Best Random Orbital Sanders For Woodworking 2021

A random orbital sander is a must have tool for anyone with an interest in woodwork and craft projects. They take the hard work out of sanding and give your work a smooth and professional look and feel.

Random orbital sanders are used to sand flat wooden surfaces and are especially useful on projects where using a stationary disc or belt sander isn’t possible, such as assembled furniture or projects that involve large, heavy pieces of wood.

A random orbital sander is a hand-held power tool that sands in a ‘random orbit’ to give your work a smoother look and feel. This random sanding motion is achieved by spinning the sanding disc, while at the same time, moving it in small ellipses.

If you’re not sure what to look for when buying a new random orbital sander, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to check out our random orbital sander reviews and recommendations, and keep reading down the page to find our guide on what to look for when buying a random orbit sander.

And as always, for those short on time, here are our top three picks of random orbital sanders that are available on the market today:

Our Top Pick

Makita B05041K

A high-performance tool designed to get the job done. Makita is well-known for quality and this random orbital sander is no exception. Back by a heap of positive reviews.

Top Value Pick

DeWalt DWE6421K

This DeWalt sander is an absolute steal for the price. A top-quality, mid-priced machine built to perform.

Top Budget Pick

 Black & Decker BDERO100

If you’re on a budget, look no further than this fantastic sander from Black & Decker. This is an ideal random orbital sander for a beginner or someone interested in getting involved in woodwork. For less than $30, this is an absolute bargain!

Best Random Orbital Sander Reviews

Check out the list below to discover what we consider to be the best random orbital  sanders available on the market today:

Makita BO5041K Random Orbit Sander Kit

Features –     ·

• Motor: 3 Amp
• Speed: Variable
• Orbits Per Minute: 4,000 – 12,000
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Disc size: 5 inch

The Pros

• Powerful motor
• Comfortable grip
• Durable and tough design
• Wide range of speed
• Outstanding dust collection system
• Vacuum adapter
• Removable handle
• 1/8” orbit

The Cons

• Expensive
• Small warranty for the price

Overview

If you are planning on doing a lot of work with your random orbital sander, this is the tool for you. Its variable 4,000 to 12,000 OPM motor gives you the versatility to work on many different projects designs, while the ergonomic and comfortable rubberized grip allows you to work for long periods of time to get the job done.

In my opinion, this is the top of the line when it comes to random orbital sanders. Its powerful 3A variable speed motor won’t bog down during tough work and the tough Makita housing is very well-designed and durable to ensure this tool lasts the distance.

The ability to turn the speed right down to 4,000 OPM allows you to retain precise control when performing more delicate tasks and the large two-finger trigger is easy and comfortable to operate and also incorporates a lock-on mode, giving you even more versatility during use.

The design also incorporates a high-capacity dust collection system with an inbuilt vacuum adapter that makes keeping your workspace clean a breeze and the removable front handle allows you to change between single-handed and two-handed operation in a flash.

In terms of performance, the Makita BO5041K leaves an excellent, smooth finish with little to no visible swirls or markings.

It’s covered by a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty and comes with a hard carry case.

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DeWalt DWE6421K Random Orbit Sander

Features –

• Motor: 3 Amp
• Speed: Single
• Orbits Per Minute: 12,000
• Weight: 2.9 lbs
• Disc Size: 5 inch

The Pros

• Powerful
• Value for money
• Strong and durable design
• Dust protected, sealed power switch
• Hook and loop sanding disc attachment
• One-handed locking dust bag

The Cons

• Single speed
• Vacuum adapter not included

Overview

If you are looking for a high-end quality tool without the high-end price tag, you can’t go wrong with the DeWalt DWE6421K.

This value for money random orbital sander is powerful, lightweight and compact enough to get into tight spaces and corners. Its textured body feels great in your hand, making it comfortable to hold and very easy to work with and control.

The dust collection system on this tool is excellent, helping to keep your work area clean and safe and the one-handed dust bag operation makes emptying the bag straight-forward and effortless.

While it’s not the cheapest random orbital sander on our list (even when compared to other mid-range sanders), the fact that you get a top-quality DeWalt product without having to pay a premium price tag makes the DWE6421K our top choice when it comes to value for money.

Another bonus is the included 3 year limited warranty.

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Black & Decker BDERO100 Random Orbit Sander

Features –

• Motor: 2 Amp
• Speed: Single
• Orbits Per Minute: 12,000
• Weight: 3.2 lbs
• Disc size: 5 inch

The Pros

• Great entry level product
• Compact
• Durable
• Budget-friendly

The Cons

• Motor lacks power
• Dust collection system is poor
• Sub-par hook and loop attachment system

Overview

The thing that makes the Black & Decker BDERO100 stand out is the price tag. But what can you expect from a random orbital sander that will set you back less than 30 bucks? Considering the low retail price, quite a lot.

