Sanders are pretty simple tools. After all, they just move a sanding pad or disc so that you can smooth out a surface and create a lot of dust.
The best orbital sanders have come a long way since the days of creating big circular patterns in the wood you were working on. With a great tool, you can produce a surface finish that you are going to love – as long as you have the features you need.
The Best Orbital Sanders Are:
Sanders have dramatically improved over the past few years to provide a very consistent result, but not every model can produce the same finish.
You should demand the very best. These top-rated random orbital sanders will give you the opportunity to maximize your woodworking skills.
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Porter-Cable 382 Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Black+Decker BDERO100 Random Orbital Sander |  |
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| 3. DeWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander 5-Inch |  |
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| 4. Makita BO5041K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit |  |
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| 5. Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander |  |
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| 6. Black+Decker BDERO600 Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch |  |
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| 7. SKIL 7492-02 Random Orbit Sander |  |
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1. Porter-Cable 382 Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch — Best Random Orbital Sander
If you are looking for a very powerful orbital sander that you can use to handle a wide range of woodworking jobs, then you should consider the Porter-Cable 382 Random Orbit Sander.
It is one of the best orbital sanders on the market, and is ideal for light to heavy-duty polishing and buffing needs for any surface, which is why it made it to the top of our list.
This tool has several high=performance features to make woodworking pretty easy. It comes with a Controlled Finishing System that allows you to control the sanding pad speed, especially during startup. The hook and loop system is also there to make this tool much easier to operate.
This random orbit sander has a 100 percent ball-bearing construction and it provides maximum sanding speed for smooth finishes.
Porter-Cable equipped this sander with a 1.9-amp motor that delivers a great sanding speed of 12,000 orbits per minute. This random orbital sander is lightweight and compact, and is the best overall for professional and DIY applications.
It comes with a dual-plane counterbalanced fan that helps to minimize user fatigue over prolonged handling. It works with 5-inch 8-hole hook-and-loop sandpapers. This tool comes with a 3-year limited warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Specs
- 12,000 OPM
- 1.9 Amps
- Corded
- 3-year warranty
- 3.6 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Powerful motor that delivers great sanding speed for smooth finishes
- Ideal for both professional and DIY projects
- A dual-plan counterbalanced fan that reduces user fatigue
Cons
- Single-speed motor
2. Black+Decker BDERO100 Random Orbital Sander
The next on our list is the Black+Decker BDR0100 Random Orbital Sander. This tool also made it to our list because it comes with many amazing features that you can find in more expensive random orbit sanders.
This is a 5-inch orbital sander — which is pretty much the usual size, though it still means it might take you a long time to complete larger projects. Besides that, this is a powerful orbital sander and it delivers smooth results.
It has a hook and loop system that makes paper changes faster and easier. This tool is also highly durable. It also comes with an effective dust bag that helps to keep your workspace clean and free of dust.
This Black+Decker unit also features a dust-sealed switch to make sure debris and dust stay out. The package includes 1 random orbit sander, 1 sanding sheet, and a very useful dust bag.
The tool has a compact size, and this increases the maneuverability of the tool for both DIYers and professionals. This sander weighs only 3.16 pounds and it comes with an impressive 2.0-amp motor.
The cord of this sander is 6 ft. 5 inches long, and it is long enough to provide you with a degree of freedom. Like the previous product, this Black+Decker model only has single speed control, with a sanding speed of 12,000 orbits per minute.
Specs
- 12,000 OPM
- 2.0 Amps
- Corded
- 2-year warranty
- 3.16 pounds
Pros
- High-quality finish and high removal rate
- Designed to keep dust and debris at bay
- Convenient and very easy to use
- Handy size allows for premium maneuverability
Cons
- Does not have a variable speed control
- The 5-inch sanding surface is a little small for larger projects
3. DeWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander 5-Inch
The DeWALT DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander is one of the best orbital sanders on the market. It is the number one choice of many woodworkers and it is very popular for its speed and effective dust collection system.
DeWALT designed this tool to keep your workspace free of debris and dust, with a dust bag that comes with a one-hand locking system, making it very easy to use.
If you are looking for the best random orbital sander that delivers a variable speed control, then this is the right tool for you. This unit comes with a powerful 3-amp motor that delivers a variable speed between 8,000 and 12,000 orbits per minute. The height of the tool is short, and this helps to reduce the distance between the user and the workpiece.
It comes with a rubber over-mold that makes the tool very easy to hold and work with. This feature also helps to reduce user fatigue over prolonged use.
