Dewalt 20v Max Cordless Sander
This review was created as part of a paid affiliate program with the Home Depot.
My first order of business with this and every product review is a disclaimer: I am not a professional contractor. I am a farmer and a fine furniture maker. When it comes to construction and renovation projects, I’m a DIYer and weekend warrior. That said, I doubt many professional contractors will be reading my tool reviews. My goal in reviewing tools and products is to provide honest feedback based on my own use and experience with these tools to other regular folks like me- wanting to get their hands dirty, try new things, and get the best value for their hard earned dollars.
Let’s Talk about the 20v Max Cordless Sander
Starting with the sanding pads, I really like that Dewalt adapted the 5” 8 hole pattern, because sandpaper replacements can be found pretty much anywhere. The dust bag and vacuum port is great, it works with all of Dewalt’s vacuums that lock onto the outside and it works with the standard 27mm hose size that Festool and every other vacuum manufacturer uses.
Ergonomics wise, the trigger is really nice, the palm grip seems to fit most hand sizes well and the sander doesn’t vibrate much during use. Battery placement on this tool is as good as it can be, but if I were sanding for long hours I’d probably opt for a cord and a lighter, smaller tool. The brushless motor keeps the tool running really cool, so you’re not gripping a hot motor, which is nice. And speaking of the brushless motor, it’s great for startup, because the tool starts on a dime, but it also stops on a dime, so it’s really important to always be sure to lift the sander off the workpiece before turning the tool off, or it will really scuff up the board.
As a bare tool, this sander retails for $119. I wouldn’t run it with anything less than a 4.0 AH battery, which, thanks to the brushless motor extending battery life, will give it about an hour of continuous runtime.
The one drawback of this tool is the orbit speed. As a battery powered sander, most applications are going to be aggressive sanding, and as such, I’d really like to see a faster orbit that would mirror that need and remove material faster.