Sanding activity seems simple but is not. You may not be a typical DIYer, but your home may need some improvement at some point. You will encounter wood that would require a little touch-up. So, if you find it hard to choose the best orbital sander for your project, I have curated the best possible list.
In my comprehensive review, I have gathered the most usable information of the ten best orbital sanders. Each talks about its features, pros, cons, what I liked about it and who can use it. Thus, I have got you covered, whether it is just a random home improvement project or a grand commercial project.
Also, you will find a quick buying guide at the end of the blog. It will tell you about different terminologies used for an orbital sander. Also, it will enlist the most relevant factors that can influence your choice.
Let us begin.
Best Overall Random Orbital Sander: Bosch ROS20VSK
The Bosch ROS20VSK comes with a damping pad system that gives a smooth finish without leaving any marks. The easy disc attachment system works like velcro, making it easier to use. hence, it is at the top of my best orbital sander list.
Features
- Motor Power: 2.5 amps
- Disc Size: 5 inch
- Speed: 7500 to 12000 opm
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Weight: 3.5 Lbs
What I liked about Bosch ROS20VSK
It is a very pocket-friendly option for those looking for orbit sanders for domestic usage. The variable control offered by the 2.5 AMP motor makes the work easier. Also, it makes it less daunting with the degree of control it provides.
You don’t need to go out of your way to pay for this mini product. The durability is long-lasting, which makes it even more remarkable for small domestic needs.
Moreover, you don’t need to worry about the leftover swirl marks as there is practically no residue left with this tool. It comes with a carrying case, vacuum adapter, dust canister, dampening ring, sanding disc, and sanding pad.
Pros:
- No residue marks
- Pocket-friendly
- Good for small domestic needs
- Variable control
Cons:
- Light body
- not suitable for heavy tasks
Who can use it?
If you are looking for short sanding sessions, then this is the best one to choose. You can mostly have it for domestic usage.
Best Orbital Sander For Small Projects: Ryobi P411 One+
Ryobi P411 One Plus+ is a simple orbital sander. The design is ergonomic, which offers a powerful grip. It makes the control easier and work less daunting. It is again built for domestic purposes.
Features:
- Motor Power: 18 Volt
- Disc Size: 5 inch
- Speed: 10000 opm
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Weight: 2.5 Lbs
What I liked about Ryobi P411 One+
The simplified mechanism is built especially for an average homeowner who doesn’t know much about sanding. It is easier to control and use. The only con with this device is the battery backup. Being a cordless orbit sander, the device needs to be changed every 35-40 minutes, which means it’s not fit for long professional tasks.
And it is feeble in power. So, you can carry out very light low-pressure finish sanding only. In addition, you can see the battery pack bulging out from the back. So, with larger Ryobi batteries and working on a flat surface, it can flip back.
On the other hand, if you are on the lookout for a small and durable orbit sander that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket, this one is the best pick for you.
Pros:
- Pocket-friendly price
- powerful grip
- ergonomic design
- smooth finish
- rigid design
- Dust bag
Cons:
- Low battery backup, weak power
Who can use it?
This tool works best for domestic users who want to handle small to medium tasks.
Best Orbital Sander, Power: Dewalt DWE6423K
Dewalt DWE Random Orbit Sander Comes with a 3.0 AMP motor. Luckily the slight vibrations make the work easier. And, variable control makes it one of the best tools in this category.
Features:
- Motor Power: 3 Amps
- Disc Size: 5 inch
- Speed: 8000 to 12000 opm
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Weight: 3.94 Lbs
What I liked about Dewalt DWE6423K
This tool comes with the durability and guarantee of the brand name Dewalt. One of the best in the game, this device offers variable control. This device also reduces vibrations and user fatigue.
Users might face some issues when it comes to dust collection. They might not even be able to see it while working. I liked the hook and loop bottom. You can change sanding grains in no time. Also, I feel the on and off switch is a little small.
Pros:
- Durable
- Easy-to-use
- Ergonomic grip
- Comes with hose clamps
Cons:
- The dust collecting feature is not up to date with the latest trends.
- It does not easily connect to a shop vac.
Who can use it?
It can be used for both rough and delicate sanding. That means, whether you are a professional user or a domestic DIYer, this tool can help.
Best Orbital Sander – Value For Money: Porter-Cable 382
Porter-Cable 382 is a dual plane counter orbit sander. It accepts 8-hole 5 inch sandpaper, giving an extra smooth surface and consistent finish.
