Ridgid has announced two new 18V cordless sanders, which – as you can probably tell from the images – will be part of their line of SubCompact power tools.
Both of the new Ridgid cordless sanders feature a low-profile design, brushless motor, and reduced vibration for increased control and enhanced comfort during extended use.
The sanders are compatible with all Ridgid 18V batteries, and are shown off being powered by MaxOutput batteries.
Both sanders will ship with a dust collection bag, and they are also compatible with 1-1/4″ and 1-7/8″ vacuum and dust extractor hoses.
Ridgid says their two new sanders’ low-profile design provides best-in-class ergonomics.
The new Ridgid cordless sanders will be launching in Summer 2024, exclusively at Home Depot.
Ridgid 18V SubCompact Cordless Random Orbit Sander (R870651)
Ridgid describes the new 5″ ROS cordless sander as the industry’s most compact random orbit sander.
Going by the images provided in the press/media kit, it definitely looks like this might be true.
- 5″ hook & loop sanding pad
- Brushless motor
- Variable speed dial
- 7,000 to 11,000 OPM
- 60% reduced vibration
- Die-cast construction
Price: $139 (tool-only)
ETA: Summer 2024
The new 5″ random orbit sander comes with a dust bag and 2 sheets of 80 grit hook and loop sandpaper.
Ridgid 18V SubCompact Cordless Finish Sander (R87064)
Ridgid describes their new finish sander as the industry’s most compact 1/4 sheet sander.
- 1/4 sheet sanding pad
- Brushless motor
- Variable speed dial
- 7,000 to 12,000 OPM
- 50% reduced vibration
- Die-cast construction
Price: $139 (tool-only)
ETA: Summer 2024
The new 1/4 sheet sander comes with a sandpaper hole punch, dust bag, and 2 sheets of 80 grit sandpaper.
Discussion
Quite a few years ago, I was looking to buy my first random orbit sander. Bosch’s sander had the highest reviews when it came to performance and material removal uniformity, but I had a Home Depot gift card.
Ridgid’s sanders had been ranked reasonably high in woodworking magazines, and I gave it a try.
I was impressed with the sander’s build quality – most notably its rubbery power cord and substantial cord wrap, and it also performed very well.
I eventually upgraded to a more premium Festool random orbit sander with better dust collection.
That Ridgid was one of few tools I didn’t give away randomly. I held onto it for a few years, and gave it a family member to use on refinishing projects.
It’s fair to say that I have a strong impression and high expectation for Ridgid sanders.
I can’t speak about the performance of Ridgid’s new sander, or any of their recent cordless power tools for that matter. Actually, I think it has been a few years since I’ve tested any new Ridgid cordless power tools. It has been a while since I have been excited about their 18V cordless line.
When I received today’s announcement about these new Ridgid cordless sanders, my eyes lit up. “They’re TINY!” I thought.
“Best-in-class ergonomics?” “Industry’s most compact?”
I thought my sentiments for my first Ridgid sander had faded, but they came rushing back.
Bosch also has 18V cordless sanders, and they’re priced around the same – or less when there are promos (such as right now).
As an aside, I also had a Bosch corded 1/4 sheet finish sander that impressed me about as much as my Ridgid ROS.
Ridgid’s claims of 60% (ROS) and 50% (1/4 sheet) reductions in vibration are also interesting.
Low-profile designs can improve control, and reduced vibration can reduce fatigue.
These are the first Ridgid cordless power tool designs that have wowed me in a few years. Hopefully the performance lives up to the excitement I’m already feeling.
Please let me know if you’d be interested in a review!
