Milwaukee M18 Random Orbital Sander - We took a 2.5 Year Look Back Review

Milwaukee M18 Random Orbital Sander 2648-21
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Purchase Link: $99.00 shrsl.com/2rxtd
I reviewed this sander about 2.5 years ago. While its not used every day it has seen a lot of use and it’s mostly great.
Here’s a quick refresher:
This sander has a 5” hook and loop pad and is marketed to be able to perform like a corded sander with a max 12,000 OPM output.
The VS dial allows you to control the tool orbit speed from 7,000-12,000 to match your sanding application.
And as far as runtime goes, you can expect approximately 35 minutes of run-time on a 3.0Ah Battery Pack.
Guys - before I get into this further -
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OK….When I reviewed this sander, there were 3 take-aways that impressed me.
First is that this sander is powerful and can perform as well as a corded sander.
Second, it can remove a ton of material - that’s something I’m a fan of!
Third, having the ability to use a sander on a 32’ ladder without having to drag a trip hazard cord is a plus.
When designing this sander, Milwaukee listened to end user’s complaints of dust bags wearing or ripping.
They designed a plastic, dust canister with an integrated paper filter. The filter protects the tool while the canister collects the dust.
At the time of my review the dust canister impressed me because I felt it provided a more durable dust containment solution than a bag with a spring in it.
As a result, we said that Milwaukee hit a home run with this tool and did not break the bank doing it.
So how’d we do?
Did we get it right?
We’ll mostly, the problem we found overtime was that the dust box constantly falls off the tool - spilling saw dust everywhere.
To deal with this we first used rubber bands and finally resorted to zip ties to hold the lid on.
A little over a year ago, Milwaukee made a design change to this sander to address the dust box issues. It now claps more securely
Another complaint is that Milwaukee provides an adapter to use this sander with a vac hose - Guess where the adapter hides - you guessed it - anywhere you're not looking. It gets lost.
Milwaukee should figure a way to avoid a loose adapter and make it integrated on the tool.
Would we still recommend buying this sander? Yep - it’s a solid sander. I’m hoping the dust canister redesign issues solved - Time Will Tell!
Well… that’s it guys. If you enjoyed this look-back video please”
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[@trevorm7013]

I really enjoy these “look back” videos. I’ve never really cared about how a tool preformed right off the bat so much as how it performs after years of work and use. Do these videos with every tool!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

That would be tough

[@canogaparque818]

@@ConcordCarpenter but hey its consistent content right🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MrCtotheD]

These look backs are far more valuable than any other out of the box review. They truly reflect how good a product is over time. Which is what most people really wanna know. Please keep it up 👍🏽

[@artv4nd3l4y]

Lol yeah out of the box can be helpful, but it never tells you how it holds up.

[@Erik_The_Viking]

Keep up with the lookbacks! Nice to see how a tool holds up over time.

[@yoonki]

These look backs are so good, especially because you guys are not afraid to highlight where you got things wrong in your original review. Your channel consistently provides the most credible tool reviews, and these look backs have taken that cred even further. Thank you!

[@mattiasstom3446]

I appreciate the lookbacks Rob!

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

I've used Milwaukee Dewalt and Makitas sander. Dewalt wins for me in this department. More comfortable to use. Smallest. Good run time with BL motor. Best speed control.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

It is smaller i like that - did you see our video review on it?

[@scottishjeep]

Thx. I have Milwaukee power tools but was undecided about this sander. Thx again for helping me confirm my decision!!

[@dGdalejones]

most of the other comments state it, but really enjoy the "look back" videos, good to see how they hold up long term, because what good is the perfect tool, if it stops working after 3, 6 or 12 months

[@Merlmabase]

I love these tool review updates. Not a lot of people are in a position to give this kind of perspective on lifetime performance, and it's so valuable to anyone shopping for this stuff. Keep it up!

[@paulking1607]

Thanks for the look back! I have the Dewalt version of this sander and like it but would prefer a Milwaukee because I have switched most of my tools to Milwaukee. I would like to see a more compact Fuel version in the near future. The current m18 one is slightly bigger than the Dewalt.

