Best Random Orbital Sander (Cordless + Corded) | Reviews & Top Picks

The sanders are those tools that you can use for sanding coarse material, giving a finish as well as use it for polishing of surfaces.

They differ a little bit from their previous generation, which is an orbital sander. Besides having a circular motion, the grit pad also randomly moves in the elliptic orbital motion about the shaft axis synchronously.

This unique spinning makes sure that the grit doesn’t travel on the same path every time, which turned out to be extremely useful to reduce the swirl marks and patterns up to a great extent.

Any woodworking project will always involve sanding. It is an unavoidable stage; whether you are building a chair or a large cabinet. The important stage is going to be the sanding as it gives your product that bright, shiny, and smooth look and also makes them ready if you are up for painting. Hence, you need the best sander in the market.

To help you make a choice for the best sander, we present you with the top 7 best random orbital sanders available right now.

Best Random Orbital Sander

1. DEWALT DCW210B 20V Cordless Orbital Sander

Dewalt, I think the brand name doesn’t need any introduction; it is highly popular among woodworkers and DIYers. The DCW210 5-inch random orbit sander is the latest addition to its long list of woodworking cordless tools. While working with this sander, you are going to have full freedom, freedom just not from the cord but the freedom to take your work anywhere you want, saving your workplace from the cloud of dusty air.

To offer superior performance, this random orbital sander features a powerful brushless motor that can supply variable speeds ranging anywhere from 8,000 RPM to 12,000 RPM. To choose the required speed, it comes with a speed dial control, which is effortless to use, and that too with one hand.

To collect the dust originating from the sanding, the tool also comes with a dust collection bag, which is made out of cloth, and it easily fits onto its dust port tube. You will be able to attach the tube with one hand only, which gives you ease of use and a secure fit.

The durability of any sander will strongly decrease if its internal components are exposed to dust. To stop that from happening, the power switch is dust-sealed, which will provide a longer lifetime to the tool.

Moving on, the orbital sander is packed with a 2.0 Ah battery pack. With the power of this battery, it can run for 16 1/2 minutes. Even if you use a 4.0 Ah battery, the tool still feels lightweight and can be easily handled.

Apart from that, the 8-hole hook and loop sanding pad are replaceable. The sanding pads fit nicely on a 5-inch sanding surface. The 8 holes in the sanding pad permit efficient dust pick-up, which in turn will extend the life of the sandpaper.

For better comfort and grip, the tool has a rubber over-mold, while its low profile lets you have better precision for sanding surfaces.

It takes a lot to stand out in today’s overcrowded marketplace, but this cordless random orbital sander does, with its consummate performance, strong build, and powerful features. This is the best choice because it is as good as it can be. Plus, it comes with a 3-years manufacturer’s warranty and a year’s free service from the company.

2. DEWALT DCW210P1 20V Random Orbital Sander Kit

The mighty DeWalt returns, saying that won’t be an exaggeration at all because this is the third tool in our list of best random orbital sanders.

This tool has the impression of being powerful and sturdy. It is a strong proposition to work on large areas and remove the wood grains and the stains quickly. This compact power tool features a strong and powerful brushless motor for longer runtime and better efficiency. The motor speed can be varied from 8000 OPM to 12000 OPM to better suit the application at hand.

That being said, the 5-inch brushless motor is supplied by the 20 volts 5.0Ah battery for a longer runtime. Plus, an 8-hole hook and loop sanding pad can be used with the tool, similar to other random orbital sanders; there is nothing new to mention.

Talking about ergonomics, the tool features an over-molded textured rubber all over the place, which offers an excellent grip while also reducing the vibrations and the fatigue that results from it.

Besides, it has a compact size, and it weighs just 1.9 lbs; this will let you easily manage the sander. Plus, the low height of the tool gives low clearance between the surface and the user’s hand, providing better control and precision to the worker.

What we most like about this sander is it’s easy to lock dust bags and that too with one hand, it fits securely onto the dust port.

