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What’s The Best Random Orbital Sander? Find It Here

Any job becomes easier when the right tools are used. This also ensures that the job gets done quickly and efficiently. Sanding wood or other materials like metal is a work mostly not liked by anyone and you prefer calling an expert to do it for you. But if you love DIY projects and are actively doing it, this job can be easily made easier with the help of best random orbital sanders.

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**Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.

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What Are Random Orbit Sanders?

Random orbit sanders are tools that are generally hand-held and are used for sanding. The sanding blades of the tool provide a random orbit action. Here, the rotation angle of the disk and head is variable.

Introduced in the year 1976, random orbital sanders that are available these days offer the speed of a belt sander together. They have the ability to create a finer finish than the orbital finishing sander.

​The random orbit sanding pattern is obtained by spinning the sanding disk and moving it in ellipses at the same time. This is done to make sure that no part of the abrasive material goes through the same path more than once during the same rotation. This avoids any swirl marks and makes it less sensitive to the direction of the wood grain. Random orbital sanders usually use sandpaper disks. Most of the models available today have integrated dust collectors to collect the dust created while working.

Types of Best Random Orbital Sander

There are three different types of random orbital sanders when the power source is considered

  • Air powered orbital sander
  • Corded orbital sander
  • Cordless orbital sander

Cordless orbital sanders are as capable as a corded orbital sander and are portable. These are the most preferred ones because there is no cord to disturb the ongoing work. But, they are very costly when compared to the corded orbital sanders.

Things to Keep in Mind While Buying Random Orbital Sanders

It is a real challenge to choose the right random orbital sander for you as there are a wide variety of sanders available in stores. Each of the brands has different models available. You can reach a decision only after understanding all the features and matching them with your requirements. Keep the following things in mind before you go to purchase a sander:

Variable Speed Settings

Most of the orbital sanders available today have variable speed settings. This is an important feature that helps you control the speed of the orbiting sander. This can be very useful if you are using the tool for various purposes like for applying a smooth finish and for the fast removal of old paint to name a few.

If the sander you buy has variable speed settings, you can use it for most of the sanding applications. This way, you will get the best results in the shortest possible time.


Dust Collection

The sanders now come with onboard dust collection. This feature is useful as you can save your time you would otherwise spend on cleaning after the work is completed. There are suction holes built into the sanding pad which automatically sucks up the dust while you are working. This dust goes directly into a dust canister or bag attached to the tool.

For better dust collection capacity, some models allow you to connect the sander to a vacuum hose. You can choose whichever you like.


Comfort Level

If you are a DIY enthusiast or spend a lot of time working with the sander, it is highly recommended to give priority to the level of comfort the sander offers. Most of the sanders are made to give maximum comfort to your hands and have rubberized grips for extra comfort.

Some of the models have two handles for you to hold the machine in different ways while doing the job. If the tool is not comfortable to use, you may end up with tingly fingers or numb hands.


Research On The Models

As there are a number of orbital sanders available, it is always better to do your own research before buying one. List out your requirements and then go for the right model that satisfies them.

You can visit websites that have reviews and comments from people who have made the purchase already. Their opinions will be valuable as you can get to know the drawbacks of a model if there are any.

Another idea is to gather feedbacks from your friends or colleagues who own a sander. This will help you get your hands on the best quality orbital sander and that too in the price range you decided.


At The Store

Visit the tool stores yourselves if you are going to work with the sander. What works with others need not work with you. When you go to a store to make the purchase, remember to hold different sander models to find out which one is comfortable.

You may avoid the ones that are excessively light as these are usually made up of a number of plastic components. This often results in vibration while using the tool. A heavier sander sits on the work piece with relative ease and is easier to control too.

Product Name

Product Image

Quality

Price

Out Rating

A

$

95 %
Quality

A

$$

95 %
Quality

A+

$$$

98 %
Quality

A+

$$

98 %
Quality

A-

$$

90 %
Quality

**Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.

Best Random Orbital Sander Reviews

This is a great product that offers random orbital action promising high-quality finish and removal rate. For easy paper changes, you have the hook and loop system in place. There is a dust sealed switch to keep away dust and debris. This sander is a companion for DIY enthusiasts as it provides efficient material removal.

Due to its small size, you remain close to the work surface, therefore having good maneuverability around the work. Since the dust is kept out using the switch, the life of the tool is extended. The Black & Decker BDERO100 is specially designed for DIYers. The pack comes with BDERO100 Random Orbit Sander (1), sanding sheet (1) and hybrid dust canister (1).

