DeWalt vs Makita random orbit sanders – which one do I get?

Hey guys, I’m looking to upgrade my random orbit sander. I’ve been using a cheap Harbor Freight one and it’s time for something better. I’m stuck between the DeWalt DWE6423 and the Makita BO5041K. Both seem solid but I can’t decide. I do mostly furniture refinishing and some drywall sanding. Any thoughts? Which one has better dust collection and less vibration?

Go with the Makita all the way! I’ve had the BO5041K for 2 years now and it’s a beast. The dust collection is top notch, especially with the included bag. It’s super smooth and barely any vibration. I’ve sanded whole decks with it and my hands don’t go numb. Also the variable speed dial is really usefull. DeWalt is good but Makita just feels more refined.

I gotta disagree with Mike here. I own both (bought the DeWalt for a job where my Makita was in the shop). The DeWalt DWE6423 has better dust collection imo – especially if you hook it up to a vac. The brake is also a nice feature, stops the pad fast so you dont leave swirl marks. The Makita is a bit smoother but the DeWalt feels more powerful under load. For drywall, I’d say DeWalt edges ahead. For furniture, either works. Try handling both if you can.

Thanks for the input guys! That helps. I’m leaning Makita for the smoothness since I do a lot of fine sanding, but the dust collection thing is important to me too. Carl, does the DeWalt really collect more when hooking to a vac? I always use my shop vac.

Yeah, with a vac the DeWalt is almost dustless. The hole pattern on the pad lines up perfectly with the paper, and the shroud seals tight. The Makita is good but I feel like I get a little more blowout around the edges. But honestly you cant go wrong with either. If you find a good deal just pull the trigger. Both are miles better than Harbor Freight lol.