Features:
- Motor Power: 1.9 Amps
- Disc Size: 5 inch
- Speed: 12000 opm
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Weight: 3.6 Lbs
What I liked about Porter-Cable 382
The motor is 1.9 amps, one of the lowest power ranges in the market. And, this orbit sander is different from others due to its lightweight. The outer body is made up of plastic, and the ergonomic design is one of the best beginner-friendly models you could find in the market.
The combination of low amp motor and high OMP might sound slightly incompatible, but they work perfectly on small projects. The filter output hole size of the new model has changed. So, you will find it a little difficult to attach the vacuum.
Also, I usually wear gloves while working. The tool seems powerful in hands and makes a bit of noise.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Easy operation
- The finishing is anything between average to highly satisfying.
Cons:
- Not suitable for big projects.
- It can lead to considerable user fatigue while working.
Who can use it?
It is best for amateurs who would be working on small tasks. However, it is highly unsuitable for big projects.
Best Orbital Sander For Smooth Job: Makita 18V Random Orbit Sander
This one orbit sander by Makita is a heavy-duty, rechargeable, and cordless orbit sander.
Features:
- Motor Power: 18 Volts
- Disc Size: 5 inch
- Speed: 3 speed 7000, 9500, 11000 opm
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Weight: 3.6 Lbs
What I liked about Makita 18V Random Orbit Sander
Makita 18 V Random Orbit Sander comes with variable speed, giving you a higher degree of control and the perfect finish you are looking for. It is a lightweight and heavy-duty orbit sander. This makes it easier for the user to carry and perform tasks.
The portability comes with the guarantee of the Makita brand, which is known for manufacturing the best household tools in the market. The battery backup lasts for 40 mins, and the device is easily rechargeable. Since this is not corded, the sanding is done at a slower pace. It has 3 speeds. You can easily change the velcro sanding disks.
Pros:
- Economical
- Less user fatigue
Cons:
- Not the best dust collection system
Who can use it?
This tool is best for medium to highly-specialized projects. It can be used for professional as well as domestic tasks.
Best for Fast Jobs: Dynabrade Air Random Orbit Sander
If you are looking for a new name in the market to try out, Dynabrade should be your choice. This one is a lightweight pneumatic orbit sander. The triple-sealed front double row balancer bearing is protected from sanding residue. What I liked the most about this tool is the hand and wrist support.
Features:
- Motor Power: Air flow – 18 SCFM
- Disc Size: 6 inch
- Speed: 12000 opm
- Power Source: Air Powered
- Weight: 2.1 Lbs
What I liked about Dynabrade Air Random Orbit Sander
The dust collection is one of the best in the market. It has a rotor that produces more usable power with five blades. Further, it also has optional vacuum conversion kits. So, you can easily make the conversions from non-vacuum to central or self-generated vacuum tools. You can lift the edge and get in tight places.
The best advice I would give is to have a regulator on your compressor, which will lead to an air pressure of 60 PSI.
Pros:
- Ergonomic Grip
- Lightweight
- Good dust collection
- Perfect finishing
Cons:
- The battery can dry out in around 30 minutes.
- Dust collection is an add on
Who can use it?
This may not be the correct choice if you are a home user or a DIYer. You can make its best use with big businesses.
Best Orbital Sander – Beginner Friendly: Chicago Pneumatic Mini Random Orbit Sander
The Chicago Pneumatic Mini Random Orbit sander is a lightweight and easy-to-use tool. It is one of the best beginner-friendly orbit sanders out there in the market.
Features:
- Motor Power: Air flow – 21 SCFM
- Disc Size: 2 and 3 inch
- Speed: 15000 opm
- Power Source: Air Powered
- Weight: 1.5 Lbs
What I liked about Chicago Pneumatic Mini Random Orbit Sander
The ease of portability that comes with this product. And little vibrations are another reason to pick this one up instead of other models.
Once you start working with this one, you would discover that they do not come with harsher grit sandpaper. It cannot remove material fast. In addition, you may not be able to make many adjustments to the pressure regulator. But, it gives you smooth orbital action.
It uses a lot of air. So, even when you have 30-gallon units of pressure, it will quickly drain.
Pros:
- Silenced handle exhaust
- Lightweight
- Rubber molded palm grip
- Easy-to-use, beginner-friendly
- good dust collection
- Two-finger throttle
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy and elaborate projects
- Terse instruction booklet
Who can use it?
