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Random orbital sander

2K views 21 replies 17 participants last post by  fge 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
it seems that I'm buying all the fuss about a month ago I bought the ridgid 5in ros. Well yesterday in mid project it decided it didn't want to turn back on I took it back and got the dewalt variable speed ros got it home and started using it it was pulling me all over the work piece and vibrating so badly that if I wasn't going to return it I would've just thrown it away. Now my question is which ros do yall use? Bosch has been boycotted by me due to the router that I had quit working after 6 months of light use. And festool is too much for me to spend right now. Also want the variable speed but not a major deal breaker just want something that's going to work
 
#2 ·
I use both a Dewalt non-variable speed ROS and a Bosch variable speed ROS. I much prefer my Dewalt as it has the power to do what I want to and I docked a star because I want the variable speed version. I upgraded from a Craftsmans cheapo sander and noticed a massive reduction in vibration on my Dewalt, so I wonder if your unit might be out of balance and/or defective?

Another possibility, what type of surface are you sanding? I'm curious if you experience this with a variety of surfaced materials. I know when I sand excessively rough surfaces (i.e. jagged end-grain cutting board after flatting with a router sled) it will do one crazy dance until the sandpaper has sufficiently cleaned up the surface.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have at least 5 of the 5" Bosch var. speed sanders, with good paper they have always preformed for me. I tried the dewalt, with not good results. I also have a 3m phenmatic finish sander, hands down the best sander I have ever used. Festool has great reviews. Good luck, let us know what you end up with.
 
#7 ·
Besides the Festool and the specials with DC drive or pneumatic driven sanders there are just two other basic designs made in just two places. What does that mean? Well, it means Dewalt, Ridgid, Milwaukee, Skil, Ryobi, Black and Decker, Bosch, and Porter Cable all come from one of two factories. You can tell the difference by looking at the pad. If it has 4 attachment screws it's from one factory and if it has 3 screws it is from the other factory. Ridgid is a 3 screw and the Dewalt is a 4 screw design, so they are different. Ryobi is 3 screw like the Ridgid so they have common origins. Some parts are even interchangeable between the brands. The replacement pad for a Ryobi also fits the Ridgid and the PorterCable and the Milwaukee. I have the Ridgid and like mine except for the on/off switch.
 
#9 ·
You're right to avoid the 5" Bosch ROS20VS. Its tiny stroke and weak motor make it useful for finish sanding only. The slightly concave pad helps with dust collection if you have a vacuum attached, but it also causes the outside of your sanding disc to do all the work.

If you can't afford a Festool sander now, get an ETS150 for 20% or 30% off when the reconditioned sale comes up again next April or May. Whether you get the ETS 150/3 or 150/5, you'll wonder why sanding used to take so long and give you such a tingly hand.
 
#10 ·
I have been through a few random orbit sanders. It was a few months ago when a fellow coworker told me about a Mirka Ceros. I did all my usual research to only find out that this is the leader of sanders. I was hesitant at first of the price tag, but after consideration I purchased one. This by far has been one of the best purchases I have ever made. The sanding unit is so light and ergonomically correct it is a joy to use. The dust collection is where it really shines, on flat boards there is virtually no excess sawdust flying. With the Abranet discs and an Oneida Dust Cobra hooked up to it, I could not see or smell anything. I have an excellent light shining down and would have seen the dust if it were getting out. I can actually state that I know enjoy sanding. If you are serious about this hobby, this is worth every penny. I purchased the 6in and the entire kit was $500.00.
 
#13 ·
Plus one for. Mirka Ceros. I love mine but it happens I also have a pneumatic one from HF that cost around $480 less that, equipped with the same Abranet, works almost as well. I hate vibration and the Mirka has virtually none. The HF one is almost as good on vibration, is lighter and has decent if not equal dust collection.
I won't be letting go of my Mirka but if you don't want to spend the money on one and have a good compressor, check out the little HF air sander, the one with the DC hose.
 
#14 ·
I have a right angle Porter cable 5" ROS, very powerful with variable speed, very smooth too. The dust collection is poor at best with the shroud that goes around the pad. It doesn't have anything to stop the pad from accelerating to the full speed of the arbor.
 
#17 ·
I have the Dewalt 5 inch variable speed ROS. I have had none of the issues you describe. It does not vibrate excessively and does not "do a dance" unless I use sharp 60 or 80 grit paper on an uneven surface. Sounds to me like you have a defective unit you should return and try out a replacement.I find this sander to have very good dust collection capabilities with a shop vac attached.
 
#20 ·
I have a DeWalt 5", 8 hole ROS, and don't have any vibration or pulling such as the OP has spoken of. My question is how much pressure is he using with the sander. On edges at times it will pull, but never on a flat surface. I have had this one for about 3 years and it has given my zero problems. While redoing the bar in the local Legion post, I used my ROS on the 36' u-shaped bar top. I ran it for min of 1 hour each time I changed grits. I have 5 coats of POLY on the bar, long story there, and it performed awesomely.
 
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