Best Orbital Sander

When you want to obtain a smooth, clean finish with an equally immaculate workspace environment, then we would recommend DEWALT D26451K Corded 3 Amp Orbit Sander, which comes with a highly practical dust bag. This best orbital sander has a neat design and functionality that make application easy to control. You can use it for longer periods of time without having to worry about bruising your hand as the unit has a pretty balanced weight as well as vibration capacity.

Top Pick: DEWALT D26451K Corded 3 Amp Orbit Sander

The DEWALT D26451K has a strong, sturdy construction enhanced with a 3 Amp motor and dust-collection cloth bag. This best orbital sander worked exceptionally well with 120 as well as 220 grit sandpaper. It goes with the grain, across the grain, and any other way you want. And this particular characteristic proved to be highly advantageous when our testers wanted to obtain more flexibility with the unit. It has a phenomenal Controlled Finishing System that eliminates the possibility of scraping the work material once the machine is turned on. You don’t have to obsess over using the perfect kind of grit sandpaper in order to control efficiency as the DEWALT D26451K is well equipped with sanding disks that are designed to be switched instantly yet smoothly.

The best products always face a stiff competition by more expensive and upgraded products, as has been proven by the Festool 571810 RO 150 FEQ Rotex Sander. Don’t judge this best orbital sander’s efficiency based on its hefty design. We tested the Festool 571810 only to find that it offers the strongest balance and the most uncomplicated control system. Its remarkable enclosed gear system eliminates the possibility of dirt and other foreign objects seeping into the gearing and bearing unit, which ensures durability. Upon putting this best orbital sander to use, we realized how powerful its 6 Amp motor is in performing demanding as well as finer sanding tasks. Also, unlike other best orbital sanders, this one has a soft start so it doesn’t jerk your arm. The most striking feature is the FastFix Pad that provided us with the tool-less opportunity to alter progression between pads. Another great characteristic is this best orbit sander’s dual mode option that allowed us to easily select the aggressive mode for a very quick ejection of material, instead of always having to reach for the belt sander. The list of special features seems never-ending with this high-priced best orbital sander.

A more comprehensive type, the Black & Decker BDERO100 Random Orbit Sander is ranked as one of the best orbital sanders on our list, even though it is priced comparatively lower than the rest. This economically best orbital sander is a phenomenal corded electrical tool that does the job of discharging plenty amount of stock very quickly and that too with an impeccable finish. This best orbital sander has a pretty unique hook and loop system, which is great as it contributes to making speedy and accessible changes. To add durability to the whole experience, this best orbital sander comes with a dust sealed switch so no amount of dirt will be able to enter the switch. We tested the Black & Decker BDERO100 with Bosch sandpapers as well as Black & Decker orbital sandpapers and were quite impressed with the way the simple hook and loop system worked with both the sandpapers. So if you’re looking for the best orbital sander to work with curved surfaces, Black & Decker BDERO100 might be the perfect product to begin with, given its affordability.

What is an orbital sander and why do you need it?

Any professional woodworker or carpenter will be able to explain the true meaning of an orbital sander. It is simply a useful tool created to even out the surface of a piece of furniture that has just been constructed or to remove a particular finish from a poorly constructed or old product. The best orbital sanders on the market are the ones that are very easy to use, despite their heavy-duty functionalities. So if you’re looking for a handy device to add some flawless finishing touches to your newly built furniture or if you want to make some finishing changes to the existing furniture, then buying the best orbital sander for such purposes is essential.

Features to consider in the best orbital sander

Paper Change
Upon reviewing many best orbital sanders, we have realized the importance of this feature. While it is necessary to ensure that you’re buying best of the best orbital sanders on the market, it will provide no real value if the unit doesn’t offer speedy and easy sandpaper changes. The only way to achieve this is to buy the best orbital sander that is furnished with the hook and loop method, which makes operation easy to control by providing accessible and fast sandpaper changes.

