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Turn Rough Woodwork into Beautifully Smooth Finished Pieces With Some of the Best Random Orbital Sanders Money Can Buy - Without Breaking the Bank!
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When choosing the best random orbital sander for your woodworking projects, it’s important to consider a variety of different factors. First, it has to perform all the sanding tasks that you’ll be throwing its way. For that reason, operational features like start speed, variable or fixed orbit speed options, disc-size compatibility, and motor power can weigh heavily on your decision. But, at the same time, your future power sander will spend a lot of time in your hand, so it also has to be comfortable to use.
Factors such as the rate of vibration, the style and material of the grip handle, and the ease of use become intrinsic to making your choice. Thankfully, we’ve looked over many of these factors in our reviews of the best random orbit sanders. Each orbital sander review has been written to feature pros and cons, helping you make your buying decision a bit easier. We’ve included models from trusted brands such as Bosch, Makita, Porter-Cable, and Dewalt. Hopefully, our reviews will make your next orbital sander purchase a little less “random.”
Sanding produces a lot of sawdust; there’s no way around this. However, random orbital sanders vary in their dust collection efficiencies. To keep your workspace as tidy as possible, make sure you buy sanding disks with holes that match up with your sander’s dust collection holes.
View the Best Random Orbital Sander for the Money, Below.
Bosch ROS20VSC Random Orbital Sander
Festool 575039 ETS EC 150 Sander
Black & Decker BDERO600 Random Orbit Sander
DEWALT DCW210B Random Orbit Sander
Makita BO5041K Random Orbit Sander Kit
PORTER-CABLE 382 Random Orbital Sander
Bosch GET75-6N Random Orbit Sander
Bosch ROS65VC-6 Handle Random Orbital Sander
SKIL SR211601 2.8 Amp 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander
1. Bosch ROS20VSC Random Orbital Sander
A Bosch Palm Sander to Tackle Heavy-Duty Projects
This Bosh palm sander is perfect for perfectionists! The Bosch ROS20VSC will help carpenters, cabinetmakers, and woodworkers finish the job off precisely how they envisioned it. Bosch's pad braking system is designed to give you the best finish possible. It eliminates the possibility of swirl marks left on your final product. A soft, pliable microcellular backing pad helps enhance the finish quality this sander is capable of producing.
Bosch's patented HookTight hook-and-loop disk attachment keeps your workpieces clean. It has over 35,000 long-life hooks that will ensure a firm grip of the disc - think of it as a super-powered velcro! This HookTight system eliminates loose pad connections that can lead to swirls when the product is braking.
This orbital sander comes with additional features for controlling dust. These include a microfilter system that traps finer particles as small as ½-micron in diameter and a twist-off dust collector that can easily detach for simple cleanup.
But don't brush aside this orbital sander as anything other than a serious machine. Despite its small size, the ROS20VSC packs way more power than you would expect. It boasts a 2.5 amp motor and a variable speed dial. This feature makes changing speeds between or during sanding tasks easy. In addition, the variable speed control allows you to adjust it between 7500 and 12000 orbits per minute.
There's a reason there are so many Bosch products included in our reviews. This orbital sander exemplifies the quality craftmanship that makes Bosch products so reliable.
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5 amp motor capable of varying between 7,500 and 12,000 orbits per minute
Features provide a finish free of unwanted marks
An effective dust collection system
Bosch palm sander design - portable
Dust collector needs to be emptied more than reviewers would like
2. Festool 575039 ETS EC 150 Sander
One of the Most Powerful Orbital Sanders on our List
The Rotex ETS EC 150 is a powerful machine that can tackle tough jobs head-on. This 8-pound dynamo is a powerful piece of equipment. It offers dual-mode options so you can start and finish your projects with the confidence of knowing you've got the right tool in your hand. The gear-driven mode allows you to quickly and coarsely grind down excess stock or polish your projects to a smooth finish. The random orbital mode is best for refining. It can handle finer sanding and polishing jobs admirably.
