An orbital sander is an essential tool for any woodworker or handyman. It’s a hand-held device that allows you to quickly sand and smoothes down surfaces, leaving your work looking professional and polished. But with so many different orbital sanders on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is the right and best choice for your specific niche.
When it comes to professional orbital sanders, there are two types of orbital sanders for professional orbital sanders regular and random orbital sanders. The main difference is that regular orbital sanders only move in a single direction while random orbital sanders move in a random sequence of oval loops. This results in random orbital sanders giving you a much quicker and smoother finish. There are many other areas where random sanders excel over regular sanders, but that’s another topic.
In this article, we’ll review the five best professional random orbital sanders on the market. So stick around if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line orbital sander. There are many key features that you should look for when choosing one, and here we’ll help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.
Table of Contents
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
  |
1. Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander
|
CHECK PRICE ► |
 |
2. BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander
|
CHECK PRICE ► |
 |
3. Makita XOB01T 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 5″ Random Orbit Sander Kit
|
CHECK PRICE ► |
 |
4. DEWALT 20V MAX* Random Orbit Sander
|
CHECK PRICE ► |
 |
5. Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander
|
CHECK PRICE ► |
Best Professional Orbital Sander Reviews
Following are reviews of five professional orbital sanders that we think are the best on the market for most people. We’ll go over a lot of key factors that you’ll need to consider when choosing an orbital sander and help you select the best one for your individual needs. So, let’s get started!
1. Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander
Specification
| Weight | 3.5 pounds |
| Grit Type | Fine |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Dimensions | 9 x 5 x 6 inches |
| Color | Blue |
Features
- Super Smooth Finish
- Easy Disc attachment
- Variable speed control
- Dust collection
- Lightweight and Compact
- Comfort Grip Handle
- Low vibration operation
Bosch is a well-known and trusted name when it comes to power tools, and the Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander is no exception. This is a high-quality, durable, and powerful orbital sander that’s perfect for both professionals and amateurs alike. It’s comfortable to use and comes with a variety of features that make sanding quick, easy, and efficient.
The Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander has a variable speed dial that allows you to control the speed of the sander from 7,500 to 12,000 orbits per minute, so you can match the speed to the task at hand. It also has a soft-start feature that gradually increases the speed of the sander to avoid sudden starts that could damage your workpiece.
This sander also comes with a dust-collection canister designed to collect up to 80% of the dust created while sanding. The canister has a built-in filter that helps to trap even the smallest particles of dust, and it’s easy to empty when it’s full.
WHAT WE LIKE
The Bosch ROS20VSC Palm Sander is one of the best professional orbital sanders on the market. It’s powerful, durable, and comes with a variety of features that make sanding quick, easy, and efficient. We especially like the dust-collection canister that’s designed to collect up to 80% of the dust created while you’re sanding.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
The only downside to this sander is that it isn’t cordless, which can limit your mobility and cause issues if there isn’t a power outlet nearby.
PROS
- Ultra Smooth Finish
- Easy Disc attachment system
- Variable speed control
- An excellent dust collection system
- Lightweight and Compact
- Comfortable Grip Handle
CONS
- Corded, so you need to be near an outlet and have to maneuver around the cord
2. BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander – Best Budget
Specification
| Weight | 3.16 pounds |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Dimensions | 7 x 5 x 6 inches |
| Color | Black & Red |
Features
- Lightweight and Compact
- Easy disc attachment system
- Dust bag included
- Handy lock-on paddle switch
- Comfort Grip Handle
- Super Smooth Finish
- High Performance
The BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable orbital sander that doesn’t sacrifice quality or power. This sander is lightweight and easy to use, and it comes with a variety of features that make sanding quick, simple, and efficient.
The BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander has a powerful 2 amp motor that provides up to 12,000 orbits per minute, so you can quickly and easily remove material from your workpiece. It also has a dust-collection bag that helps you have a cleaner work area and a longer-lasting sander.
This sander lets you easily change out its sandpaper grits with its hook and loop attachment system. Choose this sander if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable orbital sander.