Last but not least, The tool is very safe to use; it eliminates the possibility of a short circuit considering there is no cord. The tool is exceptionally light, gives better control, and is easy and comfortable to work with makes it the best choice for a professional or a novice. It is readily available with 3 years of manufactures warranty and 1 year of free service from DeWalt.

3. Black & Decker BDCRO20C 20V Cordless Random Orbit Sander

Black & Decker has a name for its robust and reliable power tools in the market. Black & Decker BDCRO20C is a great entry-level tool and an excellent choice for any homeowners or DIYers who are doing some simple tasks.

Talking about performance, the tool features a solid brushless motor that can spin at a maximum rate of 12,000 RPM. With this speed, you can do any polishing task in the woods, and remove material, paint, or stain with ease and efficiency from any surface. Despite having the speed, it can’t be used for heavier tasks.

If we talk about ergonomics, then the tool is really compact. It even outmatches the leading competitor in terms of its dimensions. The tool is quite lightweight. With a weight of just 3.3 pounds, it becomes very easy to work with. With that weight and compactness, you can smoothly glide it over any surface.

The outer protective layer is made out of high-quality plastic that makes it durable and robust while giving it a longer lifetime. In addition to that, it comes with a sealed power switch that doesn’t let any dust go inside the tool; this increases the lifetime of the tool furthermore.

What’s more, the tool comes with a dust collection system, which helps keep the workpiece clean, but it doesn’t come with a dustbag, so you may need to buy it separately.

To increase the convenience of using the tool, it features a hook and loop system so you can easily attach and remove sanding pads whenever you want. Besides, the tool works on the 20V max battery system from the brand, which means you can use any battery from any other 20V battery platform tool.

The tool is shipped with one 1.5 Ah battery, a charger, and a 5” round sandpaper sheet, and on top of that, the manufacturer gives a 2-year of solid warranty. It is a really good tool to do small jobs and finish work, and it’s even useful for the professional as a backup tool to give a last finish to the workpiece.

4. Makita XOB01Z 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Random Orbit Sander

The most convenient during the work if any sanders can provide it, then it would be the cordless type. Their independence of being attached to an electrical outlet makes them really easy to handle and highly functional. And if you happen to be on a hunt for one, then this random orbital sander from Makita might turn out to be the right tool for you.

Let’s begin with speed and motor power. The maximum speed the motor can offer is 11,000 OPM. Moreover, it just doesn’t offer one single speed, but from 3 different speed ratings 7500, 9000, and 11000, you can choose one based on your need.

With the press of a single switch provided, you can change the speed. This speed change with the switch is more convenient than that of a dial for most users.

Let’s move ahead; the sander features eight 5-inch hole hooks and loop sanding paper. This hook and loop system makes it very convenient to change the sanding papers whenever needed, and that too, with minimal hassle.

Now, what’s the point of having a tool if you can’t manage it properly? This tool is designed for use for long hours without getting tired while being equally user-friendly, for any beginner as well. The tool is highly maneuverable. With the textured grip on the top, you can move it everywhere with ease to get that evenly smooth surface.

The main enemy of sanders is the dust, which they have created themselves. isn’t that funny? The dust decreases the lifespan of the tool drastically, so to prevent them from entering the tool, the switches are dust-sealed in this sander.

In any good sander, a dust collection system is a must, and this tool is also equipped with one. It collects most of the generated dust by the tool; that collected dust is stored in a large dust bag.

At last, this is the solid cordless random orbital sander to have; with its excellent features and powerful performance, you can handle almost every task. Besides, it also comes with 3 years of warranty from the manufacturer.

5. DEWALT DWE6423K Corded Random Orbit Sander

It comes again, the Dewalt tool, but this time it is a corded one. This is another great, random orbital sander from the Dewalt that has made it to our list.

