When it comes to woodworking, you need a lot of tools to get the job done right the first time. However, one could argue that the most important part of everything comes at the end when you’re finishing the piece. The reason for this is that if you don’t sand it down and make it smooth, then the finished product could be dangerous to hold. As such, it’s imperative that you have the right sander to make your piece as polished and professional as possible.
While there are a few different kinds of finishing sanders out there, none are quite as versatile or reliable as a random orbital sander. These handheld devices make it easy to work in tighter spaces while also leaving a better finish than other models.
Today we’ll go over the core components of these sanders as well as show you some of the best options out there. Whether you’re a professional or a DIYer, these best random orbital sanders are sure to take your wood projects to the next level.
Table of Contents
What is a Random Orbital Sander?
This machine is designed to work on pieces that need a smooth surface without any scuff marks. Some sanders will leave trails of where they’ve been, but not random orbital ones. The secret is in the oscillation of the pad, which ensures that you don’t have to worry about circular grooves in your finished piece.
Typically speaking, these sanders are used for polishing finished pieces to make sure that there are no splinters or rough edges. As such, they are mostly compact devices that can fit into tighter corners and allow you to work on many different surfaces. Nonetheless, due to their power and versatility, they work well as a removal device or a finishing piece, making them a must-have for any serious woodworkers.
Top 8 Best Random Orbital Sander Reviews
While there are plenty of random orbital sanders from which to choose, we’ve narrowed our list down to the top five. These are undoubtedly the best of the best, which means that no matter which one you choose you’re sure to get something that can work well with whatever kinds of projects you do.
That being said, each of these sanders has a particular selling point that differentiates it from the rest, so it’s crucial that you understand which features are most important to you so that you can decide accordingly.
1. Makita BO5041K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit – Best for Professionals
Kicking off our list is this sander from Makita. As far as consumer product brands go, this is one of the best in the industry, with a long line of high-quality equipment and materials from which to choose. As such, this random orbital sander is one of the best you can find.
When talking about the performance of this machine, it first comes with a versatile and robust three-amp motor. This allows you to work long hours without the device breaking down or stopping suddenly. It also comes with a variable speed adjustment so that you can work on a variety of projects without having to switch units. You can quickly go from 7,000 OPM (orbits per minute) to 12,000. That makes this sander ideal for both removal and polishing equally well.
One thing that we really like about this sander is the fact that it comes with an adjustable handle. This means that you can customize your grip depending on your position, making this sander much easier to hold and operate than others. Best of all, it only weighs three pounds, making it a lightweight model as well.
Fortunately, this unit also comes with an integrated dust collection port and bag so that you can reduce the amount of cleanup needed while working. It can even be adapted to fit with shop vacuums so that you can work for longer periods without having to stop and empty everything out. While it doesn’t come with a filter, the dust port collects through the front of the sander for better results.
Finally, this device comes with a remarkable thirty-day money-back guarantee and a comprehensive one-year warranty. It also has a durable plastic carrying case so that you can keep all of your parts and accessories (including sanding pads) together. Overall, this is a fantastic DIY woodworking sander that provides excellent results each time.
What We Like:
- Powerful three-amp motor
- Variable speed adjustment
- Operates between 4K-12K OPM
- Ergonomic rubberized grip reduces vibration
- The front handle is adjustable to maximize the effectiveness
- The large trigger switch is easy to turn on and off
- Locking mechanism means you don’t have to hold it down
- The slow start system ensures that your pad eases into your work
- Efficient dust collection system with bag
- Pad brake makes it easier to stop without damaging anything
- Vacuum port adapter for dust bag
- Uses five-inch sanding pads with Velcro attachments
- Sealed ball bearings for longer life
What We Don’t Like:
- May not collect all of the dust that is generated
- In rare cases, the pads may not stay on as well as they should
- In rare instances, the motor may cut off suddenly
2. Bosch ROS20VSK 120-Volt Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander Kit
Next, we have a machine from another high-quality manufacturer. In fact, if you were to place this Bosch Sander next to the Makita above, you may think that they are twins, given that they both have the same distinct color and shape. However, this particular model has a few added features that make it a worthwhile option.
