Milwaukee 5 in. Random Orbit Sander with Dust Bag (Hook and Loop Pad) - 6019-6  Product Reviews

"I purchased two Milwaukee's and two Rigid sanders at the same time for my woodworking instruction class. Same sander, both cost the same amount. The Rigid brand has it all over the Milwaukee. Rigid includes a variable speed adjusting knob. The Rigid brand also does not spin up at high RPM when not in contact with material like the Milwaukee. This spin up problem with the Milwaulkee requires the user to shut off the sander every time it is removed from the work surface. A big sanding gouge is likely if you place the sander back on the work surface at high RPM. The sander only takes a second or two to spin out of control. The Milwaukee is like a first generation palm orbital sander and is a piece of junk. The Rigid is a modern, up to date, quality built and economical tool. The Rigid dust collection bag is better. The sander feels better in your hand, is more substantial and it does not heat up under your palm like the Milwaukee does. I'm trying to get rid of the two Milwaukee's to replace them with two more Rigid's, that's how much better the Rigid brand is. I'm not a weekend woodworker. I've worked with wood full time for more than 20 years. Milwaukee makes some very nice tools. This sander is not one of them. Buy the Rigid brand instead."

"This sander is a replacement for my old Porter Cable. I am very impressed with this unit. It has more than enough power and the vibration from the unit is very minimal. With my old Porter it would take twenty minutes after sanding to get feeling back in my hand. The only downside to this product is the housing. The plastic used for this is slick and shiny. I am hoping after continued use it will wear a bit. This sander is already my favorite over my Mikita and Porter Cable."

"I bought this sander about 8 months ago to replace an old Makita pad sander. I've used it frequently and have had excellent results. It starts very smoothly, runs quietly and virtually vibration-free and does a great job with all grits and on every surface I've used it on. I've used it all types of wood and even some metal. It leaves no swirl marks, even when pressing down hard. About the only minor issue I've found with it is that it gets pretty warm right on top where your palm rests. It's not a big problem and it's really just a very minor annoyance and doesn't detract from the sanding capabilities in the least. This is a great little addition to any serious woodworker's shop."

"I probably had less than 30 minutes use of this thing before knowing it was junk. I wrote a note to Milwaukee about it and they offered to fix it. Not what I wanted because I knew alrady it was never going to be good. But sent it in and they put $45 in parts. Believe it or not but since I have used it hours and still hate it! But has not given any more mechanical problems. Only worst engineered tool Milwaukee probably ever made. I don't think any other random orbit sander has no brake system! I used a De Walt many hours before buying this thing and only reason for not buying De Walt is that I don't like their products. Biggest mistake yet! I recommend the DE Walt!"