The short answer is “no”. They are different in the way that the sanding pad moves. You may find models that offer both random orbit sanding patterns and dual action sanding. But if a sander only says one of these – either random orbit or DA – you should understand the difference in how the sander will perform.Click to see full answer. Similarly one may ask, what is the difference between a DA and a orbital sander?Before I start on the reviews, you should know that a DA sander is a random orbital sander. The pad is moving in orbits in both actions, but with the bearing, it’s a random orbit, and therefore random orbital. You will be using your DA sander in the much more powerful random orbital mode most of the time.Likewise, why is an orbital sander called a DA? Back to the basics — A dual action (DA) sander is called “dual action” because it can be run in two separate and distinct modes. One mode is orbital (when the air motor spindle is locked to the sanding pad). Hereof, what is a DA sander used for? Dual motion with rotation plus orbital action makes this dual action air sander ideal for edging, feathering, and finishing. Great for bodywork, sanding metal or wood.What does DA stand for in sanding? dual action