It is best for medium to slightly high intensive projects. Professionals and amateurs alike can use it.
Best for Performance: Black Decker BDRO100
Whether you want to use it for sanding a sheet metal or plywood, you would like the consistent speed.
Features:
- Motor Power: 2 Amps
- Disc Size: 5 inch
- Speed: 12000 opm
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Weight: 3.15 Lbs
What I liked about Black Decker BDRO100
It is one of the most efficient orbit sanders for this budget. One can easily use this one big and demanding project and get the perfect result. It is one of the pocket-friendly options in the high-performing category. The guarantee and durability that come with the Black Decker brand name are totally worth investing in.
It is very quiet and extremely comfortable to work with. You can also do the corners. Plus, you do not have to read the manual to understand how to use it. It is self-explanatory and simple to use. The dust bag may fill up very fast. So, you may have to empty it every 10 minutes.
Pros:
- Budget-Friendly
- Comfortable grip handle
- Self-explanatory
- Doesn’t heat quickly
- Quieter than expected
Cons:
The dust collection filter/port is not very reliable.
Who can use it?
Anybody who wants a compact tool can definitely use this. It can help you remove paint, smooth, and sand surfaces. Also, you can pick it to work in hard-to-reach areas. A few other applications for this tool are using it on uneven drywall, sanding fences, and stripping and repainting car roofs.
Best for Comfort: Makita BO5041K
If you need performance, speed, and power for sanding, Makita is the go-to orbital sander. It is one of the most comfortable orbital sanders you can ever have.
Features:
- Motor Power: 3 Amps
- Disc Size: 5 inch
- Speed: 4000 to 12000 opm
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Weight: 3.09 Lbs
What I liked about Makita BO5041K
The orbital sander can provide anywhere between 4000-12000 RPM. The dust collection, however, is not the best. It gets collected on the sanding pad. But, the durability, flexibility, and ease of control make this product a must-have for all the professionals out there. Perfect for tight spaces like cabinets.
You would not like the small shop vac port. It can be a little bigger in diameter. If you wish to use it overhead or above the shoulders, this lightweight will make the job easier. Keep a good control on the variable speed knob. It is on the top of the handle. So, you may accidentally switch to a different motor speed. So, be super careful.
Pros:
- Compact
- comes with additional handles
- ergonomic design
- Soft start and stop
- Eight-hole hook and loop abrasive disc
- Pistol grip with trigger switch
- Variable speed knob
Cons:
- Average dust collection system
- Not so quiet
Who can use it?
It is best for domestic and small professional projects. If you are a general contractor, finish carpenter, and woodworker, BO5041K will offer a smooth finish and faster sanding.
Best Random Orbital Sander – Perfect Finish: Bosch GET 75 6N Orbital Sander
Bosch GET 75 6N comes with a slim grip design and auxiliary handles, suitable for tight spaces. The tool comes with two vacuum hose adapters, one removable front handle, a sanding disc, a hex pad wrench, and a soft backing pad.
Features:
- Motor Power: 7.5 Amps
- Disc Size: 6 inch
- Speed: 3300 to 7300 opm
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Weight: 5.7 Lbs
What I liked about Bosch GET 75 6N Orbital Sander
The Bosch GET 75 is loved by many professionals mainly for its grip and high efficiency when working. However, if you are a beginner or an amateur, you should be careful that it is a bit heavy and requires technical proficiency to operate.
If you already know how to operate orbit sanders, you can definitely go ahead as the efficiency is high. The dust collecting feature is also better than many other tools in this range. But it requires hoses and a vacuum cleaner.
The best thing about this one is that the pad has many small and large hole patterns. And I liked the clip-on bumper the most. It allows me to get very close to them without cutting them.
You will like the amazing material removal in turbo mode. In the random orbit mode, you will get an excellent finish. It can produce almost soft-to-the-touch surfaces. If you are removing any material, it will do the job. However, you do not have to hesitate even a little as it is much more controlled. You will see no imperfections or swirl marks.
Pros:
- High efficiency
- Heavy-duty
- Durable
- Perfect finish
- Little to no vibration
Cons:
- A bit heavy, which restricts its portability and ease of movement.
- A little pricey, compared to the features offered.
Who can use it?
The outcome of sanding the rough floor is pretty unbelievable. Yes, you can use it for your flooring business. It will do a terrific job to sand wood; it works like a beast. Indeed it is purely a no-brainer for the price tag it comes with.
