16 Best Orbital Sanders Reviews and Buying Guide

Check out the best sanders that we can offer, the DEWALT Random Orbit Sander. It’s complete with all the fixings like a strong grip, powerful motor, and an effective design to gain the most productivity from.

There are plenty of reasons as to why the DEWALT Random Orbit Sander takes the cake, but there are others to show you as well.

16 Best Orbital Sanders Reviews

1. DEWALT Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch (DWE6423K)

The DEWALT Random Orbit Sander is our top choice for a reason.

With its sleek and industrial design and 5 inch disc size, this device contains a 3 amp motor that has the ability to deliver speeds between 8,000 and 12,000 orbits per minute!

When it comes to vibration, the separate counterweight does a nice job at reducing it, in addition to rubber overmolds that you can use to grip the sander tighter, which also reduces vibration.

The beautiful part about this device is that it’s small, giving you closer access between you and your work surface. And no need to worry about debris flying everywhere, because it comes with one-handed locking dust bag that securely connects to the sander to help collect the dust.

Pros:

Duster bag included.
Fast variable speed.
Awesome maneuverability.
Great ergonomics.

Cons:

No attachment for vacuum included.
The filter output hole may be challenging to hook up to separate vacuum.

2. BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch (BDERO100)

Make way for the BLACK + DECKER Random Orbit Sander! You’ll get a great bang for your buck with this compact and powerful orbit sander.

It’s a 5-inch disc base that provides fast and solid strength to remove excess debris from your project. It’s a great size for do-it-yourselfers, and because of the size of the tool, you’ll be as close as you need to be to maneuver as you please around your design.

The sander features random orbital spin action, which produces a higher removal rate than the standard back-and-forth. There’s also the hook and loop system, which makes it user-friendly to make fast and easy paper changes once the sander material has worn it out.

Pros:

Amazing value for cost.
Sands curved corners with no problem.
Easy to hold and maneuver.
Decent power behind the motor.

Cons:

Limited range of motion due to corded power source.
The dust collector could be more effective.
Less effective for industrial projects.

3. SKIL 7492-02 2.8 Amp 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander With Pressure Control

If you’re looking for a close-to-home type sander that will do you best on your next do-it-yourself project, then take full advantage of the SKIL 7492-02 Random Orbit Sander.

This product has a standard 5 inches of surface area for sanding, and does a great job at it too!

How; because of the specialized Pressure Control Technology that is meant to keep vibration at an unnoticeable level, as well as apply the right amount of pressure to every orbit based on the amount of debris stock that still remains on the material; how impressive!

Continuing, it uses a 2.8 amp to drive all the pressure to the project material and has an above-average OPM of 12,500!

What’s also great about this device is that it comes in a package that includes the Clear Micro Filtration Dust Canister, pad brad, built-in dust port, dust sealed switch, and 3 sanding disk; making SKIL Random Orbit Sander a comprehensive package.

Pros:

High performance orbits per minute.
Great value for money.
Decent dust collection.
Handles pressure very well.

Cons:

Not compatible with small shop-vac hoses.
Dust collector fills up fast.
Sawdust catches may pop out during work.

4. Makita BO5041K Random Orbit Sander Kit

Your next project can either be a challenge, or you can use the Makita BO5041K Random Orbit Sander Kit to make the job easier.

It uses a subtle, yet strong, 3.0 amp motor to deliver some smooth and fast sanding.

A feature that helps with this sanding is the variable speed control dial, which gives you the range of 4,000 to 12,000 orbits per minute; thus, giving you the chance to match the proper speed to the correct material.

There’s also a large ⅛ of an inch random orbit action that has the capability of providing you with a swirl-free finish.

To top it all off, the ergonomics are stellar due to the rubberized palm grip, and adjustable front handle for sanding in corners, and a two-finger trigger switch for continuous use and operator comfort.

Pros:

Pad control system creates a smooth start.
High capacity dust system.
Convenient hook-and-loop quick change for padding.
Sealed-ball bearing for longer life.

Cons:

Abrasive paper sold separately.
Debris suction could be more effective.
The dust cap can be hard to position.

