A random orbital sander is a powerful tool with a sanding blade used to sand wood and produces patterns. The patterns will depend on the sanding disk and the user’s movement. The random orbital sander is highly useful when sanding two pieces of wood that you want to fasten together at the right angle. Of course, the result will depend on how fast and aggressive the tool is.
Depending on the features of a random orbital sander model, the user experience might be enhanced. In fact, you can get one that can maximize detail and speed. You can get one in slow or standard speed. There are also air-powered, electrical, or orbital floor sanders. Some include a dust collection tool, laser, anti-vibration, illuminating light, pressure-sensitive adhesive, a hook and loop system, etc.
If you want to get the appropriate random orbital sander to do the job intended, review the features carefully and make sure that they fit your requirement. Don’t force yourself to buy one because it is simply cool as you also have to consider the price.
Cheap and quality - that’s what most constructors are looking for. Here are the best random orbital sander products along with the editor’s review.
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Top 5 Best Random Orbital Sander
DEWALT D26451 3-Amp 5-Inch Random-Orbit Sander
Dewalt has yet again offered quality tool. This random orbit sander is known for delivering smooth and clean finishes.
- It comes with a controlled finishing system that prevents gouging.
- It’s a corded 5-inch tool with 3-amp motor, thus delivering about 12,000 OPM.
- It’s anti-slip design makes it easy for users to grip and control.
- It is also lightweight and has anti-vibration, ball bearings, and sealed-switch features.
- Lastly, it’s dust bag helps you keep your workspace spotless.
For such a cheap price, you can already enjoy the following benefits with the DEWALT D26451 3-Amp 5-Inch Random-Orbit Sander:
Controlled Finishing System
At the 12,000 OPM, this best random orbit sander is ideal if you want to create smooth finishes on your wood pieces. Since it comes with a 3-inch orbit, you won’t be able to see unslightly swirls when removing significant materials. You can perfectly control pad speed and reduce gouging start-ups, too. To assist users in controlling it, the tool comes with anti-slip texture and a counterbalance fan. It is definitely easy to maneuver no matter how difficult the job is.
Durable and Versatile Design
It seems like Dewalt understands fully well that sanding can produce a lot of dust, which can cause trouble over time. Thus, it’s great it comes with a dust-sealed switch and sealed ball bearings. It’s also great that it accepts 5-inch hook and loop abrasive paper as it allows users to easily switch sanding disks.
Convenient Dust Management
Again, dust management is important in sanding. Perhaps, this is what makes DEWALT D26451 3-Amp 5-Inch Random-Orbit Sander one of the best in the market. Its high-capacity dust bag is certainly getting high remarks, especially since it also features a vacuum adapter.
Warranty
This tool gets the DEWALT warranty package which includes one year free of service and a three-year warranty. Thus, they can help you maintain worn out parts of the tool within the specified time.
Makita BO5030K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander
While not as smooth as Dewalt’s, Makita is extremely good for its price.
The grip control of this random orbit sander is good and its hook and loop abrasive discs are extremely convenient for quick changes.
Moreover, with 3.0 AMP and 12,000 OMP, it is rather fast. Thus, it’s no wonder that lots of woodworkers choose Makita for tough sanding jobs.
For reasonable price, you can get the following features with Makita BO5030K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander:
Pad Control System
BO5030K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander allows you to control pad speed during start up. With its 3-amp motors, 12,000 OPM, and 1/8-inch orbit action, you can have continuous and fast sanding operation. It’s also highly precise with its ball bearing design.
Comfortable Design
This best random orbit sander is designed to be easy to use. It ergonomic rubberized palm will fit your hand like a glove, even when there’s pressure. It can also sealed switch can minimize dust and increase its durability. In other words, BO5030K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander stayed true to Makita’s vision of accuracy, precision, and innovation.
Dust Management
It's efficient dust collection system provides a clean workspace. The fabric dust bag has a wide mouth for easier and faster disposal of the dust.
Warranty
Every Makita tool, including BO5030K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander is thoroughly tested before distribution. If there happens to be something wrong with it, you can return it within 30 days and get a replacement. You’ll also be able to get the 1-year warranty from the date of purchase.
Bosch ROS20VSK - Corded Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander
ROS20VSK does not fail to deliver good results. It’s perfect for any carpenter, woodworker, and refinisher who seek precision.
- The kit contains pad rotation and orbit that are easy to remove and create smooth finishes.
- It also comes with a braking system that you can use to remove swirl marks and a microfilter system to cage dust particles.
- This tool works with variable speed.
- It's tight hook and loop disc attachment ensures a firm grip.
- The kit includes soft backing pad, 5-inch random orbit sander, sanding disk, vacuum adapter, and a case.
Variable Speed Control
This random orbit sander comes with a variable-speed control which allows users to get just the right speed to match any sanding task. You can adjust it from 7,500 to 12,000 OPM. The orbit diameter is 3-inch and the tool weighs about 3.5 pounds.