Dewalt DWE6421K orbital sander is a power-packed sander, which features a 3.0 AMP motor. The motor is capable of supplying 12,000 OPM (orbits per minute). This speed gives a really fast sanding capacity and is really good to provide any workpiece with a smooth finish.

The tool has an innovative counterweight design that reduces vibration when in use, giving you more comfort in your task. The dimensions are in favor of the user. It has a shorter height and compact housing, enabling the worker to be closer to the surface, which will give surprising results in the end.

That being said, it also features a rubber mold in all the important parts of the tool, giving you the best user experience. It also prevents user fatigue during long hours of usage and offers a comfortable hand position.

While being comfortable, it also offers you cleanliness of the workpiece, because it has a very well-developed dust collection mechanism with the dust bag attached. It will accumulate most of the dust from the surface of the workpiece. You will be able to easily adjust or remove the dust bag whenever needed, thanks to its one-handed locking system.

Moving on, this tool comes with a 5-inch abrasive disc with an 8-hole hook and loop paper to get a smooth surface on any workpiece. The plus point of hook and loop paper is, it can be easily and quickly changed. For a longer lifetime of the tool, the switch it comes with is also dust-sealed. And don’t forget this is a corded tool, so there has to be a cord, which is 6 ft long to tackle almost all kinds of tasks.

In the end, this is the best corded random orbital sander, and it is highly suitable to sand anything ranging from plastic to wood. Its compact design and lightweight make it very comfortable to handle. Moreover, it comes with a solid 3 years of warranty from the manufacturer.

6. Makita BO5041 3-Amp D-Handle Random Orbit Sander

Makita is a trusted brand, they manufacture reliable and sturdy power tools, and this corded random orbital sander from them is no exception. At first glance, it looks totally different from what a conventional random orbital sander should look like, so what’s the catch here? Is it really that different? let’s find out.

Let’s start with the motor. The tool features 5-speed settings. You can choose a speed as low as 4000 OPM to a very fast up to 12,000 RPM. The five levels are categorized based on their speed of rotation, and the different level is suitable for different types of work requirements.

To stop the accidental start, it also has a safety lock, and it needs to be on in order to start and operate the tool.
This variable speed is supplied by a fierce 3 AMP motor, and it can be turned on by pressing the two-finger activator. The motor gives 1/8 random elliptical motion, which is the reason behind that fine and smooth textured outcome.

Going ahead with ergonomics, you will find that it has a rubberized handle plus a comfortable rubberized palm grip, which gives you better control over the tool. Plus, you get the removable and adjustable front handle to work in confined places. While in use, the tool produces very little vibration and much more noise up to that level, so you may even need ear protection.

Besides, the tool features an abrasive disc that can be attached and removed easily owing to the hook and loop system. The 8 holes at the contact area collect the dust effectively for a better working environment.

Let me end the discussion by stating this, this is a very versatile tool, it has the best ergonomics, and it is made out of durable plastic. And it has a wide range of speed options, which makes it very effective for polishing and smoothing surfaces, and you can also use it for sanding as well. On top of that, the tool comes with the 3 years of limited warranty to boost your confidence in this random orbital sander from Makita.

7. BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander

This is a totally different tool compared to many other tools the manufacturer has offered. It has been re-engineered from scratch and has given a completely new and attractive look. Black and Decker are in the market for more than a century, and they do know how to make a good power tool.

The spinning power is supplied by a 2A motor, which can supply up to 12,000 OPM. This is the recommended speed for sanding to have a swirl-free finish and smooth surface. The motor is attached to the 5-inch diameter abrasive disc to finish the large workpieces quickly.

If the dust gets inside the sender, it is going to create so many issues in the long run. To prevent that from happening, the switch is rubber covered, which also doesn’t let the dust interfere with the on/off function of the tool.

Other than that, Black & Decker BDERO100 is really lightweight, which makes handling pleasant and easy. It also is extremely compact in size, which brings your hand closer to the workpiece surface and gives you full handling freedom. This high maneuverability is really important because this tool lacks the variable speed option.