Variable Speed
Now this feature is a tad tricky. You may find many best orbital sanders on the market, the exceptionally phenomenal ones too, that do not support variable speed. So that does not mean you completely dismiss them as worthless. Whether or not you should buy the best orbital sander with variable speed only depends on your budget because the best variable speed orbital sanders are comparatively costlier. Slower speed orbital sanders also have the ability to perform the job of producing a smooth, silky finish as efficiently as variable speed orbital sanders. It’s only when you want to enjoy added control, opting for variable speed might be a better choice for you.

Dust Sealed Switch
It goes without saying that the amount of sawdust produced from the process of sanding can prove to be troublesome as this dust tends to enter the switch, which can hinder its performance. So it is extremely important to take this feature into consideration while buying the best orbital sander. A dust sealed switch prevents such a tragedy from taking place, making your unit as durable as it is efficient.

Portability
We don’t remember the last time we created a list without this particular characteristic, which shows just how important and absolutely necessary it is as far as such handy tools are concerned. Most of the best orbital sanders come with a case that makes carrying the unit from one place to another easier and more convenient. Also, it helps in keeping the unit in good shape and condition, which in turn, increases the sanders’ lifespan.

Pad Brakes
Gouging takes place when, after the orbital sander coming in contact with the work material, is lifted back up again only to cause heavy notching. This particular scenario is called gouging and it is a very common problem faced by many operators who don’t use the best orbital sanders on the market that are armed with highly useful pad brakes. So remember to purchase the best orbital sander that is well-equipped with pad brakes so as to prevent the slightest possibility of gouging.

Our best pick: DEWALT D26451K Corded 3 Amp Orbit Sander

Top Pick: DEWALT D26451K Corded 3 Amp Orbit Sander
Our top pick for the best orbital sander, the DEWALT D26451K Corded 3 Amp Orbit Sander, is not only one of the most popular models on the market, but also one that has been vigorously tested by our research team where it emerged as the only best option to consider when you’re looking for the perfect high performance with moderate price combination. This best orbital sander is built to stand the test of time, despite its not-too-heavy and compact construction. We tested the unit with 5-inch, 8-hole hook, and loop abrasive sandpapers. This best orbital sander comes with a useful cloth bag so the dust collection process was comparatively easier, more convenient, and less messy. With the textured anti-slip top and body grip, attaining a better hold on the unit was not a problem at all.
We carried out tests that required us to use this best orbital sander to remove heavy-textured paint from plaster walls over a significantly long period of time. With heavy grit paper and a continuous operation of more than 30 hours per week for over 3 months, this best orbital sander seemed to have taken an oath to perform 100% flawlessly. You will also be surprised to know that the DEWALT D26451K has the capacity to run under heavy cyclic loading for at least 5 hours without causing any kind of trouble. So if you’re looking for the best orbital sander to perform normal sanding tasks most efficiently, then the DEWALT D26451K might be an ideal choice for you.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The DEWALT D26451K Corded 3 Amp Orbit Sander is a phenomenal unit but it is not impeccable. There are certain drawbacks that we did not quite appreciate and would have admired this best orbital sander, even more, had these flaws not existed. Upon reviewing, the DEWALT D26451K proved to be one of the most versatile units on our list, but, nevertheless, it is not built to support variable speed and heavy-duty operations. So if you’re looking to buy the best orbital sander with variable speed or if you want the unit to carry out some extremely heavy sanding, then this might not be the best choice.
As a consumer, one tends to carefully go through the many features and characteristics before buying any such tool. And when you do that before buying this best orbital sander, you will be well aware of the absence of functionalities for variable speed and heavy-duty applications, so there will be no room for disappointment when you actually use the product. To sum it up, the DEWALT D26451K may be a basic tool but it is powerful enough and offers an excellent quality for the money.