[@necrojoe]

These look-backs are just as (if not more) helpful than the "first look" reviews we so often see, which are very often barely more than an unboxing. I know you guys go way more in depth, but i Love love LOVE "here's what we think after actually using it long-term, and how it holds up" reviews.

[@elliotwilliams7421]

Good idea with the review after a few years. Bought A load of tools on the back of your reviews......not disappointed

[@joshuasutton2163]

Funny that you released this now, I was just looking at picking this up.

[@ScottRedstone]

I just found your site. I'm looking for a Milwaukee sander. Since I have M18 tools I am inclined toward Milwaukee anyway. Your review convinced me to add the sander to my shop. Thanks for a succinct review - it answered al my questions. The Look-back format is extremely useful.

[@Poopsy1970]

Same issue with my sander. Lid falls off. Ken 🇬🇧 Great videos

[@0verboosted]

Thanks Rob I actually just bought this sander a few weeks ago and thought the dust container was it's weak point. I was very impressed by the power, how it didn't vibrate in my hand from an ergonomic perspective and honestly how quiet it was. I'm a home gamer so hopefully I can keep track of the dust port but honestly the vacuum attachment sort of defeats the purpose for portability in my eyes.

[@davidperry4013]

I actually prefer hooking up the sander to a shop vac or dust extractor no matter what sander it is.

[@SebastianGrantElKiva]

Thankyou so much! I had just learnt to live with the terrible dust box lid and thought I must have damaged it myself. I’ve ordered a new one now and I think I’ll love this tool even more!

[@NWGR]

Keep it up with the lookback reviews Rob! It's great to see how tools hold up over the years. I was iffy on this sander because of the dust box falling off, but I had no idea they potentially fixed the issue. On my short list now, thanks!

[@Aepek]

Like and enjoy “look backs” as it shows the test of time for a tool and if it’s “good”. Personally, I don’t review a tool till have used for at least 3 months, & prefer 6 months. Tools are just a diff “area” and when they are new.....function diff than when used for 6 mos, 1 yr, 2 yrs, etc... So, very happy that this “Look Back Series” exists👍🏻👍🏻 Cheers✌🏻

[@jeffb975]

I repeat what I see many have already said. Love these look back videos. Good valuable info. Thank you

[@asimplelifewoodworking8318]

The Milwaukee sander is a excellent sander. I use it for finishing my woodworking for my business. I haven’t had to many dust lid issues but it has been a issue even while taking care of my tools. And as you said I would still recommend this sander to anyone. It doesn’t tare up wood like many of the other sanders I’ve used and it leaves your work finished nicely for stain or paint.

[@dannymeil3294]

I love your channel you speak the truth from using these tools.

[@olafurrunarkristjansson7315]

love this type of video. better than any tool review

[@Kelvallontan]

Thanks for the look back, and please keep it up. It has as much value, if not more, as the first test.

[@merlinsatrom6678]

I have one - love it - same issue with the box. If I’m in my garage shop - I remove the dust box and install a dust extractor hose. Thanks for the follow up!

[@ccadama]

@A Concord Carpenter/ ToolBoxBuzz. Thanks Rob for these long term reviews. Hope Milwaukee is following this channel and take up your challenge of redesigning that cordless sander so that dust nozzle is integrated into the tool. Hope you, your TBB crew, and your familes stay safe and well 🙏

[@Kujayden]

Appreciate the look back. Planned to buy this and really wanted to see how it holds up, cause if I’m going to be replacing it in a couple years, I’d rather just get a cheap one.

[@trulyhappy8855]

I see more value in these look backs than the initial reviews. Keep up the good work!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

agree

[@OhioPowerTool]

Great feedback for performance overtime! Totally agree on power, every bit as powerful as any pro brands corded entry level 5" random orbital sander.