Moving on, the sander has a hook and loop option for fast, efficient, and easy changing of the sanding disc. This easy change saves you a lot of time. The swapping of these discs generally takes little more than 5 seconds. One of the most functional things about this tool is it uses a standard configuration of vent holes, so it is going to accept almost all standard sanding pads.

The ergonomics of this tool are really good, and it is easy to hold and feels comfortable in the palm, thanks to the large rubberized grip at the top. That grip has a curved design, which really feels good in your hands and will let you do the work for long hours without getting tired.

If you don’t want to hold it from the top you can also hold it from the side, and that too with one hand.

This is the best tool to do some light-duty work, and considering its power, ergonomics, and ease of use, this is a solid choice for a homeowner or DIYer who wants something compact and powerful. Moreover, to sweeten the deal, the tool also comes with 2 years of the manufacturer’s warranty.

How to use a random orbital sander properly?

The random orbital sander might just turn out to be the most user-friendly and the first tool of any maker or DIYer. It is generally used on almost every project, which involves working with wood.

It is a simple tool with a random elliptical motion of the disc and, at the same time, rotational as well. These tools make the sanding and polishing of the wood so easy and efficient and that too without swirl marks. For this purpose, they use specifically carved sanding pads. But you can mess up a good workpiece if you don’t know how to use it.

Don’t Rush

At first use, it is natural to have a rush, to do the work quickly and be done with it. But, be cautious; this kind of fast-paced motion is going to ruin the workpiece if not already.

Woodworkers are generally accustomed to fast working. With this tool, it might take a little while for them to get around that tool’s slow speed. Why slow? the slower you move on the surface, the less is going to be the swirl patterns. It will need some practice to move with 1 inch per second; that’s the ideal speed. These tools are designed to be used at slow speeds to get that evenly smooth surface.

Tread Lightly

DON’T PRESS DOWN; keep that thing always in mind. The tool is capable enough to do the proper job by itself. The weight of the tool and your hand is enough to produce a satisfactory result. So don’t press down, not even the slightest; if you do so, it may ruin your workpiece, simultaneously slowing down the process by bogging the motor.

Use Vacuum To Clean the Dust

The main reason behind using the shop vacuum is to keep the suction going. The suction keeps collecting the dust generated, which will reduce the dust that stays between the wood and the paper. This reduced layer between the wood and paper will let the grit to be constantly in contact with the surface and not the dust that keeps getting removed. Due to more areas of contact, you can work faster and get that smooth finish really quick. Besides, it also keeps the air clean.

Keep the Sander Upright Standing. Always.

The Random orbital sander has one and only one function that it can do nothing else, which is to make the flat and rough surface evenly smooth. Anything else, and it might make it worse.

While sanding, if there is a burn mark or high spot, it looks easy and fine to angle the tool a bit and bear down the surface, and be done with it.

Avoid doing that; just Don’t do it, period.
Try a hand-sanding. It won’t take any longer, and your workpiece will be as smooth as an airline runway.

Use Different Grits, While Skipping A Few

You need to work your way up. You just can’t attach the finest possible sandpaper and use it on the coarsest material to get the smoothest surface. It just doesn’t work like that.

These sandpaper grits need to be used in proper order, in which the consecutive pads will remove the scratches due to the last disc. So, in order to get the smoothest surface, you don’t need to toss all of them on the tool and keep repeating the process until the last disc from 80 to 320. NO, buy the disks in 100, 150, and 220, and you are good to go.

Give Finishing Touch by Hand, Always.

It is not possible to get a scratch-free finish-quality surface by only using the machine. If not much, but they do leave behind a few subtle swirl marks. These swirl marks will appear even after giving the finish by 220-grade

sandpaper grit despite following all the steps properly.

Give the last finish by hand using a sanding block, which has a grain only.

What is The Difference Between Orbital and Random Orbital Sanders?

