Which orbital sander would you buy?

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I got the go ahead from the wife to purchase an orbital sander for a project we have planned this weekend. I want to invest into a decent one since it will see a lot of future use. I'm in between on the Dewalt D26451K, the Milwaukee 6021-21, or the Makita BO5030K. What are your guy's opinion on them?

 

[blackhawkdriver]

I have the Dewalt and a Rigid they work about the same I like the Dewalt better though. I think the Makita is gonna run you more dough. Whatever you do DON'T buy a Craftsman.

 

[ADSR]

I have the milwaukee, bosch and dewalt. The milwaukee is the best of the best. Very low vibration and fast material removal.

 

[thewatusi]

I have the HF random orbital sander. The thing is a beast. I've dropped it at least a dozen times and it won't die.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I like my 5" DeWalt....BUT I just picked up 2 Bosch 3107 DVS sanders and they are AWESOME!

Mine are used, Swiss made, and uber Smooth. The front and rear handle really let you control and dig in when you want...or just float it.

If you are doing woodwork I totally recommend a Bosch...IDK if they are all Swiss Made or if Lowes/HD carry cheap line etc.

The DeWalt is more versatile if you are sanding down metal tool boxes and what not because of its smaller size and no handles sticking off etc.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I would be using it for a variation of woodworking and smaller metal sanding. My dad owns the Dewalt as well and I used it a lot growing up so that's what I know. Lower vibrations from the Milwaukee is probably worth spending an extra $10. The Dewalt is about $60 and the Milwaukee and Makita are about $70

 

[Stooge]

I've had that milwaukee for 4+years now and have used and abused it most of that time from wood, to metal finishing to sanding body filler. I thought it was toast a few months ago but figured i'd pull it apart to see if there was something obviously wrong. just cleaned up the inside with a nylon brush and compressed air since it was caked up with body filler and its good as new. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one if this one really died

 

[torqueman2002]

If they build their orbital sander like they built my 30+ year old palm sander, Makita is what I'd go with.

internet image

 

[Parrothead]

I have the DeWalt and my wife uses it. She seems to like it just fine, and I have the one the variable speed

 

[cheechi]

PC 330 or DWE4601 Dewalt. Depending on whether you like dust collection, a second handle, or neither.

 

[CalgaryJoe]

I picked up the Bosch ROS65VCL 5 inch (& interchangeable 6 inch) orbital to refinish a large kitchen table - almost zero vibration, lots of power - but it's a BIG unit, it get heavy quick when using it on verticals surfaces.

 

[cheechi]

Actually, I have been wanting that Bosch sander for a while. If my Dewalt dies that's probably what I would get to replace it.

 

[bcradio]

Festool gets my vote. Top notch and if you get the dust extractor, you can sand anywhere with zero dust. You can't beat sanding in your living room with no dust.

 

[DonPowers]

Have a PC 330 Speed-Bloc and PC 333 Random Orbit, both are good sanders. Use the 333 for most of my sanding and connect it to my shop vac. Eventually wore out the velcro pad on the 333 and installed a new one.

 

[Monte]

this

or this

or both

 

[skruft]

Assume you mean electric. Not sure whether you mean the regular square orbit or random orbit. For the regular ones I think the PC and Makita someone else mentioned are very good. They have lasted forever for me as a hobbyist. For random orbit I have always used the Porter Cable with 5" disk and 5 holes for vacuum. Other seem to use Bosch.

 

[ADSR]

this

or this

or both

bro, you have waaaay toooo much money.

 

[kjenkins41]

I've had the Makita for about two years and it's still running strong. I like it quite a bit, and it's the best electric sander I've used since the older PC orbital sanders.


~ KJ

 

[Elginz]

My 6" Bosch 3727DVS I have had it for years. I believe it is the most used tool in my shop. I have a 5" Dewalt random orbit, and a Milwaukee finish sander, but the 6" Bosch is by far the work horse. With the variable speed it can do some delicate work as well. If it would ever die so I can't fix it I will be getting a new one like it.

 

[mossyboy6]

I like my bosch ROS65VC-5.

I do wish I would have gone straight to the Festool 150/3 though. I have used it, and it is a bit smoother than the bosch in my opinion.

Another worth mentioning as well is definitely the Mirka Ceros.

 

[angrystroker]

Browse the Hutchins line, huge selection. I have used the sanders for many years and they have many years in them yet.

Best of brand hands down, very tuff to stall, does not get hot, speed control.

You will not be buying another cause you wore it out, that you can take to the bank.

http://www.hutchinsmfg.com/Catalog.aspx?catid=30667

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I ended up going with the Makita, HD didn't have the Milwaukee in stock to put my hands on. The Makita is amazingly smooth, has great dust collection and to top it off, has a one year warranty. It looks nice sitting next to my Makita router as well.

 

[Monte]

bro, you have waaaay toooo much money.

€129.- for the large one, €29.- for the small one...i think its ok

I do wish I would have gone straight to the Festool 150/3 though. I have used it, and it is a bit smoother than the bosch in my opinion.

i thought the Bosch is the smoothest right now because of the anti-vibration mechanism ?

