DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless 5 in. Cordless Variable-Speed Random Orbital Sander Kit

Cutting the cord on a sander usually comes with trade-offs. With the DCW210, those compromises are smaller than I expected. After several weeks of sanding face frames, leveling filler on door panels, and knocking down finish between coats, this compact 5-inch random orbital has earned a regular spot on my bench and in my install kit.

What’s in the box and setup

The kit includes the DCW210 sander, a 2.0Ah 20V battery (DCB203), a DCB112 charger, a soft bag, and a one-handed locking dust bag. Out of the bag, setup is straightforward: click in the battery, hook-and-loop a standard 8-hole disc to the pad, and you’re ready. The pad is the common 8-hole pattern (replaceable as DWE64233), so all my existing paper worked. If you prefer PSA discs, there’s a service pad option (N373679), but hook-and-loop is the default and the right choice for most users.

The sander’s dust port mates directly with DeWalt’s DWV010/DWV012 dust extractors. For 1-1/4 in. shop vac hoses, you’ll need the DWV9000 quick connector. That adapter fits well and stays put—a small but important detail when you’re moving around a jobsite.

Ergonomics and control

The first thing I noticed is the low profile. The height is short enough that I can keep my palm centered over the pad, which minimizes tipping and helps prevent edge gouges. The top is wrapped in a textured rubber overmold that stays grippy even when dusty. Weight-wise, the tool comes in around 4.3 lb tool-only, and with the compact 2.0Ah pack it still feels nimble. With a 5.0Ah battery it gets noticeably heavier, but the broader base can make it slightly more stable on flat panels.

The variable-speed dial runs from 8,000 to 12,000 OPM. I lived between the middle and upper end for most tasks: mid-range for finish sanding oak and maple, high for flattening primer and knocking down epoxy fills. The brushless motor responds quickly, and the sander doesn’t feel boggy when you lean in a bit—though, as with any ROS, bearing down is counterproductive. Let the machine and the paper do the work.

The switch is dust-sealed and has a positive click. It’s not overly recessed, so I could toggle it with a gloved thumb. Little detail, big usability.

Performance on wood and finishes

On bare hardwoods (cherry, maple, oak), the DCW210 leaves an even scratch pattern consistent with the grit. I started at 120 or 150 and worked up to 220–320 without chasing swirl marks. The pad feels well-balanced. Vibration is low enough that I didn’t experience tingling fingers after longer sessions—a common complaint with cheaper sanders. On pine and other softwoods, dropping the speed a notch helps reduce pigtails and heat.

Where cordless sanders often struggle is consistency under load. Here, the brushless motor shines. The sander recovers quickly if you accidentally stall it on an edge, and it maintains pad speed well on larger, flatter surfaces like tabletops and cabinet sides. It’s still a 5-inch ROS—so don’t expect belt sander removal rates—but for typical cabinet and trim work, its pace is exactly where I want it.

Between coats of waterborne polyurethane, I ran it at a lower speed with 320-400 grit. The sander is gentle enough not to burn through edges, and the lower speed generates less heat, which helps keep the finish from balling up on the disc.

Dust collection

Using the included one-handed locking bag, dust capture is decent for quick touch-ups and punch list work. The bag locks securely with a quarter-turn and doesn’t fall off. It fills quickly, though, and needs frequent emptying, which is expected with fine sanding dust.

Hooked to extraction, dust control is excellent. Connected to a DWV012, I saw very little surface dust and almost no airborne plume. With a standard shop vac and the DWV9000 connector, performance was similar provided I used mesh discs or aligned the 8-hole pattern carefully. The dust port design is a standout; many cordless sanders require fussy adapters that wiggle free—this one doesn’t.

Battery life and charging

Runtime depends heavily on speed, material, paper, and how much pressure you apply. With the included 2.0Ah battery, I typically got around 15–25 minutes of continuous sanding at moderate speeds before swapping packs. For longer sessions—say, flattening a door or prepping a large tabletop—I moved to a 5.0Ah pack and comfortably doubled that time. The DCB112 charger is on the slower side; a 2.0Ah battery takes roughly 45 minutes to top off. If you’re in a production environment, keep a second compact pack cycling or step up to a faster charger.

One pleasant surprise: the tool’s performance didn’t noticeably taper until the pack was nearly depleted. It held speed and feel throughout the charge cycle.

Pad, paper, and maintenance

The stock hook-and-loop pad grips discs firmly and survives frequent changes without shedding hooks. The replaceable pad is a long-term maintenance advantage; once it wears smooth (or if you melt a spot with heavy-handed work), swap it for DWE64233 and you’re back in business. If your workflow demands PSA, DeWalt’s PSA pad option is available as N373679, but I didn’t find a need to switch.

As with all ROS pads, avoid leaning on corners—this protects the pad’s edge and keeps your surface flat. Spinning the speed down a notch when working on edge banding or thin veneer also reduces risk.

Build quality and durability

The housing feels solid, seams are tight, and there’s no creaking under hand pressure. The dust-sealed switch and general sealing do a good job of keeping fines out; even after a day sanding a painted built-in, I didn’t see caking around the electronics. The brushless motor should help long-term reliability, and DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. That’s in line with class and gives some peace of mind.

What I liked

• Cordless freedom without sacrificing control or finish quality
• Broad, useful speed range (8,000–12,000 OPM) for wood and finish work
• Low-profile body that’s easy to steer with one hand
• Strong dust extraction performance, especially with a vac attached
• Replaceable pad and readily available wear parts
• Comfortable grip and low vibration for extended use

What could be better

• The included 2.0Ah battery is fine for punch lists but short for big jobs; plan on extra packs or higher-capacity batteries
• The DCB112 charger is slow by current standards
• You’ll need the DWV9000 adapter for most 1-1/4 in. shop vac hoses (it’s not included)
• The soft bag protects the tool but offers little organization for discs or adapters

None of these are deal breakers, but they’re worth factoring into the cost and workflow.

Tips for best results

• Match speed to task: lower OPM for softwoods and finish between coats; higher OPM for flattening and stock prep
• Let the sander’s weight do the work; excess pressure creates swirls and heats the pad
• Align holes carefully or use mesh abrasives to maximize dust capture
• Keep a stiff brush handy to clean discs and the pad face to extend life
• If you need long runtimes, use compact 5.0Ah packs; they balance well and reduce swaps

Bottom line and recommendation

The DCW210 strikes a strong balance of power, control, and portability. It sands as cleanly as good corded models I’ve used, with the added convenience of cordless mobility. Dust collection is thoughtfully executed, ergonomics are dialed, and the brushless motor keeps the tool feeling consistent throughout a battery’s charge.

I recommend this sander to woodworkers, trim carpenters, and DIYers who want cord-free convenience without a hit to finish quality. If your work is mostly at a bench with a cord within reach, a corded ROS will still give you unlimited runtime. But for jobsite installs, shop tasks that move around the space, or anyone already on the 20V platform, the DCW210 is a versatile, reliable choice—especially if you pair it with an extra battery and a dust extractor.