First of all, the motor on this sander is a little smaller than the Makita, but it has a higher overall output. This means that you can work faster without putting too much pressure on the system. The variable speed adjustment goes from 7,500 to 12,000 OPM, making this unit a viable option for many different woodworking projects.
What we like most about this sander is the dust collection system. While most models have a dust bag and port, this particular unit comes with a reusable filter as well. This ensures that the air stays cleaner while you work. Unfortunately, if you connect it to a shop vacuum then the filter doesn’t work, but if you don’t need that much collection space, you could potentially operate without a mask.
The other features that we like about this sander include a soft starting system that ensures you don’t accidentally gouge your work, an ergonomic soft-grip handle to reduce vibration and fatigue, and a carrying case so that you can keep everything together and organized. Additionally, this model comes with a thirty-day money-back guarantee and a one-year limited warranty.
What We Like:
- Robust 2.5-amp motor
- Large five-inch sanding pads
- Variable speed adjustment
- Operates between 7,500 to 12,000 OPM
- Dust collection system
- The filter removes finer particles from the air
- Pad dampening brake system for smoother results
- Extra durable Velcro attachment system
- Weighs 3.5 pounds
- Ergonomic soft-grip handle
- Vacuum hose adapter
- Dust-sealed switch for longer shelf life
What We Don’t Like:
- In rare cases, the motor may overheat
- Some units may vibrate a lot at high speeds
- In rare instances, the sanding base may be cupped, resulting in a bowed surface
3. Bosch ROS65VC 6 6″ Random Orbital Sander –Best for Long-term Projects
Built with comfort in mind, Bosch ROS65VC-6 6″ Random Orbital Sander is the perfect machine for workers who love consistency and long-term projects. Just as efficient as comfortable, the usability of this machine will make you sand forever without fatigue.
Starting with its adjustable sander’s speed, you can dial between its wide range of 5,500 & 12,000 orbits per minute for speed to task match-up, thanks to its capable 3.3-amp motor fueler. At only 5.3 lbs. the ROS65VC-6in its die-cast aluminum gear housing is indeed a light machine and will accept Bosch high-performance 5 inches and 6 inches sanding pads.
For your outstanding comfort, this machine features a vibration control system that reduces the extent of vibration that reaches your hand; an l pad dampening braking-system to get rid of swirl marks; two dust collection systems to keep your ambiance free of dust; and a number of more and more comfy features intended to give you great sanding days.
What We Like:
- Minimized vibration.
- 5 or 6-inch pads switching option
- Multiple soft grip and comfortable handles
- Outstanding user comfort
What We Don’t Like:
- Can’t be used by amateurs
- May throw up lots of heat
4. DEWALT DWE6423K 5″ Random Orbital Sander – Most User Friendly
Woodworkers looking for across-the-board quality for their everyday workload will definitely appreciate the DEWALT DWE6423Kfor its durability and usability. Designed to keep up with a lifetime of woodwork, this item will advertise your craftsmanship with its user-friendly features and top-notch performance.
With a strong motor of 3.0-amp variable speed that can be adjusted from 7,000 to 12,000 orbits per minute and anywhere within this machine is indeed up for the game. It features an exclusive controlled finishing system that marries perfectly into its ergonomic body design with a number of textured grips, to give users 3 syn-chronic benefits, eliminate swirls and scuffs; reduces vibration; and give all-round ease of operation.
Want your workshop to remain cleanest after usage? DEWALT DWE6423K 5″ Random Orbital Sander features an in-built dust bag plus a vacuum adapter to help collect dust and keep it out of the machine’s internal operation.
