I Tested Woodworking Sanders Under $100

[@731Woodworks]

Click "Read more" to see links to all of the sanders in this video. Watch Next Best Parallel Clamps Bessey, Jet, Bora, Harbor Freight - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHKXn5udjphjobc Best Sander for Most People: DeWALT - amzn.to/3LSOCmo Craftsman - amzn.to/3BjKXJI Milwaukee - thetoolnut.sjv.io/eKRBPz Good Sanders: Ridgid - homedepot.sjv.io/VmOKdO Black and Decker (only if you're on a tight budget) - amzn.to/3BkHz1d Other Sanders Tested: Ryboi - homedepot.sjv.io/B059ky Bosch - amzn.to/3nPNLLD Skil - amzn.to/3nYXrmW Metabo - amzn.to/3nRP6BA Makita with Handle - amzn.to/42OAi5o Makita - amzn.to/42QFkyb Bauer - sovrn.co/146b5pi Hercules - sovrn.co/141hqjw WEN - amzn.to/3BloRX1 Other Tools in This Video Best Sander I've Ever Used: amzn.to/41B24RT 3M Sandpaper I Use - lddy.no/1isyl Sandpaper Organizer Box - amzn.to/41x8X6K Dust Mask I Use - amzn.to/42QFNAr Thermal Imager - amzn.to/3BjLziu Dust Extractor I Use - amzn.to/3W2uBhS The full list of tools and supplies I recommend can be found on my website: www.731woodworks.com/recommended-tools Join the TUBAFOUR NATION through Patreon to get access to exclusive member only behind the scenes videos, member only livestreams, exclusive discounts, and other cool member only perks! www.patreon.com/731woodworks If you use one of these Amazon and other affiliate links, I will receive a commission on qualifying purchases. Some other useful links: Daily Tool Deals on my website: www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals Subscribe to our email Newsletter to get new content alerts, sales, and more! mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter Easy to Follow Build Plans - www.731woodworks.com/store Outlaw's Board Butter - So Good it Should be Outlawed: www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter

[@robertbruins894]

This was interesting. Last year I purchased a DeWalt sander and couldn’t even use it it shook o bad. I ended up returning it and getting a Bosch and I love it.

[@mrhobbs5713]

Same here. Couldn’t hold onto it

[@fk6823]

Great video! I have several of these sanders and I for the most part agree with your findings.. I will say though.. I have the Makita and I have NEVER been shocked from it.. You definitely have a defective unit. I'd exchange it and evaluate it again.. It's a solid tool

[@CrewsMachine]

I would love a comparison of your top picks in this lineup to more expensive sanders to see if you get a marked benefit from spending more or if the added cost just doesn’t justify any perceived benefit.

[@coreytohme9861]

Most often with ANY product, there is a case of diminishing returns. I would say that for most casual woodworkers the jump in additional cost is not worth the benefit. However, do anything often enough and the worth becomes evident. I would say that unfortunately, whether the better/more expensive tool is worth it or not is heavily dependent on your budget and amount of time using the tool.

[@Green3062]

I would like to see the 3M sander since we are not accounting for costs. I heard and seen favorable reviews but they , 3M, are very proud of their sander. Your thoughts?

[@HandymanLand]

This is the best review video i've seen on these palm sanders. Thanks for taking the time to put this video together. 👍

[@731Woodworks]

I appreciate that!

[@Damon_Barber]

I’m glad you decided to go ahead and re-release this today instead of not posting a video. Palm sanders make great Christmas 🎄 gifts 🎁 for beginner woodworkers and DIYers. This will help someone with some last minute shopping decision making, I’m sure! 🎉

[@Boog7625]

I have a Makita finish sander that has given excellent service for over 50 years. I have dropped it multiple times from various heights. Sometimes as much as 20 feet. It just keep on working like it was new.

[@shaker3459]

I have never used the variable speed on my DeWalt. I don't think I will EVER be in a situation where I say to myself, "I wish I could slow this sanding process down...". 😂 When my DeWalt craps out it looks like I'll switch to the craftsman. Unless I splurge on the Mirka or Bosch. Good review 👍

[@mrhobbs5713]

The best sander ever was the porter cable of about 20 years ago. I still have one and nothing beats it.

