Ryobi R18ROS-0 18V ONE+ Random Orbit Sander (Body Only)

Product Information

This 720W tool features an ergonomic grip for comfortable use, and the weight of 2.3kg ensures that it won't get too heavy during long periods of use. The extraction channel on this model can be removed for added convenience, while the double-sealed gearbox is designed to prolong the life or your tool.

It doesn’t have variable speed but the RROS18-0 runs at an impressive 20,000 orbits/min, can last for up to 50 minutes on a single charge and runs quietly. Despite being more compact and lighter than its predecessor (10% according to Ryobi), it is a little heavier than some rivals. Alongside standard orbital sanders, which is what the vast majority of electric sanders for DIY are, you can also buy what are known as random orbital sanders.Not only is there less risk of leaving marks in the wood, they are more versatile and can be used for a wide range of sanding tasks. This is always one of the hardest questions to answer when buying tools. For starters, it depends how much budget you have available in the first place.

Of course, one major consideration is whether the sander is wired and plugs into mains power or is cordless and runs from a battery. Neither option is simply better than the other, so it comes down to how and where you’ll be using the sander.The maximum speed isn’t overly impressive but performance is good enough for the vast majority of DIY tasks and there’s a built-in dust bag which does a good job. This sander also works nice and quietly. The main gripe here is with the grip, which gets in the way of accessing the battery compartment a little bit. Compact in design, the Makita weighs in at just 1.7kg with a battery on board. This should help prevent any soreness or stiffness when you’re working for an extended period of time, while the tool’s low centre of gravity is designed to ensure easy handling. Even better than a built-in dust compartment (if you have a power supply nearby) is the ability to attach the sander to a vacuum cleaner hose. That active suction will reduce the amount of dust a lot in comparison.

These sanders still have the standard orbital motion but add a random element, so as well as the regular orbit, they oscillate in an unpredictable way. The combination of these two movements reduces the chance of a regular pattern in the wood you’re sanding. If you can afford it, buy the right tool for the job you need it to do and you’ll avoid a lot of frustration. It’s very lightweight and easy to use, with different ways to grip it. It’s not massively powerful and only has one speed but these are normal attributes and it does what it’s supposed to do very well.To help keep your work area clear, the integrated cyclonic dust box is a welcome addition. The Ryobi is also light in weight to ensure ease of use on those longer jobs, and comes with a nylon bag for convenient storage.