Best Random Orbital Sander for the Money (2021)
Random orbital sanders are hand-held tools in which blades deliver a random-orbit action. This means that the angle of rotation of the head and disc is variable. They are typically used for sanding and are relatively different from standard belt sanders due to their random orbit sanding pattern, which is produced by the simultaneous spinning of the sanding disc and movement in small ellipses. This prevents abrasive materials from traveling through the same path again. Due to this random sanding feature, the tool does not leave swirl marks, and it is not sensitive to the direction of wood grains. This makes it extremely useful when you are sanding two pieces of wood that are set at right angles.
They use sandpaper disks and several models include built-in dust collectors that feature a vacuum to suck out dust through holes in the pad. These discs are attached using either pressure-sensitive adhesives or hook and loop systems.
Random orbital sanders are versatile tools suited for many types of finishing work and can be used in conjunction with other tools to achieve the wood surface you need. Now that you know what random orbital sanders are, it is time to choose the best random orbital sander for the money. Read on to find out more.
[lwptoc numeration=”none”]Random Orbital Sanders – Top 5 Picks for 2021
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The decision of choosing a random orbit sander for yourself can be rather burdensome as there are so many makes and models available to choose from. Lucky for you, we have gathered a list of the best random orbit sanders you can find on the market right now. Here is the list of the 5 best random orbital sanders:
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#1 DEWALT Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch (DWE6423K)
This Orbit Sander is a super convenient power tool that boasts a simplistic design and incredible run-time along with remarkable ergonomic capabilities, easily making it one of the best of its kind.
The sander with hook and loop pad features a 3.0 Amp motor that spins the pad at 8,000- 12,000 OPM. It’s short height minimizes the distance between the item and users. Its excellent design decreases vibrations and rubber over-mold in crucial areas greatly reduces fatigue and provides comfortable sanding. The Dust Bag attached securely to the sander with a one-hand locking system improves dust collection, whereas the improved dust-sealed switch protects against dust ingestion for an increased switch life. Users can attach the sander manually to the DWV010 or DWV012 dust collectors and dust port to other vacuum systems by using the DWV9000 Universal Quick Connector.
Dewalt’s random orbit sander has a good powerful motor and does an excellent job at removing stock and smoothing out wood, and it is designed for user comfortability. It does an impressive job of collecting dust and keeping it from entering the internal workings and offers many advanced features in a fairly affordable price range. The only downside to this sander is that it can be difficult to clean.
#2 PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander
The Porter-Cable 20V Max Random Orbit Sander pushes about 12, 000 orbits per minute, helping users to get work done quickly and efficiently. It is ideal for polishing and sanding auto and marine projects, featuring a 4.5 Amp motor for protection against high-overload. Moreover, it comes with a 6-inch polishing pad and the sanding disc, and random orbit which provides swirl-free sanding and polishing action, making it ideal for all your sanding and polishing needs.
It features a 6-inch proprietary counter balance to use with a 6-inch sanding/polishing pad and accepts 5/16 – 24 spindle thread accessories with a two-position removable side handle for improved comfort, control, and ease of use. It also includes a dust removing system that utilizes the built-in dust collection bag or it can be connected to a vacuum. Sander’s latest multiport adapter can connect to vacuum hoses with various diameters.
The Porter-Cable Random Orbital Sander offers a wide spectrum of features in a fairly decent price range. For the few extra dollars you pay, you get incredible performance, advanced ergonomic features, high-speed functionality, and durability. We are certain that PORTER-CABLE Random Orbit Sander is capable enough to aid you in achieving the desired finish on your woodwork projects. In addition to so many features, the sander is quiet, vibration-free, and has variable speed.
#3 BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch (BDERO100)
Black and Decker’s 5-inch Random orbital sander provides random-orbit action for a higher removal rate and quality finish. It features a hook and loop system to provide fast and easy paper changes. A dust-sealed switch keeps dust out and extends the tool’s life. This powerful tool will give you maximum maneuverability and user-friendly performance. A 2.4 amp motor powers the random orbital sander and improves removal rate and provides a neat finish to your projects.
Its compact size and user-friendliness make it an ideal home tool, weighing only 3 pounds and standing at a 5-inch height. This sander can enter tight spaces and handle small sanding or polishing projects. Its ergonomic design and convenient handle maximize user control and features like dust collection systems keep your work area clean and tidy.
The Black & Decker BDERO600 is great for homeowners and DIYers who are looking for a compact tool that can help take home renovation projects to a whole new level. If you are looking for the best random orbital sanders to add to your tool collection, the Black & Decker BDERO600 is a great value pick.
#4 Makita BO5041K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit
The Makita BO5041K 5-inch random orbit introduces two new features: a powerful 3.0 AMP motor and a flexible front handle. Unlike most orbital sanders which include an integrated handle, Makita’s BO5041K can be rotated out of the way and improve user control. It also features variable speed control dials and large 1/8″ random orbit action that provides fast and smooth sanding, detailed work, and most importantly it provides a swirl-free finish to your projects.
The Makita BO5041K random orbit sander features a 3.0 AMP motor that has an oversized sealed ball bearing to allow users to match sanding speeds to the materials, and it offers a range of 4,000 – 12,000 OPM. The sander has a sizable two-finger trigger switch that has convenient lock-on buttons for continuous usage. It features a control pad and braking system to allow users to control pad speed when switching the tool on and off. Additionally, the sander has an efficient dust collection system with an in-built vacuum port adapter to provide users with a clean and tidy work environment.