[@paulmannix1760]

Just went through my 2nd Ryobi, they don’t appear to be happy with being connected to a vacuum, seems to work against the rotation although the dust collection is excellent. Just ordered a DeWalt ($219 Australian Dollars), they were able to give me some good advice about volume of air for best dust collection & they sell a connector for a vacuum. Thanks for the video confirms my choice.

[@ravenheart1439]

My daughter gifted me that Ridgid..so far I'm happy with it..the slow start I'm not a big fan of but greatful for it..I don't get gifts so really its priceless comein from my daughter...an matt I was guna suggest you release some reruns, seen another guy do it, it's a good idea cause I woulda. Never have seen that build he released..

[@markkielman4777]

Great review!!! I have the Ridgid and like it because if you have a Ridgid shop vac it just hooks up with no adapter.

[@Dan-nr3om]

I have had my ryobi for a good 4 years now and I can't complain. It's been through hell probably been dropped 100 times and still gets it done

[@mikecoughlin4128]

I was surprised at your comments on the Bosch so I checked the model number. I bought the ROS20VSC after doing my homework and it was very highly rated and I picked it up on sale. Right now its $80 at Home Depot. Not sure why you picked the ROS10 but maybe the variable speed motor is the difference.

[@SeaFanStudio]

I too have the ROS20VSC and have a very different experience than he did. Mine also came with a bag. Love mine!

[@Skwish6952]

I have a couple Bosch cordless sander, 18v and 12v and they are quite good.

[@bullpup33]

I just refinished my kitchen island using the Bosch sander. I really like it compared to the Ridgid sander I had. I feel like its built for fine woodworking as opposed to rough lumber.

[@scootermcduder5479]

I’ve went through a few different sanders and the dual handle Makita is my absolute favorite. As I’ve gotten more into my thirties I’ve developed arthritis in my wrist and hands and all the other sanders have been brutal for long term sanding.

[@brendaS1533]

Great video. I laughed so hard and replayed the video of the Wen when you plugged it in! The expression on your face and cat like reflexes were priceless! 😂 This video is valuable to me because I was eyeing one that you rated a 4/5 on hand fatigue and my hands won't be able to handle that! Thank you!

[@Mmikejs72]

I have owned the Ridgid for many years, and love it!! The biggest issue is that the dust collection works so well, that you almost need a shop vac to keep up.

[@ByGraceThroughFaith777]

I use my Rigid with a Ridgid wetvac and sometimes the suction makes it tick to the piece of wood, it's crazy. I use the bigger hose, maybe a smaller dia. hose helps with that, but yeah, I agree with you, no complains!!!

[@rauljr9869]

Thanks for sharing ALL of the variety of brands and selecting the top of the best!

[@robertsmith3518]

Nice job Mr Matt ! I have the Dew and the Sears ,I found that after I switched to the 3 m cubitron paper ,that improved the performance 100% .Cheers

[@MRBOBDUDESIR]

I have a black & decker similar to the one you're using. I've had it for about 5 years. I have not used it very much; I have had to replace the sanding disk plate twice the screws that hold the plate on melt through the plastic plate. I think you've convinced me to try the craftsman.

[@Damon_Barber]

This was a great review video! It hit all the major concerns. I can’t think of anything else anyone would want to know before making a decision. That Makita had to have something wrong with it to be shocking you. That is so weird! Have you reported that to Makita to see what they say? Might need a recall if it’s not just the one you got.

[@FixItFrench]

I own both Milwaukee and dewalt sanders, but they are both battery powered. both are excellent with variable speeds. That’s my favorite quality in a sander now

[@Terkinstein]

I shattered my left distal radius and had a titanium plate installed with 10 screws. being left handed has never been more of disadvantage. Using tools that vibrate are really hurt after a while, far differently than before I became a cyborg hahahaha. your video was incredibly informative thanks, I actually will use this data you collected for my next purchase, because I need a sander too. thanks for all your videos, I really have enjoyed your channel, God bless you and your family!

[@FrankPapadakis]

I got the 2 handle Makita it is by far the best one out of all of these, you obviously have a manufacture defect unit.

