard backing disc.