[@adamsolomon8346]

Awesome! Would love to see more of these, these are more valuable than out of the box reviews (which are also good)

[@rumplespliffskin]

I've had one of these about a year. It is a great sander if you want a cordless one. By the time my 5ah batteries are down to 2 bars, it definitely backs off the power a bit. I've had enough of changing batteries every 20 minutes and I'm getting a corded one that is pretty much going to replace this. If you want one for being up ladders and not using a cord, it'll match anything on the market for 20 minutes at a time.

[@mr.thomasrogers6409]

I used my new one and it's exactly what I'm going to do. Going to return mine and get a corded one. Thanks for helping me make that decision.

[@packoutjunkie5813]

Love the look backs. Have been contemplating the sander for quite some time. Thanks for the push I needed.

[@bhoyt2111]

I had the same problem with my lid on my Milwaukee sander. Yes rubber bands to break. But I found if you go to your local bicycle shop and ask for a used bicycle inner tubes usually you can find the size you need and you can cut your own “rubber bands” that hold up at any temperature even subzero and will outlast anything else on the market and much much more convenient than Zipties. In fact you’ll find that rubber bands made out of bicycle inner tubes have a million uses around the shop.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Great tip

[@ngm8x]

that would be alotnof wraps around the dust bix with a large wheel bike tube , even a kids bike ?! how do you use the inner tube?

[@bhoyt2111]

@@ngm8x you take the innertube and a pair of scissors and start cutting rubber bands. Bicycle tubes the inner tubes come in different sizes and they stretch a lot. I find about an inch and three-quarter inch innertube and then just start cutting half inch wide rubber bands out of it they can stretch around the dust box on the cordless sander to hold it in place

[@ngm8x]

ah yeh I got ya now. cut it width ways...across the tube. been a long day..top tip thanks

[@craigtuffield6976]

Having same problem with my dust box but nice to know it will last for years. Thanks for a different type of real world review.

[@terrmaso]

Always appreciate the follow-up reviews, helps me see how things work out in the long run👍

[@justinvanburen8259]

Thank you for the long term review!! I want one

[@AutotechWoodworking]

I've been wanting to replace my corded sander but have not seriously looked at any cordless models. Being on the Milwaukee platform, I may have to take a good look at this sander. Thanks for these "look Back" reviews, they are very helpful to know if there are any longevity issues that would keep someone from buying a tool. Just a note to let you know that google, in their infinite wisdom, no longer sends email notifications to subscribers that have selected to get notifications. It seems that many people were complaining about the amount of emails they were receiving from KZbin, so google eliminated ALL email notifications. Those people that were complaining were watching KZbin from the KZbin app on their phone, so they didn't need the email notifications. I guess they didn't know that they could have easily turned off email notifications in the setting of their account, so anyone, ME and people like me, that don't watch videos on their phone or a tablet do not receive notifications any longer. I am so far behind in my viewing that I just don't care any more.

[@RetrotechCNC]

Great honest time tested review. I had a similar experience, but I just cut off the whole dust bag with my oscillating tool leaving just the square outlet that I cram my Festool hose over if I need dust extraction! My 5 inch pad spins uncontrollably fast now, I should have it serviced by Milwaukee, it should be a randomly spinning not 1000 miles an hour

[@jonathanconway7256]

I have had the exact same issues with my dust box. But I absolutely love the sander.

[@ericmann1781]

I like these lookbacks! Funny thing is this is actually one of the only Milwaukee tools I ended up hating because of it's insane bulk. I got the chance to get a cordless festool 5" sander last year for half price, I ended up selling the Milwaukee and never looked back.