WHAT WE LIKE
If you’re searching for a low-cost and reliable orbital sander, the BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander is an excellent option. Its smart, compact design allows you to handle the sander with ease, as it fits in tight spaces and corners effortlessly. Its small, lightweight structure also prevents fatigue. Lastly, we appreciate the easy disc paper attachment system that makes changing out sandpaper a breeze.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
The only downside to this sander is that, like the sander mentioned above, this one also needs to be attached to a power outlet as it isn’t cordless. Thus, you’ll need to be mindful of the cord and make sure it doesn’t get in the way.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Easy usage systems
- Dust bag included
- Comfort Grip Handle
- Ultra Smooth Finish
- High Performance
CONS
- Corded, so you’ll need to be near an outlet and have to maneuver around the cord.
3. Makita XOB01T 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 5″ Random Orbit Sander Kit – Premium Choice
Specification
| Weight | 0.16 ounces |
| Voltage | 18 Volts |
| Grit | 120/Medium |
| Dimensions | 8.7 x 21.22 x 8.27 inches |
Features
- Cordless Convenience
- Variable speed control
- Ergonomic design
- Dust bag included
- Smooth finish
- Efficient power management
- Fast charging
- One-touch electronic speed control switch
- Overheat protection
The Makita XOB01T 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 5″ Random Orbit Sander Kit is our premium choice because it’s a cordless sander that provides the performance of a corded sander without the inconvenience of a cord. This sander is also lightweight and easy to use, making it ideal for a variety of sanding applications.
The Makita XOB01T has a powerful 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5. 0Ah battery that provides up to 65% more run time per charge. You may use it for up to 65 minutes on a low-speed setting and 32 minutes on a high-speed setting without recharging it. It offers a variable speed control switch that allows you to select the speed setting between 7000, 9500, and 11000 OPM. This kit, along with the random orbital sander, includes a battery, rapid optimum charger, and tool bag.
WHAT WE LIKE
The Makita XOB01T is a great choice for those who are looking for a cordless sander with plenty of power and runtime. Also, it gives you the freedom to move around your work area without being tethered to a power outlet which increases your mobility. We like that it comes with a dust bag to help keep your work area clean, and we appreciate the one-touch electronic speed control switch, which makes it easy to change the speed settings.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
The only downside to this sander is that even its highest speed setting isn’t as fast as some of the other sanders on our list.
PROS
- Cordless
- Fast variable speed control
- Ergonomic design
- Dust bag included
- Efficient power management
- Quick charging
CONS
- Not as fast as some of the other sanders on our list.
4. DEWALT 20V MAX* Random Orbit Sander – Best Cordless Orbital Sander
Specification
| Weight | 4.29 pounds |
| Voltage | 20 Volts |
| Grit | 220/Fine |
| Dimensions | 10.21 x 8.96 x 5.46 inches |
| Color | Yellow & Black |
Features
- Powerful and versatile
- Variable speed control
- Ergonomic design
- Dust-sealed switch
- One-handed locking dust bag
- Comfortable grip handle
- Low-profile height
- Easy replacing grit pads system
The DEWALT 20V MAX* Random Orbit Sander is the best cordless orbital sander because it’s a powerful and versatile sander that can be used for a variety of applications. It has a variable speed control switch that allows you to select the speed between 8000 to 12000 OPM for the task at hand. The sander also has a smart-designed dust-sealed switch to help keep out dust and debris.
This sander’s ergonomic design provides great comfort and control during use. The integrated dust port in it allows you to connect the sander to a vacuum to help keep your work area clean. This Dewalt kit consists of the sander, dust bag, battery, charger, and contractor bag.
WHAT WE LIKE
The DEWALT 20V MAX* Random Orbit Sander is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a cordless sander. The overall kit is very well designed. The sander is powerful and versatile with an ergonomic design that provides greater comfort and control during use.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
The only downside to this sander is that it’s a bit on the heavy side compared to the others on our list, making it uncomfortable to use for extended periods.