DeWALT also designed this 5-inch random orbit sander to reduce vibration, and this allows you to use the tool for an extended period without feeling fatigued.
This product also comes with a carrying case to help keep your tools organized. It also comes with a dust-sealed switch to prevent dust and debris from entering the tool.
Specs
- 8,000 – 12,000 OPM
- 3 Amps
- Corded
- 3-year warranty
- 4 pounds
Pros
- Sturdy hook and loop attachment system
- Efficient dust collection
- Powerful motor that delivers variable speed
- Helps to reduce user fatigue
- Protected against dust for longevity
Cons
- It does not come with any sandpaper pad
4. Makita BO5041K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit
Makita is one of the most respected brands when it comes to power tools and accessories, and it has produced a ton of excellent machines. The Makita BO5041K lives up to the name.
This tool is very easy to handle and use, thanks to its multiple grip options. It has an ergonomic rubberized palm grip and handle for enhanced control and operator comfort.
The top grip is also there to allow you to apply more pressure while sanding. This orbital sander delivers very smooth results, thanks to its powerful motor and variable orbital speed. It also features a large 1/8-inch random orbit action for super smooth and fast buffing.
This Makita model is another high-performance orbital sander, with a 3-amp motor that delivers great sanding speed. It also offers variable speed control that allows you to customize the speed of the tool to suit your application.
The speed range of this Makita sander is from 4,000 to 12,000 orbits per minute. It also comes with a pad control system that gives you full control over the sanding pad speed when the tool starts up.
The dust collection system is also effective, as it does a pretty good job of keeping your workspace clean. The pad brake is also there for reduced gouging and increased performance.
Specs
- 4,000 – 12,000 OPM
- 3 Amps
- Corded
- 1 year warranty
- 3.09 pounds
Pros
- Variable speed control dial
- Effective dust collection system
- No swirl marks!
- Quick change hook and loop pads
- Powerful motor for smooth and fast sanding
- Ergonomic rubberized palm-grip and handle for more control and comfort
Cons
- You have to purchase the starter plug separately
5. Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander
If you are looking for the best orbital sander that gives you the freedom to optimize your sanding speed, then you should consider the Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander.
This orbital sander allows you to match the speed of the tool to your application. It is also very easy for those with smaller palms to operate, as the variable speed dial is positioned in an easy-to-reach place.
You can also use this Bosch model to work for hours without feeling fatigued, thanks to its compact and ergonomic design. One of the most outstanding features of this tool is its pad dampening system. This feature helps to get rid of swirl marks on both contoured and flat surfaces.
Sanding pads stick to the hand sander, thanks to the signature hook and loop disc attachment system of Bosch. The variable speed control of this unit is backed by a 2.5-amp motor.
The sanding speed of this Bosch random orbit sander ranges from 7,500 to 12,000 orbits per minute. It comes with a pretty long cord that measures 8 feet, and it provides you with all the freedom you need while sanding.
The dust collection system traps dust and particles that are as small as .5 micron in diameter. There’s a soft carrying case included that makes it very easy to transport.
Specs
- 7,500 – 12,000 OPM
- 2.5 Amps
- Corded
- 1-year warranty
- 3.5 pounds
Pros
- Allows you to match the speed of the tool to your application
- Designed to erase swirl marks
- Efficient dust collection system stops dust and small particles
- Long cord for freedom while sanding
Cons
- Some users said this product has issues with quality control
6. Black+Decker BDERO600 Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch
It is a smaller random orbit sander that provides a high OPM rate (14,000) but from just a 2.4-amp motor. The end result is a high-speed sanding that does not put a lot of pressure onto your working piece, giving you the ability to create a polished finish with relative ease.
The dust collection component of this sander is satisfactory, though you will see sawdust on your working piece. The paddle-switch makes activation easy and the top grip allows for added pressure when you need it. This sander is an excellent value purchase by any definition.
This Black+Decker orbital sander is handy and lightweight, which means you can use it for an extended period without feeling fatigued. The handle is also designed ergonomically, providing you with more control over the tool. The compact size of this tool also allows it to reach tighter spaces.
Specs
- 14,000 OPM
- 2.5 Amps
- Corded
- 2-year warranty
- 3.12 pounds
Pros
- Great sanding speed
- Paddle switch activation for easy on/off
- High-performance dust collection system
- Powerful and highly durable
Cons
- It delivers a single speed control
7. SKIL 7492-02 Random Orbit Sander
This 5-inch random orbit sander gives you the precise pressure controls you need to create a finished product. The actual power and movement are somewhat average on this sander, coming in at 2.8-amps and 12,500 orbits per minute.
