As briefly discussed in our Dewalt 2015 new power tools, nailers, and drill bits preview, Dewalt has now come out with 2 new 5-inch random orbit sanders. One features a variable speed motor (DWE6423K), and other a single-speed motor (DWE6421K).
Although I’ve never really been into Dewalt sanders (I own Bosch, Ridgid, and Festool sanders), I know them to be quite popular with users. Both previous models, the variable speed D26453K ($79 via Amazon) and single speed D26451 ($58 via Amazon), received very high ratings on Amazon.
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Surprisingly, the previous single speed model received just as many reviews as the variable speed model, indicating that it might be just as popular.
Both of the new sanders are lower in profile than the previous sander, which should make them easier to control. It might make them more comfortable to use too.
Dewalt boasts about the sanders’ lower vibrations, 2.5 m/s^2, which should help to reduce hand and arm fatigue during those long sanding sessions. The vibration dampening is accomplished thanks to a separate counterweight inside the tool housing.
Both sanders are powered by a 3A motor, and also feature a 1-hand locking dust bag, 5-inch hook and loop platen, a dust-sealed power switch, improved dust collection, and a vacuum dust collection port.
Speeds: 8,000 to 12,000 OPM for the variable speed sander, 12,000 OPM for the single speed. Orbit diameter is 3/32″.
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Price: $59 for the single speed, $79 for the variable speed (but you can sometimes find it for as low as $70)
Buy Now(Variable speed via Amazon)
Buy Now(Single speed via Amazon)
First Thoughts
I had a very limited opportunity to check out the new sanders at Dewalt’s media event last spring. By limited, I mean that I powered it on, moved it around, and turned it off. Without actually using one yet, I could tell you that the center of gravity is nice and low, and it felt comfortable to wave around.
While not as low profile as Dewalt’s previous low profile sander, which has been discontinued, these new sanders are noticeable shorter than the taller previous generation of sanders.
These sanders aren’t super premium, but they felt sturdy. I’ll get my hands on one to put through its paces, and will let you know if my impression changes.
At a time when power tool brands focus mainly on cordless innovations, it’s nice to see Dewalt doing something to refresh some of their corded power tools.
Update: These are decent sanders for the money!
Jon
I purchased my first sander last year, a Skil from Lowes. I threw it in the thrash 3 days later. It was so weak and under powered it wasn’t worth me driving back to return it. I purchased the D26453K about two weeks ago and it is absolutely amazing. This is a real sander. Plenty of power, great hand grip and pretty much no vibrations (very slight). I sanded for about 30 minutes with no aches in the end. Definitely recommend.
Jason
That sucks buying a crappy tool and losing money on it 🙁 I would have returned it but that’s just me. I can’t let some one win selling me a bad product.
will
I had the older model variable speed and found out that they had a newer model so went and bought that one as well. I compared the too and while the newer model is a bit lower profile and it does have less vibration I wasn’t noticeable to the point where I would have replaced the older model prematurely. One other thing is that the bag attachment is different as well, while the older model would allow you to use a 1 1/4″ vac the newer model requires the adapter.Though the adaptor is preferable in either case its another $20.
Dennis dalton
Where can I get the adapter
It sucks that it doesn’t hook up to a vac hose I just bot one from Lowe’s & seeing the round dust port thought it would work with my vac..not happy…
mizzourob
I feel like these are the sorts of products that would have been in Porter Cable’s product lineup. Since Stanley Black & Decker bought the brand, it seems they are making a concerted shift to devalue the brand in favor of DeWalt. It has been a long time since Porter Cable has launched any new tools, especially the corded, stationary, or bench top varieties.
Robert
I just picked up a Craftsman 3amp orbital sander variable speed with pressure sensor. Bought it because I had received some surprise points in my SYWR program so I figured what the hey. Awesome little orbital sander. I had been using a sheet sander before this. A Porter Cable that I had to flip some tongs and seat the paper then re-set the tongs. Yes it was old but a workhorse for sure. Now this Craftsman blows away my old sander and the paper replacement is such a breeze with the hook and loop. The pressure sensor is great as it lets me know if I’m too light or too hard when sanding causing me to either waste time or put undue stress on the motor.
Bill K
Just bought the Bosch orbital sander instead, ToolGuyd’s #1 rated sander. Used it today for the first time. Very impressive filtration! The Dewalt looked like a potentially good sander, but I went with a proven winner……. variable speed & $59 at Lowes! Thanks ToolGuyd for the great recommendation!
Stuart
I’m glad the recommendation worked out for you!
For anyone that wants to read more, here’s a link to the discussion: https://toolguyd.com/best-random-orbital-sander/
BikerDad
Well, this explains why I saw an empty spot on the shelf at Home Depot with a clearance price for the DeWalt VS 5″ sander. The new ones are on the way…
BradKW
I buy 2+ Dewalt palm sanders a year for use in a general contracting business, and I will say that they are quite durable for the price. Many projects have seen these sanders in use 7+ hours per day, many days on end, without any mechanical failures. I used to use Porter Cables, but they would always burn out some little gumband-type thing that took the “random” out of orbital, and they’d just spin.
What necessitates buying new ones are: lost (or stolen), switch goes bad, cord goes bad. Its also nice that HD stocks the replacement hook/loop pads, as laborers tend to burn up one before you realize they are misusing the device.