A random orbit sander is the tool to have for most DIY sanding jobs. They rotate and oscillate to make quick work of any sanding project and you can use them for polishing as well. In this post we’ll show you some of the best corded random orbit sanders you can buy for your next DIY project.
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How We Chose the Best Corded Random Orbit Sanders
All the corded random orbit sanders on our list had to meet the following criteria:
- Cost under £100.
- Use 125 mm hook-and-loop sanding disks.
- Dust bag or box to collect sanding dust.
- Corded so you don’t have to worry about batteries.
Random Orbit Sanders Featured
Top Pick | Top Pick | ||
---|---|---|---|
Bosch PEX 220 A | WESCO WS4265 | Bosch PEX 300 AE | Makita BO5041 |
£46.00 | £59.99 | £69.95 | £84.99 |
Shop | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Bosch PEX 220 A Random Orbit Sander
- Bosch Low Vibration
- Palm grip handle
- Micro-filter dust box
- 2 year warranty, 3 years when registered
- No variable speed
- No handle grip
- No carry case or bag
- Dust box fiddly to empty
Includes
The Bosch PEX 220 is the most affordable random orbit sander on our list. It’s fairly compact and weighs just 1.2 kg. Thanks to its ergonomic, soft grip handle, you can comfortably use it with one hand. The sander comes with one 125 mm sanding disc you attach to the sanding pad using a hook-and-loop system.
The PEX 220 is simple to operate. You just flick on the power switch at the front and you’re off. It has a maximum speed of 24,000 orbits per minute (opm) and an orbit diameter of 2.5 mm. However, there’s no variable speed option, so you are stuck with one speed. The dust box features an integrated micro-filter for collecting dust while you sand. While these do a decent job of keeping your work area clean, a workshop vacuum is better. However, you’ll have to purchase an adaptor if you wish to connect your vacuum hose to it.
The Bosch PEX 220 may be basic in terms of features, but it’s an affordable random orbital sander that’s good for general DIY. Changing the sanding discs is easy and spares are widely available online.
Check availability + priceWESCO WS4265 Random Orbital Sander
- Variable speed
- Handle grip
- Adjustable front handle
- Dust bag
- Vacuum hose adaptor included
- 2 year warranty
- No carry case or bag
- Larger size and weight compared to others
Includes
Next up, we have the WESCO WS4265 Random Orbital Sander, which is a bit of a beast compared to the Bosch PEX 220 A. The Wesco has a powerful 400 W motor and weighs 1.95 kg, which makes it the heaviest sander on our list. It features an adjustable front handle and a rear trigger handle to give you more control when sanding.
A key feature of the Wesco that many will find useful is the variable speed control. A rubber switch by the front of sander lets you select from 6 speeds that range from 4,000 to 12,000 opm. This makes sanding different materials easier and helps reduce damage to delicate surfaces. At the back of the sander, you’ll find a dust collection bag to help keep your work area clean. However, if you have a workshop vacuum cleaner, you can attach it using the vacuum hose adaptor that’s included. Also included are 12 sanding discs (60/80/100 grit) that are attached using a hook-and-loop system.
The WESCO WS4265 Random Orbital Sander is excellent value for money. It has a good range of features and comes with a generous number of sanding discs. The only thing missing is a carry case, which isn’t a major negative.
Check availability + priceBosch PEX 300 AE Random Orbit Sander
- Variable speed
- Palm grip handle
- Handle grip
- Paper assistant applicator
- Micro-filter dust box
- Carry case
- 2 year warranty, 3 years when registered
- Dust box fiddly to empty
Includes
The Bosch PEX 300 AE is the model up from the PEX 220 A. It costs about £14 more, but it’s definitely worth the extra. The PEX 300 AE has a more powerful 270 W motor and variable speed control. Thanks to a variable speed dial, you can choose from 6 speeds that range from 4,000 to 24,000 opm. The sander also has a large 4 mm orbit range for faster sanding, while the handle grip gives you more control.
Like its little brother, the PEX 300 AE uses standard 125 mm sanding discs that are attached using a hook-and-loop system. If you find attaching these tricky, it comes with a paper assistant applicator to help. Professionals may find this a bit of a gimmick, but we think it’s a neat idea. Finally, the PEX 300 AE uses a dust extraction box with an integrated micro-filter to collect sanding dust. Removing the lid is a bit fiddly and we wish Bosch would come up with a better solution for their dust boxes. If you wish to connect your vacuum to the sander, you’ll have to purchase a vacuum adaptor separately.
Overall, the Bosch PEX 300 AE is one of the best random orbit sanders for DIYers. It sports an impressive range of features and comes with a sturdy plastic case to hold everything.
Check availability + priceMakita BO5041 Random Orbit Sander
- Variable speed
- Handle grip
- Rotatable front grip
- Trigger switch
- Lock-on button
- Dust bag
- 1 year warranty, 3 years when registered
- No carry case or bag
Includes
The BO5041 is one of the best corded random orbital sanders in Makita’s current line-up. It’s the only sander on our list to feature a trigger switch to power the tool on. It’s like using a drill and more intuitive than flicking a switch. Right above it, you’ll find a lock-on button for continuous use, which is useful for longer sanding jobs.
The BO5031 features a powerful 300 W motor and weighs 1.4 kg. The variable speed dial lets you adjust the speed from 4,000 to 12,000 orbits per minute. It comes with an adjustable front grip that is clamped around the sander. This gives you more control when using it and you can rotate it to your desired working position. Also included is a large dust bag that is easy to connect and empty. Paper dust bags are available, as is a hose adaptor to connect a workshop vacuum.
The Makita BO5031 is an impressive orbital sander that will satisfy the needs of DIYers and tradesmen alike. The handles and soft grip areas make it one of the most comfortable sanders to use, particularly over long durations.
Check availability + priceCorded Random Orbit Sanders Comparison Table
Top Pick | Top Pick | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Bosch PEX 220 A | WESCO WS4265 | Bosch PEX 300 AE | Makita BO5041 |
|
Rating | ||||
Power | 220 W | 400 W | 270 W | 300 W |
Sanding Disc Size | 125 mm | 125 mm | 125 mm | 125 mm |
Dust Bag/Box | Box | Bag | Box | Bag |
Vacuum Hose Adaptor | Optional | Included | Optional | Optional |
Weight | 1.2 kg | 1.95 kg | 1.5 kg | 1.4 kg |
Variable Speed | ||||
Handle Grip | ||||
Front Handle | ||||
Carry Case | ||||
Price | £46.00 | £59.99 | £69.95 | £84.99 |
Shop | Shop | Shop | Shop |