What should I look for when buying a random orbital sander?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 13:52:01 -0500

I'm about to buy a random orbital sander to use for some basic furniture making. Anything I should look for specially when buying one? I think I have it narrowed down to a couple models from Bosch and Makita. The Makita model has variable speeds, which brings the price up a bit. The Bosch is only one speed, slightly less expensive, and lighter. For finishing work are variable speeds necessary?

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 11 at 2016 1:57 PM

Maj John Bell — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 13:57:41 -0500

I know they have their purpose, but I am not a fan of random orbital sanders.

My 7th grade wood shop teacher "Mr. Bell, a competent wood worker sands WITH the grain. If you are going sand willy nilly, perhaps you are better suited to framing houses."

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2016 2:54 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 14:54:26 -0500

I have never used a random orbital sander with variable speed. I have also never thought, "boy, I wish this had variable speed." I can't say that it wouldn't be useful, but I can say, I don't know why or when. You control how much wood is removed by changing pressure and sandpaper grit. I would definitely skip the variable speed.

Response by MSG David Johnson made Dec 11 at 2016 3:09 PM

MSG David Johnson — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 15:09:00 -0500

I'm a bit biased, but I prefer the Dewalt. I was in a scroll saw club, we had many discussions about different equipment and the Dewalt is what I bought.
Variable speed, easy cleanup, and the weight is about right. But I've also got large hands.

Response by SSG Bill Harrison made Dec 11 at 2016 11:49 PM

SSG Bill Harrison — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 23:49:27 -0500

Makita makes some very good sanders, I prefer vs when doing fine finishing.

Response by PO1 Tim Grace made Dec 12 at 2016 12:05 AM

PO1 Tim Grace — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 00:05:44 -0500

Good hand holds, good dust filtering/collection. Stick with 5 inch diameter with an 8 hole pattern on the base. Hook and loop as opposed to adhesive based. I never did see a use for variable speed.
I've got both Skil and DeWalt. Overall, I prefer the DeWalt due to its better dust collection and lower center of gravity. The Skil has its advantages. Because it sits higher, there are more options for holding it, especially when sanding large pieces. The dust collection/filtering on the Skil is not as good - the canisters leak, the o-ring seals wear out quickly and they fill up fast.

Response by Sgt Gary Ford made Dec 14 at 2016 8:34 AM

Sgt Gary Ford — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 08:34:27 -0500

Are you looking for air or electric. The ability to slow the speed is important to me. I also like to use hook & loop sand paper instead of the sticky type.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2016 1:18 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 13:18:08 -0500

You should consider Festool. They're pricey, however worth it. Paired with dust extraction it's even better. I even use mine for drywall & more. They come with 2 year warranties. Don't get me wrong Dewalt, Makita, Bosch...all make great products. For comparison, IMHO Festool is like a BMW 3 series & the others are like Chevy Malibus (respectable), yet a clear difference. Good luck.

Response by SrA Chris Hunt made Dec 17 at 2016 5:21 AM

SrA Chris Hunt — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 05:21:45 -0500

Always go for a variable speed orbital sander for furniture making. If just getting started, Bosch and Makita make great products. If you're willing to spend a little more, Festool is the sander of choice to use. It offers a brake when shut off and has far and away the best dust collection ability of them all. Festool also offers all normal wear parts and it is simple to rebuild when necessary. I have multiple sanders set up for specific uses from many manufactures but my Festool tools are my tools of choice.
Happy building!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 12:48 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 12:48:18 -0500

Look for features for the price. I've never really used the variable speed options much though. The main thing is you'll probably want a 5" versus a 6" because the 5" has sanding disks more readily available (it is the more popular size) so you will be able to get the full set of course to fine grits as you need them. The only other thing I'd look for is dust collection ability...who has the better design. The other think you might want to check is the ability to get replacement pads. I assume you'll be getting one with hook and loop (versus having to use pads that stick on). That hook and loop can wear out with significant use, so it is nice to be able to replace the pad if you can. I have an old Makita I got from a guy and the pad is completely worn out, unfortunately I've been unable to find a replacement.

I like Dewalt, like another response I saw. Although I didn't look for a Random Orbital Sander review, Bosch usually leads against Makita in the hand tool arena.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jan 9 at 2017 5:16 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 17:16:19 -0500

Not in my opinion... mine is over 10 years old and still sands stuff smooth as glass, just remember to gradually work your way from coarse to fine sandpaper, sanding sealer, sand again... a really great finish takes time and patience, not fancy equipment.