My Verdict
If you ask me, my heart will always go for Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander. It comes with almost everything to complete the job without any problem. The micro-filter system to collect the fine dust is simply amazing. You can use the variable speed control to manage different speeds according to the project. The optimized combination of pad rotation and orbit makes the job extremely easy with exacting standards.
Buying Guide
The detailed review must have surely made it pretty easy to choose the finest tool for your job and know the best tool to pick. But before you settle on one, look for the following features in the best orbital sander.
Power
The motor Amp rating determines the power rating of an orbital sander. Most of the orbital sanders come in a motor Amp rating range of 2.5 to 3.3 amps. This indicates the power of the motor inside the orbit sander. If they have a more powerful amp motor, some sanders with a lower spinning speed can be more powerful than those with high speeds.
Dust Container
Take into account the dust collection features of the sander when searching for the best orbital sander. The capacity of an orbital sander to collect debris is the most critical aspect after its power and performance. Most orbital sanders, including a belt sander in the market today, contain a dust collection system. When it comes to dust collection, consider the following factors:
- the size of the unit,
- how easy it is to remove and empty it,
- how successful it is at collecting dust.
Look whether the power tool has a dust canister, dust bag, and dust-sealed switch or not.
RPM and OPM
In most cases, the measuring unit of random orbit sanders is OPM (orbits per minute). Some orbit sanders may spin on a fixed axis. The measuring unit of these orbit sanders is RPM (revolutions per minute).
Variable Speed Control
Most of the random orbital sanders have only one speed. Yet, specific versions offer variable speeds that change the aggressiveness of the sander. When you want to grind down roughness, a more incredible speed is beneficial. For fine sanding, a slower pace is preferable. But, the lack of a variable speed control dial shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. It is an excellent tool for larger or smaller projects as the results are achievable by selecting the correct sandpaper grit.
While looking for the best sander, check if the tool has variable speed control. If you perform a lot of heavy sanding and delicate detailing work, this feature will prove useful. A variable speed lever does the job of changing the speed to achieve a smooth surface.
Disc Diameter
Random orbital sanders use circular sandpaper discs and sanding pads of different diameters. The most common being 5 inches or 6 inches in diameter. Heavy-duty sanders may accept discs up to 8 inches in diameter. It’s important to note that you can’t swap disc sizes. Sanders is only designed to hold one disc size.
If you’re working on a huge project, a sander with larger discs will help you sand large areas more quickly. Smaller disc sizes give a little more control and a comfortable grip to allow you to fit into tight spaces.
Difference between Orbital Sander and Random Orbital
A random orbital sander makes the tedious job of sanding easier and smoother. Orbital sanders rotate in a tiny circular motion. Whereas random orbital sanders not only rotate but have a slight wiggle spin in their movement. This results in rotations that have no defined pattern and a fine and smooth sanding action.
The significant advantage is that you won’t have to worry about the wood grain direction or swirl marks. The best random orbital sander will leave no visible markings or scratches on the wood no matter where you move it.
Things to Keep in Mind
Ergonomic Design
Look for a random orbital sander with a design that works well for you. Sanding necessitates a significant amount of time and physical exertion. Check out which model is easiest on your back, shoulders, arms, palms, and fingers. When working with big surface areas, orbital sanders with handles on the front or side are handy since they make the work less tiring.
Find out how much vibration a specific random orbital sander model distributes into your hands if at all possible. If the sander’s handle is prone to vibration, it will put extra strain on your body. This will result in weariness for a long time. Take into account the design, height, weight, comfort, and other advanced features of this great tool.
Power Options
There are many different sources to power random orbital sanders. Some equipment has cords that need an electrical outlet. So if the work area is outside, you may need an extension cable. Cordless models, like a cordless random orbital sander or detail sander, are the best choice when you’re far from a power source.
Other models are battery-powered and run on rechargeable batteries. Battery-powered sanders are more portable but have a limit on their run duration. Finally, there are air compressors that drive orbital sanders. This type of power source makes them a convenient option if you already have one in your workshop.
Warranty
Details of the warranty of a powerful sander are crucial to examine. A random orbit sander’s warranty usually lasts between one and three years. This is a significant difference that has the potential to increase the life of your sander.
Conclusion
Now you must have reached the point when picking the most reliable orbital sander for your job is easy. I have put in hours of research to get the best orbital sanders and that is Bosch ROS20VSK . The rating is done based on overall performance, impressive features, ease of operation, and look. I hope the in-depth reviews help you select the most suited one for your needs.