5. TACKLIFE Orbital Sander, 3.0A 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander with 12Pcs Sandpapers, 6 Variable Speed 13000RPM Electric Sander Machine, High Performance Dust Collection System, Ideal for DIY – PRS01A

Another valuable sander that will give you both options and quality service is the TACKLELIFE Orbital Sander.

It has a strong application of 6 adjustable speed dial, ranging up to 13,000 orbits per minute; giving you different options for speed based on the material you’re using.

You may also like the all-ball bearing construction designed that was created to silence the feel of vibration that the machine may create.

After all of that sanding, use the high performance dust collector that will help you keep a clean work environment! The sander also does a great job at getting into harder-to-reach spaces, which may do a great job at exceeding your expectations.

Although it’s meant for home projects and DIYers, the TACKLELIFE Orbital Sander delivers reasonable and respectable power any personal project that you can create.

Pros:

Great variable speed range.
Adequate value for money.
12 pieces of sandpaper included ( 6pcs 80-grits / 6pcs 180 grits)
Connects to a 1.25inch shop-vac.

Cons:

Not meant for heavy duty projects.
Collector port may be challenging to extract once full.

6. SKIL 5” Random Orbital Sander, Includes 3pcs Sanding Papers and Dust Box – SR211601

With one of the most unique and convenient designs, the SKIL Random Orbital Sander is a powerful 5 inch sander with a 2.8 amp motor that has the capacity to generate between 7,000 and 13,000 orbits per minute!

Now the unique design that I mentioned is based on the X-Flow dust collector. It’s a transparent encasing that uses cyclone force to collect dust; and once it’s collected, it’s pretty easy to simply dump out.

Some other great features about the SKIL Random Orbital Sander is the variable speed control to provide the right amount of power across different materials; as well as the low vibration due to the rubber grip and counterweight balance.

With this device, it can be an easy task to sand in tight spaces; and the dust-sealed on/of switch creates a hassle-free work environment.

Pros:

Easy to handle and use.
Excellent amount of power.
Works well with light-duty work.

Cons:

Non-effective with heavy-duty jobs.
The dust collector may need to be dumped frequently.

7. Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander – 2.5 Amp 5 in. Corded Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander/Polisher Kit with Dust Collector and Soft Carrying Bag

The Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander is a one-of-a-kind device that uses the special feature of a pad dampening system, which is constructed to eliminate swirl marks on both contoured and flat surfaces.

Some attributes that make the Palm Sander optimal can include the easy disc attachment, via the Hook and Loop disc attachment system; the sanding pad sticks to the hand sander like velcro!

Consider the variable speed control as well; the various speeds are all due to the 2.5 amp motor. There’s also the dust collection attribute, which features a micro filter system for fine dust particles as tiny as ½ micron in diameter!

This is a durable and compact device that has a great assortment of goods which include the sanding pad, sanding disc, dampening ring, dust canister, vacuum adapter and a soft carrying case!

Pros:

Full inclusion of tools and pieces.
Satisfying ergonomics.
Best for personal and medium-sized projects.
Great counterweight action.

Cons:

Limited mobility due to power cord.
The dust canister will need to be cleaned out frequently.
Tight corners may seem challenging.

8. Bosch 120-V 6-Inch Random Orbit Sander/Polisher with Vibration Control ROS65VC-6

Another Bosch has made the list! You’ll experience great work from the Bosch 120-V Random Orbit Sander and Polisher with its 6 inch padding and awesome controls.

Let’s start with comfort; of course it has the rubber padding, but also throw in the exclusive Vibration Control suspension system that rids you of intolerable vibration for maximum comfort and master handling.

Check out the dust collection unit; this device has two of them: a microfilter dust canister with paper filters and cap, along with a vacuum hose connection with awesome airflow control.

It’s powered by a 3.3 amp motor, – which is better than average – and has a variable speed dial to match speed to material. The versatility of this tool gets rid of stock fast from sanding, and uses the integral pad dampening braking system to decrease swirl marks.

It’s a full kit that includes a removable front handle, dust canister VAC024 vacuum hose adapter, 6 inch soft backing pad, a 5 mm pad wrench, and a sanding disc!

Pros:

5,500 to 12,000 OPM.
Superb sanding ability.
Great vibration absorption.

Cons:

Durability could be improved.
Padding grip may loosen overtime.