 

[Davefr]

All the major brands seem OK. However I would go PSA vs Velcro for the pad because the sandpaper is a lot cheaper.

 

[kjenkins41]

...I would go PSA vs Velcro for the pad because the sandpaper is a lot cheaper.

Ditto. Also, Velcro doesn't last as long and you constantly need to clean the dust out to improve adhesion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gi bro]

I see lots of good advice on orbital sanders, but I am looking for one on a low budget and will use it very little. Are the HF, ryobi models worth the low cost?

 

[Goohead]

2nd the makita

 

[cowboy73]

GI bro, I have a refurbished SKIL brand one I bought at Big Lots for I think 25 bucks. I have used it quite a bit and it's still ticking.

 

[Vbwiley92]

I've been impressed with my ryobi. Works great and I use it pretty regularly.

Sent from my SM-T320 using Tapatalk

 

[orbitsanders]

It all depends on what your usage is going to be. If you are professional woodworker as me and you gonna use your sander on a daily bases then Festool is an expensive but the right option for you, since it wins the race over all other tools in the long run. If you are buying the sander for a few times home use however, go with some cheap option instead and my recommendation would be Black & Decker since it has acceptable quality for the money you pay. www.bestrandomorbitsander.com is also a great website where you can read reviews about all the models and do your own due diligence.

 

[tarbellb]

Back from the dead.

Wanted to give a quick review on the older Makita BO5010 (and all same body models).

5" random orbital sander

Not a fan.

_ the lower body will rotate around while holding the upper portion, wrapping the cord around your hand and wrist. It will also put the cord whip in the way. Very annoying.

_ Dust collection is not great.

_ Dust bag will pop off from time to time.
---------

Yes it fairly tough, its lasted for years. And yes, Makita makes other great tools, I own their 10" sliding miter. But this is not a great product, I own three.

These are simple machines, I have used many over the years now and can say there are better options.

Not sure if they have addressed these issues on the new model (BO5030), anybody with input?

 

[winlinmac]

Black and Decker and Skil are both surprisingly decent for the average DIY'er.

Otherwise, Dewalt, Makita, and Milwaukee are considered one level up.

I see lots of good advice on orbital sanders, but I am looking for one on a low budget and will use it very little. Are the HF, ryobi models worth the low cost?

 

[AndrewS]

I picked up the Bosch ROS65VCL 5 inch (& interchangeable 6 inch) orbital to refinish a large kitchen table - almost zero vibration, lots of power - but it's a BIG unit, it get heavy quick when using it on verticals surfaces.

Was getting ready to buy the 5". It is funny that they are the same sander but the 6" is $20 more and you can buy the 6" pad for $11. Ended up finding a refurb 6" for $50 cheaper.

 

[sandingexpert]

I like my bosch ROS65VC-5.

I do wish I would have gone straight to the Festool 150/3 though. I have used it, and it is a bit smoother than the bosch in my opinion.

Another worth mentioning as well is definitely the Mirka Ceros.

Trust me, there is no better random orbital sander then Festool, i have tested multiple sanders in my long woodworking career, but nothing comes even close to

 

[ChrisLS8]

I have the HF random orbital sander. The thing is a beast. I've dropped it at least a dozen times and it won't die.

I worked in a high volume powdercoat shop doing everything from show car parts to architectural beams and we used those day in and out for years along with the red handle and palm air orbital.

They were always lubed sparingly to keep oil off the parts

 

[Stooge]

I've had that milwaukee for 4+years now and have used and abused it most of that time from wood, to metal finishing to sanding body filler. I thought it was toast a few months ago but figured i'd pull it apart to see if there was something obviously wrong. just cleaned up the inside with a nylon brush and compressed air since it was caked up with body filler and its good as new. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one if this one really died

i guess I did hesitate to buy another one, as that one died last year and I haven't bought a replacement yet

 

[dimichele]

I see lots of good advice on orbital sanders, but I am looking for one on a low budget and will use it very little. Are the HF, ryobi models worth the low cost?

I've had good luck with hf sanders. Only issue was the velcro wearing out and not holding the disk well on one. I've sanded my entire house with them.

 

[Musicinabottle]

If they build their orbital sander like they built my 30+ year old palm sander, Makita is what I'd go with.

internet image

Second that totally. I bought one of the round random orbit sanders to go along with my makita and they pale in comparison to those older Makita 1/4 sheet sanders. No replacing the Velcro every 30 sheets and my Makita was bought in the mid 1980s and the thing is still going strong. In fact all my 1980s Makita equipment is still going.

 

[Sh40674]

i've got a craftsman and i like it. i'm a home owner though and don't use it for a living. when i worked at a cabinet factory we had dewalts and makitas that we used every day. never an issue. if you are just going to use it once in a while don't over think it.. if it's something you'll use quite often buy quality.

 

[Sh40674]

this is the one i have... got it at the store for like 22 bucks. i'd say worth it. if it dies in a few years it was only 20 bucks... but i havn't had issues with it.

http://www.sears.com/cm-2.8amp/p-00939590000P?intcmp=crft-pdp-buy-cta