SKIL SR211601
Score: 75/100
Craftsman CMEW231
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Craftsman CMEW231 is a 5-inch corded random orbital palm sander featuring a 3-amp motor that operates at 12,000 OPM. It offers a low-profile ergonomic design and effective dust collection, though it lacks variable speed control. It is best suited for DIYers and woodworkers needing a budget corded sander for surface prep and finishing.
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 | |
13,000 RPMbest | 12,000 RPM | |
2.7 mmbest | 2.38 mm | |
128 mmbest | 127 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.56 kg | 1.315 kgbest |
1 years | 3 yearsbest | |
— | 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) | 13000 RPM | 12000 RPM |
Orbit Diameter (mm) | 2.7 mm | 2.38 mm |
Variable Speed | true | false |
Sanding Pad Diameter (mm) | 128 mm | 127 mm |
Ergonomics & Design(4) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.56 kg | 1.315 kg |
Switch Type | Dust-sealed | Dust-Sealed |
Handle Type | Soft rubber | Ergonomic |
Cord Length (m) | m | 1.83 m |
Features & Accessories(4) | ||
Dust Collection System | Cyclonic Box | Bag + Vacuum Port |
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 3 years |
Includes Sandpaper | true | false |
Pad Attachment Type | Hook-and-loop | Hook-and-Loop |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
Professional reviewers describe the Craftsman CMEW231 as a versatile random orbital sander that offers a balanced efficiency-quality profile.
Everyday users and video reviewers praise the tool for its comfort during hours-long use, noting significantly less hand numbing than competitors.
“emphasizes aligning 8-hole pads for dust suction, implying ease of use when done correctly but potential frustration otherwise”
“a lot less hand numbing”