This short-height sanding machine in its rubber over-mold will get you closer to your workpiece without fatigue, for a long time smooth out and stock removal.
What We Like:
- Powerful 3.0-amp motor
- User-friendly and take care of fatigue
- Great price value
- Dust collection is easy and effective
What We Don’t Like:
- Emptying a canister is difficult
5. DEWALT D26453K 3 Amp 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander Kit
While we like brands like Makita and Bosch, one of our top favorites has to be DeWalt. No matter what kind of power tool you get from the company, it is sure to deliver high-quality results every time. As such, we love this variable speed random orbital sander for what it can do with wood and how well it can handle any project we throw at it. Overall, this is a great piece for anyone who does a lot of woodworking and needs something that can keep up.
The most significant aspect of this sander is the quality of the machinery and its performance. While other units have similar specs, this model is built to last and will take on almost any project with ease. To do that, it comes with a robust three-amp motor and a variable speed adjustment that enables you to work on a wider variety of pieces. You can easily go from 7,000 to 12,000 OPM with a flip of a button, making this one of the more reliable sanders out there.
To help improve this machine’s performance it also comes with a proprietary controlled finishing system that manages the pad’s speed when starting and stopping. This ensures that you don’t accidentally gouge the wood when you first start as it will ease into its top speed rather than starting abruptly. It also comes with an anti-slip grip so that you can maintain better control while working.
As far as dust collection goes, this model comes with a rather large bag, but it also has its own vacuum adapter so that you can connect to a shop vacuum if need be. While we do wish that it came with a filter as well, the results are still impressive, leaving very little debris while you work.
Finally, this electric random orbital sander comes with a carrying case to store all of your parts and accessories and has a remarkable three-year service warranty. That alone elevates it above the competition and should show that the company stands behind this product 100%.
What We Like:
- Powerful three-amp motor
- Variable speed adjustment
- Operates between 7K to 12K OPM
- Anti-slip body grip reduces vibration
- Controlled finishing system manages pad speed
- Dust-sealed switch for longer shelf life
- High-capacity dust bag included
- Vacuum adapter provided
- 100% ball-bearing construction
What We Don’t Like:
- When connected to a vacuum hose the motor may start acting up
- In rare cases, the switch may turn on unexpectedly
- In rare instances, it can leave swirl marks on some woods
6. BLACK & DECKER BDERO600 Random Orbital Sander – Best for Homeowners
A 2.4 amp 5″ orbit sander is probably the shortest ever sander you can get on the market and will be the perfect fit for DIYer’s and homeowners looking to smooth out any rough patch. At 14,000 OPM (orbits per minute) powerful speed, BLACK+DECKER BDERO600Random Orbital Sander help users provide quick and efficient stock removal with easy maneuverability.
Just on top of the sander, the paddle switch is activated by a press down the button and you can decide to have it locked in either on or off condition for a convenient one-hand operation. You need not worry about dust when doing your next home improvement, this device features a high-quality dust collection system that will keep dust away from your work surface.
At only 5-inch, this compact and easy to maneuver machine will get you into tight corners with ease and optimize your operational control to give your workpiece an all-around fineness. Thanks to its ergonomic design and 3 pounds’ weight size.
What We Like:
- Lightweight
- Great worth
- Ergonomic and compact design
- Easily maneuvered
What We Don’t Like:
- Vibrates bit louder
- Under powered
7. PORTER-CABLE 7346SP 6-Inch Random Orbit Sander with Polishing Pad
So far, we’ve seen random orbital sanders that were built with high speeds in mind so that they can work well as a finishing product or a removal sander.
However, that also means that they are not conducive to working on other materials such as cars or metal. The reason for that is because higher speeds can create much more friction, thus overheating any metallic pieces or buffing paint off a car door.
