Ryobi 5" Random Orbit Sander Sand Paper

The Ryobi 5" Random Orbit Sander Sand Paper, model A21701, has quickly become a staple in my workshop. As someone who frequently undertakes various woodworking and DIY projects, having reliable sandpaper is crucial. This assortment pack, with its mix of 80, 120, and 220 grits, offers a versatile solution for a range of sanding tasks.

Performance and Durability

From the moment I attached the first 80-grit disc to my sander, I noticed a significant improvement in dust collection. The pre-cut holes aligned perfectly with the dust collection system on my sander, which is not a Ryobi model. This alignment drastically reduced the amount of airborne dust, making for a cleaner and healthier working environment. The sandpaper itself performed exceptionally well. I used the 80-grit to strip down an old, rough piece of OSB, and it cut through the material efficiently without clogging. Even after 30 minutes of continuous use, the paper was still effective and showed minimal signs of wear.

Ease of Use

One of the standout features of this sandpaper is the hook and loop backing. This makes attaching and removing the discs incredibly easy. I’ve had issues in the past with adhesive-backed sandpaper that either wouldn't stick properly or would detach mid-use. With the Ryobi sandpaper, I experienced none of these issues. The discs stayed securely in place throughout my projects, even during extended sanding sessions.

Versatility

The variety pack includes three 80-grit discs, two 120-grit discs, and two 220-grit discs, which is an excellent range for most sanding needs. I found the 120-grit particularly useful for smoothing out wood pieces after initial rough sanding. It quickly smoothed out the edges of some pine boards I had ripped on my table saw, preparing them perfectly for staining. The 220-grit discs provided a fine finish, ideal for final touches before applying paint or varnish.

Quality and Construction

The quality of the Ryobi sandpaper is evident in its construction. The backing is robust and doesn’t peel away from the sandpaper even when the sander heats up from friction. This was a significant improvement over some other brands I’ve used, where the backing would often separate, rendering the sandpaper useless. The grit is well-distributed across the surface, ensuring consistent sanding without leaving scratches or uneven marks.

Minor Drawbacks

While the sandpaper performed admirably in most respects, there were a few minor drawbacks. The packaging does not indicate the number of each grit included, which could be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, I did notice that the 120-grit discs tended to load up with dust a bit more than the 80-grit, but this was easily remedied with a soft brush.

Comparison with Other Brands

Compared to other brands, such as Diablo, which I have used extensively in the past, the Ryobi sandpaper holds its own. While some users might find that it has fewer dust collection holes, I did not find this to be a significant issue. The overall performance, durability, and ease of use more than make up for this slight shortfall. In fact, the Ryobi sandpaper offers better dust collection and less clogging, which are critical factors for me.

Practical Applications

I used this sandpaper for a variety of projects, from refurbishing old furniture to preparing surfaces for painting. One particularly challenging project involved refinishing a wooden tool cabinet that had seen better days. The variety of grits allowed me to strip the old finish, smooth out imperfections, and achieve a fine, ready-to-stain surface. The sandpaper performed flawlessly throughout, and I was particularly impressed with how well it held up even after multiple uses.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Ryobi 5" Random Orbit Sander Sand Paper is a reliable and versatile choice for anyone looking to achieve professional-quality sanding results. Its excellent dust collection, durable construction, and ease of use make it a standout option in its category. The variety pack provides all the grits needed for most sanding tasks, from rough stripping to fine finishing.

I would highly recommend this sandpaper to both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Its performance and durability make it a valuable addition to any workshop. While there are minor areas for improvement, such as clearer packaging information and slightly better dust management on the 120-grit discs, these are minor issues in the grand scheme of things. Overall, this sandpaper offers excellent value for money and will likely become a go-to choice for many of your sanding needs.