Thread: Which Random Orbital Sander

I've got a metabo. I don't think it is in that price range, but it is good, esp when hooked up to a vac. It has a function that gives a more aggressive cut if you need to get through some pretty rough stuff.

Look at the disc size (125mm, 150mm, etc) and the cost of replacement discs. The sandpaper man is a forum sponsor.

Trav

The Bosch GEX 125-150 has been getting very favourable reviews (I don't have one, but I think Doctorbobski might - you could try sending him a PM). There are a few other Bosch sanders that are a little cheaper, and closer to your budget.

HTH
Brett

With $150 you can't really get a decent one. Spend a bit more now means you don’t have to worry about it again. I bought my Metabo 8 years ago for around $220 and it is still going strong. Again it depends how much you are planning to use it.

I have a Metabo also.

If you are able to add a little cash yourself to upgrade I am sure will not regret it.

The problem with a $150 ROS is that it will be a bit of a raffle as far as vibration is concerned.

Vibration is very important when using an ROS as more than most other power tool you need to hang onto it for more than a couple of minutes. Some are OK out of the box while others may even seem OK for a few minutes but use them for a bit longer and they will serious numb your hands. Some may even start out OK even for long term use but over time or after being knocked or dropped they can go out of whack. Even within the one brand there is going to be a wide variation in the short and long term vibe action so one cannot make a decision based on a single recommendation.

My Ozito does a good job but after using it for about 10 minutes my hands start to go numb. I still use it but with a pair of gel filled anti vibration gloves that I bought for chain saw use - BTW the gel filled gloves cost twice that of the ROS. My mates Ryobi is terrible but my brothers Ryobi is almost as good as my Festool. Mind you I recently used a new Festool that was very ordinary but the owner knew no different.

Without doing a serious statistical long term study it would be impossible to say which budget brand is better. I remember when Panasonic optical products were a bit like that in the 1970s when I was looking around for a good slide projector. I took a test slide to the photo store and tested half a dozen projector lenses out. The range in image quality was quite significant so it was worth doing this.

I've had two ROSs. The first was a 1/3 sheet B&D. Shat itself just outt of warranty.

Second is a Bosch PEX. Pad that holds the sanding sheets keeps flying off. It's about as useful as a hernia.

Does it mean you need to buy a third one?

Originally Posted by artme

I've had two ROSs. The first was a 1/3 sheet B&D. Shat itself just outt of warranty.

Second is a Bosch PEX. Pad that holds the sanding sheets keeps flying off. It's about as useful as a hernia.

Hi Artme,

1/3 sheet ROS? Sure it wasn't just an orbital??

The Bosch Blue series are far superior to the Green series. They're designed to do real work.

Originally Posted by FenceFurniture

The Bosch GEX 125-150 has been getting very favourable reviews (I don't have one, but I think Doctorbobski might - you could try sending him a PM). There are a few other Bosch sanders that are a little cheaper, and closer to your budget.

HTH
Brett

Alas I haven't bought this yet but it is still on my wish list. Brett keeps tempting me with Liogier rasps and Harold and Saxon Chisels so this purchase was put on the back burner. For $90 bucks more than your budget you get a Bosch blue series with both a 5 and 6 inch pad. Fine Woodworking reviewed it a few issues back (called a ROS65VCL in the states and goes for $230 to $300 depending on kit). Here's a excerpt.

The sander is a bit heavy and tall, so for maximum control use two hands. But no worries, the lack of vibration means your hands won’t be numb afterward.

and

All in all, this sander is comparable in performance to the Best Overall in FWW #202 (Festool ETS 150/3 EQ).

For $239 in Aus I reckon it's a bargain! When I get my hands on one I'll post a review (mid next year hopefully!)

I too am getting a ROS for Xmas.

i have done a bit of research and the Bosch Blue seems to score very well. I love all of my Bosch blue tools so am very partial towards them.
Tomorrow the wife is picking up the Bosch GEX 125-150 AVE for me for Xmas - big surprise

it is $230 from Sydney tools so a little more then you want to spend however I think. The few extras dollars will be worth it

I went out today and did some window shopping in the morning and later on this afternoon.

Although my present budget seems to have dropped over night to $100, I was impressed today with the Bosch GEX125-150AVE so I am going to have to look between the cushions on the couch and do a little bargaining.

Also spoke to a Bosch Rep who was doing a demo, the green models only and he spoke very highly of it and recons the green range sanders have nothing on the Bosch GEX125-150AVE.

Yep, I got the Bosch GEX 125/150 AVE a couple of months ago and I can highly recommend it.


SB

If I did not have a Festool then I would get a Metabo. From memory, the 125mm is about $250 and another $100 for their 150mm ROS. This is one tool where I think quality is worth paying for.

If the budget won't quite stretch far enough then the Bosch works quite well, but not in the Festool or Metabo class.

Fair Winds

Graeme

Are you almost needing 2 sanders? One with a 5mm stroke to remove material and one with a 1.5mm stroke for finishing?

In an idea world I guess yes.