Sanding is an unavoidable part of the job, which none of us really like. Regardless of the fact, it needs to be done, and on top of that, if you have the wrong tool for sanding, then may God help you. When you have just completed the whole project, and about to give the finishing touch to your workpiece, you will want a power tool, which is an orbital sander…or is it a random orbital sander? Mind it, they both are different tools, and which one you should use depends on what you want to accomplish with it. Let’s see what the difference is between them.

Orbital Sander

The orbital sanders came first, and then came the random orbital sanders. From both of them, this tool is less expensive and simple. Orbital sanders are also known as quarter-sheet sanders because they feature a square foot on which you can mount the quarter of a 9×11 sheet of sandpaper.

That square foot vibrates quickly in tiny circles, or you can call them orbits, in order to perform a sanding operation. The square foot design is especially useful to do the job in the corner and up against the edges. No doubt, the motion is random, but the pattern created due to it is visible and clearly shows that you need to take extra care while using it.

Orbital sanders are generally useful where random orbital sanders can’t reach or fit and the time when only light sanding is needed to be done.

Random-Orbit Sander

This tool is very useful and is the first choice for sanding surfaces for most woodworkers. It uses a circular sanding pad, which is generally 4” to 6” in diameter. The working mechanism of this tool is totally different than that of an orbital sander. Unlike an orbital sander, it spins but doesn’t rotate on the same and single-axis. Rather, the shaft rotates while oscillating about the center, which creates a really random scratch pattern that is going to be different every single time.

As it spins on the surface, thanks to the totally random rotation, it doesn’t create a swirling pattern, and due to this, you can use the tool freely irrespective of grain direction.

It is extremely suitable when you have a decent amount of stock that needs removing.

Random Orbit Sanders: Buyer’s Guide

Power type :

The random orbital sanders are available in 3 different power-delivering mechanisms: the tool may be receiving its power from an electrical outlet, or it may be a cordless tool powered by a battery, while some heavy-duty tools with extra power have a pneumatic power source, and they are supplied by an air compressor.

You need to keep in mind that the weight of the tool and motor power is determined by its power source.

Battery power tools weigh more compared to the power they supply. This is so because they offer portability by having a battery, which increases the tool’s weight.

Typically it would be best if you went for corded tools due to their less weight and never-ending power supply, but the portability offered by the cordless can’t be ignored too. So, choose accordingly.

Motor :

The most important thing about any power tool would be the power of the motor. The motor power and its type give the idea about the performance and efficiency of the tool, and that is true for a random orbital sander as well.

The motor power is important in the case of the random orbital sander due to the fact that it determines the speed of the sander while also affecting other factors of the tool as well.

The general range of motor power for a random orbital sander is between 2 to 5 Amps motor. The more powerful motor will be able to provide more OPM to the sanding pad, resulting in faster speed, and less time to do the work.
More the power, the faster the speed. So before making a choice, make sure it matches your requirement.

Variable Speed Vs. Fixed Speed :

When choosing the random orbital sander, the main focus should be on the speed option. Does the tool offer a variable speed control mechanism to select the speed of our choice, or it offers only a single speed?

Each of them has its own advantages and drawbacks. Make sure you get the right one based on your daily work type. The speed matters because the quality of the different materials will not be the same, so you will need different speeds to have a satisfactory outcome for different materials.

The fixed speed models are priced lower, but you don’t get the option of having variable speed, and the speed you will get with them will be between 10,000 to 12,000 OPM.

While the variable speed sanders offer the most versatility, having the speed selection setting between 4000 to 12000 OPM makes them the best tool to do general sanding, finishing, or the finer finishing of the surface. It also offers more control over the project and gives better results.

Again, it comes to the type of work you will be mostly doing. For general sanding work, you might not need to spend more on a variable-speed sander.

Range of Speed :

The choice of speed becomes most important when the sander you are choosing doesn’t offer the variable speed option. The selection of the random orbital sander is going to be based on how you are planning to use your tool and on what kind of material you will mostly be dealing with.