Even with all the power you'll be bringing to your woodwork, you won't have to worry about creating too much dust with this orbital sander. Festool's Jetstream filtering system removes dust particles as you sand to provide a cleaner finish to your projects, a cleaner workstation, and a longer life for your abrasives and pads.
The strength of this sander doesn't mean it will be too cumbersome for the average home sander to use, though. On the contrary, the ETS EC 150's relatively compact size and form make it a simple tool to control.
Furthermore, it features multiple grip positions that maximize ergonomic use, no matter the project. This creates a comfortable operating experience. Additionally, this orbital sander comes with a FastFix tool-free pad changing system, MMC electronic controls, soft start, and step-less variable speed control. These features allow you to adjust to and perform any job with minimal hassle.
This is one of the best random orbital sanders for power, but that doesn't mean it's an inaccessible tool for amateur woodworkers. It's perfect if you're looking for a sander capable of performing fine-tuned woodworking tasks as well as more heavy-duty grading and perfect polishing.
The Rotex ETS EC 150 from Festool is, at once, an orbital designed to tackle tougher jobs and a heavy-duty power tool capable of carrying out more refined woodwork. Why choose between a sander for each job, when there's one that can handle them all?
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Dual mode sanding features variable power modes that can switch between coarser and finer functions
FastFix tool-free backing pad change system
Step-less variable speed control
Easy dust control - Jetstream dust extraction system removes dust from your work surface
More of an expensive orbital sander
3. Black & Decker BDERO600 Random Orbit Sander
Best Orbital Sander For Smaller Projects
This random orbital sander is a deceptively powerful tool that gives you maximum maneuverability and convenience to provide an outstandingly user-friendly performance. The Black & Decker BDERO600 is built for homeowners and DIYers looking for an easy-to-use compact tool. This orbital sander will take your home improvement projects to the next level. The 2.4 amp motor runs at a sanding speed of 14,000 orbits per minute. This ensures the sander will finish your projects to a high-quality standard. This is exactly what you'd expect from a trusted household name like Black & Decker.
But the compact size and ease of use are what really make this sander the ideal home tool. Weighing just over 3 pounds, this machine can get into tight spaces on even your smallest sanding or polishing projects. This is especially thanks to its 5-inch size, ergonomic design, and comfortable handle that help to maximize user control.
This sander comes with other user-friendly features, such as a high-performance dust collection system that keeps your work surface clean and safe. The paddle switch makes turning the machine on and off as simple as it gets.
If you're looking for the best random orbit sander to have around your home, this is a perfect little piece of equipment to add to your collection. And, with a budget price, what's stopping you? This Black & Decker sander is an incredible value pick.
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Paddle switch actuation makes turning this sander on and off effortless
Compact 5-inch size and light 3 pound weight
2.4 amp motor runs at a single speed of 14,000 orbits per minute
Comes with a dust collection system / dust bag
Can get into tight corners
Takes a small while to get used to
Varied Projects Need Varied Speeds
If you’re working on a wide range of projects, or with a variety of wood types, you’ll benefit from a sander that offers different speeds. A higher speed is great for quickly sanding down hardwood cabinets, while a lower speed allows you to complete delicate finishing work.
4. DEWALT DCW210B Random Orbit Sander
Most Durable and Ergonomic Design on an Orbital Sander
Most random orbital sanders are corded, but not this one! The Dewalt D26453K is a powerful, cordless orbital sander built to handle a lifetime of use. The durable design and simple operational experience make for consistent, quality performance. Ease of operation is built into every aspect of this Dewalt random orbit sander. In fact, ease of use is exactly where cordless sanders shine. You can work on any project without worrying about where to plug that pesky power cord. The DCW210B features a 20V max XR brushless variable speed motor that you can adjust to operate between 8,000 and 12,000 orbits per minute.
Dewalt has incorporated a dust bag with a built-in vacuum adapter into the sander's design. As a result, you can keep your workspace as clean and safe as possible. In addition, the textured, anti-slip top and body grips make for a comfortable and highly controlled operating experience. You don't have to worry about straining yourself while finishing your projects with the Dewalt orbital sander.
