If you need a powerful and effective way to sand surfaces, an orbital sander with a vacuum bag is an excellent instrument to have. Such a sander has a built-in vac that helps keep your workspace clean by sucking up all the dust and debris generated during sanding. In fact, this instrument can be a real time-saver since it means you don’t have to stop working every few minutes to clean up the mess. And it’s also much safer since there’s less chance of breathing in harmful particles when using a sander with a vacuum.
So, if you’re in the market for such an instrument, be sure to read this article carefully – you’ll find the best orbital sanders with vacuum attachment here. I’ve done thorough research to find sanders that offer premium performance and value. On top of that, we’ll go deeper with a comprehensive buyer’s guide that will point you in the right direction so that you can choose the most suitable tool for your needs. Interested? Then let’s get down to the details!
| Name | Speeds | Motor power, Amp | Abrasive disc size, inch | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita BO5041Kbest overall | 4000 OPM – 12000 OPM | 3 Amp | 5 Inch | Review |
| BLACK+DECKER BDERO100budget | 12000 OPM | 2 Amp | 5 Inch | Review |
| Bosch ROS20VSCalso a great choice | 7500 OPM – 12000 OPM | 2.5 Amp | 5 Inch | Review |
Best Orbital Sander With Vacuum Attachment Reviews
Makita BO5041K – best overall
Makita was established over a century ago in Japan, and now it’s a world-recognized brand with factories in more than 40 countries, including the USA. Their power equipment and accessories are engineered with professionals in mind and feature unparalleled durability and reliability.
The Makita BO5041K is no exception, and it’s ideal for a wide range of sanding tasks. This instrument can handle even the most rigid surfaces thanks to its robust 3.0 amp engine. The BO5041K also has an adjustable speed control dial that spans from 4,000 to 12,000 OPM, ensuring that you always have the right speed for the job. The price is certainly worth it just for this function! For example, if you need to sand hardwood, simply increase the speed to five, and the wood will melt away. What about softer wood? Slow down the rate to 3, and you won’t have to worry about digging into the wood.
The BO5041K has a curved, textured handgrip to make sanding even more convenient. You can also sand in those hard-to-reach areas thanks to the adjustable front handle. But wait, there’s more! The tool also has a pad control system, which allows for controlled pad motion during startup. Finally, a high-capacity dust collecting system with an integrated vacuum port adaptor effectively captures large amounts of dust and debris.
No one will tell that sanding is his/her favorite job, but working with Makita BO5041K is almost a pleasure! This overall best orbital sander with vacuum attachment offers a killing combination of build quality, versatility, and reasonable price, making it outshine its competitors (even Bosch ROS20VSC with its phenomenal dust extraction)!
Key specs
- Speeds, OPM: 4000 – 12000
- Motor power, Amp: 3
- Orbit diameter, inch: 1/8
- Abrasive disc size, inch: 5
- Weight, lbs/kg: 6.3/2.7
Pros
- Durable – built to last
- Well-thought design – comfy rubberized grip + extra handle gives you ample control while sanding
- Almost no vibrations
- Quieter than many other sanders
- Comes in a super sturdy case.
Cons
- Awkwardly located speed knob – it spins pretty readily, and you must be very cautious not to change the motor speed by accident while sanding.
BLACK+DECKER BDERO100 – budget
Black+Decker has been in business since 1843; they manufacture high-quality equipment and innovative solutions for builders, makers, and protectors.
The BDERO100 by Black+Decker is a mighty 2.0 Amp sander with 12000 OPM for rapid, swirl-free sanding. But what I like the most about this model is that it’s almost as powerful as our champ Makita BO5041K while being lightweight and compact. You can effortlessly move this device around when working on your project; plus, it fits in tight areas, allowing you sand more versatile than ever before. Even though Makita has a perfect price/quality ratio, it’s not as user-friendly as Black+Decker BDERO100!
Further, the integrated dust collecting system captures the bulk of the generated dust, ensuring a clean workspace. Thanks to the ergonomically-designed grip handle, the instrument is also comfortable to hold, reducing fatigue during prolonged use.
Thanks to its incredible efficiency, this sander is suitable for a range of sanding tasks, including reconditioning, peeling paint, removing stains, or varnish from base material, sanding down jagged edges on woodworking projects, and smoothing off metal surfaces.
If you’re looking for the best budget electric orbital sander with vacuum, look no further than BLACK+DECKER BDERO100! It offers an ultra-convenient, lightweight yet durable design and versatility, making it suitable for both newbies and pros.