While this sander is not suitable for a heavy workload, it’s great for light sanding and occasional use. If you are someone who only needs an orbital sander on the odd occasion or you are a beginner and don’t fancy splashing out big bucks on a more expensive model, this compact and lightweight sander would make a great addition to your tool collection.

It doesn’t have the most powerful motor so will likely bog down if used for heavy sanding, so just keep its limitations in mind and you shouldn’t have any issues using this machine.

Another drawback of this sander is the poor dust collection system. However, this can be overcome by hooking it up to a vacuum, as the fault appears to lie in the dust bag itself.

Users also reported that the hook and loop sanding disc attachment system isn’t up to the same standard as more premium quality sanders. The main issue appears to be that the hook and loop attachments wear out faster than the grit on the sanding disc, meaning you need to change the disc before you really need to. This may increase your usage costs, depending on your workload.

Another great feature is that it comes with a 2 year warranty. A very decent warranty for a tool with such a low price tag.

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DeWalt DW6423K Random Orbit Sander

Features –

• Motor: 3 Amp
• Speed: Variable
• Orbits Per Minute: 8,000 – 12,000
• Weight: 2.9 lbs
• Disc Size: 5 inch

The Pros

• Powerful
• Strong and durable design
• Dust protected, sealed power switch
• Hook and loop sanding disc attachment
• One-handed locking dust bag

The Cons

• Expensive
• Doesn’t connect well with vacuums
• Vacuum adapter not included

Overview

This powerful and durable random orbital sander features a variable speed drive that can be set between 8,000 and 12,000 OPM. It’s simple to use, comfortable and gives great results, making this a top choice in high-quality, top-end orbital sanders. It may be more expensive than a lot of other random orbital sanders out there but because it is manufactured by DeWalt, you know that you are getting a reliable, top-quality product that won’t let you down.

This product is actually very comparable to our top pick – the Makita BO5041K – but there were a couple of features that I felt gave the Makita a bit of an edge over this DeWalt product.

Firstly, you don’t get the same amount of versatility when it comes to the variable speed drive. This might be of no real consequence to you but I feel that having the ability to slow down to 4,000 OPM rather than 8,000 is a real advantage. This and the fact that the dust extraction system doesn’t match up well with standard vacuum sizes are about the only faults I could find with this sander.

So let’s talk about what it does do very well.

The DeWalt DW6423K has a great design that is both short and compact, this allows for plenty of control when working, due to your hand and the tool being so close to the surface you are sanding. It’s also very comfortable to use, making it a top choice for those with a high workload.

And while it’s a great tool for professionals, it’s also very user-friendly and a great fit for beginners or for use in your home, shed or garage.

Its powerful motor won’t bog down during heavy use and despite its high power, it is relatively vibration free, something you will truly appreciate at the end of the day.

Another great benefit I need to talk about is the 3 year limited warranty, 1 year free service and 90 day money back guarantee. Without a doubt one of the best service and warranty terms on the market.

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Bosch 3727DEVS Random Orbit Sander

Features –

• · Motor: 3.3 Amp
• Speed: Variable
• Orbits Per Minute: 4,500 – 12,000
• Weight: 5.2 lbs
• Disc Size: 6 inch

The Pros

• Powerful motor
• Large 6” sanding disc
• Two sanding modes
• Removable front handle

The Cons

• Heavy
• Vacuum adapter not included
• Expensive

Overview

The larger surface area of the sanding disc really comes in handy when sanding big jobs with the Bosch 3727DEVS, speeding up the process and helping to get a smoother finish on your work. It might not seem like a big step up from a 5” disc but the 6” sanding disc does make quite a difference.

The other standout difference with this sander is that it comes with a setting that allows the sander to switch between two modes – regular and turbo. Regular mode is designed for regular sanding, while turbo mode ups the speed to five times the regular rate and is meant to help sand coarser and harder material.

This is a fairly expensive sander but it isn’t drastically pricier than the other top-line models. If you are looking for a random orbital sander with extra grunt, the higher price tag is easily justified.

It’s also one of the heaviest sanders on our list and although this might make it a bit harder to control and maneuver, the extra weight is also helpful when sanding through harder, coarser material.

It comes with a 1 year warranty.

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Bosch 1250DEVS Random Orbit Sander

Features –

• Motor: 6.5 Amp
• Speed: Variable
• Orbits Per Minute: 3,100 – 6,650
• Weight: 5.3 lbs
• Disc Size: 6 inch

The Pros

• Powerful motor
• Large 6” sanding disc
• Two sanding modes
• Removable ambidextrous side handle

The Cons

• Heavy
• Vacuum adapter not included
• Expensive

Overview

This is the even more powerful version of the previous Bosch sander on our list. It’s a heavy, powerful random orbital sander, with a couple of different design features that I’ll run through now.