Our upgraded pick: Festool 571810 RO 150 FEQ Rotex Sander

Festool 571810 RO 150 FEQ Rotex Sander
It goes without saying that the comparatively higher priced models have comparatively higher number of special features that make our huge investment seem like a completely logical decision. And this has been confirmed with the Festool 571810 RO 150 FEQ Rotex Sander. Not only is this one of the best orbital sanders on the market, but it’s also the most reliable dual-mode units we’ve tested so far. It is well equipped with an enclosed gear unit, MMC (Multiple Material Control) electronics, front edge protector, and stick-fix standing pad. Each of these features was tested in the most extensive manner and none of them failed to surprise us with their effectiveness. This best orbital sander is supplied with a Jet Stream pad, which is great when you want to forcefully cool the sanding pad that, otherwise, can lead to forming particle clusters and eventually melting the pad.
Our team of testers was well aware of this best orbital sanders’ reputation of being able to perform heavy-duty tasks as efficiently as the downsized ones. So we thought it best to test this particular quality. And the results were quite impressive. The Festool 571810 has a gear-driven mode that enabled us to achieve such high-quality results along with its MMC electronics that provided an additional automatic power boost to the motor in order to perform flawlessly even at low RPM. We simply loved the MMC electronics as it also allowed the machine to turn off the power mode automatically when overburdened. The only way you can truly know appreciate this best orbital sander is by putting it to use yourself, no matter how expensive you think it is. It won’t fail to surprise you.

Our affordable pick: Black & Decker BDERO100 Random Orbit Sander

Black & Decker BDERO100 Random Orbit Sander
Our team of testers was quite excited to test the Black & Decker BDERO100 Random Orbit Sander due to its low-cost and standing on the market. Upon testing, this totally affordable best orbital sander was able to sand down all the kitchen units that were ready for repainting, which required the machine to run for at least 7-8 hours per day. We made use of both 120 and 200 grit sandpaper with the latter getting the job done a tad quicker than the former. The prominent hook and loop system is perfect for those who tend to change paper more frequently. Paper can be switched in less than 5 seconds, so no more wasting time due to various catches and securing structures.
Another great feature is the dust sealed switch. We personally really liked this particular quality as we have spent more time than you can imagine removing dust found in the best orbital sanders, which eventually leads to poor durability. The only problematic component for us was the circular face of the unit, which created comparatively harder enclosed corners. But that’s all right because this best orbital sander is, by far, the fastest and most accurate machine we have ever tested. So apart from the many other benefits, the fact that you can achieve a high removal rate with a quality finish plays a significant role in establishing a distinguished reputation of this best orbital sander as the only reasonably priced model on the market.

The runner-up: Bosch ROS20VSK Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander

Bosch ROS20VSK Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander
Giving our best pick some really tough competition is the Bosch ROS20VSK Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander. When we read that this best orbital sander is actively used by carpenters, cabinet makers, and professional woodworkers, we had to test its authenticity. And only after putting this best orbital sander to various stress tests, did we come to a conclusion that it is undoubtedly the second best option on the market. The Bosch ROS20VSK produces no amounts of swirls due to its remarkable integral pad dampening system. Upon consistent usage, we found the soft microcellular backing pad highly effective in providing immaculately finished results, even on flat and molded surfaces. We used this best orbital sander to remove old wallpaper glue and accomplished that quite effectively with 80 grit sandpaper. In fact, our testers used 220 grit to work on the frayed fiber tape sealing that was found around the corners as well. The kind of finish that we obtained with this best orbital sander was unbeatable. With a smooth start-up and outstanding movement, the Bosch ROS20VSK not only offers the best price tag but also the best lifetime value.

Best orbital sander for woodworking

Ridgid R2611 Sander
The most preferred orbital sander among professional woodworkers is the Ridgid R2611 Sander. Upon thoroughly testing this best orbital sander, we were quite pleased with its performance. We used it continuously for 10 hours straight to sand the paint off an old car. It operates very smoothly and is well supplied with plentiful power to carry out small-scale as well as heavy-duty operations. With dual random orbit settings, you can achieve a finer finish even when working with an aggressive material. Like most best orbital sanders on the market, this one too has a soft start feature combined with an integrated pad brake control, which as mentioned earlier is essential to eliminate the possibility of gouging. In order to provide an improved sanding efficiency, Ridgid thought it best to install the Micro Fiber hook and loop pad. And to top it off, stock removal was comparatively faster in this particular best orbital sander for woodworking. So you not only get a genuinely reasonable price but also a genuinely reasonable working mechanism.