[@mattwatchesyoutube]

Thanks for the video Matt. Would love a video on what sandpaper is most efficient/most affordable! Merry Christmas!

[@chevycheeseburger3273]

I wish you would do a video on the vacuum hoses and connections

[@vicdieselx]

Neighbors are like "Honey look he's out there throwin them damn tools again" Great Video as always Sir

[@patrickbrady8326]

I'm sure this video took awhile to make, but I thought it was very informative. Thank You for making it!!

[@731Woodworks]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@skeetmcwhorter9618]

I have the Makita with the handle, had it probably 15-20 years and it has been one of the best sanders Ive ever had. I highly recommend it. Not sure why you were getting a shock when starting…sounds like maybe a faulty switch, I would definitrly let Makita aware of it. Another I use with this sander is the Makita sand paper…it has all of the dust holes and works better than any other paper.

[@greg2337]

Ive had my Bosch sander for 12 years. It's been great but when it dies I'll probably go to the Milwaukee. Thanks for the review!

[@Willybeanmcgraw]

Great video! Saved me a few bucks and went with the Craftsmen over the Dewalt. I never use the variable speed anyway.

[@russmartin4189]

I think something that may strongly affect your buying choice could be the fact that Ridgid gives a lifetime warranty on their tools. Additionally, ridgid shopvacs fit all Ridgid tools. I had an old Ridgid shopvac that died. I just had to send them some picitures and they sent me a new one. I had all kinds of issues with Ryobi. Finally, after 8 months, they sent me a new tool. I'm buying Ridgid from now on. The tools are decent quality, reasonably priced, and they fix or replace them quickly.

[@jamesbrunk9817]

Hooking to my dust extractor was a primary consideration when I purchased my sander. I bought a rigid, which has performed well. Since then, I have seen 3D printed adapters for most of these products, so it should not be as high on the list as I had it. As a side note, the rigid motor burned up and rigid gave me a brand new sander as a replacement. I like that kind of customer service, although I still question why it failed in the first place.

[@synngames5446]

Love my skil while yes its hooked up to a shop vac I have sanded countless things to ultra smooth finishes abd barely notice any dust if any at all

[@TheWendyJohnson]

Thank you so much for this video! My dad bought me a Black & Decker orbital sander about 25 (gulp!) years ago and it is finally starting to slow down. I've put a lot of miles on that little workhorse and made many projects with it. Now that it's time to replace it, I knew I could count on you to give your honest opinion. I'm going with the Craftsman and will use your affiliate link to help out. Thanks again and God Bless!! (Note: I highly recommend the Black & Decker. I'm just ready to switch things up a bit!)

[@adamaustin22]

First of all.... I love and appreciate you brother! Probably the face I see more than all the others when it comes to woodworking/tool vids, because you do an awesome job and usually come with useful info in every watch!! But... You got that side piece and we see you!! Her names Milwaukee!! lol No doubt their making some good stuff...again. I know it shocked ya so that knocks it down but that Makita appeared to be right there with it at least or better on dust collection and it got half the score on that part while Milwaukee stood alone on top. All love brother, just giving ya tha business! With you 100% on that Dewalt sander tho! You killed it either way!

[@731Woodworks]

“Side piece.. Milwaukee” 😂 😂 👊🏻

[@brycereid7047]

I found that the Dewalt has more of a proprietary replacement hook and loop pad so no buying a standard replacement as well as the holes for dust collection which don’t line up with most sanding pads. So I used an counter sink bit to drill out hold in the sanding disc whenever I put a new one on.

[@JR-sk3jy]

Very nice and thorough review of the sanders! And very helpful, Thank you! Many Blessings to you and your family!

[@philliprickman1394]

Thanks for the video. I bought the Bosch believing it was one of the best choices. Since I haven't had much experience with other brands, I thought the Bosch was ok. It looks like I need to go HD and pick up another brand. I might learn to enjoy sanding!

[@garymiller5937]

Thank you for the comparison Matt. It was very useful! 😊😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@MatttKelly]

Picked up the bosch on sale recently it just screams quality.

