6 Best Orbital Sanders With Vacuum Attachment in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, a quality orbital sander is an essential part of any woodworker’s tool kit. With more advanced options with vacuum attachments taking over the market, now is the time to upgrade your gear without spending too much.

For less than $200 (and, in most cases, less than $100), you can get a high-quality orbital sander with a vacuum attachment to completely change how you complete your projects. There is no more stopping and starting to clear dust from the workspace or intense messes to manage afterward. It’s a small investment, but the time and aggravation you save are huge.

You won’t be short on options with the number of brands offering multiple models in various quality tiers. To help you find the best setup for your needs, we have reviews of the best orbital sanders with a vacuum attachment this year.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2024

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Makita BO5041	Optional adjustable front grip for enhanced control Ergonomic rubberized grip reduces fatigue Broad speed controls to suit any project	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Craftsman CMEW231	Substantial power at a relatively low price Excellent bagged dust collection system Lightweight and easy to maneuver	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Dewalt DCW210D1	Brushless motor offers better energy efficiency and durability Cordless and lightweight for unhindered movement Molded grip enhances comfort	CHECK PRICE
		Bosch ROS20VSC	Microfilter provides finer dust extraction Well-designed dust canister Ergonomic soft rubberized grip	CHECK PRICE
		DeWalt DWE6423K	Molded rubberized grip for enhanced comfort Dust-sealed switch protects interior components Compatible with DWV dust collectors for enhanced filtration and extended continuous use	CHECK PRICE

The 6 Best Orbital Sanders with Vacuum Attachment

1. Makita BO5041 – Best Overall

Makita owners know the next-level quality of their equipment. The corded BO5041 random orbital sander is an excellent representative of Makita’s thoughtful attention to detail and commitment to using quality components. While not the most versatile among their collection (look for their cordless models on the LXT system), it provides a level of usability that its competitors can’t touch.

Despite the cord, the BO5041 has every feature you could want plus a little extra, including a variable 6-speed dial (no-load 4,000–12,000 OPM), a lightweight frame, and ample dust collector. The highlight is the adjustable front handle, giving you an unmatched level of comfort and control in awkward areas and corners.

The 3-amp motor combines with an oversized sealed bearing build to deliver power while improving longevity and reducing maintenance demands. With the quality and comfort, the BO5041 sets you up for more efficient work and less fatigue, making it our pick for the best overall orbital sander with a vacuum attachment.

2. Craftsman CMEW231 – Best Value

It may lack a variable speed control, requiring a bit more finesse on the user’s part, but the quality for the price makes the CMEW231 from Craftsman the best orbital sander with a vacuum attachment for the money.

The single 12,000-OPM speed isn’t an enormous compromise, especially if it means a better motor and dust collection at a lower price, which you get from the CMEW231. The grip is not comfort-oriented, but the Craftsman’s light weight makes it easier to use on high surfaces. With quality construction and effective dust collection, the unit is built to last and endure long bouts of sanding.

3. Dewalt DCW210D1 – Premium Choice

Cordless power tools are all about loyalties to battery systems. If you’re on a Makita, Milwaukee, or any other platform right now, staying with the same brand is more cost-effective. But if you’re getting started, the DeWalt DCW210B is an exceptional choice from a reliable name.

It isn’t the most expensive orbital sander, but it’s a significant step from the most popular orbital sanders with vacuum attachments. Along with cutting the cord, DeWalt included a brushless motor, variable control speed, and a rubberized grip for extended sanding in any location.

The kit includes a 1.5Ah 20V lithium-ion battery to power tons of DeWalt equipment, and you can always upgrade to bigger packs when you need more time. If you don’t want to use the vacuum, you have better dust collection options than the average sander. For heavy-duty dust collection, you can hook up to one of DeWalt’s dust extractors with HEPA filtration to outperform the typical shop vac.

4. Bosch ROS20VSC

Bosch ROS20VSC brings together many aspects of the best orbital sanders in price, comfort, and filtration. The tradeoff comes in power as you move to a 2.5-amp motor. Otherwise, it’s hard to complain about this well-rounded machine.

The variable speed motor runs from 7,500–12,000 OPM to match numerous surfaces and projects. The soft grip and vibration-reducing design will limit fatigue, and the high-quality dust filter prevents spillback. It all comes together to help you work longer without getting tired or constantly cleaning up.

5. DeWalt DWE6423K

DeWalt’s DWE6423K is an excellent value, offering variable speeds from 8,000–12,000 OPM alongside a separate counterweight design for enhanced stability. The improved vibration-reduction and rubber molded grip are additional enhancements that solve many of the complaints against downgraded DeWalt models, despite the cost difference not being that significant.

As a corded model, the DWE6423K lets you work longer than cordless models, so with the right vacuum, you can sand continuously for quite a while. And when you include DeWalt’s high-CFM dust collectors, the same appliances you can use with the cordless DCW210D1, you get the perfect setup!

The DWV010 and DWV012 are dust extractors that can more or less replace a shop vac in many woodworking spaces, albeit with much higher performance standards and dust filtration. Paired with a corded sander, these extractors allow you to sand for hours without charging batteries or cleaning dust bins.

6. Dewalt DWE6421K

The 3-amp, 12,000-OPM DeWalt DWE6421K is shockingly similar to the Craftsman model that took the top value spot in these reviews but has key advantages worth mentioning, primarily in its filtration. It’s slightly more expensive than the Craftsman, yet with its compatibility with the DWV dust collection systems, it could be a better choice for extended rounds of sanding.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Orbital Sander With Vacuum Attachment

Orbital sanders can all look somewhat similar, but the most minute construction details could make a massive difference at the workshop or the job site. The following are essential considerations when looking for an orbital sander with a vacuum attachment.

Corded vs. Cordless

Cordless orbital sanders are much more versatile for moving around when power isn’t accessible. Attach the dust bag, and you can sand outside or anywhere it’s challenging to run cords.

The downside is the charge time. If you work in a shop and need to work several hours, you’ll need to recharge the battery a few times, which takes about 45 minutes or more. Corded models are more cost-effective when power is available, offering a run time to match the high-capacity dust filtration you’ll gain by hooking them up to shop vacs.

Cord Length

Models with longer power cords are far more convenient when working on large pieces or moving around a room. Consider your normal sanding situations, and search for a corded model that will give you a complete range of motion.

Dust Collection

All these orbital sanders have vacuum attachments to use with a shop vac, but you must be wary if you’re trying to hook it up to your existing vacuum. Many models require additional adapters, while others may not work with them at all.

Variable Speed

Variable speeds are ideal if you work with a broad range of materials. Lower OPMs help with more delicate, softer materials or in removing paint.

Single speeds are typically ideal if you work primarily on sanding wood. Still, many woodworkers find a single-speed 12,000-OPM sander offers the versatility they need, relying on their knowledge and skill to ensure quality results when changing media.

Comfort and Vibration

Rubberized grips and vibration-reduction technology can make an enormous difference in managing fatigue. With softer, more ergonomic grips and less shake, you’ll enjoy quieter operation and easier use.

Conclusion

Makita’s BO5041 pulls away from the pack in our reviews of the best orbital sanders with vacuum attachments by offering a unique comfort grip that gives the user unmatched flexibility and control. And it does it without making sacrifices elsewhere, including price.

Beyond Makita’s corded offering, you’ll find the broadest collection of quality orbital sanders with DeWalt. The high-powered dust collection systems and various cordless and corded models make it arguably the best place to start your search for a quality orbital sanding system.

Featured Image Credit: Everyonephoto Studio, Shutterstock