Manufacturer
Model
Category
Power(watts)
Weight (kg)
E.R.P. (Inc. GST)
Metabo
FSX 200 Intec
240
1.46
$0
Hitachi
SV13YA (H1)
230
1.6
Milwaukee
PRS 125E
200
1.76
Makita
BO 5021K
260
1.64
Festool
RO 125 FEQ Plus
500
2.3
Bosch
GEX 150 AC
340
2.5
SXE-450 Duo
400
3.2
RO 150-5 FEQ Plus
310
2.4
$865.00
GMC
ROS 150M
3
For comparative purposes we have generally placed tools in the following categories. Light Duty, Trade Duty or Industrial Duty however some tools may need to cross over between categories. Click here for an explanation of these categories.
In Brief. A random orbital sander is similar in appearance to a conventional orbital sander except that it has a circular sanding pad rather than a square or rectangular pad. The reason is that the circular sanding pad rotates a full 360° as well as vibrating in small orbits. The rotation mechanism is slightly offset resulting in an ‘eccentric’ rotation of the sanding pad. For this reason, these machines are also known as dual-action or eccentric sanders. Due to the combination of these multiple sanding actions, the random ‘scratches’ sometimes created by the sandpaper tend to be removed with each subsequent pass. First introduced in the early 1990’s, random orbital sanders became immediately popular. They are capable of removing a large amount of stock in a shorter period of time than a conventional orbital sander, yet they are known to leave a relatively fine finish. Using a coarse grit sanding disc & a higher speed can produce a rate of material removal more similar to that of a belt sander. Using a finer sanding disc at slower speeds can result in a finish comparable to that of a fine finish orbital sander. Random orbital sanders use sandpaper discs which are most commonly attached using the hook & loop system. The majority of these sanders are equipped with on-board dust extraction. An internal vacuum draws the sanding dust through holes already punched into the disc & pad. This dust is then either collected in an attached dust bag or fed through to a separate dust extraction canister. The random orbital sanding head is foam-backed to enable free movement over a contoured surface. This foam helps to absorb & minimise the level of vibration experienced by the operator. What We Did. We reviewed two categories of random orbital sanders according to the diameter of their sanding pads -125mm & 150mm. These are the most common sizes available. We fitted a 100 grit sanding disc to each sander &, selecting full speed, we commenced sanding a small section of seasoned hardwood. What We Found. We were impressed with all the machines reviewed & agreed that the playing field seemed to be relatively even. In the 125mm category, the Hitachi SV13YA delivered an incredible performance, & at a very reasonable price. The Festool RO125 FEQ-Plus comes with the choice of two sanding actions. It can be set on ‘coarse’ for initial rapid sanding then, at the flick of a switch, the ‘fine’ setting can provide a much finer finish to the work if required. The Metabo SXE450 Duo does have an impressive rate of stock removal! It also provides two sanding actions but uses a different method of changing finishes to the Festool RO125 FEQ-Plus. A sometimes hard to miss red ‘booster’ button changes the orbiting diameter from a regular 2.8mm to an impressive & very aggressive 6.2mm.
In Brief. A random orbital sander is similar in appearance to a conventional orbital sander except that it has a circular sanding pad rather than a square or rectangular pad. The reason is that the circular sanding pad rotates a full 360° as well as vibrating in small orbits. The rotation mechanism is slightly offset resulting in an ‘eccentric’ rotation of the sanding pad. For this reason, these machines are also known as dual-action or eccentric sanders. Due to the combination of these multiple sanding actions, the random ‘scratches’ sometimes created by the sandpaper tend to be removed with each subsequent pass.
First introduced in the early 1990’s, random orbital sanders became immediately popular. They are capable of removing a large amount of stock in a shorter period of time than a conventional orbital sander, yet they are known to leave a relatively fine finish. Using a coarse grit sanding disc & a higher speed can produce a rate of material removal more similar to that of a belt sander. Using a finer sanding disc at slower speeds can result in a finish comparable to that of a fine finish orbital sander. Random orbital sanders use sandpaper discs which are most commonly attached using the hook & loop system. The majority of these sanders are equipped with on-board dust extraction. An internal vacuum draws the sanding dust through holes already punched into the disc & pad. This dust is then either collected in an attached dust bag or fed through to a separate dust extraction canister.
The random orbital sanding head is foam-backed to enable free movement over a contoured surface. This foam helps to absorb & minimise the level of vibration experienced by the operator. What We Did. We reviewed two categories of random orbital sanders according to the diameter of their sanding pads -125mm & 150mm. These are the most common sizes available. We fitted a 100 grit sanding disc to each sander &, selecting full speed, we commenced sanding a small section of seasoned hardwood. What We Found. We were impressed with all the machines reviewed & agreed that the playing field seemed to be relatively even. In the 125mm category, the Hitachi SV13YA delivered an incredible performance, & at a very reasonable price. The Festool RO125 FEQ-Plus comes with the choice of two sanding actions. It can be set on ‘coarse’ for initial rapid sanding then, at the flick of a switch, the ‘fine’ setting can provide a much finer finish to the work if required. The Metabo SXE450 Duo does have an impressive rate of stock removal! It also provides two sanding actions but uses a different method of changing finishes to the Festool RO125 FEQ-Plus. A sometimes hard to miss red ‘booster’ button changes the orbiting diameter from a regular 2.8mm to an impressive & very aggressive 6.2mm.