DEWALT DW443 6-Inch Heavy Duty Electronic Variable Speed Right Angle Random Orbit Sander

I've done a fair bit of sanding with this product and overall, the sanding is good: good removal of wood with minimal swirl marks (just don't short cut through the grits). The flaws are two: the wire support for the dust bag wore through the bag so now while sanding it spews a steam of dust through the hole. Second is the power switch. Every once in a while the thing won't turn on. I've found that if you take the sander apart you can pull the power switch out and then take that apart. Blow the dust out and put it all back together and it works again. Call me crazy, but a sander with a switch that fails because of wood dust seems to be a bit of a design flaw..

We use this DeWalt Random Orbital as a polisher for vehicles. The unit comes with the velcro fastener required for professional polishing pads. The unit is balanced and easy to use for a long period. The results have been outstanding. It is recommended by our supplier of professional polishing products.

A six inch random orbital sander is intended for rapidly removing material from large surfaces (eg. table top). It is not a detail sander and should not be expected to be lightweight and agile. Use the right tool for the job. I am very happy with mine. It does a very good job of quickly sanding large areas. Unlike the competition (from a certain black/grey company), this sander provides integrated dust collection. The reason I only gave it 4 stars is two fold. First, the gear mechanism makes a grinding noise (like it is going to break). My Dewalt biscuit jointer made a similar noise, but has lasted for years. Second, the variable speed has a very narrow range of speeds (ie. highest speed is really fast, lowest speed is still really fast).

After using orbital sanders for years I decided to get the random orbit. I have been a big fan of Dewalt and did not hesitate on purchasing this tool. The dust collection for the most part does not work. The sanding qualities are first class. But six inch paper is hard to find. But I stocked up when I bought the sander. I have had to replace the switch after it quit working. Overall It sands well but fails in the dust collection department. Dewalt could do better.

I have had this tool for several years now and bought it mostly because of the Dewalt name. Unfortunately, it doesn't live up to expectations. First, 6 inch hook and loop pads are becoming harder to find. It seems that 5 inch pads are the current craze, especially adhesive pads. Secondly, this tool is noisy and heavy. It is hard think of it as a finishing sander. The collection bag is a joke and must have been designed by the team of Moe, Larry and Curly. The wire that gives the bag it's shape and stiffness poked a hole in the fabric the second day I used it. Very poor design. Not worthy of the Dewalt name. Its only saving grace is that due to its weight it will take rough stock off quickly.