For sanding large areas quickly, which type of sander is most likely to be used?

The choice of a belt sander for sanding large areas quickly is based on its design and functionality. Belt sanders are equipped with a continuous loop of sandpaper that moves rapidly, allowing them to remove material aggressively and efficiently. This makes them particularly effective for large, flat surfaces such as floors, table tops, or wide boards, where speed and power are essential.

In contrast, other types of sanders have different purposes. A detail sander is designed for precision work in tight spaces, making it unsuitable for broad applications. An orbital sander is effective for finer finishing on smaller areas but does not provide the same level of material removal speed as a belt sander. A random orbit sander combines features of both orbital and sheet sanders, offering a smoother finish but at a slower rate than a belt sander when it comes to working on larger surfaces. Therefore, when it comes to the need for quick sanding of expansive areas, the belt sander stands out as the most capable tool.