Swirl-Prevention Design
What makes Bosch ROS20VSK different is that it’s built with a braking system that can reduce swirl marks that random orbit sanders tend to leave behind. It is also equipped with Bosch’s hook-tight hook and loop attachment. It has about 35, 000 hooks, which can help you get a firm grip when using the tool. To get that smooth, finish, this tool installed with a micro backing pad.
Dust Management
You can twist the dust canister to view the dust level and detach it to empty the bin. ROS20VSK micro filter system is one of the best in terms of filtering dust that could be as small as half a micron. The dust canister allows dust spillback go to the sander. Thus, you will not be able to inhale any dust at all. The sander is compatible with 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 inch vacuum hose.
Warranty
Bosch ROS20VSK 120-Volt Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander Kit comes with 30-day money back guarantee, 1-year service protection plan, and 3-year warranty.
PORTER-CABLE 382 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander
PORTER-CABLE 382 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander provides the maximum sanding speed to get the desirable finish.
- You can control it though so you will not end up gouging the start up.
- This sander includes a balanced fan, dual plane counter, 100% sealed ball bearing, and a dust-sealed switch.
- It’s compatible with a 5 or 8 hole hook and loop attachment.
- Thus, it’s ideal for every surface prep before staining or painting, for smoothing out the seams where the wood pieces meet, and for removing old varnish coats.
For a reasonable price, you can enjoy the following features of this best random orbit sander:
Random Pattern Sanding
PORTER-CABLE 382 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander is perfect for any professional and DIY sanding and finishing tasks. It's random pattern sanding does not leave any gouges or swirls in the metal, composite, or wood. Its 382 random orbit sanders provide the necessary speed you need to get smooth finishes.
Controlled Finishing System
Its Controlled Finishing System lets you get a controlled pad speed, essential especially during startup. It can get the job done and it does it well. Its 5-inch orbit sander has a 1.9 amp motor that can operate up to 12000 OPM. It accepts 5-inch and 8-hole hook and loop attachment.
Fine Finishing Design
The PORTER-CABLE 382 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander has a sealed 100% ball bearing construction, which ensures its durability. It weighs 3 pounds so it’s light to handle. Moreover, its counterbalanced fan can help reduce fatigue.
Dust Management
The downside of this tool is that it doesn’t have the best dust management system. It comes with a dust-sealed switch that will prevent dust ingestion and increase the tool’s lifespan. However, if you compare this with other models, it’s still extremely lacking.
Warranty
On the upside, PORTER-CABLE offers the best warranty service. If you are not satisfied with the tool, you are free to utilize its 90-day money-back guarantee. You can also get a 1-year service plan, and a 3-year warranty.
Black & Decker BDERO100 Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch
The BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 5-inch random orbit sander is the cheapest in the list. You can get it for a reasonable price. However, that does not mean it cannot compete with the best random orbit sander in the market.
- For such a price, it is surprisingly efficient and fast in material removal.
- It is only 5 inches, and so you can easily carry and handle it.
- It also features a hook and loop attachment that allows users to make easy changes.
- Its random orbital action is of high quality. It also has a dust-sealed switch and hybrid dust canister.
This sander could give you a smooth finish for any of your woodworking projects.
It’s highly recommended to those who don’t have much experience in woodworking, though since it’s easier to maneuver compared to other random orbit sanders.
Easy Sanding Paper Removal
With sanders, you can’t escape having to change paper. However, with BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 5-inch random orbit sander’s hoop and loop system, you can do this with ease and speed. In just about 5 seconds, you get the job done. It reduces the hassle of this task and saves you a lot of time.
Ergonomic Build Design
The Black & Decker BDERO100, with its size and design, is highly easy to hold and handle. It’s not slippery so can get a tight grip on it while you’re doing your job. In fact, you can use it to work on various projects-- cabinets, doors, tables, etc. You can easily maneuver around different parts of these woodworks. This sanders ergonomic design will help in reducing the fatigue in doing the task. It’s also durable so it won’t easily break even if you drop it accidentally. Dust Management It’s true the
Dust Management
It’s true the dust management of BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 5-inch random orbit sander is inferior compared to those in this list. However, if you consider its price and compare it to other sanders that lack dust management system, you’ll find that this sander is a lot better.
Warranty
For BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 5-inch random orbit sander, you will enjoy a 2-year warranty.
Pick Up The Best Orbit Sander
It’s normal to expect less from something that cost less. However, if you care to read each tool’s features, you’ll be surprised to find that the best random orbital sahttps://amzn.to/39bS73cnder could cost a reasonable price. You can get value for your money if you know where to look.
If you want the best value for your money, then we highly recommend DEWALT D26451 or Bosch ROS20VSK.
Dewalt has yet again proven that they are able to create exceptional tools. When using their random orbital sander, you’d almost believe it is a high-end product. It is easy to use and does not require any pressure for you to guide it. The built-in vacuum adapter you can use to connect to the shop vac hose is also a great addition. More importantly, the results are one of the best among those in this list.