9. Bosch Power Tools – 1250DEVS – Electric Orbital Sander, Polisher – 6.5 Amp, Corded, 6″” Disc Size – features Two Sanding Modes: Random Orbit, Aggressive Turbo for Woodworking, Polishing, Carpentry

Need more Bosch items? No problem!

The Bosch 1250DEVS Electrical Orbital Sander/Polisher is a true force to reckon with, and here’s why… it has sanding modes: the random orbit mode for normal stock removal and fine finishing, as well as the “turbo” driven eccentric orbit mode for aggressive stock removal.

By “aggressive” I mean 5 times the rate of normal ROS mode. A cool feature about this particular device is that it has no load speed with a RPM of 270 to 600; also no load orbit speed, with 3,100 to 6,500 orbits per minute.

All of this being done with the power of a 6.5 amp motor! It’s fairly easy to use due to its soft cushion for excellent gripping and control.

In addition, there is the passive dust collection system, which sucks up dirt with a vacuum cleaner and hose, while the VAC002 hose adapter is included!

Pros:

Effective dual sanding system.
Strong power from the motor.
6 inch disc size.
1-year unconditional warranty.

Cons:

Vacuum hose sold separately.
Motor may be loud during operation.

10. PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad, 6-Inch (7346SP)

Best for sanding and finishing automotive and marine projects, the PORTER-CABLE 6 inch Random Orbit Sander is a special tool that can be used in both industrial and personal settings.

It uses a significant 4.5 amp motor to protect itself from any form of overload. The special sauce for this strong machine is its proprietary counter-balance skills that can be used with 6 inch sanding/polishing pads.

It also features two different positions for which you can utilize for removing the side handle; thus, giving you a better grip for comfort and ultimate control.

For a reasonable price, along with the random orbit sander, you’ll also receive all of its features such as the swirl-free sanding/polishing action, its all and roller-bearing construction, the efficiency of its compactness and lightweight design.

There’s even the electronic variable speed dial of 2,500 to 6,800 orbits per minute.

Pros:

Highly functional design and operation.
Effective dual-action sanding and finishing.
Easy to use and operate.

Cons:

Slower OPM.
Durability may dwindle over usage and time.
Heavy vibration for those with smaller hands.

11. Ingersoll Rand 328B Heavy Duty Air Geared Orbital Sander – 8-Inch Pad

Got a heavy-duty job that requires a bit more power? Then choose the Ingersoll Rand 328B Heavy Duty Orbital Sander.

What’s unique about this tool is its design; it has a large pad diameter of 8 inches which covers many different types of surface areas with smooth strength and power.

The dual-action geared air sander will allow you to remove heavy material and body filter away, and will leave you with a swirl-free finish. You’ll experience low-vibration performance without the tarnishing the effort of the user.

There’s also the standard variable speed setting, as well as the dual-action pad motion; which will let you have ultimate manipulation of your tools performance.

Pros:

Large-surface pad.
Low sound pressure while in operation.
Complete air compression

Cons:

A bit on the heavy side.
Power may seem lower than average after several uses.
Condensation build up may occur that must be cleaned immediately for proper functioning.

12. Bosch 3727DEVS 3.3 Amp 6-Inch Hook-and-Loop Random-Orbit Variable-Speed Sander/Polisher with Dust Canister

Bosch has your carpentry projects in mind with the Bosch 3227DEVS Random Orbit Sander and polisher.

Its dual-design of the 3.3 amp 6 inch pad comes with a pad that orbits and rotates simultaneously for an easy and well-blended surface finish. You can also expect integral pad-dampening so that you won’t have swirl marks on your fine finish.

What’s more important is it’s die-cast aluminum gear casing, that has dual-bearing pad mounts; this feature tends to make the device more rugged, and aides in a longer life design that will get rid of any off-balance or vibrations.

And let’s not forget about speed! The 3727DEVS ROS/P will give you the option of your speed anywhere between 4,500 to 12,000 orbits per minute!

Pros:

Highly ergonomic.
Easy to maneuver and use.
Well-built and sturdy.
Filter works well.

Cons:

Bulky design.
Height of the tool is high, and may leave swirl marks after several uses.

