Bosch Dual-Mode Random Orbit Sanders

Bosch Dual-Mode Random Orbit Sanders Offer Fine Finish and Might Replace Your Belt Sander

Bosch has some serious sanders available for the woodworker who’s not content to sacrifice speed for quality. Two of the latest Bosch dual-mode random orbit sanders can buzz through a job without the finished product looking like you buzzed through the job.

10-Second Summary

5″ Model: Bosch GET65-5N ($279)
6″ Model: Bosch GET75-6N ($299)
Dual-mode design: standard random orbit and direct-drive eccentric-orbit modes
Turbo mode has direct drive rotation for 3X stock removal compared to standard RO mode
200 – 480 RPM
3300 – 7800 OPM with 0.09″ orbit radius

Get to Know Bosch Dual-Mode Random Orbit Sanders

How Fast Is It?

Bosch Dual-Mode Random Orbit Sanders have a pretty robust performance package that ought to help you smooth out those rough edges quickly when you need to and keep things under control for when you need that finer finish.

The speed range runs 200 – 480 RPM with an oscillating range of 3300 – 7800 OPM. The orbit radius is 0.09″

What Are the Dual Modes?

As a dual-mode sander, you get two modes to work with. For quick stock removal, you can set these sanders to the direct-drive eccentric-orbit Turbo mode, which will remove stock up to 3X faster than a standard random orbit mode.

The standard random-orbit mode gives you a standard removal rate and lets you go for that super-fine finish to wrap up a project.

A pad dampening system also helps on this front; it helps prevent those annoying swirl marks for a more consistent finish.

These sanders also maintain a constant speed under load so that there are no surprises as you vary your pressure.

What Else Should I Know?

These sanders have a multi-hole pad system, which opens up your options when it comes to using your favorite abrasive discs. Speaking of versatility, these Bosch sanders can work with a variety of hoses with the included vacuum hose adapter. 35mm, 1-1/4″, and 1-1/2″ hoses are all on the table for the new Bosch sanders.

The Bosch Dual-Mode Random Orbit Sanders feature die-cast aluminum housing with a dual-bearing pad mount to lessen the wobble and vibration of the tool. A slim grip design helps hand fatigue as well. A removable pad guard prevents the pad from touching surfaces along the workpiece. An auxiliary handle can be mounted to either side of the sanders.

How Much Does it Cost?

There are two Bosch Dual-mode Random Orbit Sanders available. You can purchase the 5″ GET65-5N for $279, while the 6″ GET75-6N only gets bumped up a few more bucks at $293.48. That’s a little less than what we’re seeing Makita’s prices at and unsurprisingly quite a bit less than Festool.

Thoughts on New Bosch Dual-Mode Random Orbit Sanders

The only real difference between these two sanders is the pad size and the motor that goes along with it. The 5″ model gets a 6.5-amp motor and the 6″ model gets a 7.5-amp. Bosch’s older model (1250DEVS) was only available as a 6″ model and it had a 6.5-amp motor, so we expect to see some performance gains for the larger one.

What’s particularly intriguing for Bosch is the Turbo Mode. They tell us they’re going for a removal rate that gives you a viable alternative to a belt sander. The idea of replacing another tool is always helpful when it works. What we’ll be waiting to see is whether we’re talking about a supplementary replacement or a full replacement.

If you’re familiar with Bosch’s line of sanders, that might sound like a familiar claim. Bosch’s 6″ Gen 1 sander also has a Turbo Mode. With its launch, it promised 5x the removal rate of random orbit speed. But the new model has a bigger motor, so what gives?

Bosch’s claims are against the random orbit modes on the same sander. It looks like the performance improvement on the new model simply closed the gap to what you get out of Turbo.