MILWAUKEE M18 CORDLESS 5 IN. ORBIT SANDER

With the M18 orbital sander, you’ll get the power of a corded sander, without the hassle. So there’s no need to pull out that extension cord. Equipped with a convenient dial to adjust from 7,000 to 12,000 Orbits Per Minute (OPM). With this kind of power, you can easily remove more material in less time. It uses the standard 5in. hook-and-loop sanding pad for quick changing. This unit comes with a dust filtration container. Makita’s M18 Orbit Sander also comes equipped with a universal hose adapter, for better dust collection.

This post (Milwaukee M18 Cordless 5 in. Orbit Sander) is sponsored by The Home Depot

What’s included?

M18™ Random Orbit Sander (2648-20)

(1) Dust Canister

(1) Universal Hose Adapter

(1) Extension Adapter

(2) 80 Grit Sandpaper

Features

• 5″ Sanding Pad
• 3/32″ Orbit Diameter
• 7,000-12,000 OPM Variable Speed
• Universal Hose Adapter Included
• Quick Change Hook-and-Loop Sanding Pad
• Dust Canister with Filter
• Part of the M18 System of 150+ Tools

At the very top of the sander, you have the on-and-off power switch and a variable speed dial. The OPM (from 7000 to 12000) is controlled by adjusting the speed dial.

The sanding pad is pretty easy to install, just line up the holes and press into place. This hook and loop system uses a 5-inch sanding pad, which is very common for orbital sanders.

Many of the sanders I’ve used in the past had a zippered bag that would come undone, or let out a lot of dust particles. I love that this one comes with a hard enclosure for dust collection.  The filter system is attached to the top, it’s easy to open and empty out, any extra dust and particles can be cleared out with the air compressor.

Even though the sander comes with a dust container it is not perfect. You will still have small particles floating in the air. Keep in mind that this is pretty common. For best results, I’d recommend using the universal hose attachment for the Shop-Vac.

The sander does not come with a battery, you will have to get the kit if you don’t already have one for the M18 tools.

M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion XC Starter Kit with (1) 5.0Ah Battery and Charger. Compatible With All M18 Power Tools.

No need to deal with extension cords.

Take your sander anywhere, and get the job done.

Things to know

It’s a well-built sander that can deliver the power of a corded one. You only get 35 minutes of run-time, so if you only have one battery you’ll have to move fast. The battery charges quickly, but it’s something to keep in mind. Although 35 minutes is a long time, I tend to spend a couple of hours on some projects. It’s great for on the go and to work free of cords.

Though it has a nice dust collection system, expect it to still let through some fine dust. It will work best with a vacuum.

What’s the price? 

The list price on the (tool only)  M18 Cordless Sander is $99

If you don’t have an M18 tool already you need this kit. M18 Sander, Battery and charger $199

The Good

• Cordless
• Variable speed
• Shop-vac hose adapter
• Part of the M18 system (which has over 150 tools)
• Not as noisy as most
• Comfortable grip
• Outperforms two of my corded sanders
• You will love it
• Home and commercial use
• Easy to control

The Bad!

• A bit heavy if you need to sand vertically.
• If you don’t have any M18 tools this is a $200 purchase.
• Find it hard to disconnect the dust adapter.

My Thoughts

When I think of orbital sanders I think back to the first one I had. The dust collection was god-awful. It was so bad that it got to the point that I no longer wanted to sand inside of the shop. So I appreciate a good dust collection system and this one is a massive improvement. I like that it has a dust attachment that fits my shop vac.

It’s great and useful, a great addition to the tool world and now my tool collection. It’s awesome that it comes with both a dust container and vacuum hookup.

Product Specification

Length: 10.50in
Width: 4.95in
Weight: 20lbs
Height: 5.74in
Power Source: Battery

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