The controls are well-positioned on the top of the orbital sander. There are just two soft buttons that control the three variable speeds and power off. It’s not got quite the sanding speeds compared to some cordless sanders though. However, 7,000, 9,500 and 11,000 opm are ideal for most sanding jobs.

If you’ve got large flat areas to sand and they aren’t covered in layers of paint that need removing then the BO3710 is an excellent choice.

The best orbital sanders you can buy in 2023

Most orbital sanders come with a 125mm diameter pad, but the orbit diameter can fluctuate between models .

The best orbital sander should be able to sand down timber and create a random sanding pattern without leaving swirl marks. In terms of build quality, the Ryobi R18ROS-0 might not compare with sanders like the DeWalt DWE6423. This Ryobi orbital sander definitely feels like more of a plastic tool, but it’s solid and should last for ages. The rubber grips have a pleasant texture to them, and they work quite well at keeping the vibrations down. Partly as there’s no need for a battery, the PEX 220 A is very light, meaning you can use it for a long time and at awkward angles without fatigue. The dust box is easy to empty but the clip system holding it to the sander is on the loose side.The 280 Watt variable speed motor spins up the 125 mm sanding pad to 8,000-12,000 orbits per minute (opm). This powerful orbital sander makes short work of sanding jobs and preparing surfaces for painting. Weighing in at less than 1.3 kg, it’s easy to handle but still feels good and solid.

An orbital sander (or random orbit sander) performs the hard work of sanding for you; it’ll extract the dust and help to reduce scratches, all in a compact and comfortable palm grip tool. Why the Random Orbit Makes a Difference Try to keep a firm, even pressure on the sanding pad to avoid creating ridges and get the most out of each sweep of your hand. Worx handily supplies the sander in a hard plastic carry case if you buy it with a battery and you get a decent amount of sanding sheets included, too. On the downside, the dust bag is small and doesn’t offer very good suction.It doesn’t have variable speed but the RROS18-0 runs at an impressive 20,000 orbits/min, can last for up to 50 minutes on a single charge and runs quietly. Despite being more compact and lighter than its predecessor (10% according to Ryobi), it is a little heavier than some rivals. VH1022, VH1035, and VH1635 (by means of VX120 adapter included with those hoses), VAC005 and VAC006 and most other 35 mm and 22 mm vacuum hoses The 220 Watt motor isn’t quite as meaty as the Makita, but it still spins the 125 mm sanding pad up to 24,000 opm. Not bad for an orbital sander that’s less than half the price. It is a single-speed power sander though, which might put some off, but it’s a good all-round speed for sanding. At 1.2 kg, it competes with the best random orbit sanders on the list and takes the standard hook-and-loop sanding pads you can find just about anywhere. You might also want to consider whether you already have a battery that might fit a cordless sander. Many brands have interchangeable systems so a battery from your drill might work in a sander if they’re part of the same ecosystem. This is partly why sanders are available to buy without batteries (in other words, body only). How much do I need to spend? The hand placement on a random orbital sander is for more than just grip though. The best random orbit sanders have a soft grip that reduces the vibrations that travel up your arm and tire you out, especially when you’re sanding acres of timber or plastics.

If you can afford it, buy the right tool for the job you need it to do and you’ll avoid a lot of frustration. The best thing about this orbital sander is the grip. The rubber overmoulding has been cleverly designed to fit your hand and reduce vibration as much as possible. This is a vital feature that turns an ordinary orbital sander into one of the best I’ve had a chance to test out. VH1022, VH1035 and VH1635 (by means of VX120 adapter included with those hoses), VAC005 and VAC006 hoses, and most other 22 mm and 35 mm hoses But don’t press too hard. A great mantra for using any piece of equipment is “let the tool do the work”. Your sanding discs will last longer, and you won’t get nearly as tired. The weight isn’t enough to factor too much and importantly, the battery doesn’t impede when gripping the sander. The active dust extraction is very good – aided by a skirt around the sanding pad – but you can attach this sander to a vacuum hose, too.Whether you’re a professional builder or a weekend DIYer, the name Makita is hard to miss. The Japanese tool masters have created a huge range of high-quality, innovative products, and the DBO180Z random orbital sander is a welcome addition to the brand. The other common type of orbital sander that isn’t random is a finishing sander. As the name suggests, these are designed for the final touches rather than tough work such as removing paint (consider a belt sander for that type of job). You’ll want one of these for getting a nice smooth surface either as the final finish or before adding product, such as oil or paint. Not only is there less risk of leaving marks in the wood, they are more versatile and can be used for a wide range of sanding tasks.