DEWALT DWE6421
Score: 85/100
SKIL SR211601
Score: 75/100Rankings
The DEWALT DWE6421K is a lightweight, corded 5-inch random orbit sander featuring a 3.0-amp motor and a fixed 12,000 OPM speed. It is designed for general-purpose woodworking and light material sanding, offering a low-profile build and vibration-reduction technology to enhance user comfort during extended use. Best suited for DIYers and hobbyists who value brand reliability and comfort over variable speed control.
The Skil SR211601 is a lightweight corded orbital sander featuring a unique X-Flow cyclonic dust collector and variable speed control. Its main drawback is the strict requirement for precise pad alignment to maintain suction efficiency. It is best suited for DIY homeowners and light professional users tackling household sanding tasks.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
360 Wbest | — | |
12,000 RPM | 13,000 RPMbest | |
2.38 mm | 2.7 mmbest | |
127 mm | 128 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.31 kgbest | 1.56 kg |
3 yearsbest | 1 years | |
1.83 mbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Power & Performance(4) | ||
No-Load Speed (RPM) | 12000 RPM | 13000 RPM |
Orbit Diameter (mm) | 2.38 mm | 2.7 mm |
Variable Speed | false | true |
Sanding Pad Diameter (mm) | 127 mm | 128 mm |
Ergonomics & Design(3) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.31 kg | 1.56 kg |
Handle Type | Rubber overmold | Soft rubber |
Cord Length (m) | 1.83 m | m |
Features & Accessories(3) | ||
Dust Collection System | Bag | Cyclonic Box |
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 1 years |
Includes Sandpaper | false | true |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers highlight the DWE6421 as a solid choice for a variety of sanding applications due to its balanced speed and accessible design. They praise the 2.9-pound weight and 5.5-inch height for accessibility in tight spaces and emphasize the counterweight vibration-reduction system as a meaningful comfort feature.
Everyday users appreciate the DWE6421K as an affordable entry-level sander that handles typical home workshop tasks effectively. Common praise focuses on the real reduction in hand vibration, the convenience of quick paper changes, and the lightweight nature of the tool for overhead work.
Pro Tool Reviews notes that it borrows features from premium sanders like the Bosch ROS10, calling it a 'decent machine' at a lower cost, but cautions it may bog down under heavy loads.
Everyday users generally praise the tool for its clean operation, comfort, and ease of use when the dust extraction system is set up correctly. However, some users report frustration regarding the strict requirement for aligning 8-hole pads.
“Perfect for DIY projects”
“Low vibration is real”
“Quick paper changes”
