Random Orbit sanders

[Carol Reed]

I need another one. I have 2 PC 6" variable speed jobbies. Nice but heavy. Uses PSA paper. And +$100.

Also have 5" Makita. Uses hook & loop, but noisy, very noisy. Also don't like how it has to be held. Hard on my shoulder and neck.

The PC's are barrel shaped, and much easier for me to use.

Anything good out there for less that $100, quiet and is not shaped like a palm sander? Gotta order paper this next week, so would like to get whatever I am going to get first.

 

[Vaughn McMillan]

People scoff at me, but I have a low-end Ryobi 5" ROS that has been a real workhorse for me. It has finished a LOT of cutting boards, sometimes running for hours on end. It's also very comfortable to use...it doesn't leave my fingers tingling like some other sanders do. Mine's a model or two older than the current one here:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

I found a stepped vacuum hose adaptor that fits into the dust bag port, and secured it with duct tape. Hooked to my shop vac, the dust collection is pretty decent. Dunno if it'd work for you, though, since it is shaped a lot like a palm sander.

 

[Bob Gibson]

No scoffing from here Vaughn. You don't always have to spend more money to get a tool that works well.

I have a PC 5" ros. I bought it about 10 yrs ago and can't kill it.

 

[Jim DeLaney]

For under a hundred bucks - Porter Cable 333. I think the newer (Upgrade, or replacement? Not sure.) model is just over a hundred now, though.

If you've got the bucks, the Festool Rotax - I like the smaller 5" model, but most folks seem to prefer the 6". The dual action features allow either removing a lot of stock quickly, or an excellent finish sanding. Did I mention they're pricey, though?

 

[Rob Keeble]

I got a Dewalt 5 inch and i like it. But i would not recommend it in your case. I agree with Jim take a look at the new PC version. Its supposed be fixing the issues you bring up. Had great reviews in the magazines. I would make em connect one up for me at a local HD before i buy. Otherwise make sure you can return it to where you order it from if by mail.

 

[larry merlau]

i have both, pc H&L and bosch H&L the pc tried to die but i resurrected it and the bosch came in because of the ailing pc. the bosch doesnt tingle my hands like the pc does and the newer pc's are shaped like your mentioning..the festool work well but are pricey

 

[Frank Fusco]

I always thought the tingling was supposed to be part of the fun.

I have two, one is an ancient inherited Rockwell. The other is a no-name I bought at a garage sale for $3.00. The switch only works on Wednesdays.

Both tingle just fine.

 

[Jay Caughron]

I always thought the tingling was supposed to be part of the fun.

The switch only works on Wednesdays.

Both tingle just fine.

FRANK,FRANK,FRANK What are we gona do with ya???

 

[larry merlau]

FRANK,FRANK,FRANK What are we gona do with ya???

i have a suggestion but he would just stablize it and then turn it into a pen

 

[Brent Dowell]

I've got a Ryobi and a Dewalt. I can't tell much difference and like you, the ryobi seems to keep on going and going..

People scoff at me, but I have a low-end Ryobi 5" ROS that has been a real workhorse for me. It has finished a LOT of cutting boards, sometimes running for hours on end. It's also very comfortable to use...it doesn't leave my fingers tingling like some other sanders do. Mine's a model or two older than the current one here:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

I found a stepped vacuum hose adaptor that fits into the dust bag port, and secured it with duct tape. Hooked to my shop vac, the dust collection is pretty decent. Dunno if it'd work for you, though, since it is shaped a lot like a palm sander.

 

[Frank Fusco]

i have a suggestion but he would just stablize it and then turn it into a pen

STABILIZE WHAT???

Hey, y'all. When I stop having fun, stupid stuff or whatever, ye are invited to come by and be among the first to throw dirt on my face.

 

[larry merlau]

we were just playun along with ya frank stablize CC for a pen

 

[Bart Leetch]

I have had this one for several years & am very happy with it.

http://www.cpomakita.com/sanders_and_polishers/random_orbit_sanders/bo5021k-r.html

 

[Brent Dowell]

People scoff at me, but I have a low-end Ryobi 5" ROS that has been a real workhorse for me. It has finished a LOT of cutting boards, sometimes running for hours on end. It's also very comfortable to use...it doesn't leave my fingers tingling like some other sanders do. Mine's a model or two older than the current one here:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

I found a stepped vacuum hose adaptor that fits into the dust bag port, and secured it with duct tape. Hooked to my shop vac, the dust collection is pretty decent. Dunno if it'd work for you, though, since it is shaped a lot like a palm sander.

I'd guess it look something like this?



And I never hold mine on the top, I find I usually hold it by the vacuum hose area with the right hand and apply gentle pressure with the left from the top down.

 

[Frank Fusco]

another tingler

I should look at the back of my shelves more often. Nebber know what is liable to turn up.
I found this sander today. Don't remember ever seeing it before. I'm sure I had it and packed and unpacked when we moved here.
No doubt it is part of my inherited 'stuff'.
It is a Craftsman and certainly pretty old. It runs like a monster. I could have used it several times but sure will from now on.
Two handles, meaning it tingles both hands at once. Oh, goody-goody.

 

[Dom DiCara]

I have 3. All H & L. 2 are below bottom of the lines that were Xmas presents from the kids. and one is a top line Craftsman. Can't tell the difference between any of them. And from what I am reading, maybe this is one tool that you can buy and use hard, without spending a lot of cash.....maybe?