DeWalt 5 in Variable-Speed Random Orbit Sander

First impressions and setup

A good random-orbit sander disappears in your hand. That’s what struck me first about the DeWalt 5-inch sander: it’s compact, light (2.9 lb), and easy to palm without feeling twitchy. The low-profile body keeps your grip close to the work, and the rubber overmold is just tacky enough without getting gummy when dusty. Out of the bag (it ships with a soft case, dust bag, and paperwork), I attached a 5-inch hook-and-loop disc, clicked on the one-handed dust bag, and went to work. Note: it doesn’t come with sanding discs, so have a pack on hand.

Power and speed control

At the heart is a 3.0-amp motor driving between roughly 8,000 and 12,000 OPM. That range feels well-chosen. At lower settings, I had good control for finish sanding between coats and knocking down nibs without cutting too aggressively. At the higher end, it removes stock faster than I expected for a compact 5-incher. The dial is positive and easy to thumb with your off hand, though not so loose that you’ll change speeds by accident mid-pass.

The 3/32-inch orbit hits the sweet spot for most woodworking: big enough to move material, small enough to leave a fine surface if you progress through grits properly. I used it to level edge-banding on a cabinet, flatten a cutting board repair, and prep softwood shelving. It never felt underpowered or overly eager to gouge.

Vibration and handling

The separate counterweight design pays off. Vibration is nicely controlled, better than many in this class. I could run it for extended sessions without the tingling hand fatigue I get with some older orbitals. The pad brake also does its job—you don’t get that runaway free-spin when you lift off or set down. It lands softly and gets to work rather than skating on the surface.

Because the body is short, you can steer with your palm and fingertips right over the pad instead of “high-towering” the tool. That matters when you’re trying to fair an edge, blend a repair, or keep a door panel flat. With one hand on the top and the other guiding the cord or dust hose, the sander stays composed.

Dust collection

Dust control is excellent for a compact corded sander. The dust-sealed switch keeps grit out of the electronics, and the one-handed locking dust bag is actually useful—it attaches securely with a twist and doesn’t dribble when you remove it. For quick tasks on pine and birch ply, the onboard bag captured the majority of dust, keeping the air surprisingly clear.

Hook the sander to a vacuum and it improves further. The dust port is designed to connect directly to DeWalt’s DWV010/DWV012 dust extractors. If you’re running a different vac, DeWalt’s DWV9000 adapter is the cleanest way to mate a 1-1/4-inch hose. I wish that adapter were included; buying it separately is a small annoyance. With extraction set up, I could sand inside cabinets and not have a blizzard of fines hanging in the shop.

Surface quality

Random-orbit sanders can be finicky about swirl marks, especially on resinous softwood and end grain. This one delivers a consistently clean scratch pattern as long as you let the pad do the work, keep the tool moving, and step through grits. The pad brake helps minimize startup swirls, and the controlled vibration makes it easier to maintain even pressure.

I found 80 or 100 grit at higher OPM a solid choice for leveling glue lines or rough mill marks, then dropping the speed as I moved to 150/180 for a refined scratch. At speed 2 or 3, 220 grit left a finish ready for waterborne topcoats with minimal raised grain.

Pad and abrasives

The hook-and-loop pad holds discs firmly and releases cleanly without tearing hooks. The backing is compliant enough to follow slight contours, yet stiff enough to keep panels flat. Like any ROS, the pad is a wear item; if you sand aggressively or snag edges frequently, keep a replacement pad in the drawer. After multiple sessions across hardwoods and softwoods, my pad shows normal wear and no looseness at the interface.

Because it’s a 5-inch platform, you have wide abrasive choices from budget paper to premium ceramic and mesh. Mesh discs paired with vacuum extraction almost eliminate loading on gummy woods and paint.

Ergonomics and controls

• Low-profile palm grip keeps your hand close to the surface for control.
• Dust-sealed rocker switch is easy to flick with a gloved thumb and hasn’t clogged on me.
• The cord is flexible enough not to fight the tool; strain relief is generous.
• The included soft bag is basic but handy for keeping the sander, dust bag, and a sleeve of discs together.

Overall, it’s a sander I can run one-handed for detail and two-handed for flattening, which is exactly what I want from a 5-inch ROS.

Noise and comfort

It’s not whisper quiet, but the tone is less shrill than many I’ve used, especially at mid-range speeds. Ear protection still recommended (as always), yet the combination of modest noise and low vibration makes it less fatiguing over long sessions.

Reliability, maintenance, and service

There’s not much to fuss over: keep the pad clean, occasionally blow out the vents, and don’t bear down on edges. The dust-sealed switch and compact housing inspire confidence for shop use. Pads are replaceable and readily available. DeWalt backs the tool with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90-day satisfaction guarantee—reassuring for a daily driver tool in a small shop.

Corded vs. cordless

Corded keeps weight down and runtime unlimited. For me, on a bench with a vac hose already tethered, the cord is a non-issue. If you move around jobsites or work far from power, cordless has a convenience edge, but you’ll pay the weight and cost premiums. In this size class, corded still makes a ton of sense.

What could be better

• Include the vac adapter. The dust bag is good, but most users will want to hook to a shop vac; having the DWV9000 in the box would save a separate purchase.
• Add a disc or two. Not a deal breaker, but a starter abrasive would get new users sanding immediately.
• Long-term pad life. Mine is holding up well, but as with any ROS, the backing pad is the first consumable—budget for replacements if you sand daily or hit a lot of edges.

Who it’s for

• Woodworkers and DIYers who want one sander to do 90% of tasks: breaking edges, flushing banding, leveling small glue-ups, and finish sanding casework.
• Tradespeople who need a compact, controlled ROS for cabinetry, trim, and punch-list work.
• Anyone prioritizing dust control in a small shop or garage—paired with extraction, it’s impressively clean.

If you routinely flatten large tabletops or need ultra-aggressive stock removal, jump to a 6-inch ROS or a geared sander. For auto-body work or polishing, this isn’t the intended tool.

The bottom line

The DeWalt 5-inch sander hits the right notes: ample power with a useful speed range, low vibration for comfort, and dust collection that actually works. The low-profile design and pad brake translate into fewer rookie mistakes, and the finish quality is reliably good with proper abrasive sequencing. It’s not the cheapest option, and I’d like to see the vacuum adapter and a couple of discs included, but the fundamentals—control, surface quality, and dust management—are where they should be.

Recommendation: I recommend this sander. It’s a well-balanced, dependable daily driver for bench work and finish sanding that stays comfortable in hand and keeps the shop cleaner than most. If you value good dust collection, controlled handling, and a compact form factor, this one earns a spot on the shelf.