[@whiteboy32607]

I bought mine like 5 or 6 years ago to do quick fiberglass repairs on jet skis that stayed on the dock. Game changer just like their staple gun. Redid 50 seats and its a dream Only thing, its not as powerful as a corded. Cordless and corded sanders are night and day. Still use mine more then my corded one

[@ivannightingale566]

Hi there Rob. As usual you and the TBB knocked it out the park with another review that emphasizes how well you pick them. I really enjoy the look back series. It's also a great guide for someone needing to replace a tool

[@raviasadventures]

Thanks, Rob. I own this sander and am happy with it but don't use it nearly enough and don't have the time with other sanders to evaluate it like this. On "look back" videos in general: would like to see a lot more from everyone, because it drives me nuts looking for info on some tool or bag and 9/10 times I am watching a guy pull it out of the box.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Subscribe to us, we don’t do that

[@lindrake8315]

The dust box on mine didnt last a week before the lid started giving me issues. Lucky for me I only used it in my shop with a dedicated dust collector so I never needed it all that often. It does a great job with dust collection when connected to a DC. With that said if I had to do it over again I would not of picked it up. Honestly i will probably never get another cordless sander of any brand. With the amount of sanding I do the battery(6ah) lasts under an hour. I don't like using any of the bigger batteries due to the weight they add and being tippy. I wish they were able to be converted to a corded sander. Would make using it alot better for me.

[@haleyboy100]

The lid on my sander started coming off after the first time I emptied it. I use electrical tape to hold it in place. Glad to see it wasn't just me that had this problem.

[@TMFXLLC]

Good calls Rob! Definitely good to look back after some time passes. I haven't had the dust box lid problem yet, but I have lost that hose adapter a few times already. I am still super impressed with this thing's run time.

[@foxwood67]

Long term reviews are the most relevant. " Did we get it right?". Love it

[@tuffguy007]

Have one, use it, hate it but kind of stuck with it. In addition to the dust collection deficiencies described by others, the ergonomics on this sander are terrible. For me there is simply nowhere to comfortably hold the dang thing! It's even worse with a hose attached (using the wonky adapter). Milwaukee needs a complete redesign for their M18 random orbital sander.

[@keithbrock6410]

I like the look backs Rob, you guys are the best. I’ve been on the fence about getting one of these and after seeing that I think I’m gonna have to do it. That’s already my platform so I don’t know what I’ve been waiting for lol

[@IppiopaidFEEDBACK]

Looking back is great contact and I wish more reviewers would do this! I was on the fence between Milwaukee’s and Ridgid’s Orbital sander. Looks like I have to pay the extra money to get the Milwaukee. 35 minutes of run time is a lot of time, and that’s with the 3.0 battery.

[@xiaohuang9053]

Love your guys review !!! best review ever !!! you should do a drill press head to head !!

[@infeedel7706]

Settle down with the subscription requests. They made over ten percent of the content, which was great btw. Thanks from Australia

[@74beeper97]

I just bought one and it’s a beast! Really like it.

[@danthegardenerman]

I really appreciate your follow up reviews

[@shanehuff5080]

Have this sander and absolutely love it! I too wish they would fix the lid issue constantly falling off.

[@philipdove1705]

Great vid. I'm hoping the come out with a more ergonomic fuel version of this sander. And a corner cat pointed sander

[@paula.2422]

Awesome video. I'm looking at getting a Milwaukee orbital sander (because all my tools are that platform) and this gives me the confirmation I wanted. All their products are great 👍

[@charlesking678]

I been subscribe and hit the notification bell years ago! Another great video.

[@eclipseotik]

Going for $52 bucks right now thanks for this!

[@Pencil-Eating]

Look backs and initial reviews are equally important to me. There are two main scenarios to consider when making a purchase: initial performance (any dealbreakers right off the bat?), and long-term performance. Sometimes issues don't rear their heads until a few months down the road. Initial reviews can only paint part of the picture when evaluating a product. Keep it up!

[@brianparker1215]

Great idea. Real world of use tells me all I need to know!

[@JoeC92]

Like others said, more of these look back videos. The first reviews are always great and thorough. But these help tell if they're a reliable, long lasting tool, and worth the investment.

[@cahg3871]

Mine still works well after several months of use.The biggest complaints I have is storage for the dust collectors and the cost of the sand paper.But that’s just nitpicking.It still better then having to hand-sand or dragging the electric cord.

