Main Features

One of the leading advantages of this sander, price set aside, is its ultra-compact nature. It weighs just a fraction over 3 pounds so you won’t get fatigued even if you undertake a larger project. It measures just 7 x 5 x 5 inches so you can use it one-handed. The rubberized, non-slip grip completes this ergonomic package and makes the BDERO100 a real pleasure to use.

With the sanding pad making miniature orbital rotations, you’ll get the smoothest of finishes while remaining confident your workpiece won’t get scratched up. Not only this, the orbital action also allows for a substantial removal rate so you can do more done in less time without compromising aesthetics.

By keeping the motor and sanding pad apart, you’ll be away to crack on with your work without being plagued by vibration. This is one of many in which the BDERO100 puts user comfort uppermost.

The 2-amp motor is not the hardest-hitting power plant available but it’s more than fit for purpose.

There’s no variable speed on offer with this sander. Your pad will move consistently at the same OPM (orbits per minute) although this is not as bad as it might sound. Although it won’t be possible to tweak the pace, you can simply swap the paper and use different grit sizes to tackle various applications. This way, you can still exercise control without needing to pay for the cost of a variable speed motor.

Removing and swapping out the paper can be a real chore with some sanders. The hook and loop system on this orbital unit, by contrast, renders it an absolute breeze. You literally peel away your sandpaper and replace it then you’re good to go. While this approach might seem to lack security, the paper will remain in place and there’s little chance of it falling off even with vigorous sanding sessions.

There’s a dinky dust canister thrown in. While we could complain that this doesn’t work brilliantly and is on the small side, it’s certainly better than nothing. This canister is easy to remove for the purposes of emptying and cleaning.

All corded tools are to some extent restrictive. The BLACK + DECKER only has a 6-foot cable but, in the plus column, it’s housed on top of the sander and you can move it out of your way with ease. Just make sure that length of cord gives you adequate room for maneuver.

Woodworking obviously creates a large volume of dust. Even if you have a dust extraction system in full flow, how about your tools themselves? BLACK + DECKER made sure to design a sealed switch so none of this fine debris works its way inside meaning your sander will last much longer.

If you’re a beginner looking for your first sander or a more seasoned woodworker constrained by budget, the BLACK + DECKER BDERO100 is worthy of a place on your shortlist.

While you won’t be overloaded with accessories nor delivered a sander capable of continuous use on a job site, you shouldn’t expect that for this price. What you will get is a top-notch orbital sander capable of serving up a silky smooth and flaw-free finish in a compact unit that’s a joy to use.

While it would be inaccurate to claim the BDERO100 is a contender for the best sander on the market, it’s certainly fair to say that in its class and price point, it has no serious competitors.

Next on the list in our best sander reviews is another random orbit sander from the highly reputable Bosch.

While this sander is not as cheap as the BLACK + DECKER, it’s still remarkably affordable and it offers uprated functionality along with more power so it’s not money spent for nothing.

A glimpse at the main features before we explore this sander in detail…

Although it tips the scales at a mere 3.5 pounds, the poky 2.5-amp variable speed motor on the Bosch ensures its no lightweight when it comes to performance. You can fine-tune the running speed from as little as 7,500OPM right up through to 12,000OPM. This allows you to match the speed to your task without needing to fiddle around and change paper. Adjust the speed when required using a simple dial.

The motor also embraces smooth start technology. This is key for minimizing the likelihood of gouges.

You’ll get an orbit diameter of 3/32 inches and a radius of 3/64 inches. The eccentric offset also measures 3/64 inches.

Compact sanders like the Bosch are tailor-made for long and involved projects where a bulkier unit would leave you feeling weighed down. You can wield the ROS2OVSC in one hand and keep going for hours without straining yourself. You can grip this sander in a number of positions and both the grip and body feel very comfy in your hand. This is crucial if you plan to work on bigger, rougher projects without feeling like you’ve been mauled.

