SKIL Random Orbital Sander SR211601 Reviews Summary

Dust Collection

Pros:

• "This SKIL 5” Random Orbital Sander provides a smooth surface with minimal dust."
• "The little dust collection box is also very nice being able to see through it so as to know when it's full."
• "The dust collector is superb, and the speed control is awesome."
• "The plastic dust box design catches most of the dust."
• "Its dust container system since I thought it would not be efficient and to my surprise it is very effective when sucking dust through its holes."
• "Dust collection is amazingly good."
• "The dust collector that comes with the unit works very very well and is easy to clean."

Cons:

• "Built in dust collector is nearly useless."
• "The dust collector is small which fills quickly. I would use vacuum with sander due to amount of dust it creates."
• "The filter box does not stay on well."
• "The collector started vibrating off. It has nothing to keep it in place."
• "The dust collection system has never worked properly."
• "The dust compartment doesn’t seem to collect any dust."
• "The dust “cup” is a ridiculous design. When it is only filled a quarter of the way, it starts spraying dust everywhere."

Performance and Ease of Use

Pros:

• "for 50 bucks this thing is a steal. It competes with $200 sanders no problem."
• "This is a powerful sander and works great so long as you don't mind using corded equipment."
• "Variable speeds, easy to use and clean."
• "The sander is easy to grip and manipulate."
• "For what I needed the sander performed very well."
• "Using for an auto body project. Works excellent."
• "Sanding discs are easy to install and change."

Cons:

• "It was a great tool in the beginning, but after a month of time to time usage it started vibrating very badly."
• "As others mentioned, it does wobble some and will wear your hand/wrist out after extended periods of use."
• "You cant put too much pressure on it though or it will stop spinning."
• "The only thing that I found to be a struggle was getting the dust cup on and off."
• "I had this sander for three days before the sanding pad developed grooves and started eating up the sandpaper in those spots."
• "The switch is located up front and on this one I really need to jamb it into the 'on' position."
• "The velcro does not hold a sheet very well, and the middle of the pad is not flush, so only the outside edge of the sandpaper touches the work piece."

Value and Durability

Pros:

• "Great for the price."
• "The machine has a great weight to it, feels good in the hands and works well!"
• "The sander works very well and is definitely durable."
• "This is a great sander. I've put it through a lot and it really does the job!"
• "Good inexpensive orbital sander for a diy."
• "Not the most powerful but great value."
• "This is a product that I would recommend, especially at this price point."

Cons:

• "Quit turning first time I used it."
• "The capture box design is pretty bad. The box falls off from time to time and rattles constantly."
• "The velcro like pad the discs attach to has started to peel away from the main body of the sander."
• "I found emptying the dust chamber a little awkward."
• "Because I didn't register the item within 30 days, guess I have lost the warranty."
• "After 5 minutes it was so hot I could hardly hang on to it."
• "This sander, however, does not keep speed consistently."