Thus, if you want something that can work on a variety of materials besides wood, this is the sander for you. It has a much more robust motor (4.5 amps instead of three), and it operates at up to 6,800 OPM. As you can see, that is even lower than some of the other sanders at their slowest speed. Again, the purpose behind that is so you don’t risk overheating metal or wearing down other materials too fast. High speeds are perfect for Parawood, and others woods, but not much else.
To further drive this point home, the Porter-Cable Sander also comes with a polishing pad as well as a standard sanding pad. Also, this measures six inches in diameter instead of the usual five, meaning that you can cover more area in less time. Overall, this is an efficient and versatile machine.
The other thing that we like about this sander is that it comes with an adjustable handle for stability. Since it’s heavier than other models (six pounds), you need the extra point of contact to ensure that you don’t lose control while you work. Best of all, it can install on either side so if you’re left or right-handed it doesn’t matter. Finally, it comes with a three-year warranty.
What We Like:
- Powerful 4.5-amp motor
- Variable speed adjustment
- Operates between 2,500-6,800 OPM
- Six-inch sanding and polishing pads
- Side handle for better grip and control
- The handle is movable from left to right
- Ergonomic top grip
- Full ball bearing construction lasts longer
What We Don’t Like:
- No dust collection system
- Heavier than other models
- In rare cases, the shaft may break under pressure
8. SKIL 7492-02 5″ Random Orbital Sander – Most Safe to Operate
Whether you are a hobbyist that needs some finishing touches on a workshop piece, or you are a refurbished that’s handling a big home improvement task, the SKIL 7492-02 5-inch Random Orbital Sander could be your ultimate companion to a fine finish and smooth stock removal. Although, not on the high end, this basic random orbit sander uses a 2.8 Ampere motor to drive up to 12,500 OPM fixed speed.
This little machine features a pad brake system which helps in minimizing scuffs to give a swirl-free finish while also eliminating gouging during operation. It comes with a pressure control indicator that notifies you when there is accurate or overpressure.
This machine comes with a micro-filtration system with the sealed switch to capture dust particles from dispersing into your environment and keeping your surface tidier. The dust canister has a transparent casing, hence, emptying its content is as easy as you see it.
What We Like:
- Excellent dust collection
- Entry-level price
- Lightweight
- Great build quality
What We Don’t Like:
- Relatively low power
- Not good for pros
After looking through these various sanders, we can safely say that our top two picks would either be the Makita or the DeWalt models. First of all, we like that they come with a whole kit and carrying system so that you can keep everything together.
Secondly, they have the best features and performance we’ve seen of any random orbital sander. Finally, these companies have a long history of making high-quality products, and we know that they are committed to bringing you the best random orbital sander possible regardless of your skill level or expertise.
Difference between Orbital Sanders and Random Orbital Sanders
Yes, the names are fairly similar; orbital sanders and random orbital sanders, even though both are used for sanding, there exist significant differences in their attributes and functionality.
The first major distinction is their movement, orbital sanders move only in a single circular direction while random orbital sanders as implied by the name, move in random oscillatory motion and hence prevent marks and swirls that are inevitable in other sanders.
This means that the best random orbital sander runs two operations simultaneously, the operation of the traditional sander, it moves in a circular motion like the traditional orbital sander, and at the same time, its circular pad rotates along the main axis, causing a complete random motion. This random motion is important for reducing marks and produce a smoother surface.
Another difference is in the shape of these two machines, random orbital sander has a rounded base which enables its round sanding pad to oscillate and spin around for effectual sanding. Orbital sander, on the other hand, has a square base that allows its square sanding pad to get into tight corners with ease.
RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Best Sander For Removing Paint From Wood And Wall
It is a universal truth that the operations of random orbital sanders are more user-friendly, versatile, and comfortable when compared to traditional orbital sanders. Who wants stress and trouble?
