Most Versatile: Makita BO5041 5” Random Orbit Sander
Key Features
- Power: 3.0 AMP
- Variable speed: 4,000–12,000 OPM
- Weight: 2.1 lbs
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who liked this product said that it was easy to hold, highly maneuverable, and that it was quiet. While many woodworkers found this tool to be well-designed, some mentioned that the dust port was a bit too small and that it was difficult to attach to a shop vac.
Best Random Orbital Sander Comparison
Makita BO5041 5” Random Orbit Sander
This random orbital sander is lightweight, which means that you can sand vertical surfaces without fatigue. Additionally, it has an adjustable front handle that helps for sanding corners in confined spaces and has an ergonomic rubberized palm grip.
Best Cordless: DEWALT 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander
- Power: 2.0Ah battery
- Variable speed: 8,000–12,000 OPM
- Weight: 4.29 lbs
Customers who were pleased with this product liked its portability, comfortable grip, and that it was powerful for a cordless unit. While many appreciated the convenience of this tool, some people said that the battery didn’t last long enough for big projects and recommended getting a second battery unit or a larger battery.
DEWALT 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander
- $181
- $229
- 22% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
If you’re working on a project that isn’t near a power outlet, having a reliable cordless sander can be a convenient alternative to hooking up an extension cord. This product also comes with a one-hand locking dust collection bag that makes cleaning up a breeze.
Best For Small Jobs: BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander
- Power: 2.0 AMP
- Speed: 12,000 OPM
- Weight: 3.16 lbs
Those who left positive reviews for this product said that it was durable, easy to grip, and worked quickly. Though this is a great budget option if you only need an orbital sander for occasional use, some people wished that it had variable speeds, and others noted that its dust collection was not the best.
BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander
- $31
- $67
- 54% off
This random orbital sander won’t break the bank but will still hold up for light sanding tasks. Even though it’s not quite as powerful as other sanders, it still includes a built-in dust collection bag and a lock-on paddle switch to easily power it on and off.
Best Dust Collection: Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander
- Power: 2.5 AMP
- Variable speed: 7,500–12,000 OPM
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
Customers who left satisfactory reviews liked that this product had a low amount of vibration, had a wide range of speed control, and was easy to operate. While many were impressed with the dust collection capabilities, they noted that it needed to be emptied fairly often, and that it was somewhat difficult to disassemble.
Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander
- $76
While dust is always to be expected while sanding wood, this sander takes an additional measure to reduce that with its built-in microfilter system to trap dust particles as small as 0.5 microns. It also features a soft-top grip and integral pad dampening system.
Highest Speed: SKIL 5” Random Orbital Sander
- Power: 2.8 AMP
- Variable speed: 7,000–13,000 OPM
- Weight: 3.44 lbs
Customers who left positive reviews for this sander said that it had excellent dust containment, high maneuverability, and was easy to change sandpaper grits. Although many liked the power and ease of use, they noted that it was often messy and that it was more effective to hook it up to a shop vac than using the included dust bin.
SKIL 5” Random Orbital Sander
- $35
- $40
- 13% off
If you have a big project or just want to get your work done quickly, this high-speed sander might be the right tool for you. In addition to the high speed and powerful motor, it also offers low vibration, ensuring you can work quickly while delivering a smooth performance.
Buyer’s Guide
When deciding on which random orbital sander is best for your needs, it’s important to consider some of the following factors.
Power Source
There are pros and cons for both cordless and corded random orbital sanders. Cordless sanders are convenient because they can be brought anywhere, including outside. However, you are limited by the amount of battery life that a cordless sander has, and this may cause you to take unwanted breaks if you need to wait for it to charge.
Corded sanders need to be within operation of a power outlet, or have a long extension cord in order for them to work where you need. However, once they are plugged in, they will work for as long as you need without interruption.
Weight
Most random orbital sanders weigh between two and four pounds. Lighter devices create less wrist and hand fatigue, but may be less powerful than heavier devices.
Disc Size
Most random orbital sanders use discs that are five or six inches in diameter, but some heavy-duty sanders may have discs up to eight inches, and smaller devices may go as small as one inch. For large projects such as sanding a hardwood floor, you’ll want to focus on devices with large disc sizes. Small disc sizes, on the other hand, can give you more flexibility and can fit into tighter spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are random orbital sanders used for?
To properly choose and use a random orbital sander, you first need to know exactly what it is designed for. Random orbital sanders are versatile and can work to sand and smooth items due to their unique shape. The disc in a random orbital sander spins in a circle while the pad moves in an oval loop, resulting in a swirl-free finish no matter if you’re sanding with or against the grain.
What’s the difference between a traditional and a random orbital sander?
The main difference between standard and random orbital sanders is the shape of their pad. Traditional orbital sanders have a square sanding pad that moves in an orbital manner, while a random orbital sander has a circular pad and moves in an elliptical manner.
What are the differences between an orbital sander and a palm sander?
Palm sanders traditionally have a different shape, size, and motion than random orbital sanders. Random orbital sanders are best for sanding large surfaces and smooth larger pieces of wood. Palm sanders, on the other hand, are best for sanding small pieces and are also effective at sanding edges.
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