The sander utilizes a standard quick-change 5″ hook-and-loop paper making It incredibly easy for users to locate replacement pads. Makita’s BO5041K has abrasive paper, a dust bag, and tool case, and Its palm grip coated in rubber allows comfortable usage and controls, making this sander ideal for woodworking, carpentry, and the likes.
#5 Bosch Power Tools 1250DEVS – Electric Orbital Sander
The 1250DEVS is one of the finest sanders out there offering variable speeds and the ability to switch from one mode to another makes the tool highly versatile. It is popular among working professionals due to its ergonomic and user-friendly design.
It features two different sanding modes, a highly aggressive turbo driven, aberrant orbit sanding mode for very harsh sanding, and a standard random orbit sanding mode to provide stock removal and fine finishing. Simply by flipping the lever you can change the sanding mode to your preference. The desired speed can be set up by using a speed dial while Constant Response circuits maintain the speed under load. It comes with Bosch’s microcellular hook and loop sanding pad which deliver finer, smoother, and even surface finishes because of their ability to comply with the work piece’s surface and elastic support by the pad’s plastic inlays.
The 1250DEVS with its PowerGrip, contoured head, compact circumference barrel, and conventional auxiliary handle greatly addresses user comfort and ease. Furthermore, a passive dust collection system maximizes efficiency when it used with a vacuum-based dust collection system and sizeable
This highly versatile and flexible orbit sander made by the reliable manufacturer, Bosch, is one of the most popular random orbit sanders among woodworking professionals.
Features to Consider when choosing a Random Orbital Sander
Now that you are familiar with the differences between models, you should now consider a few features to learn more about random orbital sanders before purchasing one. This detailed guide mentions everything you need to know about selecting the best random orbital sander for yourself. Thus, make sure to go through this guide to get an idea about what you want and ensure that you make the right choice.
Power Type
Random orbital sanders use various power sources to power their electric motors. Some models are corded and receive power through a wall socket, while other cordless models use a battery system to power the motor. In general, corded random orbital sanders are relatively affordable and offer the same high- performance at a lower price. But cordless orbital sanders are more practical, convenient, and portable.
Power Rating
Whenever you are buying any kind of power tool, making sure that it is powerful enough for your power requirements is highly powerful. Otherwise, you might face a lack of power output while using a power tool for heavy-duty applications. Therefore, if you wish to use your random orbital sander for industrial usage, then make sure to check its power rating.
This power rating differs according to the fact whether you are buying a corded model or a cordless one. While cordless models have this power rating as 18 volts or 20 volts, corded models have their power rating given as 2 amps or 3 amps. In both of these cases, a higher rating results in better performance.
Orbit Speed
By checking the orbit speed of a random orbital sander, you can get an approximate idea of its performance output. The orbit speeds determine the number of times the disc orbits per minute.
Generally, a higher OPM or orbit speed such as 12000 OPM leads to improved results. Most random orbital sander models allow you to change orbit speed accompanied by the variable speed trigger that allows you to set different orbit speeds.
Disc Size
In general, random orbit sanders that have a large sanding disc size deliver better performance and usage as they provide a higher contact surface area. 5-inch disc size is considered to be much better than a 3-inch sander disk. Aside from size, you should consider sanders with easily replaceable sanding discs, making it a useful feature for people working with multiple sanding discs that have different grit ratings for accurate results.
Build Quality and Reliability
You should look for sanders with a strong sturdy build and high-quality materials, and reliable build quality if you are looking for a power tool that will last for a long time. Any power tool with a metal build is way better than a plastic one. You can also check the warranty terms of sanders to get an idea of their reliability. Most models include a 2-year warranty, while some better options include a 3-year long warranty for increased tool life.
Random Orbital Sander FAQs
Random Orbital Sanders are a great power tool to have in your collection of tools. They excel at polishing, smoothing and reshaping a variety of different materials. It’s just one of the multiple tools available for craftsmen, DIYers, and wood-workers. To choose a good one there are many things you need to know. Most of which we have covered above, but if you still have questions keep reading our FAQ.
Q: What’s the difference between an orbital sander, and a random orbital sander?
The traditional orbital sander tends to have a square sanding pad, rather than a round one. Another difference is that the random orbital sander moves in an elliptical motion when its sanding.
Q: What are the different types of Random Orbital Sanders?
Basically they’re all pretty similar, although you will find some slight design differences. For instance, most are electric powered, but some are pneumatic. There’s also both corded and cordless random orbital sanders. Those that are cordless rely on a battery for power. There is also a difference in the size of the sanding pad, most are 5 inch but some are as big as 6-inches.
Q: What grade sand paper/sanding pad should I use for optimal results?
This depends entirely on the material you are sanding. For a large project you might desire a coarser pad like 60 grit, where as if you need a smooth finish you will want a much finer grit.
Q: What is the random orbital sander used for?
Mostly they’re used to sand wood. You can use them to smooth out the surface so that it is prepared for the final coat, or finishing touch of varnish.
Final Thoughts on the Best Random Orbital Sander for the Money
Random orbital sanders with their random and circular sanding patterns truly provide a smooth and fine finish.
All of the random orbital sanders that made it to this list use high-grade sanding discs, making them ideal for materials like plastic, wood, metal, etc. and are incredibly versatile. We provided a list of the 5 best random orbital sanders that are available on the market, based on their performance, design, features, and price.
This detailed guide provides everything you need to know before buying a random orbital sander and teaches you to easily differentiate and compare between them so you can pick the best random orbital sander for your required needs.
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