This Ridgid 5″ corded random orbit sander, model R2601, was one of my first “real” power tools, and it was amazing. I haven’t used it in a while, only once or twice since purchasing a 6″ Festool sander, and so I gave it to a relative who could put it to use.
To be honest, this wasn’t my first-choice sander, I had wanted a Bosch. But, I had a Home Depot gift card and they didn’t carry the Bosch there. Home Depot did have a Bosch 1/4 sheet finish sander, and I bought that one to complement this Ridgid.
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Unfortunately, you can’t buy this sander anymore. The newer R26011 seems to have good reviews, but according to some of those reviews the new model seems to lack a lot of what its R2601 predecessor offered.
Here’s what I loved about my Ridgid sander:
1. Uniform Sanding Pattern
Some random orbit sanders produce more uniform sanding patterns than others, and this was one such model. Simply put, it performed superbly.
2. A Fantastic Power Cord
There are functional differences between a rubber or rubber-like power cord and a cheap vinyl-jacketed power cord. The cord on this Ridgid sander was highly flexible, which is a noticeable benefit when sanding larger work. It provided to be quite durable too.
3. An Upgraded Cord Wrap
The inclusion of a heavy duty cord wrap might seem like an almost trivial part of the package, but every little bit contributes to an excellent user experience.
4. Lighted Plug
The plug lights up when connected, and has a sander-shaped silhouette for even easier tool identification. I’ve never really benefited from this feature, but I always appreciated the user-friendly thoughtfulness behind it.
5. It Included Two Sanding Pads
The sander came with a hook and loop sanding pad, and another one for use with PSA sanding discs. I never used this sanding pad, but I do like that it came with it. Some brands’ sander accessories and alternate pads (such as with harder or softer foam) are easy to find. For other brands, if a tool doesn’t come with an accessory, good luck finding it. Cut-off wheel guards, for example, are especially difficult to find for certain brands of grinders.
I never used the PSA sanding pad, but I might have someday, and I didn’t mind paying a little extra for the assurance that I’d have it if I needed it.
Overall
Dust collection was acceptable, vibrations were low, and the controls were easy to operate. Although I had initially wanted a Bosch sander, it only too my first use to realize that this Ridgid wasn’t a step down. I also remember that it scored well in woodworking magazines.
I don’t remember the exact price – maybe $59 or thereabouts? – but what stood out to me was how all of the little minor aspects combined to “complete the package.” There was no “oh, they cheapened out there” or “uch, a cost-cutting measure” about this tool. Sure, there are more premium sanders, but for a 5″ random orbit sander, it was as perfect as I could ask for.
These days, power tool brands sometimes forego the little things, to save on costs or to allow for aggressive competitive pricing. I guess that’s okay sometimes, but I don’t like having to hunt down accessories or dust collection adapters, dealing with stiff power cords, or foregoing features or components because they’d cost the manufacturer an extra twenty five cents. There are too many compromises these days, all for the sake of fractional cost savings. Sure, lower costs could help users at the onset, but what about over the life of the tool?
Although it’s no longer in my possession, this Ridgid sander will remain one of my favorite power tools of all time. There should be more tools like it.
Jim Felt says
You’ve have hit upon a larger idea. The now optional or non existent features this sander once offered are nearly non existent now at any price point.
A lighted plug? Never. Strain relief? Why. That just makes it last longer. Especially as true rubber-like cords barely exist. Etc. Etc.
RIP old school vendors.
Robert L says
The difference in cords may also be due to removal of PVC and other materials for environmental concerns.
Jim Felt says
I started thinking about a few power tools I’ve not worn out (even while trying) and some that I really use enough but still kept.
A Sioux angle drill with a real Jabobs chuck, a Rockwell 1/2” drill that’ll break your wrist if you’d let it and a very nice Made in Milwaukee HoleHawg.
All in their original (steel) cases and their cords have never been replaced. Though I’ve had them all “tuned up” occasionally by a local specialty tool vendor.
I know the stick Makita nickel cad battery tools of that bygone era are long defunct and also long ago donated the Jimmy Carter but still…
Jim Felt says
“Rarely” use enough.
fred says
I kind of lament the passing of some of the features that once came with professional corded tools – such as:
Steel not blow-molded cases – that gave you room for accessories
Long rubber (not plastic) insulated cords that remained pliable in the cold
Steel Jacobs chucks – that could be cranked down to better hold bits
Accessories like rip fences included with saws (not often used but nice to have)
The downside was that tools cost more (in relative terms) in those pre-internet day
BTW – my old Milwaukee variant of that old Sioux drill – still works fine as does my old Milwaukee hole hawg right angle drill,
Jim Felt says
fred.
Yes. And I actually had the US made Milwaukee version of the Sioux go bad and the local authorized repair guys said “no parts”… Grrr.
I used to use them both to first pre-drill than sink square drives while building model railroad bench work.
Now… naw.
Wayne R. says
Anywhere power strip(s) are hidden is a great place to have identified cords – behind desks, networking piles, TV/audio piles – having labelled cables goes a long way. Especially today when power-cycling/re-booting is “Emergency Repair Procedure #1” and you want to be ordered/specific about what you’re grabbing. Plus, those areas are dark, and most of the cables are too.
Grey electrical tape & a Sharpie get that job done without much investment, but there are fancier ways too.
Stuart says
That’s a great point!
Frank D says
I have used white address labels or white electrical tape + sharpie + wrap over it with some clear packing or scotch tape.
OhioHead says
Stu,
How old is this Rigid sander and do you remember the country of manufacture? I always suspected a few early Rigid tools (circa 2003 – 2006’ish) were rebranded Metabo tools by the looks (hammer drill, grinder (?), sanders) come to mind.
Thoughts,
Stuart says
It’s maybe 11 or 12 years old. I don’t remember the COO, but if it were made anywhere outside of Asia I would have made a mental note.
PETE says
It kind of funny, i’m more likely to spend extra money for the premium recip-saw that i use rarely and i’m more likely to skimp or go cheap on a sander when in reality I’m more likely to use the sander way more. My next sander is certainly going to be the dual action makita sander for sure. I don’t think i’ll pop my festool cherry yet…. lol
Rami says
I really love my current ros, the DeWalt DWE6423, it is just awesome, especialy the vibration, as it has almost none. Dust collection is pretty good too. But even then, I am going to buy a Mirka ros some day, as I think they are superior to any other sander manufacturer, even Festool. When it comes to tools I own / have owned and really love, my first ever angle grinder, DeWalt D28139, comes up as first in my mind. It has proven itself as being a real workhorse.
Frank D says
I have used this 5” sander extensively and love it as well. It is making grinding noises now and has been replaced with a 5” makita, which I love even more due to soft start and stop, more dialed in control, extra handle … except for their small and stupid dust collector adapter that keeps falling off or never properly mates with a vac hose. Seriously seems like an afterthought … it never stays put.
Mahalo says
I have this same exact sander and have been very satisfied with it over the years. I don’t sand a lot in general, so I expect this tool will last for many years to come. This is mostly good, the only downside being that it keeps me from buying the cordless DeWalt unit that I want but don’t need.
Kirk Beverley says
Did the particles shown up in your hand after using this? Because I have exact sander and exact same weird fibers in my hands.
Stuart says
Not that I ever recall.