13. Var Speed Random Orbit Sander W/Bg, 6 In

If you are looking for a high-quality sander, then take a good look at the Var Speed Random Orbit Sander. It’s built with a durable cast metal fan housing to keep all of the internal mechanism safe from external sources, and a 2.7 amp motor for strength behind the sanding.

The variable speed control dial will give you a decent range of 4,000 to 10,000 orbits per minute, so that you can match your material to the proper speed.

Of course there’s a hook-and-loop abrasive sanding discs that make for a simple installation and more effective sanding and finishing.

One of its most convenient features is the large trigger switch, which will allow you to space out, and lock on to the exact spot that you want to start, or continue, your work in.

Also for your convenience is the detachable front handle; this is important for reaching those hard-to-reach areas and corners of confined spaces.

Pros:

The dust bag is included.
Great for pre-finish projects.
Adequate engineering of tool pieces.
Great vibration absorption.

Cons:

Lower-than-average amp power.
Large size may require both hands.

14. Bosch 3.3 Amp 5-Inch Random Orbit Variable Speed Sander with Dust Canister 3725DEVS

Want a little more power than the average sander, then the Bosch 3.3 amp 5 Inch Random Orbit Sander may be a decent choice for you.

Let’s start with the fact that it’s durable. The die-cast aluminum gear housing has a dual-bearing pad mount for extra protection, and a longer life.

The dust collection is complete with a microfilter dust system that traps dust particles as small as ½ micron in diameter; it’s as simple as twist and dump!

This tool features a 3.3 amp rating, along with the variable speed option of 4,500 to 12,000 orbits per minute; making every orbit count for the material that you’re using. There’s also the 5 inch microcelular backing pad.

This is a great feature because it will allow you to go with the structure’s shape with ease. And the pads both orbit and rotate to copy natural hand movement for a smooth finish. The diameter of the orbit is about 3/16 inch, which creates awesome efficiency for your new orbit sander.

Pros:

Great for do-it-yourself and professional projects.
Powerful amp rating.
Efficient power and low vibration.

Cons:

A little on the heavy side.
May become slightly jumpy on lower settings.
Short operation life.

15. PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch (382)

The PORTER-CABLE 382 Random Orbit Sander has a quality essence about it that handlers tend to love. It’s a solid and sturdy device that is also lightweight and compact that is ideal for both do-it-yourselfers and professional applications.

Although it’s setup with a 1.9 amp motor, it’s still a powerful machine that will deliver to you up to 12,000 orbits per minute. Now the internal mechanisms include a dual-plane counterbalanced fan that has the capability to reduce how fast you get tired while you’re completing your project, which is a huge convenience.

The PORTER-CABLE ROS accepts 5 inch 8 hole hook-and-loop sandpaper, and does a very good job at rubbing out those stock pieces for you to create a fine finish.

You can tell that PORTER-CABLE cares about their product because it has a one-year free service contract, as well as a three-year limited warranty!

Pros:

Great protection for the tool.
Pretty lightweight.
Easy to hold and use.
Best for small sanding jobs.

Cons:

The dust bag tends to fall off frequently.
May not be as effective with industrial projects.
Takes a couple of minutes to fully warm up.

16. Festool, 574993, Random Orbital Sander, ETS 125 REQ-Plus USA

With a stylish design, the Festool 574993 ETS 125 Random Orbital Sander is a highly-rated and versatile machine.

It’s set up to be ergonomically formed to fit into most-to-all hands easily and with comfort. It’s also lightweight at only 2.4 pounds, and compact enough for extended vertical and overhead use.

On the mechanical side, the ETS 125 has an adequate sanding stroke of 5/64 inches, – or 2.0 mm – and can be used with just one hand for the highest surface quality before sanding, or when finishing.

Its stepless variable speed will allow you to adjust to the needs of your various materials, while the balanced vibration stop (VS) design will reduce the wobble, and increase the quality of operation and comfort.

The dust removal process features a jetstream design for efficient dust removal, as well as a longer abrasive and pad life.

Oh! And the StickFix abrasive removal with resilient pad hooks and hard-wearing fabric backing also extends the life of the Festool ETS 125 Random Orbital Sander by 30%!

Pros:

Efficient weight and comfort.
Easy to use and maneuver with.
Effective jetstream power.
Durable and long-lasting.