Key specs
- Speeds, OPM: 12000
- Motor power, Amp: 2
- Abrasive disc size, inch: 5
- Weight, lbs/kg: 3.2/1.4
Pros
- Solid construction
- Works effectively and promptly
- Hook-&-loop technology for quick sandpaper change
- For greater durability, the switch is dust-sealed
- The dust collecting system performs fine unless you work on small projects or dump out the bag every 10 min
- Well worth the money.
Cons
- No way to change the speed
- Not recommended for heavy-duty work; however, perfect for home projects.
Bosch ROS20VSC – also a great choice
The Bosch company is a renowned global technology and service provider. They deliver top-quality, reliable, and eco-friendly products. And you’ll get Bosch’s trusted craftsmanship in their ROS20VSC!
This 2.5-amp hand sander boasts a strong engine and adjustable speed control ranging from 7,500 to 12,000 OPM, putting it up against our top-selling Makita BO5041K.
The ROS20VSC features smartly engineered pad damping technology that eliminates scratch marks on both flat and contoured surfaces. Furthermore, its H&L disc attachment system prevents the sanding pads from moving out of place even during vigorous use.
I love how this unit handles dust – it comes with a microfilter mechanism, which catches particles as tiny as 1/2 micron in diameter, helping to use the device without breathing too much workpiece dust. When I tested this beauty, I needed only a little moisture to reduce the fine rock powder being emitted during the polishing. As for me, ROS20VSC has a better dust collecting technique than Makita BO5041K! Plus, the container for dust is transparent so you can see when it must be emptied, and once full it easily detaches from the hand sander for mess-free disposal.
Bosch ROS20VSC is another great instrument that does a fantastic job – it cuts back so much frustration, long hours of work, and muscle strain! This hand sander with a vacuum attachment is powerful, durable, and comes with many features to make your sanding experience more enjoyable!
Key specs
- Speeds, OPM: 7500 – 12000
- Motor power, Amp: 2.5
- Orbit diameter, inch: 3/32
- Abrasive disc size, inch: 5
- Weight, lbs/kg: 3.5/1.6
Pros
- Well-made unit – will last for many years
- Straightforward to manage
- The engine doesn’t seem too stressed even when using the instrument for extended sessions
- Excellent (absolutely out-of-this-world!) dust collecting
- Multiple pad types
- Durable carrying case – it could probably survive a nuclear attack.
Cons
- Cleaning a filter is a pain
- Not for big tasks; however, perfect for medium or small projects.
DEWALT DWE6421
DEWALT has been producing innovative workhorse solutions since 1922, and thousands of professionals trust this name! I included a sander by DEWALT with zero hesitation on my list, especially after I tested it and saw its performance with my own eyes!
DEWALT DWE6421 is a powerful, single-speed instrument with a 3 Amp motor that delivers a strong 12,000 OPM, which means you can use this tool for various tasks.
It’s equipped with hook-&-loop pad technology, making changing out sandpaper a breeze. Plus, the ergonomic shape lets you get much closer to the work area, while the soft rubber grip makes sanding as comfortable as possible. But what I love the most about the DWE6421 is its almost vibration-free performance! The independent counterbalance lowers vibration effectively – it saves you a lot of fatigue, especially on large projects. Another thing I appreciate is how quiet this model operates – you could use it while listening to a podcast on your phone speakers!
The DWE6421 does include a vacuum attachment for the orbital sander; however, its dust port fits the DWV010 or DWV012 containers, so you can try several collectors to choose which one suits your needs better. Moreover, the dust control feature works flawlessly – it seems to collect nearly all the sawdust!
DEWALT has outdone themselves with the DWE6421 model! So, if you are looking for a user-friendly, durable orbital sander with a fantastic dust collection system, keep this product on your shortlist!
Key specs
- Speeds, OPM: 12000
- Motor power, Amp: 3
- Abrasive disc size, inch: 5
- Weight, lbs/kg: 3.4/1.5
Pros
- Long-lasting instrument
- Well-balanced – extremely easy to use and control
- Attach a dust bag with only one hand
- The dust bag includes a secure twist-on connection that prevents it from falling off while sanding
- Can cover large areas to get the task done fast
- Minimal vibrations.
Cons
- The dust container fills quickly
- A bit wide construction – may be hard to fit into tight spaces
- Single-speed – goes pretty fast for some users.
