Photo: Black & Decker
What We Like
- Pocket-friendly price
- Easy-change hook-and-loop system
- Dust-sealed switch
- Compact size
- Efficient dust collection system
What We Don’t Like
- No variable speed adjustment
Bottom Line
An affordable random orbital sander that runs at high speed and is compact enough for easy maneuverability.
Introduction
As a beginner or DIY woodworker, you don’t have to spend a lot on a random orbital sander. There are low budget options that produce smooth, high-quality finishes and will get the job done quickly.
Black & Decker’s BDERO100 is one such tool and despite this, it has all the essential features required to create smooth, high-quality surface finishes. Let’s find out more about it in the review below.
Black & Decker BDERO100 Review
Photo: Black & Decker
Performance: Easily Maneuverable
Measuring only 7 x 5 x 6 inches in size, Black & Decker’s BDERO100 is very compact and this makes it easy to hold. This small size brings your hand closer to the work surface, which makes it easily maneuverable around the project.
This gives you more control, which is very crucial especially considering that the sander lacks variable speed adjustment for different sanding applications or pad brakes for reducing gouging.
Combined with a relatively lightweight 3.16-lb design, this gives you a firm single-hand hold for easy sanding in different applications.
Aside from that, power is provided by a 2-amp motor, which spins the pad at 12000 OPM. This high speed is recommended for regular sanding and it delivers smooth swirl-free finishes.
That said, the unit is recommended for shaping wood, surface preparation, and removing paint, varnish, or stains from metal, plastic, and wood.
The sander comes with a 5-inch diameter abrasive disc, which is quite large, and this helps you to cover a wide area in a short time.
You also get a dust-sealed switch that is covered in rubber to prevent debris from getting in to interfere with the on/off operation. This enhances the tool’s durability.
Ease of Use: Quick Change System
As stated above, the BDERO100 requires a 5-inch diameter abrasive disc and this is installed by simply sticking it to the pad. This is made possible by a hook-and-loop system, which attaches the paper to the pad without requiring any tool.
Basically, the system has a Velcro-like material that attaches the two surfaces like glue. You only need to align the holes on the disc with the holes on the pad then join them and you are ready to go.
Other than that, the tool’s compact and lightweight design makes it very easy to use due to its simple handling. On top of that, since it lacks variable speed settings, you don’t have to make any adjustments. Simply power on the switch and get to work.
Dust Management: Efficient Dust Collection System
The dust collection system in this orbital sander begins with a set of 8 holes on the pad and the holes in the abrasive disc must be aligned with these for the system to work. Dust passes through these holes and into the dust bag for collection, and this dust bag is included in the set.
It is worth noting that the dust bag is quite small and to eliminate the problem of multiple emptying cycles, you can hook up the sander to a shop vac.
This is done using the same port that connects to the dust bag and it is more efficient because it sucks in the dust. As a result, you get a cleaner working surface as compared to using the dust bag.
Comfort: Rubberized Grip
Apart from having a compact and easy-to-hold design, Black & Decker’s BDERO100 has a large rubberized grip that fits the palm and this section has a curved, ergonomic design that lets the palm sit on it comfortably.
Additionally, the grip’s surface is ribbed, which makes it anti-slip for more comfortable use.
Though it lacks a side handle, you can also hold it from the sides and because it is very compact, you can do this using only a single hand. Another benefit of being compact is that you can fit the tool in very tight spaces while still holding it firmly.
Price: Pocket Friendly
The Black & Decker BDERO100 is a very affordable random orbital sander because it costs less than $50. Despite this, you get a 5-inch diameter sanding sheet and a dust bag as accessories, which give you value for money.
That said, the manufacturer has three more random orbital sanders in their lineup but two are closer to the model under review in terms of performance. These are the BDERO100VA and the BDCRO20C.
The BDERO100VA is cheaper but it does not come with a dust bag. However, it comes with 12 sanding sheets, which are very many. All other features are basically the same as for the BDERO100.
On the other hand, the BDCRO20C is more expensive but it is a cordless 20V sander that comes with a 20V 1.5Ah battery, a charger, and two 5-inch round sandpaper sheets. All its other features are also the same as the BDERO100.
Verdict
A low budget, compact, and easily maneuverable random orbital sander that has all the basic features required for beginners or DIY use.
The Black & Decker BDERO100 is a very affordable random orbital sander that has all the basic features required for beginners or DIY use. These include a high-speed of 12000 OPM, a large 5-inch disc size, and a 2-amp motor.
Additionally, it has a compact and lightweight design that is easy to hold and easy to maneuver around the workpiece.
Specs
- Product Name: Black & Decker BDERO100
- Product Brand: Black & Decker
- Motor: 2-Amp
- Speed: 12000 OPM
- Abrasive Disc Size: 5 inches
- Weight: 3.16 lbs.
- Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 6 inches
- Warranty: 2-year limited
Key Features
- Hook and loop easy-change system with a 5-inch abrasive disc.
- Dust sealed switch.
- Dust collection system with a dust bag.
- Compact, easily maneuverable design.
- Fast speed (12000 OPM) for quick and smooth sanding.
- Includes one sanding sheet.