I have it. Personally don't like the dust collector, other wise it serves its purpose. Answer from emmettcookson on reddit.com
Reddit
reddit.com › r/milwaukeetool › cordless orbital sander: milwaukee seems meh?
r/MilwaukeeTool on Reddit: Cordless Orbital Sander: Milwaukee Seems Meh?
June 22, 2021 -
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.
Top answer 1 of 4
7
I have it. Personally don't like the dust collector, other wise it serves its purpose.
2 of 4
4
Are you set on going cordless? Because you can get some decent sanders without having to change battery platform. Honestly, if you’re building small stuff in your shed, a corded one is probably fine. Makita and Bosch both make decent knock-off’s of Festool’s Rotex sander, for half of the price of the Rotex. There are plenty of other options. I’m just saying if you’re open to cordless, you can get a decent sander for a good price and not have to buy a separate battery and charger to avoid the Milwaukee one.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/milwaukeetool › m18 or corded orbital sander?
r/MilwaukeeTool on Reddit: M18 or corded orbital sander?
July 7, 2020 -
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.
Top answer 1 of 4
7
M18 for everythang
2 of 4
4
Definitely M18. Runtime is awesome even on a 5.0 pushing 60 grit. It has adequate power for an orbital, whenever it feel lacking I’m usually taking a ton of material off and should’ve using a belt sander with coarse grit. This last weekend I was running my belt sander at 60 grit to get thing close. Finished up with the M18 orbital at 100 (it’s for outlet side stuff and 100 was fine enough) I’d you have that many M18 batteries, Im gonna assume the cost difference isn’t important. Cordless is super nice though, I’ll never go back to a cord.
Videos
14:04
Milwaukee's New Sander is a BIG Improvement!!! - YouTube
10:18
How Good Is Milwaukee's New 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander?Mark Thomas ...
02:13
Corded is still a good option - Milwaukee Random Orbit Palm Sander ...
07:05
Milwaukee 6021 5" Random Orbit Finish Sander Review - YouTube
20:56
Another WINNER? Milwaukee M18 FUEL 5-inch Random Orbital Sander ...
05:37
Milwaukee M18 vs M12 Random Orbital Sanders: Which One Should You Buy?
Her Tool Belt
hertoolbelt.com › milwaukee-cordless-random-orbit-sander-tool-review
Milwaukee Cordless Random Orbit Sander Tool Review - Her Tool Belt
February 9, 2019 - The Milwaukee sander ran surprisingly smooth, even compared to corded models. It’s probably the second smoothest operating sander I’ve used compared to the Bosch corded variable speed sander.
Tool Box Buzz
toolboxbuzz.com › home › latest tool reviews › cordless tools › milwaukee m18 sander – 2.5 year look-back review
Milwaukee M18 Sander - 2.5 Year Look-Back Review - Tool Box Buzz Tool Box Buzz
February 6, 2021 - ... This sander has a 5” hook and loop pad and is marketed to be able to perform like a corded sander with a max 12,000 OPM output. The VS dial allows you to control the tool orbit speed from 7,000-12,000 to match your sanding application.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/milwaukeetool › this is milwaukee's fault.
r/MilwaukeeTool on Reddit: This is Milwaukee's fault.
May 4, 2023 -
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.
Top answer 1 of 5
71
There is no singular best tool manufacture. My experience is that DeWalt woodworking tools are typically better than Milwaukee woodworking tools.
2 of 5
17
Milwaukee could, and should, go after the Mirka/Festool style sanders. It’s not a complicated tool and if they undercut the competition by $100 they’d clean up
The Garage Journal
garagejournal.com › home › reviews & features
The M18 Random Orbital Sander – The Garage Journal | The Garage Journal
I've had four modern Milwaukee corded sanders, all due to warranty replacements. They are terrible, not just because of breakage, excessive vibration, loud, bad dust mgt, and often to aggressive but not efficient?
Construction Junkie
constructionjunkie.com › blog › 2018 › 8 › 16 › review-milwaukees-m18-cordless-random-orbit-sander
[Review] Milwaukee’s M18 Cordless Random Orbit Sander — Construction Junkie
August 16, 2018 - Overall, I’ve found the Milwaukee M18 5” Random Orbit Sander (2648-20) to be a very comfortable, high performing, cordless sander that is capable of handling most tasks of jobsite tradesmen and remodelers.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/milwaukeetool › m18 fuel orbital sander any good?
r/MilwaukeeTool on Reddit: M18 Fuel Orbital Sander any good?
November 7, 2024 -
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?
Milwaukee Tool
milwaukeetool.com › products › power tools › woodworking › sanders
M18™ Random Orbit Sander | Milwaukee Tool
Our M18™ 5” Random Orbit Sander delivers corded power with 12,000 Max OPM output. The orbital sander features a 7,000-12,000 variable speed dial providing you with more control over the output of the tool to match the orbit speed for the application. The tool’s powerful motor allows you to remove more material per battery charge, increasing your productivity.
Crafty Saw
craftysaw.com › home › power tools › milwaukee m18 fuel random orbital cordless sander: power that works
Full Review: Milwaukee M18 Random Orbital Sander | CraftySaw
July 11, 2025 - Here’s the thing – most cordless sanders feel like toys compared to their corded cousins. This Milwaukee breaks that mold completely. The POWERSTATE brushless motor is the heart of what makes this sander special.
Tools In Action
toolsinaction.com › home › blog › power tool reviews › sander reviews › milwaukee cordless sander review
Milwaukee Cordless Sander Review – Tools In Action – Power Tool Reviews
September 4, 2018 - The orbital sander is one of those detail tools that can really clean up a job and make it look great. Losing the cord on a sander is perfect for those quick jobs where you need to clean it up and make it look nice.
