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Introducing the 3M Random Orbit Sander
Sanding is a chore that few of us like, and it’s not often we get a new innovative product that threatens to disrupt the entire task of sanding and make it better. Today, we’re going to talk about the new 3M Random Orbit Sander and compare it with other popular sanders on the market, such as those from DeWalt, Festool, and more.
Features and Advantages
When it comes to sanding, one of the most important factors to consider is the level of vibration and how comfortable it is to use the tool for extended periods. The first thing you’ll notice on the 3M Sander is how quiet it is and how much less vibration there is compared to other sanders like DeWalt and Festool.
The 3M Sander has a 350-watt motor and variable speed options, which allows for a smooth and efficient sanding experience. It also boasts a 16-foot power cord for added convenience and a 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
Dust Collection and Cooling
Another key advantage of the 3M Random Orbit Sander is its impressive dust collection capabilities. The holes on the pad of the sander help to suck up a majority of the fine and harmful dust created during the sanding process, making it a much cleaner and safer tool to use. Additionally, these holes also help to keep the tool and sandpaper cool, prolonging their lifespan and increasing overall comfort for the user.
Comparing 3M Sander with Competitors
In comparison to other sanders like the Festool ETS 125 and the Rotex, the 3M Random Orbit Sander stands out for its ability to provide a more aggressive sanding stroke while maintaining a fine finish. This is due to the less vibration and excellent balance the 3M Sander offers, ensuring faster and more efficient sanding without compromising on the quality of the finished product.
Another advantage of the 3M Sander is its versatility – it can be used for a variety of applications, such as sanding small parts or even being inverted and used as a stationary sander.
Price and Recommendations
Although the 3M Random Orbit Sander comes with a premium price tag, it is well worth the investment for those who sand often and require a tool that delivers quality results quickly and efficiently. For those who sand less frequently, a more budget-friendly option such as the DeWalt may be more appropriate.
For individuals who already own a Festool Sander, upgrading to the 3M model may not be necessary, but it is recommended for those who require a more comfortable and efficient sanding experience.
Conclusion
The 3M Random Orbit Sander is an impressive and innovative tool that has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach sanding tasks. Its quiet operation, minimal vibration, and excellent dust collection and cooling capabilities make it stand out among its competitors, making it worth the investment for those who value efficiency and comfort in their woodworking tasks.
Though it may not be perfect, with some suggested improvements such as a detachable power cord and a storage box, the 3M Random Orbit Sander is a worthy addition to any woodworking toolkit. It’s always exciting to see new products introduced to the woodworking field, and we look forward to seeing what else 3M has in store for the future of sanders and other woodworking tools.
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
▼EXPAND FOR LINKS TO THE TOOLS▼
Festool Sander Review ► https://youtu.be/ifVesG68MWI
Tools In This Video:
3M 5-inch Sander – https://lddy.no/1cool
3M 6-inch Sander – https://lddy.no/1coom
3M Xtract Sandpaper – https://lddy.no/1cook (25% off through September 2022).
Other Tools Seen in Video –
Festool ETS125 Sander – https://amzn.to/3cHJJiB
Festool Rotex Sander – https://amzn.to/3q8nx4e
Festool Dust Extractor – https://amzn.to/3RyTj68
DeWALT Sander – https://amzn.to/3ROYQG7
More Awesome Tools Under $30
DFM Square: https://amzn.to/3Jfb5H2
Thin Rip Jig: https://amzn.to/3LKm2lB
DFM Saw Height Gauge: https://amzn.to/3jidia1
Small F-Clamps: https://lddy.no/157u9
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Really – $568.00 for the 3M sander and you are comparing it to a dewalt 60.00 sander and a festool 240.00 sander! ALL 3 sanders are in completely different price categories – this is the worst review i have ever seen on YouTube!
Since this video has aged about 8 months, would you say you’re still reaching for the 3m or has the novelty (hopefully not the tool itself) worn off and you’re back to festool? I’m on the fence about which one to snag since my Ridgid just died.
Really helpful in making a decision on which sander to invest in. many thanks
3M looks like rebranded Deros with a fixed cord.
I am not professional. I bout a sander with hous brand name for the equivalent of USD10 and I don't know if it is bad, as I have never tried a quality sander!
I got my 3M 5" sander and I was not impressed. I am amazed at how fast I was able to get the surface SMOOTH! I started with the 80 Grit, then 120, and even though the job did not need it I finished with 180. You let 3M know I purchased their 3M 5" orbital sander because of your evaluation! I agree it is an AMAZING sander! Oh, it's half the decibels as my cordless.
The 3M is a completely different product from both Festool sanders you compared it to.
What you should compare it to is the Festool ETS EC 150/5 and the Mirka.
Why is the 5" 3/32nd is more expensive than the 5" 3/16th?
Hi 👋🏽 thanks for the review. Very helpful. Can you recommend a decent budget dust extractor. I see the sander on the site an it seems to come with connectors. I’m new to this and… I’m going to sand my pecky cypress ceilings 😫 Thank you.
its amazing to see how the sanders that were developed by manufactures that primary lived in the auto body world are different from the wood working world 3M has been a staple for years in the car world I am not surprised that they do a great job here the lack of a plastic box also probably comes from that world as the sanders are typically used in a static location or in a shop and rarely transported to sites.. the removable cord is nice but again in a static shop environment it could just be one more point of failure or a cost optimization that connector has to cost something and add to size so they spent that money on the balance of the tool. if you think you sand a lot in a wood shop I would bet paint and body guys sand as much or more.