Pros

  • The sander has better dust collection process
  • It has a good palm grip
  • Ergonomic, compact and versatile

Cons

  • The tool is a bit louder
  • Discs do not hold on well if not used carefully

The ROS20VSC Random Orbit Sander from Bosch offers a combination of pad orbit and rotation which is optimized to provide fast removal. It has a 2.5 AMP motor that provides 7,500 – 12,000 OPM. It is known for the ultra-smooth, well-blended finish it provides. Cabinet makers and carpenters find it very useful to complete their job quickly and to exacting standards without making any swirl marks.

Whatever job you need to do with the random orbit sander, you will get the perfect speed to complete it. The variable speed dial helps you match the speed to the work piece and the task you are performing. The tool has an optimal on-board system to filter even the fine dust. It traps particles as small as 0.5 microns in diameter.

The pack includes ROS20VSC 5-inch Random Orbit Sander (1), Sanding Disc (1), Soft Backing Pad (1), Contractor Bag (1) and Vacuum Hose Adapter (1).

Pros

  • The sander has variable speed control to get the right speed for the task
  • It has excellent dust collection
  • Very low vibration
  • It helps prevent swirl marks

Cons

  • Not very easy to control
  • The dust door opens up unexpectedly

BO5041K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander provides great speed, performance and power to get better control and grip. It has an innovative adjustable front handle making the tool ideal for carpenters and people who work with wood.  The sander has a 3 AMP motor having oversized sealed ball bearing construction for durability. The sanding speed is matched to the material using the variable speed control dial.

It has a two finger trigger switch and a lock-on button for better comfort during continuous use. The random orbit action promises a swirl-free finish and fast, smooth sanding. The front handle enables easy sanding in corners and similar areas. The tool uses hook and loop abrasive disc and has a good dust collection system to keep the workplace clean.

The kit includes BO5041K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander (1), Abrasive Disc #120 – 794520 (1), Tool Case – 824562 (2), Dust Bag – 166078 (4) and Operating Manual.

Pros

  • The front handle helps in sanding difficult areas
  • It has a pad control system for controlling the pad speed

Cons

  • The discs come out after continuous use
  • The tool exhausts the hand due to vibration

DEWALT DWE6421K Random Orbit Sander has a 3 AMP motor. The tool has a shorter height which helps the worker remain close to the work surface. In all the critical areas, it has a rubber over-mold and has a separate counter design to reduce vibration. It has a dust-sealed switch to prevent the entry of dust thereby making it last longer.

The vacuum locking system promises better dust collection and interfacing. The dust bag provided has a one-hand locking system and the dust port has an innovative design to fit directly to dust collectors. To attach the dust port to other vacuums, you can use a universal quick connector. The product is ideal to be used for sanding metal, wood and plastics.

The kit includes DWE6421K Random Orbit Sander (1), Dust Bag (1), Carrying Case and Owner’s Manual.

Pros

  • The sander is of good quality and is durable
  • It has a good center of gravity

Cons

  • The sand disc flies out after continuous use
  • It needs extra connector to connect to vacuum

PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander offers maximum sanding speeds required for a smooth finish. It has a control finishing system to avoid gouging during start up. It has a dust-sealed switch to provide longer life. The tool is ideal for DIY projects and professional sanding applications alike.

It has a random pattern sanding that does not result in swirls or gouges in the work material. As a result, you get a consistent finish and a surface that is extra-smooth. It has a 1.9 AMP motor that promises 12,000 OPM and thus can be used for powerful sanding applications. The tool has a ball bearing construction which makes it sturdy and long lasting. The dual plane counterbalanced fan and the lightweight design of the tool gives maximum comfort to the user.

The kit includes PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander (1) and an operating manual.

Pros

  • The sander enables fine sanding and finishing
  • It provides a controllable pad speed during start up

Cons

  • The discs do not stay in place when used regularly
  • The plastic dust collector comes out after some time
  • The switch is tough to engage

Conclusion

When you decide to buy the best random orbital sander, remember to first learn about the precautions you need to take while working with the machine. It is important to think about your safety as power tools can sometimes be dangerous.

Although all the above-mentioned random orbital sanders are perfect to be used, if my opinion is concerned, I would recommend you to go for BDERO100 Random Orbit Sander from Black & Decker. It might be a bit loud but is offers ultimate comfort and provides a strong grip. This is something which you would not like to compromise with.

It is highly recommended to buy models that are comfortable to use and does not slide off the work piece causing any injury. Suggestions from people who already work with Sanders are valuable as these help you identify the one suited to your needs. Whichever brand or model you choose, it should give you comfort and provide variable speed control so that you will love working with the tool again and again.

Abigail Jones
 

Hi, I'm Abigail. I like spending time tearing my house apart and putting it together back again. Join me on home improvement tutorials, tips on my blog.

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