The first thing you’ll notice is that the handle on the 1250DEVS is located on the side of the sander rather than the front. This is an ambidextrous set-up, so the handle can be moved to either side of the sander. This is really beneficial when sanding big, hard objects that need a lot of power to get through.

And to help you get through the tough stuff, this model also features both the regular and turbo modes. As mentioned in the last review, turbo mode will increase the speed of the sander five times, to give it the power to sand through coarse and hard material.

With its 6.5 Amp motor, this is the most powerful sander on our list (double the power of most) and is designed to power through the tough jobs.

Another thing to take note of is the price tag. While it might be the most powerful random orbit sander on this list, it’s also the most expensive. But if you are looking for something to use on big sanding jobs, it’s powerful motor and 6” sanding disc make it a worthy investment.

The Bosch 1250DEVS comes with a 1 year warranty.

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Bosch ROS20VSC Random Orbit Sander

Features –

• Motor: 2.5 Amp
• Speed: Variable
• Orbits Per Minute: 7,500 – 12,000
• Weight: 3.5 lbs
• Disc Size: 5 inch

The Pros

• Small and compact
• Easy to use
• Microfilter dust catchment system
• Value for money

The Cons

• Heavier than similarly sized sanders

Overview

This compact random orbital sander from Bosch is versatile, reliable and comfortable to use. Its powerful little motor gives great results and the fact that it is so simple to use makes it perfect for amateurs and home DIY work.

What makes this sander different from the others on this list is the exceptional microfilter dust collection system that is designed to stop particles as small as 1/2-micron in diameter. I had no idea how small a micron is and had to google and let me tell you, it’s small… about .00002 of an inch. So it’s safe to say, no dust is getting through this filter.

This is a real value for money sander that comes with variable speed control and a reliable hook and loop attachment system that you can trust to keep up with the workload you throw at it.

It comes with a 1 year warranty.

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Porter-Cable 382 Random Orbit Sander

Features –

• Motor: 1.9 Amp
• Speed: Single
• Orbits Per Minute: 12,000
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Disc Size: 5 inch

The Pros

• Durable sealed ball-bearing design
• Great price
• Excellent warranty and service terms

The Cons

• Lacks power
• Sub-par dust collection

Overview

This low-cost option is a little less powerful than our top budget pick – the Black & Decker BDERO100 – but it does come with some really fantastic warranty and service terms. So if you are looking for a cheaper orbital sander for occasional and light use, this is a really nice option to look at.

It comes with a big 3 year warranty, a year’s worth of free service and a 90 day money back guarantee. There aren’t many budget models on the market that are willing to offer all that. In fact, many top of the line models don’t offer these sort of service terms. It’s a real bargain.

Design wise, it offers only a single speed motor but that’s not unexpected or unusual for a budget-friendly model. The good news is that it is smooth to operate and gives a nice finish.

One reported downfall, however, is the dust collection system. Customers reported that it is too small and flimsy, with some users reporting that they needed to fix the bag to the tool with tape or cable ties to stop it from falling off.

This is a budget model though, so for the price you pay, I think it’s a great option for amateurs and people you will only use it on the odd occasion. The long warranty ensuring that your minimal investment will last at least three years from purchase.

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Porter-Cable 7346SP Random Orbit Sander

Features –

• Motor: 4.5 Amp
• Speed: Variable
• Orbits Per Minute: 2,500 – 6,800
• Weight: 6 lbs
• Disc Size: 6 inch

The Pros

• Polishing pad included
• Large 6 inch disc
• Adjustable side handle

The Cons

• Heavy

Overview

The last sander on our list is for those you are looking to do some heavy duty work with a mid-priced orbital sander. The Porter-Cable 7346SP is heavy, tough and powerful and is more suited for sanding and polishing auto and marine parts than typical woodwork applications.

It even comes with a polishing pad included to produce an excellent finish on metal and paint jobs.

Although it comes with only a 1 year warranty, it also includes one year free servicing that will cover any damage caused by normal use.

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What To Look For In A Random Orbital Sander

A random orbital sander is a great machine to keep in your garage or home workshop because they are compact, lightweight and relatively cheap compared with other power tools.

They add an immeasurable benefit to your tool collection as they will give your work a neat and perfect finish that is hard to accomplish by other methods, while also saving you time and energy to get started on your next project.

Due to the random orbit motion, they are ideal finishing tools. The orbital motion of the sanding disc greatly reduces swirl marks and other imperfections left by other forms of finishing.

