Thread: Random Orbital Sanders

I'm surprised no one's mentioned Milwaukee. I've owned a Ryobi and Makita and the Makita is a more than adequate choice but I've just changed platforms to Milwaukee and in general found their products are slightly higher in quality to Makita including their sanders and a little more expensive but no where near the obscene prices of Festool. In terms of price there is definitely a point of diminishing returns. I think all the mid priced sanders eg Bosch blue, Makita, Dewalt, Milwaukee are all fine. Look for things like dust control, weight, feel, speed control, on/off switch etc.

I’ve used the metabo for 15 years or so and I shows zero signs of slowing down or wearing out. I’d quite like to upgrade to a mirka or festool but can’t justify if my current sander works well.

It’s a great sander - I’ve cleaned up slabs with 40 grit on the turbo function no problems. And finished resin with 600 grit only minutes later. Tremendous, robust sander. But heavy, and hard to use one handed.

If I was to buy now, I’d get a mirka. But 15 years ago, the metabo was the right price and a great sander.

Trav

Originally Posted by Trav

I’ve used the metabo for 15 years or so ...

Which one?

I own the Makita and it’s fine; I would have liked it to be a bit heavier but it does the job.

Regarding Milwaukee; really good tools right up to the moment something wears out and needs replacing. My POS13 sander needed a new plattern as the rubber had become delaminated due to age; I bought a brand new Makita 1/3 sheet sander for less than the cost of the Milwaukee spare part. Difference in performance? Milkwaukee was better... but not by very much.

I stick with the Blue brand. My small square Blue finish sander is 30 years old. Replacement of the felt pad was easy. I recently purchased a new Blue half sheet sander with the dust bag and its motor is great.