How to Choose a Random Orbital Sander
For anyone, selecting the best random orbital sander is a function of goals and purposes. If you are well informed, picking one depends on your long or short-term goal. For the hobbyists, who only need occasional sanding and stock removal, a small machine with little frills should do, while heavy woodworkers like cabinet makers and carpenters will surely require a more powerful machine that can deliver great performance consistently for a long period of time.
Although the primary purpose of this kind of sander is to polish materials without leaving marks, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of different considerations that go into picking the best model for your work.
Overall, each one that we are going to look at comes with the same basic principle, but they do have some distinct variations that are important based on your needs. Here are the most important factors to consider when picking out the best random orbital sander.
The Base Plate
The part of your random orbital sander where sandpaper is attached is called the base plate. Generally, there are 3 major areas of concern about the base plate, if your sander is to live up to expectations.
The base plate of any random orbital sander determines the size of the sanding area, most random orbital sanders come in either 5 or 6 inches, any sander below 5 inches are known as finishing sanders while those above 6 inches are the pneumatic sander for industrial use.
Your next area of concern should be how the sanding disc attaches on the disc sander, some sanding discs are attached with adhesive, which is somewhat not reliable as there is every probability of wearing, hence, coming off while the machine is in use. Manufacturers of the latest sanders are moving towards the more reliable hook and loop system, it’s easier to do and durable and you might want to consider this over that.
Another thing you should watch out for is the base plate hole for dust removal, the majority of sanders on the market come with holes on the base plate, which helps in sucking up dust created by the machine. It’s better you go with a base plate of high quality or you will be coming back to the market in no time.
Power Source
The dependability, weight, and power of a random sander also depend on its power source, typically, there are three power sources for random orbital sandals; cordless (battery operated), corded, and pneumatic, each of which has advantages and disadvantages, but nowadays, there are sanders that are battery operated and corded at the same time.
Corded sanders are more powerful and more reliable because you need not worry about battery charge level, but you will have to cope with the cord getting in your way while working.
Cordless or battery-operated sanders won’t give you the cord headache, but you won’t get the power and reliability of corded sanders. Pneumatic sanders are professional machines and require air compressors to operate.
Whichever you prefer, there is a better option you might want to consider, nowadays, there are sanders that are battery operated and corded at the same time. But they come at a fairly high price
Size
When talking about the measurements for this type of sander, you want to look at the size of the unit itself as well as the width of the sanding pad. As far as the device goes, you want something that is lightweight and easy to carry so that you can work non-stop without getting fatigued or cramped in your hands.
If the sander is too big and cumbersome, then you will tire out faster, and you won’t be able to get into those small spaces.
You also need to pay attention to the size of the sanding pad as that will determine the level of detail you can have while working. Usually, handheld random orbital sanders come with circular pads, meaning that you want to focus on the diameter to see how much space you get.
Motor
The importance of the motor depends on how often you will be sanding with this machine. If you’re a casual DIY enthusiast, then something with a smaller engine will work just fine.
However, if you’re a professional who needs it to work on a near-constant basis, then you want a motor that can handle that kind of load. Usually, the motor will be classified by amps, with most sanders ranging between three to five. If you get a sander that is much below three, then it won’t be able to handle large jobs or frequent usage.
Speed
Because this is a finishing sander, you want something that is versatile so that you can use it for a variety of projects. As such, it’s usually best to get a model that comes with a variable speed adjustment. This allows you to go slower or faster depending on your needs, making the whole thing much more reliable.
As we mentioned above, these sanders can be ideal for both removal of material (such as paint or varnish) as well as polishing, so if you get a unit with adjustable speeds, then you can customize your experience as you see fit.
Grip
While the size of the sander is essential for limiting fatigue, the grip will be much more crucial as to your overall comfort. In some cases, it will be located directly over the motor so that you can get more control while you work, while in other situations it may have something sticking out on the side or front. Depending on the type of sanding you’ll be doing, you want to get a grip that will match your style so that you can keep working without having to readjust yourself constantly.
