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5 Best Random Orbital Sanders: Don’t Buy Without Reading This!

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Finding the best random orbital sanders can be hard. To help you make a better decision we have compiled a list of 5 different models that come with different features.

The sanders that we listed down below, come with a different price range, and different performances. Depending on your project size, you can choose one or the other.

If you don’t know which one to choose, then read our buying guide down below, we listed all the important features that you need to check before buying a random orbital sander.

Products
Product NameDetailsPrice

Makita BO5041K

  • Motor: 3.0 AMP
Buy On Amazon

Bosch 1250DEVS

  • Motor: 6.5 AMP
Buy On Amazon

DEWALT DWE6423K

  • Motor: 3.0 AMP
Buy On Amazon

BLACK+DECKER BDERO100

  • Motor: 2.0 AMP
Buy On Amazon

Milwaukee 2648-20 M18



  • Speed: 7,000-12,000 OPM
Buy On Amazon

Best Random Orbital Sanders


1. Makita BO5041K

Best Features  Makita BO5041K 5' Random Orbit Sander

  • Versatile
  • Adjustable Speed
  • 3.0 Amp

More detailed review ↴

If you are looking for a versatile random orbit sander then you should check Makita BO5041K. What makes this unit versatile is the adjustable speed.

This sander allows you to change the speed from 4,000 – 12,000 OPM. This is very helpful if you are working on different surfaces or materials.

Except for the variable speed, this unit comes also with a powerful 3.0 Amp motor. The motor more than enough power for most sanding projects.

What I like most about this unit is the experience. It comes with a rubberized palm grip that will make the sanding experience comfortable. The extra handle also helps you a lot to control the sander, especially when you are using it at full speed.

On the downside, this unit is pricey if you compare it to the other models.

Pros:

  • Adjustable Speed – You can change the speed from 4,000 – 12,000 OPM.
  • Powerful – Features a 3.0 Amp motor.
  • Comfortable – It comes with a rubberized palm grip and handle.
  • Handle – It comes with an extra handle to help you control the tool easier.
  • Dust Collection – Very effective.
Cons:

  •  Pricey


2. Bosch 1250DEVS

Best Features  Bosch Power Tools - 1250DEVS - Electric Orbital Sander, Polisher - 6.5 Amp, Corded, 6'' Disc Size -...

  • 6.5 Amp Motor
  • Two Sanding Modes
  • Hook&Loop Base

More detailed review ↴

If you want to remove materials from surfaces fast then check Bosch 1250DEVS. What makes this sander perfect for paint removal is the two-speed option.

You can choose between two sanding modes. The first one (normal mode) is used to give the surface a smooth finish and has a speed of 270 to 600 RPM.

And the second mode (turbo mode) is used for aggressive material removal and comes with a speed of 3,100 to 6,500 OPM. The turbo mode is 5 times faster than the normal mode.

Except for the speed, it also comes with a powerful 6.5 Amp motor. The motor plays a big role in how fast this sander removes material and also you to use this unit for heavy-duty projects.  It comes with a hook&loop sanding pad that allows you to change the sandpaper faster.

Furthermore, the dampening system that prevents the tool from leaving swirl marks behind, and the dust collection system(requires you to connect to a vacuum cleaner) make this a perfect tool for DIYers and professionals.

Pros:

  • 2 Sanding Options – Normal and Turbo mode
  • Powerful – It comes with a powerful 6.5 Amp motor.
  • Dampening System – Provides braking of the pad spin to prevent swirls marks.
  • Hook & Loop Pad – It allows you to easily change between sandpapers
Cons:

  • The dust collection system has to be connected to a vacuum.


3. DEWALT DWE6423K

Best Features  DEWALT DWE6423K Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander, 5'

  • Fewer Vibrations
  • Good Design
  • Adjustable Speed

More detailed review ↴

When it comes to high-quality power tools, DeWalt is a known brand. They have been producing power tools for a lot of years and they have never disappointed. The next sander on our list is the DEWALT DWE6423K. 

What makes this sander special is its design — it has a shorter height which brings the user closer to the surface. This gives the user more control over the tool and reduces vibrations. Except for that, it also has rubberized over-mold in stress areas to make the experience more comfortable for you.

As for performance — this DeWalt sander comes with a 3.0 Amp motor that delivers a speed of  8,000 – 12,000 OPM. Moreover, it has a hook&loop base to help you save time when you are changing sandpaper.

On the downside, the dust bag can come off very easily.

Pros:

  • Shorter Height – Allows the user to come closer to the surface.
  • Comfortable – Rubberized over-mold in stress areas.
  • Powerful – It features a 3.0 Amp motor.
  • Speed – 8,000 – 12,000 OPM.
Cons:

  • The dust bag comes off easily.


4. BLACK+DECKER BDERO100

Best Features  BLACK+DECKER Orbital Sander, 5 Inch, 2.0 Amp, 12000 OPM, Corded, 1 Sandpaper Sheet and Dust Bag...

  • Budget Choice
  • Hook & Loop Pad
  • Dust Sealed Switch

More detailed review ↴

If you are doing small projects then you don’t need a powerful and expensive sander — an affordable one will do just fine. If you don’t have a large budget then buying a cheaper sander is the way to go. A good and affordable option is the BLACK+DECKER BDERO100.

This sander isn’t as powerful as the other models we have listed here — but, the 2-Amp motor will do a good job for small and home projects.

What I like most about this sander is the hook&loop pad, it allows you to change sandpaper fast and easy. This can save you a lot of time, and it’s also a great feature for beginners.

Moreover, it comes with a dust-sealed switch that keeps all the dust out to protect the tool.

