From Jobsite to Workshop: Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Random Orbital Sander Delivers Every Time
Sanding is one of those jobs that takes time to do right, but can be incredibly therapeutic! However, choosing the right style of sander for your job is key. We’re taking a close-up look at the updated Milwaukee M18 Fuel Random Orbital Sander to see how it can make your next project go a little smoother.
Pros
- Excellent dust collection
- Integrated VacLink technology
- Form-fitting pommel grip
- Well-balanced design
- Low vibration
Cons
- A little pricey compared to similar cordless models
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Random Orbital Sander Performance
- Orbital Speed: 6000-12000 OPM
- Orbit Diameter: 3/32 in. (2.5mm)
Variable Speed Control
With five speed modes ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 OPM, the sander provides flexibility to adapt to different materials and applications. Speed adjustments are straightforward using the onboard control button, while the sander’s 3/32-inch orbit diameter delivers smooth finishes.
| Mode | Orbits Per Minute |
|---|---|
| 1 | 6,000 OPM |
| 2 | 7,500 OPM |
| 3 | 9,000 OPM |
| 4 | 10,000 OPM |
| 5 | 12,000 OPM |
In terms of power, I was able to really bear down on this sander and it never showed any signs of bogging down. Compared to some of the early cordless sanders, this is a big improvement! In my experience, I’d say this sander could easily replace your old corded or pneumatic model in a heartbeat.
Dust Collection
Sanding can get pretty messy, and the hazards of airborne particulates are well-documented by OSHA and other safety agencies. Well, Milwaukee takes this issue very seriously. The onboard dust bag collects up to 88% of sanding debris, and using the vacuum attachment and a dust extractor boosts that efficiency to 95%! That’s a big deal for maintaining a clean workspace and keeping up with safety standards.
During our testing, there was very little residual dust on the surface because the onboard dust bag effectively captured most of the debris. The bag was easy to empty and maintained its shape, ensuring consistent collection throughout use. This is a big deal for folks who need to keep the mess to a minimum while working inside homes or indoors in general.
Vibration
The Milwaukee 2837 excels in vibration reduction. The soft hook-and-loop backing pad does an excellent job dampening the felt vibration. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t eliminate it altogether, though. Even after our extended use, the sander’s low vibration levels made it comfortable to hold and didn’t result in excessive hand fatigue or numbness. This is good news for Professional carpenters and woodworkers who spend a lot of hands-on time with their sander!
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Random Orbital Sander Design Notes
- Model: Milwaukee 2837
- Power Source: Milwaukee M18 battery
- Weight: 3.1 lbs (bare tool), 4.4 lbs (with CP3.0Ah battery)
Size and Weight
The Milwaukee 2837 weighs 3.1 pounds as a bare tool and 4.4 pounds with an M18 CP3.0 battery.
Milwaukee’s team made some significant improvements to its overall design compared to the previous model, the M18 Random Orbit Sander (2648). The pommel is noticeably wider, and the 2837 now resembles a pneumatic palm sander. This low-profile design delivers a more ergonomic feel that helps minimize fatigue during prolonged use and makes for a natural transition from your corded or air sanders.
VacLink Compatibility
As cordless tools develop, more companies are introducing smart tech that helps to improve your overall experience. Milwaukee’s VacLink dust control technology seamlessly integrates with their upcoming 9-gallon dual-battery dust extractor. This system will allow you to activate the dust extractor remotely from the sander’s control panel, saving you a little time, helping preserve the vac’s battery, and reducing some of the excess noise.
Additional Features
- Removable edge guard
- Compatible with all M18 batteries
- Universal dust port adapter
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Random Orbital Sander Price
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Random Orbital Sander is available as a bare tool for $199. It’s compatible with all M18 batteries, allowing you to integrate it seamlessly into your existing Milwaukee tool ecosystem. Milwaukee backs this sander with a 5-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
After spending some hands-on time with the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Random Orbital Sander, it’s easy to see why this is an appealing option for Pros. It’s efficient, produces very little vibration, and has an absolutely incredible dust collection system. Whether you’re working indoors or on larger projects, this sander ensures a smooth finish, reduced fatigue, and a clean workspace, making it a worthwhile investment!
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