But as always, to get the most out of your tool, you need to have the right one for the job. Therefore, in this section, I’m going to go over what you should be looking for when purchasing a random orbital sander and tell you some traps that are best to avoid.

Let’s first take a look at some top features that you should look for in a top-quality random orbit sander.

Variable Speed

This is especially important for home workshops or people that have just one orbital sander in their collection. Being able to control the speed of your sander means that the sander will be more versatile and you will be able to perform a wider range of tasks without having to change tools.

Being able to slow the orbits per minute on your sander means that you’ll be able to do finer and more delicate work or bring the speed back up to remove hard or coarse material.

Dust Collection

Sanding will produce a large amount of fine dust, which is bad for both you and your equipment. Having a sander that incorporates a top of the line dust catchment system will stop that dust from spreading around your workshop and from getting into your expensive tools, and worse, into your lungs. It also makes clean up much easier.

Vacuum Compatibility

If you are working on a large project, the standard dust bag fitted to your sander probably won’t cut it. Unless you like the idea of having to stop work all the time just to empty the bag.

On big jobs, you want a sander that will hook up to a vacuum so you can keep working in a clean and safe environment without the need to stop during sanding.

Some sanders come with a universal adapter that will attach to your shop vac, while others may need a specially designed adapter to be compatible with your vacuum. Some vacuums will hook straight to your sander without the need for an adapter, so make sure you check which type of fittings you require before purchase.

Dust Protection

Try as you might to keep dust out of your workshop, it will always find a way in. Look for orbital sanders with dust-proof housings and switches to extend the life of your tool.

Grip and Handle

This comes down to a personal preference for comfort and control. Random orbital sanders come in a wide variety of designs and handle locations. In my view, the best sanders come with removable handles to allow for one or two-handed use. When sanding with two hands, you’ll have more control over the sander and this is especially important when using a high-powered sander to remove coarse and hard material. Sometimes, however, you need to reach hard to access spaces and surfaces and this is much easier done by holding the sander in one hand.

Some people prefer side mounted handles, while others prefer front mounted. It all comes down to what you find most comfortable to work with.

Disc Attachment

Some orbital sanders use an adhesive sanding disc, while other use a hook and loop system. I personally prefer the hook and loop system and this tends to be the system favored by most manufacturers these days. Whichever system your sander employs, the most important thing is that the attachment system is high-quality and reliable. If the attachment system wears out before the sanding grit does, it will leave your sanding disc useless and unusable.

Disc Size

Random orbit sanders come in 5 and 6 inch sanding disk varieties. Having a larger sanding disc means that you’ll cover more area, faster. It also helps to control the neatness of your work as you’ll have fewer lines of work when using a larger disc. Consider the type of work you’ll be doing and what size disc will suit you best.

What Not To Buy

Watch out for the following traps when purchasing a random orbit sander:

• Vibration: Using a machine with too much vibration is draining on your body and your mind. If you can, test out a range of sanders in a shop to see how they vibrate. Reading customer reviews is also an excellent way of determining how much a sander vibrates.
• Low Power Motors: Any sander under 3 Amps is probably only going to be suitable for light sanding. So if you are planning on any work that involves medium to heavy sanding, you’ll need a motor that can handle the load. Trusted brands tend to deliver the power needed to get the job done but they can come with a high price tag. And don’t get confused with power and OPM. The orbits per minute of a sander doesn’t have a bearing on the power of the motor, only how fast the disc is spinning.
• Low-quality Attachment Systems and Dust Collection Systems: Having to constantly change your sanding disc or fix your dust bag attachment is going to slow you down big time. Not to mention frustrate the hell out of you. Save your time and stress levels by choosing a sander with a good track record for quality and design.

Conclusion

When deciding on which random orbital sander is the best suited to you, it’s important to consider your workload, type of project and your budget.

I always recommend going with a trusted manufacturer like Makita or DeWalt but if you are new to woodworking or are only planning to use your orbital sander on the odd occasion, it might not make a whole lot of sense to splash out on an expensive model when a cheaper alternative will suffice.

Random orbital sanders are great time savers that give your work a professional look and feel that is much harder and a lot more tiring to accomplish with hand sanding.

When it comes to value for money, my personal favorite orbital sander is the DeWalt DWE6421K. It’s a solid, powerful sander that doesn’t cost a fortune but will give you fantastic results every time.

If power is what you are after or you are going to be putting your random orbital sander through a lot of hard work, I recommend taking a look at the Bosch 1250DEVS. It will provide heavy-duty power and grunt for great results on a wide range of materials.

But for most woodworking jobs and the average home workshop, my tried and tested favorite random orbital sander is the Makita BO5041K. It’s a well-designed, easy to operate powerhouse that feels great to use and gives amazing results.

As always, remember to consider all your options before making your final purchase and choose the tool that best fits your needs.