I want to start building outdoor furniture and need a good sander. Would you recommend the corded or cordless sander? I am heavily invested in the m18 system and have 10+ batteries, so runtime isn’t that big of a deciding factor for me.
I’ve had a cheap harbor freight Chicago Electric random orbital sander for a few years and it has been fine but my dust bag has a hole in it now so it’s not ideal to use anywhere indoors now. I have other Milwaukee M18 tools but at this time I only have 2x2ah and a 3ah battery. Eventually I will get at least one bigger battery but I’m still afraid something like that will eat through batteries. So the other two I’m looking at is a $50 Bosch from HD or the Bauer for $40 from Harbor Freight. This would be used for projects around my house so not daily, but I do use my current one pretty often. Anyone have any thoughts on any of those options?
Corded— all battery Sanders will make your harbor freight feel like a Ferrari.
The Bosch is a great sander. Honestly consider hooking up a vacuum up to any sander, your old one included. It’s better dust collection, and it will extend the life of your sand paper.
If you had a couple 5ah batteries and had a use case where a cord was more than just minorly inconvenient I'd say it was a toss up.
Get the corded though. I actually got the Bauer. We had a DeWalt at work and the Bauer kinda seemed like a Bosch replica. Very happy with it and would recommend.
Videos
I needed a orbital sander but the current m18 model isn't that great. So then I decided to go corded and found out the Milwaukee corded isn't that great neither. So I got the dewalt which is supposedly the best corded orbital on the market? And apparently they also have the best cordless orbital as well?
Wake up Milwaukee! I will gladly replace the dewalt with a m18 fuel orbital if Milwaukee decides to release one.
I've read that the old gen, brushed, M18 is absolute trash and was curious to see if anyone has experience with the newer, brushless M18 Fuel orbital? Any good?
Hey all,
I've become a bit of a fanboy since beginning my DIY journey a few months ago and getting busy at the house I bought in January 2020. As such, I generally buy Milwaukee if I can unless there is distinct evidence of something comparable or less in price being a better buy. This is a habit I am trying to break because it's probably not a good one.
I've read several threads about cordless orbital sanders on this sub and I'd guesstimate 65% of you hate the Milwaukee RO, 10% think it's fine and 25% love it. I can't find an objective recent comparison of RO's on Youtube either D: .
I am in no other battery ecosystems at the moment beyond Milwaukee. Were I to go with another brand, which would be the best to accompany me on my DIY journey? Or, just tell me to get the Milwaukee if that's how you feel.
In case my future intentions helps guide your advice:
As of now I'm just building random things - like a small book shelf for my 3.5 year old today - but I intend on trying many other things like tables, chairs, assorted organizers, a shed and perhaps even a garage one day.