I've been running a Ridgid 5" ROS for years and years now, and it's slowly dying. It's a fine sander; it spins and sands. I have nothing positive or negative to say on it, mostly: It was a $60 ROS that lasted many, many hours of use. That said it left my hands quite tingly and I'd love a better sanding experience once it does kick it.

I would like to upgrade, and am looking for:

• 5"

• Low vibration as possible

• Good dust collection (I use a vacuum attached almost always)

• Good single hand ergonomics

• Corded

From what I see, it feels like there are three tiers to look at:

1. Big box tier: Ridgid, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, Bosch etc. Range from $30-$100; people seem to like the Makita and Bosch ones best, but I've used many and they seem generally pretty similar... Currently looking at Bosch.

2. Festool ETS line: Oddly all by itself in the middle of the price range, from what I've seen, about $250. Well loved, seems to check all the boxes but is more than I can probably justify with the amount I use it... Would also be concerned about busting it out for, say, cleaning up some decking if it's "too nice"

3. Super high end. Mirka, 3M Xtract, etc. Insanely priced at like $500-$700, but universally loved. Would clearly be worth it if you were doing production work, but I am not.

Any suggestions on others to look at, that are maybe the best of tier 1, or somewhere between tier 1 and 2? Surprised there's not more middle ground options now that I'm looking!

Edit: Got the standard Bosch 5" and it's a HUGE step up from my Ridgid that was about the same price. Sands the same, way less vibration!

I need to replace my decades old corded Makita 5" orbital sander that finally seized up. I don't want, and have so far never needed a variable speed unit (unless you can convince me I do), and I really don't want to deal with batteries so I'm fine with a corded unit.

I really liked my 5" Makita since it was small in my hand and easy to work with, but I absolutely hated the dust bag. It never worked all that well with the sawdust and would tend to come off entirely.

Anyone have a suggestion instead of the 5" Makita, non-variable unit again?

Thanks for any suggestions or advice