[@dc5duben96]

great tests, helps me choose my next sander when its time to upgrade

[@kevinroberts9814]

I had one of those Bosch sanders a few years ago and it literally lasted less than three months. The sanding pad was the first thing to go. I think the heat from the sander caused the little hooks to melt, and it would no longer hold the sanding disk. Then the dust cannister broke when I was emptying it and wouldn't go back together. Bosch makes great routers and jigsaws, but stay away from the random orbit sanders.

[@steveferguson1232]

I have the Festool etc125 (my ver first Festool bought last year) with ct15 mini. The difference is mind blowing. My old go to is the Porter Cable 5” ra electric sander

[@MikeBroadfoot]

Thanks. I love my new Craftsman!

[@tinksfawn08]

This was very eye-opening. Thank you. I’d like to see you test cordless sanders and include Kobalt, Flex, etc.

[@greatgrandpaswoodworking]

Great video. My favorite is the Harbor Freight Hercules because of the weight. I just push it around and let the sander do the work. The only issue I have is the sand paper is extremely hard to remove.

[@731Woodworks]

Are you using a shop vac or dust extractor with it?

[@tomk3478]

Interesting. I bought the Ridgid about a year ago because I needed a sander and it was on sale. It's worked well for me, but I don't have a lot of experience with sanders in general, so I was curious where it would rate. Since I didn't pay quite full price for mine, I'm pretty happy to see how it stacked up and knowing that I bypassed the reason it wasn't higher. 😀

[@allan5721]

Have the Bauer, and the dust collector is terrible. After a few uses mine would not stay on the machine. The vibration would work it loose and it would fall off. And it stalls, like Matt notes. I was able to cut down an adapter I found at Home Depot to connect it to a shop vac.

[@anthonybrasten7515]

Great video. I own a battery milwaukee, corded milwaukee, black and decker, and Hercules sander. Surprisingly tho I grab the Hercules 9/10 I love that sander.

[@gooch-1971]

Again why your the best channel on utube, thanks for including the harbor freight sanders. I'm still new to woodworking but have learned the most from all your videos, even the old videos! The outlaw channel has also been really helpful. Thanks again and hope you and yours are doing great.

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you very much!

[@bobritavr860]

Awesome comparison! I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thank You Kindly

[@Damon_Barber]

Hahahaha!!! I just had a thought! You should back over one with your truck to get the trolls rolling! Hahahaha!!! That would be an awesome short!

[@731Woodworks]

lol yes it would

[@Crystallite143]

I love how you wear t-shirts with scripture on them! Keep up the good work. God bless you brother !

[@jimfeaster4837]

Could you test 12 inch Hercules slide compound an 12 inch kobalt slide compound...😊

[@dwayneattard5265]

black and decker, DeWalt and Craftsman are the same manufacture. You can swap the pouches and with the DeWalt and Craftsman you can swap the batteries. All three of them are under the Stanley brand

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

Bosch gex34 on sale, it will last as long as 2 or 3 of the cheap sanders so it’s easy to justify

[@r3woodcraft]

I have had trouble with my Malaki throwing off the sandpaper sense I have had it. I even changed the pad and the new bad did the same thing.

[@StudyWithNika]

I tried many sanders and my favorite is Bosch. Yes it is little less powerful but there are different types of sanders if you would like to remove very large amount of wood - belt sander for example.

[@chasew1653]

My cordless ridgid is unusable without diablo sandnet. Dust collection is great with a standard shopvac. Performs as well as corded ridgid in my opinion. Good video, sense a lot of project farm behind this video :)

[@ChadFlynt]

Thanks for all you do. I am trying to get my shop setup for just typical crafts, do a lot of laser engraving and def wanting a planer soon. But figured I should start with a good sander. Money is def an object but I know you get what you pay for, so debating on whether for not being a woodworker truly but def love to tinker but want something that just works, between the Milwakee you show here or if I should just spend the extra cash to get the Festool. Not like it is that much more. But just want the best bang for buck and want it to last. I figure I will be finish sanding stuff I engrave and some cutting boards and such.

[@holtonjackson3324]

I own a lot of these random orbital sanders including the Dewalt, craftsman, and the makita. I have always enjoyed my makita more. I am less concerned about dust collection though.

[@denios36]

Amazing video, exactly the information a hobbyist user needs. Thank you so much!

[@maximusmagni1]

Craftsman is owned by Stanley Black and Decker, the same company that owns DeWalt. They have a ton of badge engineered tools.