CRAFTSMAN CMEW231
Craftsman CMEW231 is engineered for household sanding – it boasts a range of valuable features that will make your life easier, save you plenty of time and effort.
This model provides everything you may require from a 5-inch pad random orbital sander in this budget region. First off, it has a powerful 3.0 Amp engine with a 12,000 OPM output, allowing you to tackle a set of jobs (prepare the surface, smooth seams, remove paint, or varnish). The tool also has an inbuilt dust canister to suck up sawdust emitted during sanding, or you can hook it up to a 1-3/4-inch hose for ongoing vac dust removal. On top of that, the sander’s dust-tight regulation means you won’t have to troubleshoot it for an extended period of time. And last but not least, the sanding pad is a hook and loop type, so you can effortlessly replace sandpapers without needing any equipment.
It’s worth noting that Craftsman CMEW231 is nearly identical to DEWALT DWE6421 in terms of overall quality and performance – they both function smoothly, leaving a well-sanded surface. The only difference between them is that DEWALT is probably better for heavy-duty components. However, if you have already been into the Craftsmen ecosystem, you may prefer their CMEW231.
Craftsman CMEW231 is ideal for every homeowner or woodworker who needs a budget-friendly yet well-made hand sander with a dust bag. This babe works awesome for the price! You can’t go wrong with it!
Key specs
- Speeds, OPM: 12000
- Motor power, Amp: 3
- Abrasive disc size, inch: 5
- Weight, lbs/kg: 2.9/1.3
Pros
- Decent homeowner-grade tool
- Compact but mighty
- Relatively quiet
- Hook-&-loop functions perfectly
- Comfy grip.
Cons
- Is not suitable for big projects
- No speed adjustments.
Orbital sanders with vacuum attachment buying guide
There are a few things to bear in mind while looking for an orbital sander with a vacuum attachment. Firstly, decide on the type of sanding you’ll be doing most often. You’ll need a model with a smaller pad size if you’ll be working mainly on tiny surfaces. If you perform a lot of sanding in confined locations, look for a device with a low profile and easy maneuverability.
You should also think about the following essential aspects that will make your job easier:
Speed settings
Fixed speed or variable speed settings are available on orbital sanders; whatever one you choose should be based on your demands.
A fixed-speed instrument is more affordable, but its range is limited, and as a result, it’s not suitable for varied tasks. However, if you work with soft materials, a fixed speed of 4000-6000 OPM will be more than enough.
On the other hand, sanders with variable speeds provide rates varying from 4,000 to 12,000 OPM – this lets you run at slow speed for careful prior operation or at maximum speed for quick polishing. Some tools have throttles that allow you to vary the speed while sanding. Selection switches with speeds ranging from one to nine are available in other versions.
Although variable speed sanders offer plenty of versatility, you should understand that they are pretty expensive. So, consider your work type before investing in any model!
Sanders power
A mighty engine is required for a high-quality electric sander. Simply said, the more powerful the engine is, the more efficiently and continuously your sander will operate. In addition, the sanding speed is directly determined by the engine power, so if you need to sand for an extended amount of time without stopping, you’ll need a strong motor.
They generally have two to five amps of motor power. However, the more, the better!
Dust suction efficiency
Keep the dust suction efficiency in mind when selecting a sander with a vacuum attachment. This is the maximum quantity of debris and dust the vacuum can pick up as you sand. The higher the rating, the less sanding cleanup you’ll have to do.
Some models have a dust bag to gather debris while you work. Others include an integrated dust collection device that vacuums dirt into a container or hose. Look for one of such models if you want a sander with good dust suction.
Vibration and noise
Commonly, powerful sanders with a speed of over 14,000 OPMs cause much vibration and noise, making handling it uncomfortable and tiring for prolonged use. Obviously, the less noise and vibration, the better! That’s why many modern sanders come with a mechanism that reduces those irritants – a soft rubber grip. So, if you often use a sander and want to save your hands and ears from exhaustion, opt for a tool with such a feature!
Comfortable hand grips and cord length
A comfortable handgrip is one of the most important considerations when buying a sander, as you’ll use it for extended periods of time. So, make sure that the grip is easy to hold, doesn’t cause any fatigue, and helps you control the instrument effectively. Look for a model with a soft grip or a cushioning system to help absorb vibration.
The right cord also contributes to the sander’s overall usability. Models with at least a 12-foot chord are incredibly convenient since they make moving from one end of a large workpiece to the other a breeze. So, do not compromise the sander’s quality to obtain a long enough cord!
