This year’s Pipeline was a huge event, and I was there to take it all in. Admittedly, it was my first time out at Milwaukee’s headquarters. What I saw was impressive, not only in terms of presentation, but also in the breadth of the brand’s new releases. These products ran the gamut from a host of outdoor power equipment to dozens of storage solutions and hand tools. Here, we’re looking at the performance and design behind one of the latter – Milwaukee’s 3-inch M12 Fuel Random Orbital Sander (2535-20).
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Variable speed trigger
- 4-speed motor
- Lock-on button for continuous operation
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Milwaukee Random Orbital Sander Performance
- Speeds: 4,000-10,000 OPM
- Oscillation Diameter: 3/32 in.
- Motor: Brushless
- Pad Type: Hook and Loop
- Trigger Type: Variable
If you’re looking for a finer sanding finish, a random orbital sander is the way to go.
The difference between this type and a traditional orbital sander is that the random doesn’t move in constant circular patterns alone. Instead, the disk also moves in small ellipses. As such, no part of the abrasive material takes the same path twice during a single rotation. The result is little to no swirl marks.
Driving Milwaukee’s 3-inch Random Orbital Sander is the brand’s Powerstate brushless motor and a 12V lithium-ion battery. Together, they produce speeds ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 OPM, which you can control with the 4-mode settings.
What’s more, the 2535-20 is compact and versatile. According to Milwaukee, this unit’s 3/32-inch orbital diameter makes it ideal for delicate sanding tasks that often come into play with railings, trim, and other detail-heavy applications.
And, as with any sander, this random orbital model is going to make dust; however, Milwaukee has you covered. The 2535-20 features an integrated dust control system that should capture over 80% of the debris.
Milwaukee 2535-20 Design Features
- Model: Milwaukee 2535
- Battery: Milwaukee M12 battery
- Weight: 2.12 lbs (bare tool), 2.6 lbs (with M12 CP2.5Ah battery)
- Dimensions: 8.4″ (L) x 2.9″ (W) x 5.5″ (H)
This model has a few design features worth noting, starting with the ergonomics.
Milwaukee built its 3-inch random orbital sander to be lightweight, weighing in at just 2.12 pounds as a bare tool. In addition to reducing fatigue, this enhances both control and maneuverability.
And, when it comes to control, visibility is an important factor. The 2535-20’s built-in LED worklight takes care of this, providing 270 degrees of illumination. Combined with the tool’s variable speed trigger, you should be able to tackle most any 3-inch-appropriate application with little difficulty.
Finally, this unit allows for an optional sponge pad and pad saver for added protection against heat buildup.
Milwaukee 3-Inch Random Orbital Sander Price
The Milwaukee 2535-20 retails bare for $179, and comes with an array of accessories, including:
- (3) 3″ 80 Grit Mesh Sanding Disc
- (3) 3″ 120 Grit Mesh Sanding Disc
- (3) 3″ 180 Grit Mesh Sanding Disc
- (1) Dust Bag
- (1) Sponge Interface Pad
- (1) Holster
- (1) Universal Hose Adapter
Milwaukee backs this sander with a 5-year warranty.
Related Content