[@Jerry-zz2eu]

I got this last year when I first started on the Milwaukee platform with the 7-1/4" rear handled circ saw kit, when my only battery was the HD12.0. It was hilariously too big for the sander. Works much better with the 5.0's that came with the hammer drill/impact combo, but I still want to try it with the high outpout cp3.0

[@Shmankafy]

Can't wait for a Gen 2 Brushless version

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Go back and read or watch my original review - they probably won’t do a brushless version and I explain why

[@Fishman9998]

If anyone is considering purchasing this sander, search for 'replacing the brake' and decide for yourself if it is a game changer. Someone has a good HowTo video on youtube. My personal experience was it failed in under 6 months using it on a few projects. Just home use. Im not a pro. Otherwise great tool despite dust box lid issue

[@ghostdog662]

Seems like velcro would be a good option for keeping the lid secure

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

Yes I will be getting one to replace the Rigid corded one

[@jaxbrewery]

Thanks for the updated review!

[@thedermac]

Sander competition? Let's do it!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

ok!!

[@kwizmon]

Subscribed. Partly because this review was great, and the look back is invaluable. I'm buying it today because of this review. It's insane how many reviews I see on Amazon and the like with people saying stuff like "looks fantastic but haven't used it yet" and then rating the item 5 stars. Infuriating. I have also subscribed because you look like Rob De Niro and I'm hoping that at some point you'll say "You talkin' to me?", Or something about your cat Jinxy.

[@bruce5834]

i didn't think to add a zip tie to the canister. i just took the stupid thing off. i'll use this tip. my only other complaint is that the hook loop surface is starting to detach a little bit around the edges. May end up replacing the who tool soon.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

try it

[@ConcordCarpenter]

That’s to be expected with use

[@michaela3330]

How does it compare to the Dewalt and the Makita ones?

[@nick540]

I agree great sander. Love the look backs.

[@answeris4217]

I own the Rigid sander. I don't think there was an other company at the time that had one. This is my concern with it and maybe it's the same with this one. I could never get me hand in a comfortable position. I tend to put my hands near the bottom. It was hard to control. I do a lot of sanding but the rigid was a hard tool to master. Run time... Half hour is great on a small job but I sometimes sand for hours. It's just not good enough for day to day operations in my workshop

[@j.thewoodcraftninja3918]

Yep, same here. Mine was incredibly jumpy and difficult to control. With sanding for hours each day, the convenience of cordless was just not worth all the trade offs.

[@answeris4217]

@@j.thewoodcraftninja3918 I don't know if they are all like that but the rigid sure was.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

The issue is that cordless sanders are bulkier due to battery

[@answeris4217]

@@ConcordCarpenter it's a different style of sander that is for sure. I wish they would turn it into a 6inch sander with two handles. The weight and power is too much for what it looks like it's design for

[@Bryan-df7kc]

Great idea to go back and do a look back review!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Noted!

[@curtislondon4642]

Great review 👏. Need more "look back" reviews to truely get the pros and cons

[@ConcordCarpenter]

More to come!

[@swampwhiteoak1]

A fantastic real world review!

[@davidperry4013]

I’ve used this sander. It’s actually pretty nice. Imagine if Milwaukee made a fuel one. I actually love the switch and speed adjust dial that the current brushed but, Milwaukee should make a fuel one. I don’t mind paying up for the bare tool if Milwaukee really does go all out on an M18 fuel or an M12 Fuel random orbital sander.

[@jdesilva100]

Great video that sander is on my list to purchase...

[@rickrhodes4788]

Good morning, and thank you for another great review. I would like to see a head-to-head of this sander against Dewalt, and others in the 18V. Class. Honestly, a review of this type would help me make a well informed purchase. Cheers from Texas.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

good idea

[@ot0m0t0]

These kind of reviews are essential for tool buyers. Long term abuse, then lets see how it performs.

[@ggrimm79]

Look backs are great. My lid kept popping off, too. So dumb.