Sanding wood without inflicting unwanted scuffs or swirls can be tricky, but this sander uses Dewalt's Controlled Finishing System. This feature helps maximize consistency and cleanliness in finishing surfaces. It controls the pad speed and minimizes gouging caused by rough startups.
This Dewalt orbital sander will certainly last. A 100% ball-bearing construction ensures that your machine is durable. The sealed-in motor and actuation switch keep dust out so you can be confident knowing that your Dewalt sander will live a long life without dust getting in the way.
If you're looking for a cordless sander that's more powerful than a standard random orbit sander but want to adjust easily between projects, this Dewalt is a great option for you.
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3.0 amp variable speed motor is capable of adjusting between 8,000 and 12,000 orbits per minute
The Dewalt's easy-to-control body and ergonomic design with textured grips make for comfortable operation
Dewalt-exclusive controlled finishing system eliminates scuffs and marks
Built-in dust bag with shop vacuum adapter for use with or without your shop vac
As with a lot of cordless tools, the battery runs out quickly
5. Makita BO5041K Random Orbit Sander Kit
Best Orbital Sander if You're Looking for a Palm Sander That's Small Yet Powerful
This Makita sander is another smaller model that brings more power than you might expect. This highly adjustable machine can help out with a variety of jobs with little difficulty. The variable speed 3.0 amp motor gives you the power to choose from various options for quick, smooth sanding, whatever material you're working with. Adjusting the speed between the available choices is simple, thanks to the dial located centrally on the sander's top grip. This dial is easy to access with your thumb during operation.
A large, lock-on pressure-sensitive trigger also makes this a more malleable machine. You can switch between heavy and light-duty sanding, whatever the project. This design of this palm sander is definitely among the best products included in our reviews. With plenty of rubberized places to grip and hold the sander, including an adjustable front handle, you can find a comfortable way to control your tool.
You'll find even more features built into this Makita sander, too. The pad control system makes for more restrained finishing and lessens the occurrence of unsightly swirls and scuff marks. In addition, an efficient dust collection system runs directly through the sand pad to keep your work surface clean and safe.
You can also enhance the high-capacity collection system via a built-in vacuum port adapter. Further, minimize the impact of dust on your productivity. If you're looking for something small yet powerful, this is one of the best orbital sanders for you.
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Conveniently located variable speed control dial
Ergonomic palm sander design features a number of rubberized areas for gripping and holding the sander
Pad control system to lessen swirl and scuff
Efficient dust collection system runs directly through the sanding pad
Maximum sanding speed of 4,000 - 12,000 orbits per minute
Dust port is very small
6. PORTER-CABLE 382 Random Orbital Sander
Best Basic Orbital Sander for Occasional Jobs
This basic model from Porter-Cable is a great bet for the homeowner who doesn't have a lot of projects on the horizon but knows one or two will always come up. This is one of the lighter-duty orbital sanders available and comes equipped with a 1.9 amp motor and a few extra features offered by swankier models. But if you're looking for a tool that will handle the basic jobs that come up around your home, this random orbital sander might be the best pick for you.
Like the Black & Decker model included in our reviews, this Porter-Cable orbital sander is not a variable speed sander. The 382 runs at an impressive 12,000 orbits per minute, though. It also utilizes a Controlled Finishing System. This allows for controllable pad speed and lessens the occurrence of gouging and swirling.
The 382's best selling point is probably its ease of use and maneuverability. Porter-Cable's sander has a 5-inch ball-bearing construction, 3-pound weight, and a dual-plane counterbalanced fan. These make it easy to move about and also reduce user fatigue. As a result, you can keep working as long as needed.
The Porter-Cable 382 is not a heavy-duty, professional sander by any means, but it also shouldn't be faulted for it. This is an ideal sander for those looking to complete finishing projects that come up around the home.