Pros:

  • Budget Choice – Doesn’t cost a lot of money.
  • Motor – Comes with a 2-Amp motor that can be used for small projects.
  • Hook&Loop – Helps you to change the sandpaper easier.
  • Dust Sealed Switch – Keep all the dust out
Cons:

  • Not recommended for large projects.


5. Milwaukee 2648-20 M18

Best Features  Milwaukee Electric Tools 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander

  • Cordless
  • Variable Speed
  • Lightweight

More detailed review ↴

If you are working outside or somewhere that doesn’t have electricity then you need a cordless random orbital sander. A good and effective cordless sander is the Milwaukee 2648-20 M18.

What I like most about this unit is the variable speed — it comes with a speed of 7,000-12,000 OPM. The variable speed setting makes this unit versatile. You can adjust the speed and match it with the project you are working on.

Just like most sanders in our list, this one too comes with a hook&loop base. Moreover, it’s a lightweight model — approximately weighs 2 pounds.

This cordless unit uses an M18 battery that can last up to 35 minutes of run-time. You can complete most of your small projects for 35 minutes.

On the downside, the battery is sold separately.

Pros:

  • Cordless – Uses a battery as a power source.
  • Variable Speed – You can adjust the speed from 7,000-12,000.
  • Lightweight – The tool approximately weighs 2 pounds.
  • Hook & Loop – You can easily change the sandpaper.
  • M18 Battery – Can last up to 35 minutes of run time.
Cons:

  • The battery is sold separately.


Best Orbital Sander — Buyers Guide

If you just started reading about sanders then it may be confusing to your that orbital and random orbital sanders are not the same. In fact, they are two different sander types.  Their design looks the same, but they are used for different tasks.

That’s why before buying a sander make sure to double-check its type. Except for this, there are a lot of other things that you need to check before buying a random orbital sander.

In our best orbital sanders list, you have seen 5 different models — but, which one should you pick? Here are some features that you have to check –

Read More — Best Sanders For Decks

Motor

Most of the sanders use a motor for their power. Knowing the motor power will give you an idea of how the sander will perform.

Depending on your project — you may need a small or powerful motor. If you are dealing with a rough area and want to complete your job faster then having a powerful motor is a big plus.

On the other hand, buying a sander with a small motor for large projects isn’t recommended. It will take forever to complete.

Random orbital sanders usually come with a motor power of 2-6 amp. Except for the amp, you also have to check on how the motor translates the amps to performance. Just because two sanders come with the same motor, that doesn’t mean they will perform the same.

Read More — Best Sander For Walls

Speed

Except for the motor, another thing that affects the performance is the speed. The speed is measured with orbits per minute (OPM).

Basically, when the sander does a full circle, that’s called an orbit. Usually, random orbital sanders come with 8,000 -12,000 OPM. This is more than enough speed to deal with most surfaces.

Some sanders come with just one speed — the sander rotates as fast as possible to reach its maximum speed, and there are sanders that come with variable speed — the sander allows you to adjust the speed.

I prefer sanders that come with variable speed because they are more versatile.

Read More — Best Sander For Refinishing

Power Source

When it comes to random orbital sanders, you have three different power source options — corded, cordless, and pneumatic. While the pneumatic option is the best when it comes to performance, it’s still very hard to use because it requires an air compressor to operates. That’s why professionals mostly use it.

Most of the people choose cordless or corded random orbital sanders. Depending on your needs you can choose one or the other.

A corded random orbital sander will have more power because it gets its energy from the electricity. Plus, you can work longer without worrying about charging the battery. But, the cord can get in the way, and your range is also limited by the cord.

Cordless random orbital sanders are more portable. You can work wherever you want, you are not limited by a cord. But, you have to charge the battery, and usually, the battery doesn’t last more than 30-60 minutes.

Read More — Best Rechargeable Sander

Base

The base is where you attach the sandpaper. There are a few different bases that you can choose.

The base size determines the sanding area. The larger the base, the more surface you can sand. Random orbital sanders come with a 5-7 inches base. Anything less than that is called a finishing sander and anything larger than it mostly requires an air compressor to work.

We have two different options on how you attach the sandpaper. First, we have the adhesive discs, these disc stick right into the place. But, most of the time they wear out or they come off if the speed is too high.

Another good option is the hoop and loop base. You can easily attach the sandpaper to the base and start sanding. I like this option because it allows me to change between sandpaper faster.

Another thing that you need to look into is the plate holes. The dust removal system gets the dust from these holes.

Read More — Best Sanders For Stairs

Dust Collection System

Different sanders have different dust collection system. Some come with a dust port where you can attach your home vacuum and get rid of the dust. This is a good option, especially if you are dealing with large projects.

Some sanders come with a dust bag attached. Usually, the sander sucks the dust and sends it directly to the dust bag. This can be good for small projects. But, it’s not preferred for large projects. You will have to stop the sander and clean the dust bag often.

Read More — Best Cordless Die Sanders

Comfortable Grip

Your sanders can have all the features you want — but, if it isn’t comfortable then you won’t be able to work for long.

That’s why it’s important to check the grip. The size and design determine how good the grip is. Rubberized grips are the best and will make your sanding experience better.

Keep in mind, that your strength and hand size also plays a big factor in this. Some sanders also come with an extra handle to help you control the tool easier.

Read More — Best Sander For Corners

Final Words

This is all the information you need about random orbital sanders. The list and the buying guide will help you make a better choice.

Just keep in mind — compare the features with the project you will be working on, and see if they will help you to get better results or not. If you follow this rule then you will get a high-quality sander.

If you don’t know the project you will be working on, then just pick one of the sanders we listed that’s in your budget limit.

Now that you have seen our best random orbital sanders list — which one do you think is the best and why? Comment down below.

Learn More — Grinder vs Sander?

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We’re a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

The Tool Geeks Team

We're a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

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