Which ROS?

[radhak]

I don't have a random orbital sander yet - have been making do with this and that.

Is there any that stands out ahead of the others? Amazon has a bunch around $60, leading all the way upto $250...

And is a variable speed useful?

[Fred Friar]

Ros

some are over priced, I bought a P Cable years ago at a American Woodworker show (factory recon) for $40.00 which out lasted 3 factory new. I found new PC on Amizon before Christmas for $42.00 each with free shipping so I bought three. No matter stick with one brand to avoid keeping different papers. I use 5 hole velcro best price for paper is at 800 228 0000.

regards

[jabe]

The October 08 "Wood" magazine reviewed 12 different models of 5" ROS. They rated the Porter-Cable model 390K as the 'TOP TOOL" and the Milawaukee 6021-21 as the "TOP Value" or second best. The PC cost about $130. and the Milwaukee goes for $70. Hope this helps, Happy New Year!

[jhart]

Had a B & D years ago, did a good job on construction type stuff until it gave up the ghost refinishing some oak stairs. Currently have the Ryobi VS model and its ok and was fairly inexpensive. Like the VS and use it a fair amount depending on the project. Have used an PC that was a couple of years old, an of the three, the PC was the smoothest and easiest to use.

Would have to say that I rank the Ryobi only fair at best.

[Gator95]

I use the VS on my Bosch quite a bit. Would say it's a handy feature, but not essential. Would pay a couple bucks more for it, but not double the price.

[Uncle Cracker]

I just got a PC 390K a couple of months ago. Probably used it two or three times. I like it a lot, but did have to get used to the "feel" of it. The "knob" you have to hold onto is a bit bigger than other ROS's I've used, but the vibration level is very tolerable, and I have not yet put my hand to sleep with it. I like the lower profile, as I did have to use it on a knick-knack shelf with rather small cubbyholes, and it definitely can get into tighter spots. I have not yet put the VS feature to good use, though, so I can't say much about that.

[dbhost]

I've got a Skil 5" single speed. It works. Not sure what I would do with VS, but I bet I could figure it out...

Saw that stubby PC at Lowes and left a puddle of drool on the floor... Just can't see myself replacing the Skil before it's dead, so I think I am abusing the poor Skil to try to get it to die. No luck yet...

[gordons]

There was a discussion on this some time back. See http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=28344

I'm sure that there are newer models out now, but a good brand name with variable speed is preferable.

[LarryG]

The thread to which Gordon link contains within it a link to this, even older thread. The info is still generally good, as most of the major players have not changed much over the last couple years. However, since model numbers are not given for most brands, be aware that the Porter-Cable being discussed is the older 333/334 series, not the newer (and more costly) 390.

[radhak]

Funny, I think I have the Oct issue and did not remember the ROS reviews; need to look it up.

These old threads are really informative; searched FWW but they seem to have 'upgraded' their review to the 6" ROS, which are much more expensive. CPOTools seems to be a good site.

[Tom Slick]

what's your budget? do you want "best" or "best bang for the buck" or "best of the inexpensive"?

[radhak]

what's your budget? do you want "best" or "best bang for the buck" or "best of the inexpensive"?

Exactly! How'd you guess?!?

As cheap as possible, but don't want to buy twice, or curse myself for buying something cheesy.

I was thinking $50, but if I have to wait a month or two to buy a good one for $90, I'd do that. If 'lowest' is around $220, then there'd be a looong wait before I could spring for it...

[Tom Slick]

"WOOD" had a shoot out awhile back and the newer milwaukee was ranked high. I like portercable products, I'd buy a 390 if I needed a new high quality sander, I own the 333. Bosch also gets high marks. I bought a top-of-the-line bosch 6" for a large project and got spoiled for quickly knocking down larger areas. metabo is also good, they used to make the popular 5" ridgid.

[radhak]

The Oct Wood issue has the comparitive, and it shows the PC 390 at $150 as the best of the lot, closely followed by the Milwaukee, now selling at amazon for around $60. Very close to what I wanted to spend, and nicely praised too.
So I guess I should go for the latter. For the me the criterion of minimal vibration transferred to my arm weighs most.

Funnily, FWW does not even consider the milwaukee !

[JimD]

I bought the Milwaukee based upon the Wood article and I am pleased with it. I bought it from Tyler tool, I think it was a little under $60. I've used it enough to wear out a few disks and I still like it. It is agressive but still produces very few visible scratches. The dust pickup using the bag it comes with is good. It has varibable speed but I rarely change it. About the only time I find it useful is if I am working on something pretty small and need more control - agressive ROS sanders can be a handful (I also have a bigger DeWalt 6 inch which can be quite a handful for one hand).

Jim