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Thread: 5" random orbit sander recommendations

  1. #1

    5" random orbit sander recommendations

    Hi all-

    I just wanted to get your opinions on your favorite 5" random orbit sanders. My Milwaukee is getting ready to bite the dust, and has already been repaired once by an authorized Milwaukee repair shop. Stuff like Festool is out of the question, but I'm not expecting Black+Decker pricepoints either. I'm thinking along the lines of Bosch, Makita, Porter Cable...

    Thanks in advance for you recommendations and any other insight you might have.

  2. #2
    I've gone through several 5" ROS and have settled on the Porter Cable 390K. Best sander I've used so far.

    I especially like the pad brake.

    Mike
    Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Sun Prairie, WI
    Posts
    392
    I have a Ridgid recon unit that I have had lot of success with. I really like it. I have a brand new Dewalt that I have never used because I am satisfied with this one. It isnt fancy like the Porter Cable, it doesnt have a Pad brake but if you ask me I really dont see the need for one. I mean are you really in that much of a hurry that you need the pad to stop a second ot two faster. I mean come on!! Anyway, I really like mine.

    CHuck

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    231
    I really like my Makita BO5021 sander. Been using it a lot the last 3 years. Has variable speed, but a feature I really like for my hand is the full length handle grip. I can grip directly above the disc or to the side to glide over larger pieces.

    Doesn't leave your hand numb like several of the low cost models. Several other brands are good too, but I've had excellent results with this model.
    Kev

  5. #5
    Quote Originally Posted by Chuck Isaacson View Post
    I have a Ridgid recon unit that I have had lot of success with. I really like it. I have a brand new Dewalt that I have never used because I am satisfied with this one. It isnt fancy like the Porter Cable, it doesnt have a Pad brake but if you ask me I really dont see the need for one. I mean are you really in that much of a hurry that you need the pad to stop a second ot two faster. I mean come on!! Anyway, I really like mine.

    CHuck
    If you use a ROS with a pad brake, you'll never go back.

    Mike
    Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    231
    Mike H.,
    I've never used a model with a brake before. My Makita stops in less than 3 seconds. What is the advantage or benefit of a brake? Thanks.
    Kev

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    276

    I'm with Mike!

    +1 on the Porter Cable 390K

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by Kev Godwin View Post
    Mike H.,
    I've never used a model with a brake before. My Makita stops in less than 3 seconds. What is the advantage or benefit of a brake? Thanks.
    Kev
    All the 5" ROS that I've used didn't stop very quickly so when you went to set it down, it was still spinning. This caused it to jump around and it wore a spot where I would sit it down.

    If yours stops quickly, you may not see the advantage of a pad brake, but for every sander I ever used - and that was a lot of different brands, including Makita - they did not stop quick enough.

    The PC 390K has been a great sander for me. I just wish I had bought a second when they were on sale for $77.

    Mike
    Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    231
    Thanks for the comments Mike!

    Perhaps I found a well mannered Makita. It is working very well for me. Stops spinning and doing the "hoola-hoop" in very little time.

    (For the younger crowd, the Hoola-Hoop was an action that wild baby-boomers did to release energy before other other vises were available.)
    Kev

  10. #10
    In fact, Jason, if you don't want to go new, I have a Makita B5021, a Ridgid 5" ROS, a Ridgid 6" ROS and a Hitachi quarter sheet sander I'll sell cheap (plus shipping). Contact me via PM.

    Mike
    Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Spokane, Wa.
    Posts
    164

    sander

    One huge thing to consider is the dust bag. My ridgid is screwed on vs. friction fit. The friction fit of the OLD porter cable was not fun when it came off during sanding. I think I'll check into the pc you guys are touting and see if the bag will stay on and add it to my collection.

  12. #12
    I had the PC and then bought a Ridgid. Ridgid is quieter, less vibration, better DC and smoother. The 10' cord is handy too.

  13. #13
    Thanks for the thoughts fellas, I appreciate them. I'll do some more research on the Ridgid, Makita B05021, and the PC 390K and make a selection from those. Thanks again!

  14. #14
    The porter Cable 390K is the first 5" random orbit sander I have owned. I have to say it is a GREAT tool, however there were one or two things I did notice from the, for a lack a better term for myself, noob's perspective.

    1) Get the hose for your dust, yes the attached canister works but the difference in air born particles vs. the hose is night an day. Also if you get the hose you will most likely need a Porter Cable hose adapter to fit it to your shop vac. Unless you have a 1 1/4", if I am remembering correctly, on your shop vac. If you own a Rigid shop vac the 3 piece various size reducers that are sold at home depot will let you attach to the 390K, however I find the smaller hose from Porter cable to so much easier to work with.

    2) While running the 390K seems very well balanced in my hand. There is a bit of torque associated with its operations but it does not seem to be anything "overpowering".

    3) The 390K has a long power cord, maybe it is my years in computers but any cord over 4' is long.

    4) It comes with a very nice case, as trivial as this sounds I prefer to have cases for my power tools, however the case will not allow the Porter Cable hose to be stored with the sander, the down side to the case.

    5) Price although the PC 390 is more expensive then some of the others the value in my opinion is worth it.

    I know this is a bit focused on the PC 390K but it is the only unit I have owned, ok outside the $5 Harbor Freight 5" Square "orbit" sander, but I hope it helps.

    Thanks
    Rob
    Last edited by Rob John; 07-23-2009 at 8:26 AM.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    International Falls, MN
    Posts
    766
    Dynabrade makes a great ROS. I have 2. They stop very quick and don't leave any marks.

    Quinn

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