SKIL 5” Random Orbital Sander with Cyclonic Dust Box & 3pc Sanding Sheet - SR211601, Multicolor
Best for
Best budget
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 2 trusted sources
Current price
$37.00
Updated May 16, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the SKIL SR211601 is the consensus budget pick for users who want a competent corded 5-inch random orbit sander without spending DeWalt money. Verified-purchase reviewers on amazon.com and lowes.com praise the cyclonic dust box, variable speed, and surprisingly comfortable grip for a sub-$40 tool. A direct r/woodworking 'DeWalt vs SKIL' thread concludes the price gap isn't justified for casual users, and one r/woodworking commenter even prefers the SKIL to their DeWalt for hand feel.
What reviewers liked
- Largest verified-purchase sample in this list (7,200+ Amazon reviews at 4.6)
- Variable speed and cyclonic dust box at well under $40
- r/woodworking commenters specifically say it punches above its price
- Comfortable grip cited across retailer reviews
Where it falls short
- Onboard dust collection rated poor without a shop-vac hookup
- Short ~6.5-foot cord is a recurring complaint in r/woodworking
- r/BeginnerWoodWorking warns the direct-drive motor is aggressive for new users
- Build quality not in the same tier as DeWalt or Bosch per r/woodworking commenters
Across the reviewers we read, the SKIL SR211601 is the consensus budget pick for users who want a competent corded 5-inch random orbit sander without spending DeWalt money. Verified-purchase reviewers on amazon.com and lowes.com praise the cyclonic dust box, variable speed, and surprisingly comfortable grip for a sub-$40 tool. A direct r/woodworking 'DeWalt vs SKIL' thread concludes the price gap isn't justified for casual users, and one r/woodworking commenter even prefers the SKIL to their DeWalt for hand feel.
The honest caveats are well-documented. Multiple r/Dewalt and r/woodworking commenters describe the onboard dust 'bag' as weak and strongly recommend a shop-vac hookup. The cord length — reported as roughly 6.5 feet — draws repeated complaints in r/woodworking. An r/BeginnerWoodWorking commenter warns the direct-drive motor is aggressive enough to launch workpieces off a bench if you're not paying attention, which is a real beginner-safety note.
Net across the signals: if budget is the constraint and you'll add a shop-vac hookup, this is the trust-weighted value play. Heavy daily users will outgrow it.
- Highlight 1
- POWERFUL - With a 2.8 amp motor and 13,000 orbits per minute, it's able to deliver a smooth performance over a variety of sanding applications.
- Highlight 2
- EASY TO CLEAN DUST CONTAINER - The X-flow dust collector uses cyclone force to collect dust in it's easy-to-empty transparent container.
- Highlight 3
- SPEED CONTROL - Variable speed control provides the right amount of power and control across different materials.
- Highlight 4
- LOW VIBRATION - Through its ergonomic design and a soft rubber grip your hand stays comfortable while counterweight balance reduces hand fatigue from vibration. All so that you can work longer.
- Highlight 5
- SAND IN TIGHT PLACES - With a compact size and ergonomic design This sander can get into tight spaces easily and maximizes user control.
- Highlight 6
- EASY ON/OFF - The dust sealed on/off switch makes a hassle-free flip-of-the-switch during application.
It has very low vibration, a smooth grip, soft-start, and a good dust collection canister. The grip feels smooth and build quality is excellent.
It's pretty good for the price, though the dust “bag” is garbage. Hook it up to a shop vac and it's much better. It's not going to tear through material, ...
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“Review of the SKIL 5” Random Orbital Sander with Cyclonic Dust ...” · YouTube
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