DEWALT D26453K 3 Amp Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander
Our research team has tested more DEWALT tools than you can imagine and have never been disappointed even once with any of its machines, especially not the DEWALT D26453K 3 Amp Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander. This best orbital sander for woodworking belongs to the category of one of those creations that are built to serve its sole purpose quite efficiently. We tested the DEWALT D26453K for its exceptional and hard-to-find variable speed feature by using it to perform drywall sanding and we were quite fascinated with the way it worked. Even though the variable speed-equipped motor is comparatively louder than the other models, it didn’t cause a nuisance while running. This best orbital sander is easy to control with a highly useful and small dust bag, which you can easily detach in order to fix up your own vacuum cleaner while performing more extensive tasks. The dust sealed switch, hard-shell case, and soft, comfortable grip along with the low cost are some additional talking points of this best orbital sander.

Hitachi SV13YA Variable Speed Random Orbit Finishing Sander
The Hitachi SV13YA Variable Speed Random Orbit Finishing Sander faired pretty well on our tests with a super aggressive working capability, easy to fix quality, smooth and quiet operation, and a lightweight design. This best orbital sander for woodworking offers the softest and most fitting grip, which is great if you have smaller hands. Supplied with a functional dust bag and hard-shell carrying case, this best orbital sander outperforms other units in the same price range. We tested the Hitachi SV13YA only to find that it has the capacity to remove a score of material in less than 30 seconds. You can’t use this best orbital sander to perform fine detail tasks, but if you’re looking for a reliable, smooth-running sander that’s not too costly and will perform all the basic tasks quite effectively, then this best orbital sander for woodworking might be an ideal choice for you.

Best orbital sander for metal

Bosch ROS20VSC Random Orbit Sander
We can give you many reasons to pick the Bosch ROS20VSC Random Orbit Sander as the best orbital sander for metal undertakings. The motor is designed to provide a great finish while the micro filter works quite efficiently in collecting sawdust. We were able to easily connect a separate dust collection vacuum system to the sander. Upon reviewing this best orbital sander, we realized how silently the unit works. If you’re the kind of person that gives comfort more importance than anything else, then you will be glad to know that this best orbital sander has a pretty soft and comfortable hand grip. After reviewing both units of Bosch, this Bosch ROS20VSC and the runner-up pick, Bosch ROS20VSK, we had to come to terms with the fact that they are both identical when it comes to performance and features. Only the price and purpose differ, the former being comparatively cheaper and more appropriate for metal than the latter.

Makita 9903 8.8 Amp Variable Speed Belt Sander
Another best orbital sander for metal is the Makita 9903 8.8 Amp Variable Speed Belt Sander. Two benefits are mentioned in the title itself; 8.8 Amp and variable speed. So we immediately put these two features to test and were quite impressed with the results. Despite being used for heavy-duty metal applications, this best orbital sander is the quietest model found in this particular price range, which is relatively higher than the other units on our list. It has an auto-tracking feature, which is great as it helps in adjusting the belt quite effectively. We used this best orbital sander for various kinds of small and large-scale tasks in order to test its power and durability. It may be heavier than the rest but that doesn’t seem like such a bad trait when it comes to balance. With the added advantage provided by variable speed, this best orbital sander has the ability to smoothly switch to faster speeds in order to better sand metal or discard paint and rust. We were able to maintain a much cleaner working environment while using this best orbital sander for metal. Basically, the Makita 9903 is durability combined with quality, sold at a higher but reasonable price.