When dealing with coarse material, the higher speeds suit the best for general sanding as well. The speed of the sander should be between 10,000 to 12,000 RPM.

For finishing work, a speed from 6,000 to 10,000 OPM will be considered as a good choice. And if you’re buying the tool to mainly use as a backup to give a proper finish to your workpiece, then 4,000 to 6,000 OPM is the ideal range.

Ergonomics :

The power and performance will go down the drain if the tool doesn’t offer great ergonomics. All good features of the tool are not going to work for you if the handling is tiresome and the tool is not well-balanced or comfortable enough to hold.

The softness and the size of the grip will be the main factor for comfortable use. It should have a rubber finish and a soft over-mold to have a better hold over the tool. The dimensions should also be small or large enough to fit in your hand perfectly, and the best way to ensure the perfect grip for your hand is by practically trying one.
Some models also offer a removable front handle, which is a really nice addition, and it improves the functionality of the tool.

Dust Collection System :

Most random orbital sanders come with some type of dust-collecting system because the sanding produces a lot of dust. If this dust is not collected, you will need to clean your workspace after finishing every small to a big job, and the dust is also dangerous for your health.

Few of them will feature a canister, while some models come with a dust bag to collect the removed dust. If the tool is letting you connect a shop vacuum properly, then that is the best option.

If the tool comes with an adapter, then ascertain that it can fit on the standard shop vacuum nozzle.

FAQs

Q. Do I need a random orbit sander?

You don’t need it if you want to do a large polishing job with only sandpaper.

But if you have one, then it makes your work a lot easier. You can use it to remove the extra amount of stock, and you can also use it for big jobs such as refinishing a wood floor, removing the paint from the wall, and on smaller jobs like refurbishing an ancient table.

Q. How does a random orbital sander work?

People use random orbital sander because of its unique working, which doesn’t leave any swirl marks.

It spins the disk while synchronously moving the sanding disk in an elliptical motion. This kind of motion is the main reason for swirl-free polishing because the same part will not move over the same surface. Here, the direction of the grain won’t become an issue. You can move it with the palm on the top of the tool.

Q. How do you use a random orbital sander to remove paint?

To remove the paint from any surface with the help of the random orbital sander, the main process to consider is the motion of the random orbital sander to properly scrap the main and make sure that there are no swirl marks due to movement.

You can use different discs for paint removal, depending on the material you are working on. We will suggest that you use 60-grit sandpaper for this task.

You should go through these steps for favorable results.

• Identify the base from where you are going to remove the paint.
• Make the surface suitable for efficient use of a random orbital sander on it.
• Before starting the work, prepare the surroundings.
• Start removing paint with proper movement of the tool.

Q. How fast should a random orbital sander spin?

Random orbital sander doesn’t have that usual rotating process like every other tool. It is specially designed to oscillate in a random fashion giving a non-repeating motion and a swirl-free surface.

A proper and correct speed for a tool should be 1-inch per second. At first, it will feel slow, but by keeping it slow, the machine will have enough time to do its work properly. And you will soon realize that contrary to the slow speed, you will actually spend less time sanding the workpiece.

Q. Why does my Sander leave swirl marks?

Random orbital sanders generally don’t leave swirl marks due to their rotating mechanism, but if there are swirl marks, then it may be the result of something that may have got stuck in the sandpaper. It can be anything, and it can also be a larger bit of dust. Besides, move the sander at a moderate pace because fast speed can cause noticeable swirl marks.

Q. How to select the sanding paper for the random orbital sander?

The sanding pads are available in different grades; it ranges from 60 to 240. The selection of the pad depends on the coarseness of the material. If the project is on a rough surface, then go for the coarse pad. To do a smoother finish, a fine-grained pad is for that purpose. The lower-grade sanding pads are coarse, while the higher-grade pads are fine-grained.

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