Random orbital sanders are essentially very powerful tools that can be conveniently used as hand-held machines for various sanding jobs.
They are quite useful than other sanding tools as their random actions make sure there are no swirl marks left behind.
However, before buying a machine, you need to take care and consider various features to make sure you don’t waste your money on something you don’t need.
There are a lot of models available that get you confused.
So, this article will help you pick the best random orbital sander for you in the quickest time possible.
Buyer’s Guide
To make your choice effective and avoiding leaving anything out of consideration, you need to have minimal knowledge about the machine so you can efficiently compare certain models and decide what you want based on your needs.
Let’s see some factors which you strictly need to consider before choosing a random orbital sander.
Power and Speed
These two things are unarguably the most important factors when it comes to any kind of sander, let along with random orbital sander.
The amp-rating of the sander determines how powerful the motor installed is and how heavy projects the machine can take on, while the speed, which is measured in orbits per minute (OPM), determines how efficiently you can get your job done.
So, choose these according to your requirements and don’t just jump on the high power and speed as they are useless unless your project is large scale and higher speeds are harder to control if you are a beginner.
Base Plate
The base plate is the part of the machine where it touches the surface, and the sanding is done. There are various things you should consider about a base plate.
First off, the material determines the quality and life of the base plate, make sure the material is reliable, so the machine has a long life.
Secondly, the size of the plate is how much area can be covered at a time while sanding. This depends upon the needs of your project hence should be chosen accordingly.
Lastly, consider the installation of sanding discs. Make sure the installation procedure is easy and quick, and the discs don’t come off easily.
Dust Collection
Dust collection is an integral part of a random orbital sander, and without it, sanding becomes messy and dangerous.
When you are sanding, the part being clipped off the wood is released into the air which keeps floating and can cause you breathing and other health problems.
So, this dust collection system sucks this waste inside, keeping your environment clean.
Make sure whatever machine you are choosing has an effective dust collection system to keep you and your family safe.
Power Source
There are two different types of random orbital sanders that you will come across.
The cordless ones and the wired ones. While both have their respective pros and cons, it really comes down to your preference and your project needs.
Some people prefer cordless as you can work anywhere even if a socket is not nearby.
On the other hand, wired are preferred as you don’t have to keep recharging or replacing the batteries and be free from it.
Top 15 Random Orbital Sander
After a thorough investigation of the most used and the most reputed random orbital sanders in the consumer market, we have come up with our top 15 picks which qualify for the best random orbital sander along with their respective pros and cons.
1. Black+Decker BDERO100 Random Orbit Sander
Black+Decker is one of the most renowned companies which makes high-quality home appliances at very affordable prices.
This random orbital sander is no exception, and while it is offered in a small price tag, it comes with all the features you expect from a top-quality random orbital sander making it the perfect value product for the price.
Along with very high-quality finishing, it provides dust-protected switches as well, and the paper changing is efficient as well.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Easy and fast paper changes
- Dust resistant power switch
- High-quality finishing
- Good dust collection
Cons
- Not suitable for large-scale projects
- Some claims about pad not being flat
2. Dewalt DWE6421K Random Orbit Sander
Dewalt DWE6421 is a truly amazing product that carries a very powerful motor, making it suitable for any kind of project.
Whatever the surface you are sanding upon, and regardless of the pressure you apply, you will never come across any problems as the powerful 3-amp motor generated enough power.
The 12000OPM is more than what you need to achieve efficiency and other features such as dust collection and dust bag locking are there as well.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Very powerful motor
- High speed of 12000OPM
- Very good dust collection
- Dust-sealed switches
Cons
- Not the best design considering the price
3. Tacklife Random Orbit Sander
This is one of the best random orbit sanders in the market for the people who need a powerful machine but are not experts in the field yet and gradually want to take this up a notch.
Coming with a top speed of 13000OPM and a gigantic motor of 3-amp, you get to have six variable speeds which can be set according to your level.
The dust collection is unmatched while the vibrations and noise are kept to a minimum with a fine example of engineering.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Low noise and vibration
- Six variable speeds
- Top-quality dust collection
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- Not the most durable
4. Porter-Cable 382 Random Orbit Sander
Although this random orbit sander is not a very used product that could be used for large-scale sanding projects, it is certainly a very good deal for the money it costs and provides you pretty much satisfactory performance when used for home projects.
The sanding speed is 12000OPM, and the construction is durable thanks to the sealed 100% ball-bearing construction.
The counterplane reduces fatigue while the switches are dust-resistant to ensure long life.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Lightweight and durable body
- 12000 OPM speed
- Dust-resistant switches
- Reduced vibrations while working
Cons
- Dust collection is not good
5. Bosch ROS20VSC Random Orbital Sander
Bosch is a big name whenever it comes to highly effective and durable sanders.
With a very lightweight and compact body, this can also be used as a palm sander which enhances its manoeuvrability and its ability to work in curves and corners.
The dust collection is extremely good, and the machine is comfortable and easy to hold in hand, letting you work for long hours without getting tired.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Easy disc attachment
- Compact and lightweight
- Good dust collection
- Variable speed control
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- Only for small-scale projects
6. Makita XOB01Z LXT Random Orbit Sander
If you are someone who likes to have variable speed control and a cordless sander that lets you work away from a power source as well, this can surely be your perfect choice.
Along with both variable speed and cordless design, this sander features an ergonomic design that sits perfectly in your hands and lets you glide through your work.
The batteries are perfect and capable of powering the machine for 40 minutes straight if the speed is set too low.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Dust sealed switches
- Variable speed control
- Long battery life
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Dust can get between bearing and shocks
- Only for small-scale projects
7. Milwaukee 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander
The M18 random orbit sander is a great product from Milwaukee which meets all the requirements posed by the customers.