Its four levels of pressure control, indicated by an LED ranking system on the side of the sander that makes this corded unit stand out.
By understanding your pressure, you can create a smooth, level surface every single time. It performed consistently well and earned its recommendation from us.
This orbital sander does not come cheap, but it offers great value for money. It has a dust-sealed switch that protects the unit from dust.
The clear micro filtration dust canister is also there to keep your workspace free from dust and debris. This tool is very easy to operate and it comes with three sanding discs.
Specs
- 12,500 OPM
- 2.8-amp motor
- Corded
- 3.6 pounds
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Great sanding speed
- Keeps your workspace free from dust and debris
- Precise pressure control for smooth finishing
Cons
- Price is quite high
What Features Do The Best Orbital Sanders Have?
If you are looking for the best random orbital sander, then it is important to find the one that has the features you require to get the job done.
That is where the reviews in this category can provide you with real benefits. Not only do you need the feature to be present, but you also need it to actually work as intended.
Here are the best features to consider having when looking to add a sander to your toolbox today:
Saw Dust Collection
Many random orbit sanders will collect some dust in an attached bag or container. A great random orbit sander would include air filtering via its dust collection so that you do not have extra particles floating in your air for some time.
Handle Length
If your random orbital sander has a longer handle, then it will be able to support two-handed use.
Sanding Disc/Pad
A sander would commonly use a standard sanding disc or pad that can be purchased just about anywhere. Some models, however, such as some Craftsman orbital sanders, use a two-piece abrasive disc instead and these can be difficult to find sometimes – even when shopping online.
And More
Additional features to consider looking at include OPM speed, cord length, and motor amps. A longer cord will give you greater tool flexibility. Some models use a rechargeable battery to eliminate the cord tether altogether.
OPM speed is a reflection of the sanding disc movement, but it can also be a reflection of the vibration to expect when using this tool.
How A Random Orbital Sander Is Different From Other Sanders
The term “orbital sander” is a widely used description for just about any power sander that does not use a belt.
There are some key differences to consider between the best random orbital sanders and other sanding tools. Compare to make sure you are getting the best tool to get your work done.
A random orbital sander is equipped with a circular sanding disc. Some rechargeable models are equipped with a triangular pad or a two-part pad.
In comparison, a standard orbital standard is equipped with a square sanding pad. This difference allows the random orbital sander to produce a smoother finish in tighter spaces.
A random orbital sander creates more of a natural finish because it creates a random sanding pattern through its vibration.
What Are The Different Types Of Random Orbital Sanders?
There are three different types of random orbital sanders that are available today. The differences in each type are rather subtle and can often be overlooked, especially if a particular model is feature-rich.
Yet each type of sander is able to produce a specific result that your woodworking projects may require.
Right Angle Sander
This is the most common type of orbit sanders available. They give you extra power and speed, giving you the opportunity to remove stubborn imperfections with relative ease. The size and design also allow for tough sanding without much risk to the working piece.
Palm Grip Sander
This type of sander tends to be smaller and designed for finishing fine surfaces. Framing and trim really benefit from a touch-up by a palm grip sander, especially since its size allows the user to reach areas that other orbital sanders may not be able to reach.
Inline Sander
If you have a big project that needs to be completed, then this is the best random orbital sander for you. This type of sander tends to have the strongest motors, offer variable speeds, and give you the most personal control over the tool.
In all of these different categories, you will find that there are still a lot of similarities. Most random orbital sanders have been equipped with a motor that can produce at least 7,000 orbits per minute, with some having an OPM rating above 14,000. Variable-speed models could go as slow as 1,500 orbits per minute.
Each will also typically offer sanding discs that are 5 to 7 inches in diameter. It is a good idea to search for replacement discs when purchasing your sander just to make sure they are available.
What Will It Cost Me To Buy The Best Random Orbital Sander?
Most random orbital sanders can be purchased for about the same price you’d pay for sandpaper to complete a project. It is a tool that almost always costs less than $100, with several models hovering around the $50 price point.
Conclusion
These random orbital sander reviews will help you to find the one tool that will make quick work of your finishing needs. Find it today and then let your creativity shine throughout the woodworking nation.
Having taken everything into account, our pick for the best orbital sander is the Porter-Cable 382 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander — an affordable yet effective choice for most users that comes with a great dust collection system.
