Three battery sanders by their published figures
| Model | Platform | Speed | Orbit | Runtime claim | Dust |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCW210B | 20V MAX (18 V nominal) | 8,000–12,000 OPM | Not stated on the page reviewed | Not stated | Bag; port for DEWALT extractors |
| Milwaukee 2648-20 | M18 (18 V) | 7,000–12,000 orbits/min | 3/32 in | Up to 35 min on an M18 XC3.0 battery | Dust box; hose adapter |
| Makita XOB01 | 18V LXT | 7,000, 9,500 or 11,000 OPM (3 speeds) | 1/8 in | Up to 65 min low speed, 32 min high, on a 5.0Ah BL1850B | Dust bag |
From DEWALT's and Milwaukee's product pages, Milwaukee's manual and Makita's specification sheet. Runtimes are the makers' claims with their stated batteries; Makita's weight (3.6 lb) includes the battery and Milwaukee's (2.7 lb) is for the tool as listed.
Equipment notePaid link
20V 5-in random-orbit sander, tool only
DEWALT DCW210B
The DCW210B in the table above: 8,000–12,000 OPM on a 5 in, 8-hole pad, sold without a battery, by DEWALT's figures.
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What to compare
- Platform first. A battery fits only its maker's platform. If you already own batteries from one maker, its sander is the one that uses them; DEWALT's DCW210B and Milwaukee's 2648-20 are both sold without a battery.
- Voltage is a label. DEWALT states its 20V MAX as 18 V nominal — the same nominal voltage as the Milwaukee and Makita here. The number on the battery does not say how a sander sands.
- Runtime is a claim with conditions. Milwaukee gives up to 35 minutes on an XC3.0 pack; Makita up to 65 minutes on low speed and 32 on high with a 5.0Ah pack; DEWALT's page gives no figure. Each is tied to its battery and speed, so they cannot be lined up against each other.
- Speed and orbit are in each maker's terms: Makita gives three fixed speeds, the others a range. Orbits are 3/32 in for Milwaukee and 1/8 in for Makita, in their own measurement.
- Pad and discs. DEWALT's pad is 8-hole hook-and-loop; Makita's kit lists a PSA disc. Buy discs to the pad — see choosing sandpaper.
- Dust. A bag or box on the tool is not an extractor, and Milwaukee warns that dust from sanding coatings can self-ignite in the dust box. If you will use a hose, check the port or adapter.
Before buying
If the sander will mostly be used near an outlet, compare corded models too, in choosing a random orbital sander; for work away from the shop, see portable sanders. Before using one, Milwaukee's manual says to remove the battery whenever you change a disc — the rest is in using a random orbital sander.
Before buying a cordless sander
- The battery platform you already own, or will buy into
- Whether the tool is sold with or without a battery
- Speed range or settings, and orbit, in the maker's terms
- Any runtime figure, with the battery and speed it was stated for
- Pad attachment and hole pattern
- Bag, box or hose port
Sources
Specification-based: every figure is the maker's own for the model named. Runtimes are quoted only where the maker states one, with the battery it names; they are the maker's claims, not measurements, and are not compared with each other. Battery voltage labels are not a measure of sanding performance. No sander was tested, none is ranked, and no prices are given.
- 1.
DCW210B 20V MAX XR 5-in Brushless Cordless Variable-Speed Random Orbital Sander. DEWALT.
Used for: The DCW210B: 20V MAX, which DEWALT states as 18 V nominal; 8,000–12,000 OPM; 5 in, 8-hole hook-and-loop pad; dust bag and DEWALT extractor port; sold without a battery.
- 2.
M18 Random Orbit Sander 2648-20. Milwaukee Tool.
Used for: The 2648-20's 3/32 in orbit, 2.7 lb weight, and runtime of up to 35 minutes on an M18 XC3.0 battery, as Milwaukee states it; sold without a battery.
- 3.
M18 Random Orbit Sander 2648-20, Operator's Manual. Milwaukee Tool.
Used for: The 2648's 18 V DC rating, 7,000–12,000 orbits per minute, dust box and hose adapter; the battery removed before changing accessories; dust from coatings able to self-ignite in the dust box, which should be emptied every 10–15 minutes.
- 4.
18V LXT Cordless 5" Random Orbit Sander Kit XOB01T (specification sheet). Makita.
Used for: The XOB01's three speeds of 7,000, 9,500 and 11,000 OPM, 1/8 in orbit diameter, 5 in PSA disc, dust bag, 3.6 lb weight with battery, and runtime of up to 65 minutes at low speed and 32 at high on a 5.0Ah BL1850B battery, as Makita states it.
About this buying guide
Written by BenchRoot Editorial. How BenchRoot sources, checks and corrects its pages is set out in the Editorial Policy. If something here is wrong or unclear, the contact page explains how to tell us.