When it comes to working with wood and undertaking any personal or client-based wood working project, there’s not too much that’s more important than a good orbital sander.
These tools are the make or break when it comes to getting the crisp and smooth finish on those projects of yours, and with a tonne of orbital sanders out there, it can be hard to choose one.
At Current, we’ve taken a look over all the best orbital sanders with regards to their speed options, orbit variance as well their motor power options. With all of this in mind, we’re sure you’ll be able to find a random orbital sander for your woodworking this year.
We also made sure to take a look over reviews online with regards to vibration and the design, and whether it’s an easy-to-hold model, or if should consider something else.
With all that said, let’s take a look below at our list of the best random orbital sanders on the market this year.
The ROS20VSC by Bosch
As you’d expect from a brand like Bosch, this orbital sander is one of the most durable and reliable models on the market and from reviews — the finish is outstanding.
The sander is designed to offer up to 15,000 orbits per minute, which means you’re going to get one of the best sanding results by far — at least when compared to a lot of the competition.
There’s a 5-inch disk size here as well as 5-amp motor powering the system, so you’re getting plenty of kick here.
In all, we would stand by the ROS20VSC Random Orbital Sander as the overall winner of the orbital sander competitors in 2021 down to the precise sanding and great, reliable Bosch motor.
Orbits Per Minute — 15,000
Motor Size — 5 amp
Weight — 3.5 lbs
The 575039 by Festool
Earning a high spot on our list for being one of the more heavy duty models, the Festool 575039 sander is your best option when it comes to getting a lot of work done without worrying about reliability.
This model is the one for you if you’re a wood worker who spends quite literally hours sanding down wooden sheets, planks and other timber elements and needs something with a great motor, outstanding orbit numbers and a setting for coarseness.
There are a few special features that come into play here too, such as the dust vacuum and pad changing system, which keeps your worksite clean and also means it’s easier to swap out sanding elements.
To end, this is the model for the heavy-duty users who need the best of the best and are willing to pay a little extra for it.
Orbits Per Minute — Unknown; Very High
Motor Size — 6 amp
Weight — 5 lbs
The BDERO600 by Black & Decker
A little smaller and more affordable than some of the heavy-duty models, the BDERO600 by Black and Decker is our top choice for those who need a ‘right hand man’ so to speak, in their orbital sander.
It’s a great companion for wood workers looking to smooth down their rough timber patches that might crop up when things get a little complicated in a design. It’s a nicely designed and rather small handheld model, and that means you’re going to be able to use this random orbital sander for a little longer than most as it’s easy to hold on to.
You’re getting a paddle switch here as well, which means its both safe and easy to switch the sander off and on. Plus, the smaller 5-inch size and lower three pound weight means you can easily pull it in and out of drawers and store it easily.
A whopping 14,000 orbits per minute comes out of this sander, which means you’re not giving up any power for the portability — great for taking the machine to work sites or manoeuvring it around the home.
Orbits Per Minute — 14,000
Motor Size — 2.4 amp
Weight — 3 lbs
The DCW210B by DeWalt
Like other well-built and reputable-brand orbital sanders, the DeWalt DCW210B comes through with a model that’s been designed to last, and does well for those who need an orbital sander for big projects.
As we’re sure you’ll already know, some smaller products can overheat or burnout after exceedingly prolonged use, however, the DeWalt model combats this with a great internal design and a well-ventilated motor system.
In all, we would choose this model of sander if you’re looking for a machine that you can depend upon for near-constant sanding throughout the day. It will work to increase your efficiency and quality of output and also keep vibrations to a minimum so you’re at lesser risk for vibration-associated health issues.
Orbits Per Minute — 12,000
Motor Size — 20 Volt
Weight — 2.5 lbs
The BO5041K Kit by Makita
Coming from one of the most reputable and durable brands out there, the BO5041K from Makita is one of the top random-orbit sanders landing on our list thanks to its focus on being dynamic and versatile.
It doesn’t only offer a tonne of speed selections for you to make good use of, but there are different configurations to choose from too. If you’re looking to change your grip or get a handle on sanding a specific piece of timber and are having trouble doing so, the versatility will come in handy here.
There’s dust collection built in here too, which means you’re getting an easier cleanup than some of the other models on our list.
One final thing to note is you’re able to adjust the speed settings to get the most precise sanded finish that you’re looking for. Without a single pre-set speed, you get far greater control from 4,000 through to 12,000 orbits.
