Posted on Dec 11, 2016
What should I look for when buying a random orbital sander?
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I'm about to buy a random orbital sander to use for some basic furniture making. Anything I should look for specially when buying one? I think I have it narrowed down to a couple models from Bosch and Makita. The Makita model has variable speeds, which brings the price up a bit. The Bosch is only one speed, slightly less expensive, and lighter. For finishing work are variable speeds necessary?
Woodworking
Tools
Hobbies
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 10
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I'm a bit biased, but I prefer the Dewalt. I was in a scroll saw club, we had many discussions about different equipment and the Dewalt is what I bought.
Variable speed, easy cleanup, and the weight is about right. But I've also got large hands.
Variable speed, easy cleanup, and the weight is about right. But I've also got large hands.
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CPT (Join to see)
Do you know what model you have? Might look into it. I went with Dewalt for my circular saw and it seems like a good piece of equipment.
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SSgt (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) - I have a DeWalt D26451 orbital. It is not variable speed, and I havent put much use on this particular unit yet, but the price was right; and I've been quite happy with the quality DeWalt has been turning out in the last few years.
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Maj John Bell
In 2002, DeWalt ceased all tool manufacturing in the USA and moved manufacturing to China, Mexico, Thailand, Japan and Korea. In 2004, Black and Decker bought rival power tool manufacturer Porter-Cable and combined it with DeWalt in Jackson, Tennessee. I strongly favored DeWalt tools prior to 2002 but a series of replacement purchases turned me into a Ported Cable fan. Then I went through the same thing with Porter Cable after 2004.
In 2013, DeWalt issued a press release stating it would be bringing some assembly of a small selection of their products to US using globally manufactured parts from Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, the UK, and the US. The products assembled in the US would be branded under the label, "Built in the USA with global materials." My approach may be unfounded but "fool me once..."
In 2013, DeWalt issued a press release stating it would be bringing some assembly of a small selection of their products to US using globally manufactured parts from Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, the UK, and the US. The products assembled in the US would be branded under the label, "Built in the USA with global materials." My approach may be unfounded but "fool me once..."
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I have never used a random orbital sander with variable speed. I have also never thought, "boy, I wish this had variable speed." I can't say that it wouldn't be useful, but I can say, I don't know why or when. You control how much wood is removed by changing pressure and sandpaper grit. I would definitely skip the variable speed.
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