Although it’s a corded sander, the cable is 8 foot long so you should be able to move around the workshop without feeling hemmed in. The trade-off is that corded tools generally deliver far more power.

In common with all good random orbit sanders, you won’t be menaced by anything much in the way of vibration as you work away.

Another advantage of using a smaller sander is that you can kiss goodbye to swirl marks that spoil the finish. Even when you’re working with hard surfaces and endgrain boards, you’ll experience a superbly smooth finish every time.

This 5-inch sander harnesses the popular hook and loop system for attaching the discs. This is highly user-friendly while also ensuring that the discs don’t come hurtling off mid-flow. 35,000 top-tier hooks do their job in fine style.

Whether you’re a home woodworker, cabinet maker or professional carpenter, using a sander is a messy business. Luckily, Bosch has your back. This model features an integrated filtration system so that the very finest particles down to 0.5 microns are wicked away not spewed back in your eyes and mouth.

You can choose between a cheaper package with a soft bag or pay a little more for a hard case thrown in. There’s no right or wrong answer here, just make sure you think about your intended usage and buy accordingly.

Bosch offer a solid 1-year guarantee so you can invest in this sander without any real concerns.

Are you torn between buying a sander designed for coarse sanding and one capable of polishing and finer work?

If so, the Festool Rotex RO 150 FEQ steps in and saves you buying two sanders in the form of an extremely desirable single unit.

The 6-amp motor gives you 720 watts of power which is more than enough to deal with even exacting jobs fuss-free. This doesn’t mean you need to cope with a bulky sander, though. Weighing just 5 pounds, the Festool looks rugged and hulking but is surprisingly agile when it’s tucked in your hands.

Build quality means if you invest in a Festool, it will keep going for years on end. Extra bonuses like a fully enclose gear system add further longevity by keeping the innards of your sander free of contaminants.

Using a simple switch on the top, you can match up your sander according to the application. If you activate the more aggressive mode, you’ll be able to remove large quantities of material in record quick time. Flip to random orbital mode and you’re perfectly placed to take care of fine sanding. This renders the separate purchase of a belt sander unnecessary.

While in rotary orbital mode, there’s a winning combination of 2 movements. At the same time as the pad rotates, it also makes an eccentric pattern. Although this makes the Festool very forceful, it won’t end up scratching the material like belt sanders are prone to do. It also makes the Festool a great bet for any polishing needs you might have.

Efficient dust extraction is key with all sanders. The amount of dust that flies around the workshop means you need it sucked away to enjoy a clear line of sight and prevent any injuries from flying debris. The Jetstream extraction is a wonderful filtration system that effectively sucks away dust as you create it. You can also connect the Festool to a dust extraction system with ease. The connection port is located at the bottom rear of the machine.

You can change the 6-inch pads quickly and easily. The hook and loop design means this can be carried out without needing to reach for your toolkit.

Although this Festool sander is fit to grace any construction site, it’s also great for use at home. The compact and user-friendly sander is comfortable in any setting and for more or less all your sanding needs.

When it’s time to pack your sander away or move it around, Festool’s Systainer is a wonderful touch. You can slot everything neatly away and if you get confused, there’s even a thoughtful diagram to simplify things for you. Attention to detail with storage solutions like the Systainer are the kind of touch that sets the Festool apart from cheaper competitors.

Whether you need to sand the toughest materials or roll out finer finishes, this dual-mode Festool sander is a very strong contender for the best sander on the market.

Before wrapping up, a quick look at a summary of its upsides and drawbacks…

Those in the know gravitate toward Festool power tools since they unfailingly deliver fully, whatever the application. This Rotex sander is no exception.

We really can’t unearth anything negative to say about this dual-purpose sander aside from its steep pricing. Even with regard to this, it still represents stunning value for money when you consider the range of functionality you get in return.

If you have the budget to justify the purchase and you’re serious about getting the very best sander on the market, we have no hesitation in suggesting you buy the Festool immediately. It really is that good.