Ridgid 5” Random Orbit Sander

As someone who frequently works on a variety of woodworking projects, I was eager to try out the Ridgid R26011 5” Random Orbit Sander. This tool promises a lot on paper, especially with features like its best-in-class dust collection and electronic speed control. But how does it perform in a real workshop setting?

Design and Build Quality

Upon unboxing the Ridgid sander, I immediately noticed its solid build. It has a decent heft to it, coming in at 3.5 lbs, which feels reassuring rather than cumbersome. The overmolded grip on both the top and the base adds a touch of comfort, making it easier to handle during extended use. However, I did notice the tool's weight may wear you out after prolonged periods, especially if you are working on large projects.

Dust Collection

One of the standout features is its dust collection capability. The sander claims to capture up to 90% of dust particles, and it does a commendable job in this department. The dust bag is easy to remove and reattach, and it fills up more slowly than expected, allowing for longer sessions without frequent emptying. I also appreciated the inclusion of vacuum adapter options, making it compatible with both 2-1/2” and 1-1/4” vacuum hoses. This is a huge plus for maintaining a clean workspace and reducing airborne dust.

Performance

The Ridgid sander features an electronic speed control dial that adjusts between 7,000 to 12,000 RPM. This range makes it versatile for various sanding tasks, from rough sanding to fine finishing. The soft start and pad brake features are particularly useful, preventing those initial gouges that can ruin a piece of work.

However, I did encounter some issues. The speed control, while handy, seemed inconsistent at times. On a few occasions, the sander would lose RPMs unexpectedly, causing it to jump around on the wood surface. This erratic behavior made it challenging to achieve a smooth, even finish. Additionally, the sander seemed to bog down under pressure, which was particularly frustrating when working on harder woods.

Durability

Durability is where the Ridgid sander falls short. After only a handful of projects, I noticed the hook and loop pad started to wear out. This made it difficult to keep sanding discs attached securely. Furthermore, the bearing issues cropped up sooner than expected. The sander started to make a grinding noise, and eventually, the pad failed to rotate properly.

Comfort and Usability

Comfort-wise, the sander's design is a mixed bag. The overmolded grip does help reduce hand fatigue, but the placement of the trigger button can be problematic. It's too easy to accidentally hit the button while sanding, which can disrupt your workflow. The on-off switch itself is sealed, which is great for reliability, but its placement and stiffness can be annoying during frequent use.

Customer Support and Warranty

Ridgid offers a Lifetime Service Agreement (LSA), which is a significant selling point. Unfortunately, my experience with their customer support was less than stellar. The process for getting warranty repairs or replacements was slow and cumbersome, taking several months in some cases. This is far from ideal for anyone who relies on their tools for timely project completion.

Conclusion

In summary, the Ridgid R26011 5” Random Orbit Sander has its strengths, particularly in dust collection and initial build quality. However, its performance is inconsistent, and durability issues mar the overall experience. The tool's weight and design elements, such as the awkward trigger button placement, also detract from its usability.

Would I recommend this sander? For occasional DIYers who prioritize dust collection and don't mind dealing with potential durability issues, it might be worth considering. However, for professional woodworkers or anyone who needs a reliable, long-lasting sander, I would suggest looking elsewhere. The inconsistent performance and lengthy warranty process make it hard to justify relying on this tool for serious projects.

Ultimately, while the Ridgid R26011 has potential, it falls short in key areas that are critical for a dependable workshop tool. Investing in a more robust and reliable sander from a different brand may save you time and frustration in the long run.