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

I had previously asked questions about sanding, sandpaper, and you were very helpful - thank you. After another day of sanding, I think part of my problem is that what was recommended for me to buy is a really crappy sander. It's a Hychika FL117. It was $32...so, yeah, cheap sander. I think of Makita when I think of a good brand. I don't need cordless because I'm just working in my garage.

I have a feeling that the Makita will pull up the dust much better than this POS and will just work better. I'd be interested to know if you have a suggestion about a decent quality random orbital in the range of $100 more or less.

Thank you!

Hey guys!

I’m a pretty novice woodworker (if you call it that), and I primarily work on flipping old furniture or home improvement/repair projects like painting the cabinets.

I want to get a decent sander that retails under $125 (unless I can find a more expensive one secondhand), and that I can hook my shop vac up to if possible. From the research I’ve done, I know I want a corded random orbital sander, and was hoping I could get some direction as to what else to look for in a good sander, what to avoid, and what brands or models any of you may recommend. I appreciate any help! Thank you!

TLDR: Looking for recommendations for a corded orbital sander under $150 retail, that can be attached to a shop vac, and is good for sanding small DIY projects like table tops and cabinets. Thanks! . Edit: Also, does anyone have any advice on what amp or voltage I need to look for?

i have a worn-out single speed dewalt thats gotten me through some hard times, but im in the market for a new one. i have a boat load of milwalkee tools so im considering the m18 sander because i despise corded tools when cordless ones are just as good. what do you recommend? also, what is the best disc?

Hello good people. I am looking for recommendations on a random orbital sander. Read this website: https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/g26626730/power-sanders/

Bosch ROS20VSC can out top DeWalt DCW210D1 came a close second

Do you experienced folks concur?

Note: Apart from the usual sanding, I’ll probably use the lowest setting of the sander to detail my car as well. (Dust collection is kinda important as well because I don’t have a vacuum system or such)

Any recommendations for a random orbital sander that won’t require me to remortgage before buying (like festool and mirka)…

Sander will be used for finishing furniture/projects etc. I currently have a mouse style sander (which I got for some diy jobs) but I am not happy with it for use on woodworking projects as it leaves marks on my work which then leads to lots of hand sanding..

Figured I would ask because I was fairly surprised to see such a big difference between a few with similar ratings. Originally I was using my friends old craftsman 5” that surprisingly did really well and with the vacuum attachment the damn thing stays glued to the wood really well. My friend needed his back so I went to get a new one, Home Depot was pretty much sold out of everything so I picked up a Ridgid 5” which has the same power ratings as the Dewalt one I now have but man the Ridgid one lacked power like crazy. I swapped it for a Dewalt one when they came back in stock and it has good power but the suction power when attached to the vacuum is kind of shit. This the case with all of yours?

I currently have a cheap Bauer ROS that I use for random small projects, however I’m about to start sanding the wood siding on my house to prep for painting. I’m trying to decide if the Makita BO5041 would be worth it or if the jump to a Bosch GET65-5N would be worthwhile. I am open to other suggestions but was mostly looking for a 5” sander.

Hi everyone,

I am wondering what you all would recommend for my next step in a sander. I'm currently using an adequate harbor freight sander but the vibration is really causing some issues after sanding for any length of time.

I've looked at various sanders to get and I'm not opposed to investing in something like a festool but I wanted to know if there was something intermediate that could do the trick.

Right now I'm leaning toward the Milwaukee corded sander. Anyone have any advice on a device or experience with the Milwaukee?

Thanks!

Edit: looks like my tools are going to be blue for a while. Went with the Bosch and I'm pretty happy with it. Thanks for all the advise.

My Dewalt is about ready for a repair or a replacement. Wondering if there are any brands that are MUCH better.

I know this has been debated a lot but I have some concerns over contradictory reviews. To level set I have a Bauer and built some incredible stuff with it (check my history) but it's time to upgrade.

Everyone talks up the bosch, but I've heard complaints about it being underpowered which really concerns me bc I'm about to make 40 black walnut benches.

I see the Makita BO541 with the extra handle but I'm concerned about the dust extraction bc I always have it hooked up to a vacuum.

I have dewalt for most my other tools but am concerned about it being able to sand without swirls since I make fine furniture.

I'm not against going with festool but I'm not sure it's worth it and there's so many options in not even sure what to get.

Please help. Thank you.

So I need to do some projects around the house, including sanding and repainting a door, sand and paint closet shelves, and eventually build floating shelves in a much more visible location. I am looking for a random orbital sander that will fulfill these needs. I’ve read multiple articles saying the Bosch ROS20VSC is a good choice, but then in others saying it’s not.

For some background info, I do not have any experience when it comes to sanding or building shelves. The door I want to sand and paint was previously painted this odd orange color by prior home owner, and I want it to be white, and when I previously tried to hand sand, prime and paint, the new paint layer is chipping, peeling off in some places, hence why the sander will need to get down a few layers. As for the shelves, these will be oak or maple wood is the plan.

I’m looking to find a random orbital sander to do the above for me, but hopefully not needing anything too expensive as this will probably only be used for projects here and there, not regularly for work/hobby

EDIT: may also be sanding and staining an existing pergola as well

I have been woodworking for about a year and jumped in with both feet. I have accumulated all kinds of tools : cabinet saw, planer, 2 stage dust collection, 3 routers… you get the picture. I am finishing my first major piece of furniture, a bed. I am at the sanding stage and can’t feel my hand because of the $ 19.00 Bauer palm sander. If you can buy one sander to do as many things as possible. What would it be and why? Thanks in advance for the input and experience.

I'm done with DeWalt and porter cable. I am looking for a 5" ROS that can take 10+ hours a week of work and last longer than 9 months. The Festool RO90 or EQ150 is not of the equation, but I'm not thrilled about buying a CT vac or proprietary abrasives. I mostly use this for lower grits (60 to 180). I finish sand with a Bosch OS50VC.

What's good out there these days?