Meet the new Worx 20V Multi-Sander, a new cordless sander that is said to do the job of 5 different sander. It can function as a random orbit sander, finishing sander, detail sander, contour sander, and finger sander.
The Worx Sandeck Multi-Sander has a slew of specially named features – a Hyperlock tool-less sanding pad interface, Mode Max technology that ensures maximum sanding efficiency no matter which pad or base is in use, a DustStop micro-filter dust bag for reducing airborn dust, and Power Share, which means it’s a part of Worx’s 20V (Max) cordless power tool system.
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The Worx Multi-Sander has a soft grip handle, variable speed dial, and on/off power switch.
A press of the release button unlocks the HyperLock clamp, which is turned to disengage the attached clamp pad.
After a couple of turns, the pad is removed and the Worx Sandeck is ready for the next sanding plate.
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The finger and contour sanding attachments are secured to the detail sanding plate using a screwdriver.
Hook and loop pads enable fast sandpaper changes. The finish sander looks to have a standard clamp design, for use with plain-backed sandpaper.
Here’s how Worx describes the Sandeck Multi-Sander’s different attachments:
The 5″ random orbit function is your workman-like sander, and does all the tough, initial sanding. The 1/4 sheet finishing function smooths it down. The detail function lets you get into those tight corners. The finger sander attachment lets you really get into those tight spaces. And the detail contour is for rounded, bowl-like shapes.
The random orbit and finish sanding plates look to take standard-sized sandpaper (8-hole for the 5″ ROS, 1/4 sheet or cut-your-own sheets for the finish plate). The detail sander seems to have the same geometry and hole pattern as other such tools on the market. Replacement sandpaper for the finger and contour attachments might be more of a challenge.
The online user manual provides the following dimensions for the included sandpaper:
- 5″ random orbit with hook & loop backing
- 4-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ finishing sandpaper
- 5-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ [triangular] detail with hook & loop backing
- 3″ x 1-13/16″ finger with hook & loop backing
- 3-3/8″ x 2″ contour with hook & loop backing
The Worx Sandeck Multi-Sander also comes with a vacuum adapter, for use with a dust extractor or shop vacuum.
The Worx WX820L 20V Sandeck Multi-Sander kit comes with the random orbit base, a finishing sander base, detail sander base, contour and finger sanding attachments, a charger, 2.0Ah battery, carrying bag, and a starter pack of sandpaper. It also comes with a hole punch for using your own sandpaper with the 1/4 sheet pad.
Specs
- 4,000 to 10,000 OPM no-load
- 6 speed settings
- 3/32″ orbital diameter with the random orbit plate
- 1/16″ orbital diameter with the finish or detail plates
- Weighs 4.4 lbs
Price: $120 for the kit, $80 for the bare tool
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Amazon)
Compare(Bosch Random Orbit and Finish Sanders via Amazon)
Some markets will have a bare tool option, WX820L.9.
First Thoughts
I’m intrigued.
Worx says that the multi-sander has large orbital radius for aggressive debris removal when needed, and indeed, it has a 3/32″ orbit radius when the random orbit plate is attached, and 1/16″ when the other plates are attached.
I wonder if the dual orbit radius design evolved from the Rockwell Duotech Sonicrafter, which had user-selectable oscillation angles.
Cordless operation? An included dust bag and vacuum adapter? Variable speed? Tool-less sanding plate changes? 3 sanding plates and 2 accessories? Automatic-adjusting orbital radius? Seems like the perfect DIYer or hobbyist sander.
Well, actually, I think that it might be even better if corded, but these days cordless sells a lot better. That it comes with just one battery will be limiting for potentially heavier users, but you can always buy more batteries.
Worx did their homework, as I think that the Sandeck Multi-Sander is a tool that many folks will actually want, use, and benefit from.
When starting out working with wood, I went with a random orbital sander and a 1/4 sheet sander, and together the two tools set me back over $100. I also bought an oscillating multi-tool sanding attachment for detail or awkward corner sanding. (The Fein attachment, with vacuum attachment, was $55 at the time, and is currently $77; at that price I’d sooner buy a detail sander.)
If starting out now, I’d go for Bosch sanders, which would total $115 at current pricing. With this Worx Sandeck, you get 3-in-1+ functionality for $120. 5-in-1 if you count the detail sander’s two attachments as separate functions.
It’s nice to see that they bundle everything you might want in the kit. More sandpaper would probably be useful, but it’s often better to put your money towards the abrasives you want or need, rather than more starter sheets in grits you can’t use.
Big Adam
Ergonomically, that looks pretty tiring to me.
Having the pad, then the grip, then the battery, extending away from the workpiece, means your hand and forearm would need to apply pressure in a very odd and uncomfortable way.
I could see the need to use your ‘free’ hand directly above the pad (like a palm sander / regular ROS) to apply pressure and take the strain from the ‘grip’ hand.
fred
The first and original ROS – patented by Porter Cable – was based on an angle grinder – so you had some of the same issues that your hand did not apply pressure directly over the pad. The PC design did have a side handle to help. I have the old PC one and still find it useful for some sanding tasks where you need to reach up or out to the work – like outdoor sanding of fascia boards, garage doors, and siding.
Adam
I think it’s actually better to move the pressure away from directly over the sanding pad, since it doesn’t incentivize the user to apply excess pressure downward.
