Best Random Orbital Sander for Woodworking – With Reviews 2024

The Black and Decker BDERO100 random orbit sander is really inexpensive but still manages to perform as well as other sanders that cost a lot more. It’s a small, compact size that makes it easy to use. Its size also puts it closer to the wood surface, making it a little easier to control the pressure you’re applying when using it.

It’s cordless, which is somewhat of a unique trait among other sanders we reviewed for this list. Again, we have to mention the price because it’s exceptionally affordable. If you find yourself needed a random orbital sander for a one time job or project and don’t want to invest in something you won’t use when it’s over, this is one to look into.

Maybe you aren’t sure if you need a random orbital sander and you want to try one out before investing in a higher end model, this is a good sander to start with. You’ll get an appreciation for the tool while also being budget friendly.

Some users reported this sander didn’t last beyond a few months and complained that some of the screws had loosened up over time. That said, it does come with a 2-year warranty to cover major things if they go wrong.

This DeWalt DW6423K sander is really powerful while also being short and compact. This keeps it close to the surface you’re working on to help with control and maintain even contact. It also comes with a convenient dust bag and carrying bag.

What makes this 5-inch orbital sander unique is the short height and over mold. It’s not only easier to control, it’s more comfortable to use so you can work for longer stretches of time. It’s generally very user-friendly and a great choice for someone new to woodworking.

The DeWalt DWE6423K random orbital sander is in the midrange as far as price goes. It’s highly rated and performs well. One of the things that make it a great buy is the 3-year warranty. DeWalt is one of the few brands we reviewed with a warranty that long.

Some users complain about the dust collection system. The one it comes with performs well, but anyone wishing to attach a shop vacuum hose might find it a little difficult. There’s no easy way to do it and it has taken some ingenuity on the part of users to get it to work.

The Makita BO5041K is the best orbital sander of the ones that we reviewed. It has a range of speeds and a great ergonomic grip that makes it easy and comfortable to use. The front handle makes it easier to maneuver into smaller spaces and some corners. Plus, changing the sanding pad it straightforward. If you are going to be sanding in hard to reach corners, then you will be better off looking at our best detail sander reviews.

The front handle is something that is really unique about this sander because it makes it a little easy to handle. This helps maintain even movement and pressure which makes for a smoother, more even finish.

For a sander with the quality and performance of the Makita BO5041K, it’s well worth the modest price you’ll pay for it. There are a lot of sanders that are much more expensive that might not perform as well.

Some users report problems with dust collection, either it isn’t working like it should be or it’s difficult to find a vacuum hose that fits the port properly. Despite that, this Makita random orbital sander is very highly rated and a great random orbital sander to consider.

The DeWalt DWE6421K is the best value of all the sanders we reviewed. If you’re looking for something with high performance that is also an affordable price, this one is worth checking out. It has a compact, solid construction while still being relatively lightweight. The textured body gives it a nice grip, making it easy to control hold on to.

One thing that sticks out about this sander is that people who have used it seem pleasantly surprised with its dust collection system. From all the reviews on this list, a lot of people have trouble finding a sander with an adequate dust collection system. Users of the DeWalt DWE6421K seem happy with it.

While this isn’t the least expensive choice on our list, it’s our best value because its performance is so good for what you’ll pay for it. It’s more durable than some of the less expensive options while still fitting within your budget.

There really aren’t many user complaints about this sander. One drawback is that its single speed, so it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for something to use on multiple large projects.

The Bosch 3727DEVS is one of the few 6-inch sanders that we’re reviewing. While a difference of one inch between this and the 5-inch sanders might not seem like a lot, the larger surface area does make jobs go a little faster and look a little smoother. This is because less movement is required to cover the same area, which makes each pass of the sander look more uniform.

A unique feature about this sander is that there are two modes. Regular, which you would use for normal sanding and finishing. But there’s also turbo mode, which moves at five times the regular rate for when you need to sand through coarser or more heavy-duty items.

This sander is the priciest one that we reviewed, but it has the power and features to justify the price. The different modes alone make it more useful than some other sanders. Plus its powerful motor and range in speed make it effective on a variety of jobs, including heavier jobs that the other sanders we reviewed might not be able to hand as well.

There are few user complaints about this sander, but one that came up a few times was about how heavy it is. It outweighs the others on this list by about two pounds but, again, it’s a durable tool that can do a lot of work. In fact, a few users even said that it was too powerful, but that really depends on what job it’s being used for.

This Bosch ROS20VSC orbital sander has a small compact design that makes it great for beginners and easy to get into smaller spaces and corners. It also comes complete with a sanding pad, dust canister, vacuum hose adapter, sanding disc, dampening ring, and a carrying case.

What’s great about this orbital sander is the dust collection system has a microfilter, so it stops even the tiniest particles of dust from being spread around. Anyone will benefit from this, but for people with allergies or breathing problems such as asthma, this is a feature that can really make woodworking more enjoyable.

This sander also comes at an exceptionally fair price considering how well it’s rated. There aren’t many major complaints from users about its performance.

Users have had some minor complaints about this sander, including that it’s difficult to get the discs on straight. While it is a small sander, it’s a little on the heavy side but that is something that is personal preference. Some people might like a tool that feels like it has some weight behind it, some might not.

The Porter-Cable 382 sander has controllable pad speeds that help start smoothly and avoid gouging the surface. It has a completely sealed ball-bearing construction to make it durable and sturdy so it can keep going job after job.

While this sander doesn’t have many extra features, it’s a durable, reliable option for anyone looking for something to have for DIY jobs. It fits in the hand well and is very easy to use and control. It’s a great basic sander that will give a nice smooth finish on most wood projects.

This sander is inexpensive but still reliable. Its motor isn’t very powerful so it’s good for small jobs and projects. If you’re looking for something basic, this is one you should strongly consider. For a professional or for someone who wants a tool to use every day, this one probably won’t hold up very well.

Some users have said that they’re disappointed in the power this sander delivers, but the motor is only 1.9 AMP and lower power is to be expected. There are also a few user complaints that the switch is a little hard to use.