[@grahamcairns2249]

I have a 15-year-old ridgid that I love. I bought the Milwaukee as an upgrade but find my old ridgid works better and is more comfortable. I have also dropped it countless times 😂😂

[@castlevaniaking5]

I have only sanded maybe a total of an hour or so with the bauer and agree it is a bit of a meh sander. It gets the job done a d I don’t regret buying it especially since I think it was $19 when I got it. Aside from the drop tests I definitely agree with all points here😊

[@theautumncrone]

I was wondering if you have ever reviewed the Worx brand, and if you haven't, would you consider it? My husband and I both enjoy y'all content and look forward to new episodes! I am personally excited about Amy's new machine!! I have always wanted a lathe too 🥰 one day!!

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you. I’ve only used the Worx Pegasus work tables. I have two of those and they’ve been great.

[@woodrowsmith3400]

I have owned and used the daylights out of Makita RO sanders ever since their first one, the BO5000. Even had recall service work done on that one...because I actually registered it! Have since used the BO5010. Fine unit. Reasonable vibration, reasonable dust collection w/bag and it's teal. I have a Ryobi sander. Anybody want it? Vibrator. Poor collection. Really janky about following a line...it just wants to go where it wants to go. I do a LOT of sanding. Don't take my man card...but I like sanding. It is the first step in final assembly, and means I'm getting close to completion. Sanding is also quiet time... relatively speaking. Time to gather thoughts...plan the next few moves, y'know? I have used the DeWalt on occasion at work. It's ok...does what it is supposed to do. If I were looking for a new sander today, I'd likely choose the Makita BO5030. If I were looking for a second, likely (via this review) Milwaukee gets the nod.

[@MichelleCatuzza]

Can I ask why the Rigid didn't go in the best category? Only because it is actually less expensive than a lot of the other sanders (it's $64.97 at home depot and I've seen it cheaper on other sites like amazon) and it seems to have the same or better scores than your top picks? I'm only asking because I'm trying to figure out which to purchase soon and the price point (just for diy and refinishing some furniture) is seeming like its the best unit for under $65?

[@djhaack9239]

You do amazing woodworking and great helpful videos.

[@LeviBulger]

I agree that the Metabo has an awful collector but with a shop vac or just a simple zip tie, it's the best bang for buck of all of these BY FAR in my opinion. It is insanely comfortable to use and you get the job done so quickly and with EXCELLENT RESULTS. I also have the same experience with their trim router in that it's so ergonomic and lightweight, yet it cuts superbly well and I don't feel like I have to put any effort into it at all. I knew no matter how well it performed, you would give it a no recommend just on that collector alone, and I get it... But if you're like most people who use shop vacs or know how to work a zip tie or piece of tape to improve the collection you really shouldn't overlook Hitachi Power Tools (Metabo is a dumb name) For under 50 bucks, the Skil sander isn't too shabby either in terms of overall results. Also has a shite collector but as far as results are concerned, you can do a lot worse for the price. I mean,it's 30 bucks and has some cool attachments, including a flex attachment for round objects! Different sands for different hands, as they say.

[@alcameron1999]

Heat buildup is significant because the hook is attached to your sander and is costly to replace. When the hook melts the paper will not stay attached as long. Nice evaluation, I would change the rankings based on heat.

[@Monkey_G5]

Thank you for the shortcuts.

[@paulellis84]

I have the dewalt and I love it. Thank you for the review!

[@CharlesHollaway]

I have burned up two of the Hercules sanders. I dropped a Ridgid sander, and apparently messed something up, because it just keeps going faster and faster! I bought 2 of the Bauer sanders on sale at Harbor Freight for $15 each, and they are ok, but seem underpowered and I don't care for the shape. I just ordered a DeWalt, since they seem popular among woodworkers on KZbin. I have several DeWalt tools, and they seem to be higher quality.

[@247Combat]

The Flex sander with turbo is pretty good imo

[@scruffysanta8442]

well done sir, thanks for the info and for sharing the wealth so to speak with the giveaway!

[@chaz6399]

What I would like to know is how much time each one required to come to a stop after you switched off the power. Were they all about the same, or did some appear to have some kind of braking mechanism?

