I’ve been using a crappy random orbit sander from Walmart for the past 5 years. It works well enough, but as I’ve gotten a bit older, had a few more non-woodworking related injuries, etc, the excessive vibration is really starting to get to me. I know Festool is the gold standard in terms of dust control and likely vibration, but are there any other good options that aren’t $500-600?

I’m sitting here after sanding for an hour and a half or so and my hand is still tingling after 20 minutes. Clearly, I need to get a better sander, but I can’t justify spending $575 on a Festool sander right now. $50-150 would be more palatable, as long as it is a clear upgrade from my current setup.

Edit:Ended up getting this Makita sander . Huge upgrade, thanks for the suggestions!

  • @MiddleWeigh
    1•1 year ago

    So I agree. You don’t need a festool. Hell I don’t even actually own one. I subcontract for a guy who bought one for me to use on a job and I have used it 3 times. It’s very fancy.

    I think you just need a decent sander tbh. I don’t really have an opinion on the brands, but I’m partial to makita. It’s cause the guy who brought me up, taught me shit, used them. That’s it. And Japan is known for its circuits so that can’t hurt I guess lol.

    I have the Dewalt sander cause i didn’t need a battery, like my drills, and it was probly cheaper. Any of the Marita, Dewalt, Milwaukee etc stuff is great.

    I’m slowly fixing up my house I got 5 years ago too. And before that me and my pops gutted a little house and re did it for him over a few years. Super worthwhile process, especially if it’s just for you to live in.

    • @[email protected]OP
      1•1 year ago

      I’m partial to Makita as well. I have their plunge router and really liked the compound sliding miter saw I had a chance to use a while ago. I ended up getting a DeWalt compound sliding miter saw on sale, and it’s good as well. I don’t have anything against DeWalt, I have a job site table saw from them that’s been a workhorse for me.

      That said, seems like most people here have had good experiences with Makita, DeWalt, and Bosch in this price range, so doesn’t seem like I can go wrong with any of them. I’ll probably give in to my bias and get Makita

      • @MiddleWeigh
        1•1 year ago

        Yea, ive probably used them all by now, ans they are all pretty much on the same footing. Different feel, that’s all. They all do the job very well. It really does come down to bias lol. I wish you well on your awesome endeavor. Its a process, but you’ll sleep good at night (Hopefully). cheers!