Dust Collection
Finally, whenever you’re sanding, you will create a huge mess of dirt and debris while you work. Thankfully, many of these units come with a dust collection part that enables you to keep your surfaces clean so that you don’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning up afterward.
Unfortunately, not all random orbital sanders have this feature, so you will have to decide if it’s something that you need (we highly recommend it). That being said, there are some things to consider when looking at a dust port.
First, check to see if it can be adapted to work with a shop vacuum. This will allow you to work much longer without having to change the bag as often. Second, see if it comes with a filter to remove finer particles from the air. This can help keep your lungs from breathing in dust and may even allow you to work without a mask.
Finally, check the size of the bag to see if it’s conducive to working long shifts. If the bag is small and it won’t connect to a vacuum, then you may have to limit how much you sand before changing it.
How to use this Random Orbital Sander?
Random orbital sanders are great for when you need to get the job done quickly. They are much faster than other types of hand sanders, and they have a lot more power too! How do you use one? Well that’s what this article is all about! We will take a look at how to set up your machine, how to position it correctly, and give some tips on which grits work best for different tasks.
Setting up the sander
When you get a new random orbital sander, it is usually pretty easy to set up and get started. Make sure that you are using an appropriate voltage for your model of machine (it should be written on the side or back somewhere), then match it with either 120 volts in North America or 220-240 volts in Europe. Once that is sorted out, you should plug it into the power and turn on your work light (if it has one).
Positioning
How do you hold a sander? Well there are two different positions for holding a random orbital sander – palm grip and fingertip control. When using a palm grip, put your hand on the side of the sander and use your whole palm to hold down and control it. With fingertip control, you put your fingers over the top to guide where it goes, using only a small amount of pressure from your fingertips for movement.
How do you know which one is right for you? Well most people tend to be more comfortable with a palm grip, but you should try out both to see which one feels best. How do you know where to position it? You want the sander flush against your work piece at about a 45 degree angle (it doesn’t have to be perfect). Then move slowly across the surface until all of that area is smooth.
Different Grits
How do you know which grit to get? Well it depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If your piece is already smooth, but needs a little extra shine (or if the finish has been worn away over time), then try out an ultra-fine paper like 600 or 800 for a great sheen. For removing paint and smoothing rough wood, you will want a grit of around 80-100. How do you know which paper to get? You can always check the recommended paper for your sander on its manual or label.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How do you change the paper?
Usually, all that needs to be done is loosening a knob at the back of your sander and pulling out the old sheet. How do you know it’s ready for a new one? If there are any little pieces of sanding dust stuck in between the grooves on top then give it a good wipe down before putting on a new sheet. How do you replace the paper? It should be easy to fit it into place and then tighten down that knob back up again (don’t over-tighten).
How can I get better results when using my sander?
Sand in long straight strokes as much as possible, but don’t forget to change the direction of your sander as you go.
How can I avoid scratching the finish?
Sand in a circular motion until you remove all of your marks and scratches.
Can I use a random orbital sander for shaping wood?
Yes, if shaping wood is just an occasional thing, any sander that has 3-amp motor power and above will do a great deal of shaping, however, if your primary purpose is wood shaping, you’d be better off with a dedicated machine for shaping.
What random orbital sander is good for drywall?
Although you can use one with variable speed, provided it’s one-off work, it’s not recommendable. A dedicated drywall sander is a tool for that.
Is an orbiter sander good for removing paint?
Ideal for removing paint in an orbital sander. This is a good thing in many ways because you don’t want the paint to peel off easily. But, when you want to rearrange a piece of furniture, this can be a problem. Using a paint stripper can be harmful to the surface you are working on.
Conclusion
By now, selecting the best random orbital sander for your project should come with no headache at all, whether you are a carpenter, homeowner, or hobbyist.
The performance, comfort-ability, quality, and reliability of your sander depend mostly on the factors above, so visit the market and make an informed decision by picking the perfect fit for your purpose.