Cons:

Higher cost for value.
Rotation could be higher powered.
Wobble may still occur in lieu of the VS design.

Things to Consider Before Buy

Disc Size

Typically, Disc sizes have a wide range. Most sanders that are used for personal, home, and some small commercial projects are 4 inches, 5 inches or 6 inches.

Each of these tools have the capacity to smooth out any wood, but they all have their special features. 5 inch sanders do pretty well with narrower type spaces, and tend to be pretty fast; while 6 inch sander plates get rid of stock quicker than rest.

Although these are the popular sizes, as I said before, they can range. Orbital sanders may also have 7 inches to 10 inches, and can even go as high as 12 inches of coverage! The bigger they are, the heavier the job they can handle.

Power

When discussing power, we’re talking about the motor, and the strength it has to give you a clean look and effective smoothness in a short period of time.

The bigger the orbital sander, the more power it has within its motor, usually, and this takes a major toll on if you will finish your project with your outcome in mind.

2.5 amps, 2.8 amps, and 3 amps, are all on the list for strong motors that can smooth out any problem that you may be facing with your project, and are pretty common sizes to find within most sanders.

Variable Orbits

Variable orbits are more so related to the direction at which the motor delivers the orbits. With typical orbital sander, the machine moves tends to move in a clean up and down motion.

Although this is a fair action, it can sometimes be a hassle to be confined to one area until it’s all smooth.

That’s where the variable orbit stands out; the motor turns the sanders into multiple, or random, directions, which gives you the opportunity to sand the material within a range of space for the quickest and most effective production that the tool can offer you and your project.

Vibration

Vibration tends to happen with old styles of sanders.

The problem is, once the machine’s parts start to tarnish, or if the vibration mechanism starts to dwindle, it can create a nasty bounce on your material, causing it to leave some areas unmarked, while the others are smooth.

This should not be the case, and thank goodness it isn’t because it wouldn’t be in the best interest of the material.

A lot of different orbital sanders have a low-to-no vibration mechanism within the machine; this enables you to always have a clean effect on your material, and a smoother overall look to its design and structure.

Dust Collection

Orbital sanders do a great job at getting all the stock and hairs off of your material for a smooth look; the problem is that it will blast air and residual material shavings into the air, and that is a safety hazard. Which is why dust collection happens.

This is a part of the machine that absorbs the loose air and material shaving into itself in order to keep your surrounding air clean and debris-free.

Dust collection units can either be built into the orbital sander itself,, or can come as a separate entity. If it is a separate entity, it’s best to make sure that the hose fits the outlet of the orbital perfectly for the best effectiveness.

Fixed or Variable Speed

Would you prefer the speed of your next orbital sander to be a one consistency, or would you like the option to choose the setting?

With most of the orbital sanders that we have to offer, this choice is totally up to you!

Yes, there are some orbital sanders that still only provide a one-setting speed for creating a soft touch to the work, which is the fixed type; but there are others that will allow you have multiple, or variable, speeds to use for you to finish you project with ease, and as soon as possible.

Speed Range

Orbits Per Minute, or OPM is the unit of measurement that is used to determine how fast the sander is spinning.

For variable speed, there’s a range of speed that most sanders fall into, and that range is typically between 5,500 OPM and 12,000 OPM!

For fixed speed, there’s only one setting for how fast the sander will go, and that is usually between 10,000 and 12,000 OPM, but can be different based on the size of the device and the motor.

Speed is definitely one of the solid attributes of this device, and now it’s time to showcase to you the best choices for your next orbital sander.

Final Thoughts

The acquire sanders that are on this list all have the potential to aide you in your carpentry or wood-work projects at a high-quality level; however, we know that when it comes to quality, you don’t want just any ole sander.

That’s why we chose the DEWALT Random Orbit Sander as our top choice. It gives you a fair amount of orbits per minute, it’s compact and lightweight for easy travel and maneuvering, and the best part is you’ll receive a great bang for your buck!

We want to make sure that you are satisfied with your selection, so take another look at the best orbital sanders that we have to offer you, and ensure yourself with a high-caliber machine for your next project.

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Mike Zhang. Founder of FamilyLifeShare