Although the maximum speed is mighty 12000 OPM which is enough for any kind of home project, you can set the speed as low as 7000 OPM depending upon your expertise and your need.
Moreover, the machine can be used in cordless mode as well where the battery can deliver power for non-stop 35 minutes through a 3Ah battery.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Good customer support
- Cordless design
- Variable speed control
- High power
Cons
- Can be noisy
- Not comfortable to hold
8. Skil Random Orbital Sander SR211601
Packing a very powerful motor of 2.8-amp, this random orbital sander from Skil can deliver you a very fast sanding speed of 13000 OPM.
The dust collection system is good with a very easy-to-clean dust container.
Moreover, the variable control speed is available and can be used accordingly for people with different needs and skillsets.
With an ergonomic style, it is easy to hold and doesn’t vibrate much when working.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Low vibrations and noise
- Comfortable to hold
- Compact; can sand tight spots
- Dust-sealed easy power switch
- Variable speed control
Cons
- Some claims about durability
9. Makita BO5041 Random Orbit Sander
Yet another great and powerful product by Makita, you must have realized by now how good this specific maker is.
The 3-amp motor is very powerful and can deliver high speeds of up to 12000 OPM.
However, with the variable speed control, you can go as low as 4000 OPM, which leaves you with a wide range of working with different speeds yet having all the options.
The design is ergonomic, which makes it very easy to hold, and the sander works without making much noise.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Comfortable to hold
- Wide range of variable speeds
- Adjustable front handle
- Very powerful motor
Cons
- Disc attachment isn’t secure
10. Meterk Mouse Detail Sander
Having an affordable price tag, Meterk mouse detail sander is one of the best options available if you want to have quality but are short on budget.
The product boasts all the important features which could be expected by any product meant to be used for small-scale projects.
You get a fully dust-proof switch, a pretty good dust collection system to keep your environment clean while working, and on top of that, an ergonomic handle as well which makes it very comfortable to hold the sander.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Soft grip handle
- Dustproof switch
- Good dust collection
- Best for corners
Cons
- Not very durable
11. Ginour Random Orbital Sander
Packing 10 pcs of sandpaper with it, this is a great sander that comes with six levels of different speeds which can be set according to the nature of the project you are working on.
Although the name might sound unfamiliar to you as the product is not so famous, it is quite good value for money hence we couldn’t skip it from our top picks.
The max speed which can be achieved with this is 13000 OPM which is more than enough for the scope of this sander while the product comes with a lot of accessories as well.
The noise is kept to a minimum and the comfort to a maximum.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Comfortable to hold
- Low noise
- Dust removal is efficient
- Various accessories
- Variable speed control
Cons
- Causes fatigue
- Cannot put much pressure on it
12. 3M Random Orbital Sander
This is one of the most elite products we have in our review.
Coming with a whopping price tag, it carries a ton of features that makes it unmatched to the others, moreover, we cannot forget about the top quality which makes it go for years as well.
The sander comes in a compact body that lets you glide through your work with minimum vibrations and noise, controlled by an ergonomically designed handle.
The aluminium body makes it the most durable while the disc attachment is also easy and doesn’t take much of your time.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Easy disc attachment
- Compact; can reach corners
- Very durable aluminium body
- Ergonomic design
- Smooth and professional performance
Cons
- Pricey
13. Festool 574993 Random Orbital Sander
This is another top-of-the-line product by Festool which, even though it comes with a big price tag, performs up to it as well.
The lightweight and compact body make it easily reachable to corners and tight spots, and the soft grip makes it comfortable to hold and work.
The dust removal is great while the vibrations are minimum.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Great dust removal
- Balanced vibration stop
- Step-less speed control
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Expensive
14. Craftsman CMEW231 Random Orbit Sander
Packing a powerful motor of 3-amp, this sander offers great power with a max speed of 12000 OPM.
It features all the basic features such as a decent dust collection system and dust-sealed power switches.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Very powerful motor
- Good dust collection
- Dust protected switches
Cons
- Couldn’t connect to a vacuum hose
15. Ryobi ZRRS290G Random Orbit Sander
This tool from Ryobi is a great tool when we view it along with its price tag.
The motor has decent power and can provide a speed of 12500 while the product features a dust collection system as well.
Moreover, the body is designed ergonomically, and the hook-and-loop system works just fine.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Dust collection
- Hook and pad sandpaper
- Powerful motor
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Not durable
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s see some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between a random orbital sander and an orbital sander?
While the orbital sander only moves in circular directions, a random orbital sander also moves back and forth along with a circular motion.
Are all orbital sanders random?
No, not all of them are random.
Can you use a random orbital sander for car polishing?
Yes, you can. You just need to install the correct polishing pad. However, make sure the sander has a variable speed control.
How fast should a random orbital sander spin?
Even though higher speeds feel like you can do the work quicker, the optimum speed is only 1-inch per second. This lets you complete the job in minimum time.
Can you buff with a random orbital sander?
Yes, they can be used for buffing as well after installing the appropriate pads.
What are wood shavings?
When you are sanding, the wooden part from the surface which is clipped off and is released into the air is referred to as wood shavings.
Are random orbital sanders better than orbital sanders?
Yes, the sanders which are random as well are better as their back and forth motion along with circular motion makes them leave fewer swirl marks.
Are wood shavings dangerous for health?
As a matter of fact, wood shavings are dangerous for health and could cause breathing problems.
Conclusion
Random orbital sanders are great tools that help you sanding efficiently without leaving a lot of swirl marks behind.
However, if you don’t have any idea, buying a good one can be pretty intimidating as there are many models available.
However, the above article will help you by listing down the top 15 picks, and hopefully, you will make up your mind after going through all of them.
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