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Compact 5-inch size and light 3-pound weight
1.9 amp motor powers the 382 to run at a rate of 12,000 orbits per minute
Controlled Finishing System helps prevent gouging and swirling
Not a good orbital sander for professional needs
7. Bosch GET75-6N Random Orbit Sander
Best Bosch Sander For More Than One Sanding Mode
Bosch has a few different random orbit sanders to choose from (and a few that have made our list). This sander, like all their models, is designed for low vibration and minimal noise. This is thanks to the help of a counterbalance mechanism and a dual bearing pad mount system. This is not the most powerful Bosch orbital sander, but it has plenty of rubberized grips and an ergonomic design to make for a comfortable operating experience. What sets this model apart is the option of varying between two orbit modes so you can tackle a wider variety of tasks.
The random orbit mode works for normal stock removal and fine finishing. In contrast, the "Turbo" mode operates at five times the regular random orbit rate. As a result, you can sand down rougher stock that regular sanders might not be able to handle. Switching between the two modes is easy, too, with a sanding mode selector. It's like having two different sanders in one!
There's plenty of further variation to be had. The GET75-6N offers a powerful 7.5 amp motor and can vary the sanding speed between 3,300 and 7,300 orbits per minute. This is possibly the most tricked out of the Bosch entries. It includes many exciting and helpful features to maximize your sander's performance.
Just like the ROS20VC, this random orbit machine includes a soft start function and a pad dampening system. This helps minimize swirls and scuffs. It also comes equipped with a passive dust tube system that you can attach to a vacuum. This will keep your work station clean and safe.
This Bosch orbital sander is perfect for a woodworker who might be looking for larger random orbital sanders with a little more power and longevity to them.
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7.5 amp motor that can vary speeds between 3,300 and 7,300 orbits per minute
Choose between two different sanding modes
Random orbit mode is good for fine detailing and smoothing out
Turbo mode is perfect for turning rougher stock into a smooth surface
Soft start function and Pad Dampening System help eliminate swirl and scuff marks
Difficult to purchase backing pads
Not as powerful as other Bosch orbital sanders
8. Bosch ROS65VC-6 Handle Random Orbital Sander
One of the Best Orbital Sanders for Those who Have a lot of Wood to Tackle
And another Bosch! The ROS65VC-6 is in the same price range as the GET75-6N, though the two sanders offer completely different functionality. This model comes with a focus on ease of use and smoothing and finishing projects. The vibration control makes for an extremely smooth operating experience, better handling, and decreased user fatigue.
The ROS65VC-6 also comes with more dust collection equipment. In addition, the front and rear soft-grip handles mean you can put the necessary pressure on your machine without fatigue. Other areas of the sander are also built to grip. You can remove the front handle for more versatility and maneuverability.
Powering this sander is an impressive 3.3 amp motor with a variable speed dial, so you can adjust between 5,500 and 12,000 orbits per minute. This model also accepts either 5-inch or 6-inch pads, so you have more sanding options to choose from. A tubular dust canister, a vacuum hose adapter, and a Micro Filter mean you'll be able to keep your workshop clean.
This sander is great for those doing a lot of stock removal and finishing work. The focus on comfort and operating experience makes it one of the best orbital sanders for those looking to sand a lot of wood.
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Exclusive suspension system helps to minimize vibration and increase control and comfort
3.3 amp motor can run between 5,500 and 12,000 orbits per minute
Easily adjustable via the variable speed dial
Option of switching between 5-inch and 6-inch pads
Soft grip handles and several equally comfortable spots to hold onto.
Reviewers have reported this orbital sander is not very good for edge work
9. SKIL SR211601 2.8 Amp 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander
A Basic Orbital Sander at a Great Price
The Skil SR211601 is another reasonably priced orbital sander. This is a stripped-down machine similar to the offerings we've reviewed from Porter-Cable and Black & Decker. The fixed high spin speed makes this an excellent and affordable tool for quick and efficient stock removal. The Skil SR211601 runs on a 2.8 amp motor at a fixed speed of 13,000 orbits per minute. The pad brake minimizes the occurrence of swirl, despite running at a high, random orbit speed.