If we’re talking about quality, Bosch ROS20VSK 120-Volt Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander Kit is not far behind. It features soft backing pad, 5-inch random orbit sander, sanding disk, and vacuum adapter-- all of which work together to achieve great wood finishes.
DEWALT D26451 and Bosch ROS20VSK are very similar, so it’s hard to choose from them. Your choice will have to depend on your personal brand preference. Since Dewalt is more popular than Bosch, it’s understandable why more consumers choose the DEWALT D26451. If you’re particular about the brand, too, DEWALT D26451 is the best random orbital sander for you.
Buying Guides
Someone who is the first time to learn about tools might be confused about an orbital sander and a random orbital sander. In fact, they are two different tools, and the main difference is the way they move.
In an orbital sander, the disc spins around a circle. That’s the only way it moves.
In a random orbital sander, the disc spins in a circle and oscillates around. This way keeps the pattern after sanding more random and will eliminate any visible scratches and creating a smoother finish.
So, if you are looking for a random orbital sander, there are some useful tips you should keep in mind before making your decision:
Motor and OPM
The motors range usually vary from about 2 – 6 AMP to operate the sander. Two sanders with the same AMP don’t mean they have the same performance. The matter is how effectively they use the power they have.
OPM - stands for orbits per minute - will help you know how fast the sanding disc rotates. The higher the number, the faster the sanding disc spins.
Some sanders are single speed and only working at the high range. Others have a variable speed that allows them to work at different speed depending on your projects.
Power Source
Random orbital sanders typically have three different types of power sources: corded, cordless (battery operated), and pneumatic.
The pneumatically powered sanders are powerful, but they require an air compressor to operate. Professionals usually use them, so in my review, I only mention about corded and battery operated ones (this is the lack in my review).
The power source affects sanders weight, power, and reliability.
Corded random orbital sanders have more power and are more reliable. You will don't need to worry about how much the battery remains. But the pros of this type is cumbersome and get in the way when you’re working.
Battery operated random orbital sanders are flexible, but you must make sure that the battery is always enough for your projects.
Base Plate
The sandpaper is attached to the base plate. So we should notice it choosing the new random orbital sander:
First, this part will determine the sanding area. Random orbital sanders usually come in two sizes, 5 or 6 inches. Anything smaller than 5 inches is called a finishing sander, and other is a professional tool powered with an air compressor.
Another notice is how you attach the sanding discs.
Some sanders use adhesive discs to attach them on the plate, but they are unreliable because they can wear, and come off when the sander is working.
Others are moving toward a hook and loop system to attach the sanding paper. It is more reliable and easier to do.
The next thing is the holes where the sawdust will be sucked up by the dust removal system when working. It keeps the sawdust off the wood surfaces to avoid any tiny scratches.
The covering foam of the base plate will wear during the working time and need to replace. This means either replace the foam itself or the entire sander. Keep in your mind when comparing other products. If you decide to invest an expensive sander, you might want to make sure the pads are replaceable.
Dust Collection Systems
The almost self-contained dust collection system of the sanders in the market can be modified to a vacuum collection system. You can remove the bag of the dust collection system to attach a vacuum hose to the sander for added suction and efficiency.
But, at first, you should check the size of the dust collection port. Make sure that they can be connected together if not you will need to find an adapter for connecting.
FAQs - Frequently asked questions
When to use variable speed on an orbital sander?
You can set the sanding speed to depend on your project. Low speed is ideal when you are working with flat surfaces and high speed when you want to sand down faster.
A higher sanding speed isn’t always better in practice. Low speed is preferable to sand a painted surface, for example. Because this will prevent the paint from getting hot and spreading out or clogging up the sanding sheet. You will, therefore, have to think about the optimal sanding speed for each specific job.
How to get the best sanding results?
- The quality of sanding depends on various factors. It is always necessary to replace the new sanding sheets in a proper time.
- Never use the same sanding sheet for both wood and metal.
- You must choose the right grain size for your material for the best result.
- Do not apply too much pressure when sanding. The sanding sheet will wear faster, and the results will be less good.
- Try to get the best sanding speed on a piece of waste material before sanding with the right speed on your job.
What sandpaper grit to use for my random orbital sander?
- It depends on your stage.
- If you want to remove material quickly, you should choose the lower grit.
- For the best result in finishing, you should choose the higher grit number.
Can you use a random orbital sander as a polisher/waxer?
Sanders are for sanding. So unless want to sand your vehicle, it is not the appropriate tool to use.
I know you want to trim your budget when buying the new orbital sander. But you're aiming out of a reasonable league with wanting to use the wrong tools which could damage your vehicle.
What to do when orbital sanding pads loses adhesive?
When the pads have a lot of dust, it loses its grip and does not stick. So what to do? Clean and reuse.