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

Amazing dedication to the experiment and the video, Matt. Thanks for sacrificing your hands and arms over a couple days - this is WAY more than mere entertainment!

[@731Woodworks]

👊

[@danieldube3576]

Thank You for putting this out, great info.

[@mariondorsett]

Because I don’t use the variable speed, I replaced my Rigid with the craftsman. The Rigid was nice, but failed after 1 yr. The craftsman has been good. I think I liked the angle of the dust port better on the rigid.

[@RyanSeverson93]

Great review as normal. With that being said I’m curious to know how the festool Random Orbital Sander ETS 125 REQ-Plus performs before dropping $250. I know it’s much more than these were but if you do a lot of sanding it could be worth it. Maybe they would give you one to do a review

[@jimfeaster4837]

Wow super review I like!😅

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Evolucion7]

I was given that Craftsman sander as a Christmas gift a couple of years ago, and every time I use it I'm surprised at how good it is for what it costs. My only complaint is that I wish it were a little quieter, but that's really nit-picking.

[@3kainos]

Bosch really shines with their Festool clones, the 6” GET75-6N and the 5” GET65-5N. They’re around $300, so less than half of Festool, but they are simply outstanding. They have turbo mode for rapid material removal and normal radon orbit mode. Outstanding performance with dust extraction & 3M Cubitron paper. But yes, you’re right, their sub-$100 palm sander is garbage.

[@Shannon-v3r]

Mine has been nothing short of amazing. Especially, like you said, since I plunged into the 3M mesh. I’ve dropped it I don’t know how many times now. And I literally have to try to get swirls with this thing, I can’t say enough about the GET75. As much as I’d love a Rotex, I really can’t see it being that much better

[@Green3062]

Review the 3M sander. I know it's very expensive but I would like to know your thoughts.

[@Zurrech]

Excuse a total woodworking noob. I have bought the milwaukee battery orbital sander BOS125 and I am getting a bit confused. I am probably stupid and it is supposed to work this way but to me when I use it, it just seems to vibrate when I start sanding with it. When I have it lifted it spins but the second it touches it just vibrates..I got to try the Ryobi sander to and It does the same. I am probably dumb and they work as intended..3

[@thefrankperspective4247]

Dude, I remember that sink video. We all felt that.

[@louisboertje5723]

I'm on my 4th Ridgid sander. Every time I plug a shop vac in place of the dust bag, the motor dies. As long as I just use the bag, it's fine.

[@paulmannix1760]

Had a similar issue with my Ryobi, will not run a lower speeds & is erratic on high speed when connected to vacuum.

[@talkycashew5]

Correct me if I'm wrong but It looked like you used Milwaukee in the sun and the rigid in the shade. with Milwaukee having better airflow/dust extraction it would seem like the Milwaukee shouldn't have gotten 20° hotter than the slightly " worse" rigid sander. I'm not sure how much 20° matters anyway. but 20% increase in heat on a better performing tool?

[@jasonloraine1674]

Have you been able to compare these to like a 3M or a festool? What do those higher end sanders give you that these don’t?

[@brucehansen7949]

I wish I seen this video before I bought the bosch, all the reviews i read said it was better than DEwalt , although i will say the dust collector does a better job than my last dewalt sander, gotta empty the plastic box about every 20 minutes but it seems every sander is that way. It performs decently, never done a heat test so thanks for doing that, I may rig it up to my vacuum because it does seem like I burn through sanding disc's faster. How long have you have your festool sander? Everyone says there the best, but how about a 10+ year test?

[@jeffreylyons1531]

How do these compare to a higher end sander? I’d like to upgrade, my harbor freight sander is brutal for fatigue, I generally spend about 2hrs sanding then have to stop due to numbness.

[@monkeeyme]

Hi great review...please may you post the model numbe for Milwaukee...thank you

[@mwoody4560]

Nice review. I wonder if the cordless counterparts would be much different? of course probably none of them would be under $100 unless you buy a tool only option.

[@MrNated25]

Thanks for the video and testing. I think I found my sander.

[@mcfarlandcustoms]

Looks like I have more Xact90 edge sanding adapters to design for!

[@sakaj]

Outstanding review