A right-angle sander with coarse and fine modes, the Makita is designed for use only with a vacuum, which may be just as well-it was the clear winner in the stock-removal test. In three timed sessions in coarse mode, it removed an average of 54 grams, nearly 70% more than the runners-up. But the BO6040 was hard to control even with two hands locked on, regardless of vacuum power. In fine mode, minimal vibration, wobble, and workpiece movement allowed one-handed operation. For fast stock removal, this is the best value among dual-mode sanders, even though the vacuum hose is a $54 accessory.

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Festool Rotex FEQ-Plus Random Orbital Sander

The Festool Rotex is a top-of-the-line choice. On its coarse setting, it removed stock nearly twice as quickly as the second-fastest model. But that speed doesn’t mean you’ll have to wrestle with it. It’s no huge task to control it with two hands, and its long body gives you plenty of room to find a sweet spot while holding it.

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Makita SP6000J1 Track Saw

With enough power to slice through thick hardwoods, the Makita makes smooth, chip-free cuts in all materials.

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Craftsman Random Orbit Sander

While this sander is among the least expensive models in the test, its performance ranks among the best. The stock removal was excellent, and dust collection was solid when used with a vacuum. It handles really smoothly, too, and has a tall body that fit my hand nicely whether I was holding it from above or around the waist.

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