PROS
- Powerful
- Variable speed control system
- Smart and convenient design
- Dust-sealed switch
- Allows precise and smooth finishes
CONS
- A bit on the heavy side
5. Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander – Best Corded Orbital Sander
Specification
| Weight | 2.65 pounds |
| Power | 250 watts |
| Eccentric motion speed | 6 000 – 12 000 min⁻¹ |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 11.6 x 7.4 inches |
Features
- High-quality and durable
- Lightweight and compact
- Smart jetstream design
- Vibration-stop balancing
- Precise and smooth finish
- A long-lasting dust collection system
- Compatible with Cleantec extraction system
- Attachable Protector
The Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander is the best corded orbital sander because it’s a high-quality sander that is built to last. It has a very clever design that features sanding pad brakes and vibration-stop balancing, making the sander more comfortable to use but also helps with achieving a more accurate and smooth finish.
This sander also comes with a dust collection bag made of durable polyester fleece that helps to keep your work area clean and is easy to empty. The kit consists of the sander, dust bag, power cord, clip-on attachable protector, and carrying case.
WHAT WE LIKE
The Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality, durable, and corded orbital sander. We love that not only is it ideal to use on vertical surfaces or overhead spaces, thanks to its compact design, but it is also very easy to store due to the detachable cable system. We also appreciate the protector that protects the sanding pad from damage when working against adjacent vertical surfaces. Lastly, it gives you the choice of connecting it to an extractor if desired.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Perhaps the only possible drawback for some might be how it’s divided into so many parts – the sander, the dust bag, power cord, clip-on attachable protector, and its own case. For some, it might be a bit much to keep track of and store.
PROS
- Durable
- Compact and comfortable to use
- Smart design
- Precise and smooth finish
- A great dust collection system
- Detachable features
CONS
- A lot of parts to take care of
- Corded so may limit mobility
Buyer’s Guide – Things to consider before buying a professional orbital sander
1. Power Source:
Cordless sanders are generally heavier, more expensive, and not the best choice for large projects as they have a precise run time before you’ll need to stop and recharge them.
2. Disc Size
Choose an appropriate disc size for the typical size of the projects you’ll be working on. The common disc size for random orbital sanders is 5 inches in diameter. However, you may use smaller discs for sanding in tight spaces and larger discs for large surfaces.
3. Variable Speed Control
This is a feature you’ll definitely want in your professional orbital sander, as it will allow you to adjust the speed of the sander to match the material you’re working with and your own sanding needs and preferences.
4. Vibration Control
This feature will help reduce fatigue and improve the quality of your work. Due to the nature of orbital sanding, there will be a lot of vibration, but newer models have been designed to reduce this as much as possible.
5. Dust Collection
A good dust collection system is key to keeping your work area clean and tidy. Many different models come with different types of dust collection systems, so it’s important to choose one that will be best suited for your needs.
6. Weight
If you’ll be using your sander for long periods of time, it’s important to choose a model that is lightweight, comfortable to use, and won’t cause much fatigue. This feature plays a major role when it comes to vertical and overhead sanding.
7. Changing Sanding Grit Paper
You’ll want to choose a model that makes it easy to change out the sandpaper grits. The simplest method to attach and remove the sandpaper from the sanding pad is the hook & loop system.
8. Good Grip
A good grip is important for comfort and precision while sanding. Many models come with palm grips or contoured grips to help you keep a good grip on the sander during use.
9. Long Cord
If you are using a corded model, choose one with a long power cord. This will give you more freedom to move around and won’t limit your mobility while working.
Conclusion
The best professional orbital sander will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, we believe that the Bosch ROS20VSC is one of the best professional orbital sanders on the market. It’s durable, has an appropriate-length cord, has variable speed options, and is comfortable to use. The dust collection system is also very effective. It’s an excellent choice for both small and large projects.
I hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Thank you for reading!
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Best Finish Nailer
- Best HVLP Spray Gun for Wood Working
- Types of Cedar Wood: Characteristics & Uses
- Best Finish for a Workbench
- 17 Best Wood for Carving
I am a woodworker with over 21 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.