This sander comes with a micro-filtration system and dust seal switch to help keep your working environment clean. This will also help ensure that your orbit sander will live a longer life. The machine keeps the filtered dust and particles in an interior canister. You can attach a vacuum to increase cleanliness.
Another great feature is the inclusion of pressure control technology. This will warn you if you're applying excessive pressure while you sand. This feature can help prolong the life of your machine and lessen the likelihood of harming or scuffing the material you're working on.
All in all, this is a fairly basic random orbital sander, but the Skil SR211601 is a capable machine at a good value. It's worth checking out, especially if you're looking for something to handle basic sanding tasks and don't necessarily need a more refined piece of equipment.
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2.8 amp motor that runs at a fixed speed of 12,500 orbits per minute
Pad brake minimizes scuff and swirl marks
Sanding pads are easy to replace
Features a dust collection system
Dust collection system isn't as effective as those found on other random orbital sanders
While the speed of an orbital sander is one variable that impacts sanding speed, the type of sanding disc also plays a role. Coarse grit sandpaper (a lower number) will remove material faster than fine grit sandpaper (a smaller number). Plus, a finer grit will create a smoother surface.
What’s the Best Random Orbital Sander for Woodworking?
This question depends entirely on your short and long-term needs. For example, smaller random orbital sanders with fewer bells and whistles will be perfectly fine for homeowners who only need to perform a little bit of stock removal and some smoothing out. Carpenters, cabinet makers, and other heavy-use woodworkers will likely require power sanders that can perform consistently at a variety of speeds and over a long period.
To determine which orbital sander is best suited for you, it’s important to consider many different factors. These include the frequency of use, the scale of projects, the diversity of work, and the experience of the woodworker. Hopefully, our reviews are a good jumping-off point for figuring out which random orbit sander is best for your woodworking needs.
How Does a Random Orbital Sander Work?
First off, let’s get the difference between orbital sanders and random orbital sanders out of the way. There’s a tendency to lump random orbits in with orbital sanders, but they are unique machines with many key differences. For example, while regular orbital sanders spin in a consistent circular pattern, a random orbital sander does just what its name suggests.
Random orbitals randomize the pattern in which the sanding pad moves to eliminate the dreaded swirl that simple electric sanders can inflict on your woodwork. It runs two separate operations at the same time. While the random orbit sander vibrates in a circular motion (just like an orbital sander), the circular pad spins along its main axis simultaneously, which causes a random pattern.
This randomized pattern is important for minimizing scratches and creating a more uniform surface. The most noticeable difference between orbit sanders and random orbits is that orbit sanders have a square sanding pad. In contrast, random orbital sanders have a round pad, generally a 5-inch or 6-inch diameter.
This round pad doesn’t allow the sander to get into corners with the same ease as a square pad would, and it won’t remove wood as quickly as a belt sander. Still, it does offer more versatile, portable performance and generally a more user-friendly operating experience.
To operate a random orbital sander, you don’t have to do much more than affix a sanding pad to it, plug it in, and turn it on. Then, apply the machine with appropriate and even pressure to the surface. But, of course, that’s just the most basic of instructions.
We recommend, as always, following the instruction manual that comes with your pad to obtain more specific information about operating your sander. Every machine is a little bit different and will operate differently.
You will find that orbital sanders have different features. They will all have size motors and different ranges of speeds. Some feature a hook and loop system with hook and loop pads for ease of use.
Most orbital sanders come with a built-in dust collector or dust bag to clear and clean all the dust away. Some will even feature a dust port to plug your shop vac in. (Though, we still recommend wearing a dust mask for safety!) Some might also come with a dust-sealed switch.
You can also get pneumatic sanders. These pneumatic tools are a lot less noisy than other types of orbital sanders and are better at dust collection.
All of the sanders included in our reviews can perform a variety of woodworking tasks. While some are better suited for specific jobs or are built to handle more demanding long-term use, most orbital sanders are all quality power tools.
Our pick for the best orbit sander is the Bosch ROS20VSC, but that could change depending on what you need in a sander. Hopefully, you’ve found our reviews helpful and are that much closer to finding the best random orbital sander for you.
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