Skil Brushless 20V Random Orbital Sander Kit

Having recently spent some quality time with the Skil Brushless 20V Random Orbital Sander Kit, I’m excited to share my thoughts on its performance and features. This compact yet powerful sander has quickly become a staple in my toolkit, especially for those home improvement projects that require a smooth, professional finish.

First Impressions and Build Quality

Upon unboxing, I was impressed with the overall build quality of the Skil sander. It feels solid in hand, with a robust construction that suggests durability. The brushless motor is a notable feature, promising extended tool life and better efficiency compared to traditional brushed motors. The tool weighs in at 2.42 pounds, which is quite manageable, although it does feel a bit heavy for prolonged one-handed use. However, the weight contributes to its stability and minimizes vibrations, making it easier to control during operation.

Performance and Speed Control

One of the standout features of this sander is its variable speed control. With six different speed settings ranging from 7,000 to 11,000 OPM (orbits per minute), I found it very adaptable to different surfaces and sanding needs. Whether I was working on delicate wood or tougher surfaces, I could adjust the speed to get just the right amount of aggressiveness. Keeping the dial slightly below the maximum setting helped prevent those annoying "pigtails" that can sometimes mar the finish.

Sanding Quality

The sander comes with a 125 mm hook-and-loop pad, which makes changing sandpaper a breeze. The pad itself is firm yet soft enough to provide excellent contact with the work surface. During my projects, I noticed that the sander consistently delivered a smooth finish with minimal swirls and scratches. The tool's design allows it to glide effortlessly over surfaces, making it a pleasure to use.

Battery Life and Charging

The kit includes a 2 Ah battery and the PWRJUMP charger, which promises to charge the battery to 25% in just 5 minutes. This feature proved incredibly handy when I needed to get back to work quickly. The battery life is decent, lasting about 45 minutes on a full charge, which was sufficient for most of my tasks. For larger projects, having an extra battery on hand is advisable to avoid downtime. The PWRCORE 20v batteries also come with a USB port, allowing me to charge my phone or other devices, which was a nice bonus.

Dust Collection

Dust control is an area where this sander performs reasonably well. The microfiltration dust canister does a good job of keeping the work area clean, although it does stick out quite a bit, which initially seemed cumbersome. However, I soon realized that the dust canister doubles as a convenient second handle, enhancing the tool's ergonomics. The dust-sealed on/off switch is another thoughtful feature that contributes to the tool’s longevity by preventing dust ingress.

Ergonomics and Usability

The ergonomics of the sander took some getting used to. The main handle is a bit small for larger hands, which led me to grip the sander from the side more often than not. This actually turned out to be beneficial, as it helped me apply just the right amount of pressure and let the tool do the work. The on/off toggle switch can be tricky to find quickly, but with continued use, it becomes more intuitive.

Noise Level and Comfort

In terms of noise, the Skil sander is on par with other sanders in its class. It's not excessively loud, but wearing hearing protection is always a good idea during extended sanding sessions. The tool's design minimizes vibrations, which reduces hand fatigue and makes it more comfortable to use over long periods.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Skil Brushless 20V Random Orbital Sander Kit is a well-rounded tool that offers excellent value for both DIY enthusiasts and more seasoned professionals. Its powerful brushless motor, variable speed control, and efficient dust collection make it a versatile addition to any toolkit. While the battery life could be longer, the fast-charging capability and the option to keep an extra battery on hand mitigate this issue.

The sander's build quality and thoughtful features, such as the USB charging port and dust-sealed switch, contribute to its appeal. Despite a few minor ergonomic quirks, the tool's performance and ease of use make it a standout choice for various sanding projects.

I would definitely recommend the Skil Brushless 20V Random Orbital Sander Kit for anyone looking to invest in a reliable, high-performing sander. Its combination of power, versatility, and innovative features make it a tool that's likely to serve well for years to come. Whether you're tackling small home projects or more extensive renovations, this sander is more than capable of delivering professional-quality results.