I currently have a 16 gallon dewalt shop vac. Is there a specific attachment needed for the 3M xtract sander to connect to this shop vac? Thanks for your help. Cheers 🍻
3M have been manufacturing professional finishing products for the automotive industry for decades. 3M have manufactured sandpaper since 1905, so they know a thing or two about sanding!
You could have used a glass of water to test vibrations. Either against the body of the sander or on the work piece.
I love the review. I am thinking of buying the 3M Xtract. Can I use a regular vacuum cleaner with one? What size OD diameter vacuum hose will fit into the dust inlet on the sander? Thankyou.
Amazon just dropped the price to $348. Might just be a Valentine's day deal, grab it quick if you've been holding out!
3m also sells a soft sanding pad adapter for this orbital sander. Just bought this for my wife as she has been furniture flipping since last summer and I have been taking hints that she is seriously wanting to up her sanding game. We’ll see who uses the sander more 😊
This is just a rebranded mirka
Watch your fingers. The paper will slice your off hand finger from the side if you dont pay attention
Thanks!👏👍🙏❤️
I’m a little skeptical that you’re putting the cart before the horse with this product. It’s coming into the market to compete with pro level sanders and a pro level price. A product like this has to be considerably better than the long standing competition. If you look around at reviews from online retail sites, it’s getting 4/5 stars at best. Its got a 1.8/5 rating on 3m’s own website. It’s gotta be 5/5 stars for a guy like me to buy a brand new, unvetted, product over the Festool or mirka offerings.
3M is expensive for those woodworkers on a budget and can't afford that much for a sander.
I hate tools that comes with a box. I have my own system, so I would rather not have another mismatched case.
Pallet wood no planer = grinder with sanding pad lol
Significant means enough change between the two to make a difference. Significance does NOT mean huge or great measure. Damn lawsuit and drug commercials keep saying "significant" making people think HUGE causing this word to change it's meaning. But these commercials are actually using it correctly, it's just ignorant people are getting duped.
Is it still working? Mine was as loud as a DeWalt planer and stopped working completely after 40 min total of sanding.
"listen to the difference" turns it away from microphone ….
I wish the grit range on the 3M paper went lower. I regularly use my Rotex 150 to clean up whisky barrel lids prior to planing, and having the ability to get to 40 grit really helps with the first stage of that process. Maybe the 80 would work, but I'm not sure I want to spend the money just to test it.
Kinda disappointed that you take the time to point out the difference in stoke between the different sanders of 3mm to 5mm but dont bother to explain why someone would want the difference, there is a reason you can buy the high end festool brushless ets ec that you are not showing here in either a 3 or 5mm stroke. A 5mm stroke is better for material removal but with a high gloss finish like a catalyzed lacquer or a clear coat you are gonna have to step more grits to avoid swirl marks, the 3mm strokes are designed for the finer or a more gloss finish. The noise comparison really comes through in the video so thank you for that. As some have said though you are comparing the brushless 3m to the brushed ets, would be better to compare it to the brushless ets. Also that 3m your comparing is roughly twice the price as that festool ets and i think you should mention that in the video. I work in a commercial shop and we are required to wear hearing protection due to the larger machines anyway but i appreciate the noise comparison for my home shop, where it is always a consideration. I know for me though when i have more then say 10min of sanding to do I grab some earbuds anyway. Thanks for the straight forward review. Just a couple points I would have like to see.
Nice! Thanks for sharing. =)
No pad brake! It's just another chinese oem sander. Best of all them – Flex orbital sander. It have button like Festool, not that stupid pedal, it's quiet, 5mm orbit, great pad brake and brushless motor!
I suspect you used 3m paper on it?
Could it be that it’s brushless??
Wrong copy of the Mirka
I wonder why 3M doesn't make more tools.
I’ve had festool and big box sanders I’m thinking next I’ll go to merica
$450 for a random orbital sander? Sheesh! I'll stick with my little Bosch for less than $60
Project Farm proved Festool makes trash. Drill test.
YOU SHOULD CHECK
Bosch gex 18-125
and Bosch gex 12-125
THE BEST CORDLESS SANDERS money can get
Your video are great. I want to buy the tools even if I do not have a shop, that's how good your videos are!
I've been loving mine, but the cord is so obnoxious. I hate how long it is and that it's non-removable, and it makes me wish I had a Festool more and more every time i have to break it out to use it.
you do know some of them tools(right hand) are closer to the mic (if its build into that camera) or did you place a separate mic in the middle???????
This man sands more than a shore
Had my Mirja set up for almost 10 years now hit it when it first came on the scene! Amazing and not missed a beat!
I want a 3M xtract
The dewalt works fine. I love advertising
One word slick….Mirka. Buy once, cry once. You'll thank me later.
💕 the shirt. Proverbs 27:17
Is it just a Mirka Deros?
The first thing I notice is I can buy a nice drum sander for the price of two foolstool
Looks just like a Mirka