Stuart
It’s the same rough shape as my Festool 6″ sander, which is actually extremely comfortable to use. No need to apply straining pressure, you let the tool’s speed and sandpaper do the job. If you do need or want a little more pressure and control, you’re right about switching to a two-hand grip.
Koko The Talking Ape
I was just going to say that. Depending on how the weight is distributed, you may have to simultaneously hold the pad against the surface and lift the rear of the sander off the work surface. If the rear is too heavy, you will will be tempted to press down too hard. A vaccuum hose extending out the back might make that worse.
Also, for a random orbit sander to work best, and to have the most random scratch pattern, the pressure on the pad shouldn’t be concentrated on one side or another. If the rear of the pad has more pressure, that will tend to prevent that part of the pad from orbiting.
Detail sanders need extension, so they can reach into tight spots. ROS’s to be balanced more or less on center of the pad. And I personally won’t get a cordless model. This fellow tries to do it all.
Sanding is such a messy, time-consuming and critial task that I don’t see much point in using less than terrific tools. I have a Bosch corded ROS, but I am looking at Festool.
Jared
Huh, interesting. Worx is good at making unique products. This smells a little gimmicky to me, but maybe that’s unfair of me since I haven’t tried it. It appears a bit bulky compared to regular sanders, but I’d need to hold one to see.
Nathan
there’s only one worx tool I’ve ever been interested in and it’s that water pump/light pressure washer device. Like the rest of their items this is gimicky to me. I can’t image the dust collection is worth much with all the dust has to travel through.
I’ll take the ROS of nearly any brand for 50 (bosch ROS20 can be had for that) and if you have a OMT and all the reason to own one – then you already have the detail sander for 12 dollars if you don’t already have that attachment. and honestly I don’t really know what a 1/4 sheet sander does that a 5 inch ROS doesn’t do better. But those can be had for as little as 24 or as much as 150 – so again middle of the road both the dewalt or the bosch quality models can be had for 60 I believe.
But I do agree it probably will sell well
Rob
+1 on the WORX pressure washer device: Despite somewhat negative reviews (Amazon…) the Worx “Hydroshot” light duty pressure washer is amazing for general purpose, odd-job, frequent cleaning around the house. Most people appearing to dislike it are trying to remove paint, clean neglected decks, etc. It’s only 300+ PSI…but that’s plenty to remove spider webs, clean the lawnmower or mountain bikes, etc…
Craig
Since a ROS is round it can’t get into corners where a sheet sander can. The corners or edges where balusters meet the rails or planks of a deck is a great example. That much hand sanding is awful. Otherwise, give me the ROS any day.
Nathan
I guess I don’t really do that often for corners of my last projects I used my OMT and detail attachment. But I do have a 1/4 sheet sander also. It’s a cheaper BD model.
Steve
I have a Belt, ROS, and one of the triangle-ish Corner sanders, so I skipped the 1/4″ sheet one all together.
ca
The HyperLock clamp? That’s gotta be good!
Joe framer
Diy home run…. professional junk…there must be enough diy people buying this infomercial junk for them to keep making more……it’s a shame because if anyone tried a good sander they would never buy this junk
fred
If you are buying a cordless sander that is paired to a 2Ah battery – you are probably not planning to use it for major projects or anything approaching all day use. The target audience is likely looking at some light-duty intermittent use sanding.
Maybe its a lament of old age – but for build quality – I’ll stick to my old Rockwell-Porter-Cable sanders but no one would accuse them of being lightweight. I see that the “locomotive” belt sander that I have – still gets good asking prices on eBay. But for dust control – I certainly prefer the more modern sanders that I have from Mirka and Festool.
In the shop – for production work – we would not consider electric sanders – let alone cordless ones – at all – much preferring pneumatics – from Cleco, Dotco, and Hutchins.
Sergey
Why was your preference to use pneumatics in the shop? Are they much more powerful than electric? What about dust extraction?
fred
I should have been more specific. In my home shop – its 100% electric sanders.
In the commercial cabinet shop (small factory) that I had an interest in – sanding was an almost continuous operation. We had various schemes for dust extraction including downdraft tables and a central dust collection system hooked to a cyclone separator and a baghouse. Pneumatic sanders can run nearly continuously – with much less heat buildup in the tool versus electrics. Their expected life in production is also much longer. Generally they are much lighter than their electric counterparts – and can be more powerful pound for pound. The newer ones that we used included vacuum-assist dust extraction. Some generated their own vacuum for dust extraction. I know that Hutchins still make theirs in the USA – and I think that Apex has not shifted production of the Cleco and Dotco tools offshore.
BTW – Mirka claims that their DC-motor sander competes well with an air sander:
https://www.amazon.com/Mirka-MID55020CAUS-Direct-Electric-Orbital/dp/B00RZSV0N6?th=1
I also partnered in a metal and pipe fabrication business – where we use air-powered grinders from Dotco – that were a class act. Also lighter, stronger and longer lasting than many of their electric counterparts.
Frank D
I like the innovation that worx brings to many of their products, making them more versatile or stand out as a better value; but as it is another brand / battery platform …
Gary S
I have purchased several WORX tools, corded and cordless over the years and have been pleased with performance and durability. Given past performance, I would consider purchasing this multi-faceted tool from them in the future. Granted, I’m not a production mode user, so my expectations are tailored toward the occasional DIY user mode. To each, his own.
RCWARD
All in one as a rule do nothing well. This seems to point in that direction
Mark Francis
Has anyone actually used this to see if it does the job well