Best Orbital Sander in Australia (2023 Buyer’s Guide)

Do you have wooden surfaces with rough edges that look unsightly or are downright dangerous? Need to get them as smooth as possible? An orbital sander is a tool that is designed to sand flat surfaces with speed and precision. 

They come with varying base plates that can be used for a number of different jobs and a wide variety of power options depending on your usage needs. 

Getting the best orbital sander in Australia is easier than ever with our buyer’s guide and recommended products – check it out now and look forward to using your newest tool right away.

Orbital Sander Reviews

We took the time to find four great orbital sanders to help you with your buying decision. Each tool has a range of great features and has been selected for its superior quality, price and ease of use.

How to Choose the Best Orbital Sander?

Whether you want a corded electric orbital sander, a battery-operated small orbital sander or something else, it is important to know what you are looking for first. We’ve shared some key considerations below that will help you get the right model the first time around.

The Standard Features of an Orbital Sander

Orbital sanders are designed to offer smooth finishes and come with a range of features that are common across models. First, they will have a power source which could be battery, corded or pneumatic. Next, they will have an orbits per minute rating from 400 to 24000 OPM – the higher the speed, the harder the sander works.

They will also offer a way to collect dust, a base plate, variable speeds and vibration controls. As the models get more expensive, you will find that they come with even more features to make them easier to use.

Expensive or Cheap Orbital Sanders?

When you are on a budget it is easy to opt for a cheap orbital sander in the hope that you will get your job done without spending too much and this is fine for anyone that only needs the tool on rare occasions.

Reading the DEWALT DWE6423 Review can give you a brief overview of it.

However, if you need an orbital sander for work or regular tasks at home then investing in a higher-spec makes sense. Take time to look at what each model offers and then balance that with your budget for the best outcome.

Cordless or Corded Orbital Sander?

Many people opt to purchase both a corded and cordless orbital sander for their tool bag. The reason for this is because battery-operated sanders are great for quick and small tasks on the go but corded versions offer greater levels of power, making them the best choice for heavy-duty needs.

Cordless sanders are typically lighter than corded versions, making them easier to access and use too.

Are Pneumatic Orbital Sanders Worth Buying?

If you are a pro or a serious DIYer then a pneumatic orbital sander (1) may be a good choice for you as long as you are able to invest in an air compressor to power your tool. Air sanding is not for the faint-hearted but they are a great option when you have a big task to complete and want to be able to work for extended periods of time. 

The Different Base Plates

The vast majority of orbital sanders will come with interchangeable base plates. The reason for this is that different baseplates are used for different types of sanding jobs. Standard baseplates come in rectangular, triangular and square designs and have special holes to help with dust extraction when you work.

As well as getting the right baseplate for your project, you will also need to get the right sandpaper for the job, helping you to achieve the finish you want.

When quality and performance are high on your list, the Milwaukee Cordless Random Orbital Sander is our best choice overall. It has a 12000 OPM output and caribe speed options that you can use to get the best results for any type of project.

It’s a cordless model and comes with a 3Ah battery pack that will last for 35 minutes before it needs to be charged, but you can buy additional batteries to help you get back to work sooner. It comes with a 125 mm pad and has a 2.4 mm diameter to help you work fast and clean.

The sander comes fitted with an overload protection feature too, meaning that you are unlikely to damage your new device when trying to use it for too long or on the wrong type of product. It weighs just over 1kg, making it lightweight and comfy to use.

This 125mm orbital sander from Milwaukee is one of the best overall choices that you’re going to get from this list. That’s not an easy thing to say when the competition is made out of reputable brands such as Dewalt, Makita and Festool. That’s why we highly recommend that you take a look at this tool.

The cordless Makita DBO180Z Cordless Orbital Sander is a great choice for anyone who needs to balance their budget and enjoy a high-quality finish on their sanding projects. It is compact and has a low centre of gravity which means that it is simple to handle and easy to move around while you work.

It comes with a 123mm pad and offers low, medium and high sanding stokes with a maximum of 11000 orbits per minute. It weighs just 1.7kg and has a quality dust extraction system that makes it easy for you to use for long periods of time. You can even attach it to a Makita vacuum to reduce the impact of dust even more.

This small orbital sander performs well and has a push button to switch the device on and a stop button for when you are finished. All In all, buying this model will be an asset to your tool collection.

The Dewalt 125mm (5″) XR Cordless Brushless Random Orbital Sander comes with an anti-slip top to help you stay safe and improve the manoeuvrability of the device while you work. It also offers a low vibration output that will give you the freedom to work for longer without getting injured.

The dust extraction system has been designed to work with the Dewalt AirLock system or any other generic dust extractor, helping you to stay healthy and work for longer. The cordless design makes it more versatile to use in any location too, offering the portability you need.

The device is 1kg, has a 125 mm base and comes with a rechargeable battery pack that you can plug your battery in for quick charging between jobs.

Our final option for you to consider is the Festool 576333 Brushless Random Orbital Sander. It is a corded option that is great for fine sanding and medium sanding needs. Despite being corded and high-powered, it is just 1.2kg, giving you the freedom to work for as long as you need. 

It comes with a soft grip and has a dust extraction connection to reduce your exposure to excess dust as you work. You can use this 150mm orbital sander vertically, horizontally and even overhead, making every job more accessible than ever before.

The Verdict – Which Orbital Sander Should I Choose?

Picking the best sander for your needs is a personal choice but we know that the Milwaukee Cordless Random Orbital Sander is sure to impress any type of user! Lightweight, high-powered and safe, this device will ensure that all your work is completed to the highest standard.

If you need something more budget-focused then why not pick the Makita DBO180Z Cordless Orbital Sander instead? 11000 OPM, superior dust extraction and small design make this option a great purchase that will produce the very best results.

Make your decision easier by checking out some of the most commonly asked questions about orbital sanders!