If you can only buy one power tool to finish woodwork, get a random orbital sander. Yes, it’s more difficult to control since it spins the sanding disk in an ellipse, but a random-orbit sander can replace both a belt sander and an orbit finish sander. These two models from DeWalt are versatile: they are tough enough to handle both stock removal like a belt sander and then sand a work-piece to a smooth finish. Let’s look at them both and see which one is best for you.
DEWALT D26451K Corded 3 Amp 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander with Cloth Dust Bag
Start with a 60-grit disk to knock off the rough spots and quickly switch to 100-grit in preparation for painting. The D26451K doesn’t need any more pressure than just a hand to guide it, and the user doesn’t even have to follow the grain of the wood to get great results. The grip is textured and non-slip to make it pleasant to hold, and the sander has an anti-vibration feature to make it more comfortable to use for long periods of time.
The 5-inch sandpaper disks that this sander uses are the most common size so they aren’t hard to find. DeWalt recommends thehook-and-loop design instead of adhesive pads and they are easy to change without using tools. DeWalt recommends using the kind with 8 holes for better dust removal. The D26451K comes with a cloth dust bag to collect debris, but it’s rather small. Many users prefer to use the built-in vacuum adapter to connect a shopvac or dust collector.
Since sanding is a messy business, DeWalt sealed the power switch and the all ball-bearing construction against dust. The motor brushes, however, are user-replaceable.
The 3-amp motor spins the disk at one fixed speed of 12,000opm, or orbits-per-minute. (If you want a variable-speed sander, look at the D26453K below.) The orbit has a 3/32-inch variation to keep it from hitting the same area over and over. The D26451K also has a “controlled finishing system” so that it doesn’t gouge the work-piece when it starts up. As a result of this feature the user can tell when it is time to replace the disk that holds the sandpaper pads because the pad speed will be noticeably faster than normal.
The power cord is only 6 feet long, but it is securely mounted into the top of the tool so that it stays out of the way. The sander can also be used with an extension cord if needed.
More features of the DeWalt D26451K sander
- Weighs 3.4 pounds
- Comes with a soft-sided tool bag and dust collection bag
- DeWalt offers their usual 90-day money-back guarantee, 1-year free service contract, and 3-year limited warranty
DEWALT D26453K 3 Amp 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander Kit with Cloth Dust Bag
The D26453K has three differences from the D26451K described above. It is a tiny bit heavier, it has a longer power cord, and it has variable speed. The user can move the top-mounted dial to select from 7,000 to 12,000opm (orbits-per-minute). The lower speeds may come in handy when more control is needed.
Speaking of control, the non-slip grip on the D26453K is textured, and the anti-vibration feature makes it less tiring to use for long periods of time. The power cord stays out of the way, and DeWalt made it 8 feet long. That extra two feet is convenient if the user doesn’t have an extension cord handy.
DeWalt knows that power tools can be killed off by too much dust, so they sealed the sander’s power switch and the ball-bearing construction to protect them. DeWalt recommends always working with either the provided cloth dust bag or another dust collector attached. The built-in vacuum adapter fits most shopvac hoses.
To prevent gouging the work-piece at startup, the D26453K has what DeWalt calls a “controlled finishing system.” This means that the pad that holds the sandpaper disks will have to be replaced eventually. The user can also replace the motor brushes, which saves on paying someone to do this routine maintenance on the sander.
More features of the DeWalt D26453K sander
- Weighs 3.5 pounds
- Comes with a soft-sided tool bag and dust collection bag
- DeWalt offers their usual 90-day money-back guarantee, 1-year free service contract, and 3-year limited warranty
Recommendation
Having a variable-speed sander is useful if you need more control. Consider getting the D26453K because you can choose speeds from 7,000-12,000opm. It has a longer power cord and that is also handy.
If you want a one-speed sander backed by a big name in power tools, get the D26451K, and join the ranks of many satisfied customers.
Click here to purchase DEWALT D26451K on Amazon!
Click here to purchase DEWALT D26453K on Amazon!