[@jeffpowell8308]

I have the same issue with my dust container. I taped mine shut. That is annoying. But the sander does work good.

[@dannymeil3294]

I waited until it was on sale and waited until they lowered the sale price even more I got mine for 99.00 with a 2.0 battery no charger. But my point is that I looked yesterday 12/21/21 with a charger 2.0 battery and sander 199.00. It’s worth waiting for sales

[@christopherperry1108]

I too love the sander, my gripe with it is the vacuum adaptor doesn't connect securely to the M18 briefcase vac.

[@cobuck4007]

I don’t think they fixed the dust box issue. I bought one a month or so ago and I’ve been highly perplexed on why the lid keeps popping off. I am impressed with the power, though, and would buy it again.

[@EvoKey]

I have this sander. Works like a charm. But I have the old lit and that is sometime annoying. For me it doesn't fall of. But it is very tricky to click on the right way. I do also have an old black and decker wired sander, I still think that the wired is faster. Seems the oscillation is wider, and I can push a little harder with wired one without stalling. But again it also vibrates crasy ind the hand, so for finer work, I preferre the Milwaukee.

[@thegoodfight365]

Looking back on the past reviews is an excellent idea . After all time is one of the best test for any tool. I'm interested in knowing if there's any significant advantage to a variable speed sander as opposed to a fix speed.?

[@LiloUkulele]

looking at cordless after accidentally pulling 2 different sanders off the bench, having them hit the floor and bent the spindle, whether it was a $20 sander or a$400 sander they ended up in the trash can...HOPEFULLY (!) cordless will resolve this. Sincerely, Mr. clumsy

[@j.thewoodcraftninja3918]

I have found with cordless sanders that (X) ah battery equals (X)x10 minutes of run time. At one time I was convinced that cordless was the wave of the future for woodworking tools, and it is mostly. But for daily use, I didn't find a cordless sander to a great choice personally.

[@answeris4217]

I own one a cordless sander and it collects dust more than it created. I think that a lot of other tools are great cordless. This not so much

[@TheToolnut]

Cordless tools are for the job, corded tools are for the workshop for the most part, 👍🔨🇮🇪

[@j.thewoodcraftninja3918]

@@TheToolnut I guess it depends on the kind of site work. I generally have a Festool vac on site so, cords are not really an issue. I guess for rough framing, small remodeling jobs, cordless would be handy, but I just haven't found myself in those scenarios

[@answeris4217]

@@j.thewoodcraftninja3918 I don't know... Most of my cordless tools have replaced my corded ones. I don't think this one will. It might replace a bigger sander but a one handed sander it has not.

[@juniorsalas3687]

Stupid dust box. Hate the square outlet! Should be able to just connect to a packout vac without any adapter.

[@Darthwill44]

Don’t have anything to say, but appreciated the video and wanted to add interaction

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks man

[@Kanesgarage]

I like the sander, but in my opinion the dust collection box is a disaster. I actually wish it had a traditional zipper collection bag. I wish they would redesign it

[@stevekiss8560]

I really am impressed with the random orbit sander and the orbit quarter sheet sander I keep them both in the same bag with all the attachments so I can’t lose them and with the sandpaper also it’s a home run

[@MrSilvervw]

Great job 👏 👍 👌 🙌 thank you

[@shanew7361]

Thanks Rob 😊

[@NIM4WD]

could you do comparison between 18v Makita orbit sander as well? Apprently there is no video on you tube atm

[@richardgray1730]

On point.... filter box falls apart. And where is the vac adaptor? two points agree with. My question to you is how do you store and move it to the job site? I use a bag but the bag gets way too full, by the time I add all the grades of sand paper in the bag too. Then I get to the site and have to empty the bag and sort the paper in its grades... there has to be a better way.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Tool bag, but just moved it to a packout

[@sebastian-daquanglocknerjr1883]

I have a new m18 sander (bought 4 month ago). Have this same issue with the dust box. Always opens up on you

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Zip ties - once on you can slip them off and put back on (reuse)