Orbits Per Minute — 4,000 to 12,000
Motor Size — 3 amp
Weight — 3.09 lbs
The 382 Orbital Sander by PORTER-CABLE
One orbit sander on our list that isn’t designed to be heavy-duty or a major task killer is the 382 by Porter-Cable.
It is one of the more affordable off-siders on the list though and will get you all set on your finishing touches when it comes to ending a project quite well.
We would suggest this model for those who need a sander for small projects around the home, or buffing out major scrapes or damage from timber that doesn’t require an ultra-precise or professional grade finish.
The motor is still packing a punch with 12,000 orbits per minute, and with the 5-inch disk size there’s still a good orbiter in the 382, it’s just not a punch-packer like the Makita or Bosh.
Orbits Per Minute — 12,000
Motor Size — 1.9 amp
Weight — 3.6 lbs
The GET75-6N by Bosch
Unlike a lot of the other Bosch-branded sanders on our list and on the market in general, this variant is landing on our list for one main reason — incredible versatility.
There are multiple sanding modes on this model that you can make use of for different tasks, which means you’re free to use this one tool for a number of different workflows, reducing the number of tools you’ll need.
For our woodworkers who either DIY or work at a business, this may be the best option for you in that you’ll spend more time working and less time finding a new tool to work with.
There’s an orbit per minute variability here too, which means you’re able to adjust the fineness of sanding and get that look you’re going for.
Orbits Per Minute — 3,100 to 6,650
Motor Size — 6.5 amp
Weight — 5.3 lbs
The ROS65VC-6 by Bosch
Coming in at the eighth spot, the ROS65VC-6 by Bosch is our orbital sander that we’d suggest for our furniture woodworker readers.
As it’s a Bosch, there’s no surprise that it’s a sturdy, reliable and durable random orbital sander that’s not going to show too many signs of wear and tear down the line. You’ll be able to use this model day in and day out without worry, and with design that focuses heavily on long-term use, you’ll be able to use the ROS65VC-6 non-stop with little discomfort.
There’s even a system integrated into the internals of the sander that explicitly works on vibration reduction, which means you’re not going to get those overly painful jitters in the hands after a while.
To end, there is an adaptable motor here, which means you’re free to change the rotation frequency as you wish, to get a finish that looks as close to what you have in mind.
Orbits Per Minute — 5,500 to 12,000
Motor Size — 3.3 amp
Weight — 5.3 lbs
SKIL The SR211601 by SKIL
To end our list, we have an honourable mention in the SKIL SR211601 orbital sander that offers a great, low-price product for those who just need a little help around the home.
There’s a five-inch disk size here as well as a motor that reaches orbits all the way up to 13,000 so you’re well-covered when it comes to getting a precise and smooth finish on any of the timber products you’re working on.
It’s good to keep in mind that there isn’t a tonne of versatility here though, which means you’re not going to be able to use this sander for more than one type of task.
Orbits Per Minute — 13,000
Motor Size — 2.8 amp
Weight — 4 lbs
A Few Things to Note About Orbital Sanders
To kick things off, the first thing you’ll need to make sure of when buying a random orbital sander is that there are two types of variants to choose from; the heavy-duty and the at-home models.
The heavy-duty models are designed for near-constant use during the work day and have special features to make their use a little more comfortable for woodworkers. You’ll be able to hang on to these models for long periods with reduced vibration and more comfort — getting more work done and wasting as little time as possible.
The at-home models are generally more affordable and the option for smaller projects and little DIY projects. Of course, these are still a great choice for most of us, though they’re not designed to be as comfortable or as long-lasting as the more commercial-grade models.
In all, be sure to take a look at our reviews above and determine if you’re looking for a heavy-duty model or just a short-use at-home variant.
Conclusion
To end, all of the random orbital sanders on our list are some of the best in the industry and have been designed with both safety and comfort in mind.
You’re going to get a lot out of any of these models, and Current stands by all of these options. Just be sure to choose a tool based on how you’ll be using it and whether you need variable orbit speeds, a comfortable grip and a dust catcher integrated into the machine itself.
With a couple of those points of the way, you’ll be well on the way to getting those beautiful, well-sanded cupboards and timber furniture pieces.
And there you have it!
All of the bed random orbital sanders in 2021 from your friends at Current! Be sure to check back on our website for some more information and any updates on new models and products that make their way to the market.
Happy woodworking!