Ryobi P411 Cordless Random Orbit Sander
If you don’t already know then we would be glad to tell you that Ryobi has a reputation of manufacturing quality tools and selling them at an affordable price, which makes the Ryobi P411 Cordless Random Orbit Sander the most inexpensive unit to perform metal tasks. This best orbital sander for metal is a cordless version and a pretty neat one at that. We were a tad skeptical before testing the Ryobi P411 but once we were done with it, there was not the slightest hint of skepticism left within us. This best orbital sander is constructed quite practically with optimal vibration level and the option of choosing between the top or middle grip in order to provide added comfort. And as far as performance is concerned, the speed, battery placement, and runtime were up-to-the-mark, unlike some other cordless models on the market. You should know that the Ryobi P411 is not designed to be used for sanding all day since it is a cordless model. But we already knew that so this particular flaw wasn’t so hard to digest. You might also like the locking switch and the fact that this best orbital sander for metal has an unbeatable price tag.

Best orbital sander for dust collection

PORTER-CABLE 382 Random Orbit Sander
Dust collection is a very important part of the whole experience of using the best orbital sander. When the dust collection is poor, a lot of mess is created which tends to hinder user experience along with performance. So keeping this in mind, we recommend the phenomenal PORTER-CABLE 382 Random Orbit Sander that offers one of the best dust collection systems combined with a dust sealed switch that prevents dirt and foreign objects from entering the switch, increasing the overall lifespan of the whole product. This best orbital sander has also been tested for power and quality with all types of working materials. It doesn’t give you a high level of vibration, which is great as that leads to a quieter working mechanism. We enjoyed a pretty smooth, non-stop running time with this best orbital sander. You might also like the fact that the unit has a pretty convenient and lightweight design. The common problem that many operators face with some of the best orbital sanders on the market is not found in the PORTER-CABLE 382; the velcro that grips the disks quite securely tends to wear out after a certain period of time, but not in this one. So if you want to obtain a satisfactorily finished project along with an outstanding dust collection system, then this best orbital sander might just be the perfect option for you.

Makita XOB01Z Lithium-Ion Cordless Random Orbit Sander
If there’s any best affordable cordless orbital sander that is as efficient as a corded version, then it is the Makita XOB01Z Lithium-Ion Cordless Random Orbit Sander. With 3 speed settings, this best orbital sander is built to provide efficient sanding, adept dust collection, speedy material removal, and an immaculate finish with absolutely no swirls. When we put the unit to use on slow speed as well as high speed, we achieved best results in 40 and 20 minutes respectively. You will be quite fascinated with how easy this best orbital sander is to use and how silently it operates. Even though the Makita XOB01Z was not equipped with batteries or charger, we managed to easily hook up the machine with quick-charge 18V Lithium-Ion batteries. We got 2 batteries so while we were using one; we had the other charging. That way, we never faced any power issues. You might have to pay a little extra but you won’t regret it once you discover the power and efficiency of this best orbital sander for dust collection.

DEWALT DWE6421K Random Orbit Sander
If you want an inbuilt improved dust collection system in the best orbital sander, then we recommend yet another DEWALT product, the DEWALT DWE6421K Random Orbit Sander. This best orbital sander has a dust collection system like no other. Its dust bag has an ingenious one-hand locking mechanism that faired pretty well on our tests. It was when we put this best orbital sander to use that we discovered how smooth, reliable, and highly efficient its performance really is, and not just for one kind of an application but a variety of them, both heavy-duty as well as scaled-down. This best orbital sander has a rubber over-mold in all vulnerable areas, which is great because this adds comfort to the whole experience. User fatigue is another problem that gets discarded while using this best orbital sander, as the unit is constructed providing a counterweight structure in order to help keep the vibrations to a minimum. So this allowed us to use the unit for longer periods of time without any fatigue. DEWALT products have always provided the best value for money and this best orbital sander for dust collection is no different.

Wrapping it up

The best orbital sanders are essential tools when it comes to adding the perfect finishing touches to wood, metal, or any other surface of your choice. But mostly woodworkers, professionals or simply DIY enthusiasts, make use of such a handy device. So if you’re looking for a sander that will best suit all your purposes while also being the best fit for your budget, then the DEWALT D26451K Corded 3 Amp Orbit Sander might be an excellent choice for you. And now that you have all the information required to make a wise decision, you are ready to take that step further in buying the best orbital sander on the market.