Sander

[D Jordahl]

I'm planning on getting a random orbit sander, and have looked at PC, DeWalt and Bosch. All similar in price (at HD); the PC is actually cheaper and has a little higher amperage. Any opinions? DJ

[jo4hn]

I've had the PC for a few years now. Does a good job, the dust collection is probably as good as anyone's, and disks are available from lots of places. Goferit. mahalo, jo4hn

[Paul Rand]

Had the Yellow Decker and it crapped out on me in a few months. Get the PC.

[Robatoy]

Festool Rotex 150. Excellent dust control. Pricey.

6" Ridgid (really a Metabo, German made) a lot of bang for the buck. I have owned 2 6" Porter Cable ROS's.. one a VS and a regular one. Can't kill 'm since 1986. Almost daily usage. (Brushes and a cpl of bearings...peanuts.)

[Chris]

Do not rule out the Rigid. I just went through the same purchase. Took a look at all of them and decided on the Rigid as it drew more amps. My first Rigid tool, and to be honest, I am surprisingly impressed. Nice long cord, good dust collection, good power, nice case with plenty of storage.

I really do think that whomever designed this, actually put some real thought and research into the sander.

Case in point, they actually put a picture of a sander on the side of the case, as to be able to ID the case as it sits on the shelf. All of the other cases I have I label them as to the contents for easy selection. Dewalt has the model number on the side of the case, but that does me no good.

Even has a picture on the lighted plug. At first I thought it was silly, but the picture really helps when you start cleaning up and have 4 plugs coming out of your outlet.

Small things, but impressive along with the plenty of power and good dust. Only wish I could say good things with the wealth of Norton discs I purchased along with the sander. I think they are designed to clog only after a couple of minutes.

Again it really does seem like a tool that a user designed.

[Chris]

Rigid orbital sander made in Germany? That would probably explain my post above.

[Mortimer Schnerd, RN]

I bought the Ridgid last year after one of the magazines rated it a Best Buy. It's a fine sander, as as you pointed out, it really is a Metabo. I'd buy it again. In fact I did... for my brother's birthday.

For the rest of you: please note neither Robotoy nor I misspelled the brand name. Look at the name the next time you're in Home Depot and you'll see.... Hopefully you won't find too many rigid tools there.

[Chris]

Wondering if I can blame the misspelling on the spell checker??? Darn it, I cannot. I did mention it was my first Ridgid, so give me some slack. LOL

[Duane Bozarth]

It's probably the best of the litter listed. Unless you plan on using it for only short periods at a time, I'd suggest taking it apart and removing the friction belt that they added to stop the thing. It's nothing but a heater (actually an o-ring around a solid pin).

[Robatoy]

... and if you do... do NOT pick up that dollar bill..it's an old trick.

[Edwin Pawlowski]

But for a twenty, I may take a chance.

[Robatoy]

parts interchange with the Metabo/Ridgid. No shortcuts, like bushings instead of bearings...just an orange jacket..thatsit. That Ridgid is a LOT of sander. The two modes are very useful once you get a feel for when to use which one.

[Robatoy]

I might give it a try for a fiver...providing I was wearing my lederhosen.

[RayV]

I have the DW VS and am very happy with it.

I would choose this way:

Narrow it down to hook & loop Narrrow it further by only those with VS Pay attention to the DC connection-(some are oval and require an expensive adapter for your vac) Make sure the hole pattern is standard-(you don't want to be stuck with something you can't get sheets for) Pick the one that feels right when you pick it up

[max]

Get the Ridgid. I have used all three and I like this one the best. It is made by Metabo and has an excellent dust collection. max

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Flip a coin

I have at DW and PC and rate them about hte same. The DW feels a tab more comfy in my hand, but it may not of ryou.

[Duane Bozarth]

I'll second that--"the not for you" part, that is... :)

Shows ta' go ya' everybody has different feel. I think the DW is moderately uncomfortable and the PC better...

[blueman]

I bought the 5" Ridgid at the Orange Borg for about $69 (half the price of the 6"). The 5" also got excellent reviews and was rated as a best buy. So far, I have had good luck with it.

[Tom Banes]

Ditto - like the feel, like the price and it does its job.

[O D]

So your going from a yellow decker to a gray decker?????