The Home Depot
homedepot.com › p › Milwaukee-M18-18V-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-5-in-Random-Orbit-Sander-Tool-Only-2648-20 › 304591900
Milwaukee M18 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless 5 in. Random Orbit Sander (Tool-Only) 2648-20 - The Home Depot
Milwaukee M18 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless 5 in. Random Orbit Sander (Tool-Only) 2648-20
The MILWAUKEE M18 5" Random Orbit Sander delivers corded power with 12,000 Max OPM output. The orbital sander features a 7,000-12,000 variable speed dial delivering users with more control over the output of the tool to match the orbit speed for the application. The tool's powerful motor enables users to remove more material per battery charge, increasing their productivity. The cordless orbital sander is powered by the Milwaukee REDLITHIUM battery technology, providing users with up to 35 minutes of run-time on an M18 REDLITHIUM XC3.0Ah Battery Pack (Battery Sold Separately).
Price $99.00
Woodworking Talk
woodworkingtalk.com › home › forums › woodworking forum › general woodworking discussions
Anybody tried the new Milwaukee cordless sander? | Woodworking Talk
This 6” random orbital sander is backed by our 3-year limited power tool warranty. Universal Vacuum Port Adapter This is really intended for the professional painting refinishing shop. Not woodworking or sanding wood. ... Good find Bio. So it’s a light duty finishing sander … that could be useful in cordless, but the price is still an issue.
Acme Tools
blog.acmetools.com › home › milwaukee m18 random orbit sander product review
Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander Product Review | Acme Tools
August 6, 2024 - This power also comes without sacrificing control over your sander, with many features that users expect from their corded models. Sanding speed can be adjusted for maximum control and a smooth finish, with variable control between 7,000-12,000 OPM. The orbit stays nice and tight at 3/32”, leaving fewer marks on your workpiece.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/milwaukeetool › good review of the new orbital sander?
r/MilwaukeeTool on Reddit: good review of the new orbital sander?
November 1, 2024 -
2837, the new 5" orbital sander is out or out soon. Are there any good (reliable/meaningful) reviews of it? The internet is so terrible now I can't just watch random youtube videos of someone praising a thing they haven't seriously used. Reviews of the old model 2648 are so consistently low that I am sure it will be an improvement. But I'd like to hear from someone who actually cares about things.
Top answer 1 of 4
5
Just commenting to say - you're right. It's appalling how little info is out there on this thing. Particularly after the abysmal reviews of the old M18 5" random orbital sander. If I get one, I'll gladly post a detailed review comparing it to DeWalt, Makita, and Mirka Deros. I'd ideally like to also run it with no vac/dust bag, a Festool CT36, and the new M18 Vaclink dust extractor. Milwaukee should give some away here in r/milwaukeetool and maybe ask for honest feedback. Because info out there is almost nonexistent. Definitely zero in depth reviews.
2 of 4
4
The problem I see with most internet reviews are they often are less than honest if the product isn't that great. Perhaps they are not sponsored by the company, but if you give a scathing review of a product which was sent to you, I can imagine that you wouldn't get many other chances in the future. I think we have to wait for Project Farm to do a cordless sander comparison vid..."We're gonna test that!". :)
Pro Tool Reviews
protoolreviews.com › home › milwaukee m18 fuel random orbit sander review
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Random Orbit Sander Review
October 6, 2025 - In my experience, I’d say this sander could easily replace your old corded or pneumatic model in a heartbeat. Sanding can get pretty messy, and the hazards of airborne particulates are well-documented by OSHA and other safety agencies.
Popular Woodworking
popularwoodworking.com › toolreviews › milwaukee-m18-fuel-5-random-orbital-sander-review
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 5″ Random Orbital Sander Review | Popular Woodworking
July 3, 2025 - Tool: M18 FUEL 5″ Random Orbital Sander 2837-20 Shop Now Manufacturer: Milwaukee MSRP: $229 (bare tool) Of all of the power tools to leap cordless, sanders are one of the last remaining segments that have not been perfected. Battery-powered sanders tend to be overly heavy and have issues with weight balance.
Hartville Hardware
hartvillehardware.com › product › sku-368248 › sanders
Milwaukee 5-in. Corded Random Orbit Sander | Hartville Hardware
Milwaukee 5 Corded Random Orbit Sander
Milwaukee 5" Corded Random Orbit Sander delivers variable speeds of 7,000-12,000 OPM which means users can match speed to application for optimal performance. The sander also has a 3-amp permanent magnet motor that provides consistent speed and power. This sander is ideal for any sanding project and produces fine, swirl-free finishes while the included plastic dust canister with filter collects excess dust. For additional dust extraction possibilities, the included universal hose adapter connects to a variety of vacuum hose sizes. Includes: 5” Random Orbit Palm Sander (6034-21) (1) Univ
Price $99.00
Milwaukee Tool
milwaukeetool.com › products › power tools › woodworking › sanders
5" Random Orbit Palm Sander | Milwaukee Tool
The Milwaukee 5" Random Orbit Sander features variable speeds of 7,000-12,000 OPM, so you can match the speed to the application. Its 3 amp permanent magnet motor produces constant speed and power. Use this sander to achieve a fine, swirl-free finish on anything on which you're working.
Milwaukee Tool
milwaukeetool.com › products › power-tools › metalworking › sanders-and-polishers
Variable Speed and Random Orbit Polishers and Sanders | Milwaukee Tool
Shop heavy duty metalworking power tools including M18, M12 and corded polishing wheels, sanding wheels and more.