Sanding can be a relatively satisfying process; within a few minutes, you can totally change the appearance of a piece of wood. However, in equal measures, sanding can be very tiring and messy.
A good sander will whisk up thousands of tiny grains of wood, leaving dust and debris on everything they touch.
The sawdust clings onto clothes, hair, and fabric and even gets up your nose. Inhaling wood dust and debris is harmful to health.
And as such, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends limiting exposure to dust from sanders. One way of doing this is by purchasing a sander with a vacuum attachment.
We’ve collated the best sanders with vacuums and compared them. Keep reading to find out more.
There may be affiliate links in this article. You can read more about this in my disclosure.
Many sanders come with great dust management systems these days. We’ve found the best sanders that will help you look after your health and home and contain dust as best as possible.
The Bosch, Tacklife, and Makita sanders perform well at sanding and dust collection. Any will be a great addition.
However, we do recommend wearing a mask as well during sanding.
Why get a Sander With Vaccum Attachment?
The primary reason to get a sander with a vacuum attachment is to look after your health. The wood dust can harm your skin, causing skin irritation and splinters so tiny that you may not even notice them until they become infected weeks later.
Additionally, inhaling dust can reduce lung function and cause allergic reactions, asthma, and even nasal cancer.
We aren’t trying to scare you, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into if you sand on a regular basis.
One of the solutions to sand and sawdust inhalation is to wear a respirator or dust mask. Although these masks help, adding an additional precaution of a sanding vacuum will help even more.
Plus, you may not always have a mask to hand as they need to be constantly replaced.
Aside from health concerns, cleaning after using a sander is a nightmare. Sanding vacuums help minimize the dust clouds created and help contain the debris in an easily emptied container.
Best Orbital Sanders with Vacuum Attachments.
We’ve researched and collated some of the best orbital sanders with vacuum attachments. We have provided the estimated retail cost, pros and cons, and links to where to buy them.
We’ve considered the sander’s performance and dust-capturing ability, so you don’t have to sacrifice performance for the sake of dust management.
These sanders are great additions to any workshop or toolbag and will upgrade your dust and debris management.
Bosch ROS20VSC Random Orbital Sander/Polisher – 2.5 Amp 5in.
Bosch is a well-known and loved brand that creates some of the best tools for any job.
The Bosch Orbital Sander/Polisher has a built-in vacuum with a filter. The collection system is a rigid plastic box, with a clean compartment so you can see when it is full and no longer able to collect sawdust.
The microfilter system is excellent at catching fine dust, even trapping particles as small as ½-micron in diameter.
Additionally, the dust collector can also be connected to a shop vac if you’re tackling a bigger job.
Finally, an adaptor is provided upon purchasing this sander, so you can sand continuously without having to empty the canister.
The variable speed on the machine works great and is easy to adjust while mid-sanding without the need to stop what you’re doing.
In addition, the on/off switch is conveniently located, so you can get at it without fumbling around with the device.
The built-in fan means your work area is clean and clear, and the piece you’re working on is clearly visible.
The sander fits comfortably in your hand due to its high-quality design and does not leave your hands uncomfortably vibrating after each use.
The sander offers excellent value for money when compared to other orbital sanders.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Great dust collection ability.
- Low vibration means you can use it for hours without feeling uncomfortable.
- Great design and quality.
Cons:
- The integrated filter is not washable.
- Low amperage compared to some machines at 2.5
What comes in the kit:
- Sanding pad.
- Sanding disc.
- Dampening ring.
- Dust canister.
- Vacuum adapter.
- Carrying bag.
The price of these sanders varies between $55 and $80. Head to the link below to grab one from Amazon on sale for $60.
[amazon box=”B00BD5G9VA” template=”vertical”]
TACKLIFE 3.0A 5 Inch. Random Orbit Sander for woodworking.
The Tacklife sander is another great option with an in-built dust management system. In addition, the sander comes with a compact vacuum box that snatches particles.
The sander also has a micro-filter system that catches particles as small as ½-micron in diameter, which is crucial in lung protection so that you don’t breathe in ultrafine particles.
The dust collector is well-designed, so you can easily detach the accessory when emptying it. You simply twist and pull the catcher away from the sander in one easy motion.
The sander is super easy to start, with the on switch conveniently located on the top for easy access.
The amps this small machine produces are pretty impressive at three amps, generating about 1300 orbits per minute.
The device has six speed settings, which makes the sander handy for many kinds of woodworking.
The machine overall feels lightweight, is not too loud when being operated, and feels robust.
However, one point to note is that the dust collection system can get blocked when sanding certain textures, such as walls.
Pros:
- Cheaper than other machines.
- The kit comes with sandpaper.
- Great, comfortable design.
- Amperage.
Cons:
- Dust collection system can fill up quickly, and it doesn’t come with an adaptor to hook up to a vacuum.
What comes in the kit:
- 12 pieces of sandpaper.
- Dust collection kit.
Although this machine isn’t sold on amazon, it can be found at Walmart. The price usually is around $25.99, which is highly reasonable for the product.
Makita BO5041 Random Orbit Sander 5-Inch (3-Amp, 4000-12000 OPM)
The Makita brand comes with a hefty dose of prestige because its products are robust and impressive but costly. This choice may be for the higher-level DIYer or craftsman but it is definitely worth the money.
The beast works by collecting dust particles through the pad, meaning it’s incredibly efficient at controlling dust. The dust collector itself is generously sized and has a decent capacity.
Of course, as with all Makita products, the spec is good. The sander has multiple speed settings, an adjustable handle, and bags of power.
The on button can be set to stay on, meaning you don’t have to hold down the button continuously to use it.
The design makes the machine super comfortable to hold, and the adjustable handle makes it easier to get into hard-to-reach corners.
Pros:
- Super sensitive and reliable speed settings.
- Incredible control and leverage due to handle design.
- Through the pad dust collection.
- Good location of locking on/off button.
Cons:
- Pricey.
What’s included in the kit:
- You can purchase with or without the case.
- Dust bag.
- Abrasive disc.
Prices for these vary, and the case cost will add to the total. Usually, these machines come in between $90 and $120.
The total cost is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re a sanding pro with a decent budget, this sander could be the one for you.
[amazon box=”B001LXJRRW” template=”vertical”]
To Summarize:
If you’re looking to purchase a new sander, it’s wise to consider dust collection. You’ll want a machine that does the job well, is easy and enjoyable to use, and doesn’t harm your health or home with excessive dust clouds.
We’ve found the best sanders with vacuum attachments so you can add the perfect machine to your tool kit.
So, do your research, consider your budget, and find the sanding tool that works for you.