DeWalt vs Makita Random Orbital Sander - Which one for heavy DIY?

Alright guys, I'm in the market for a new random orbital sander. I've been using a cheapo one for years and finally killed it. I do a lot of furniture restoration and some light remodeling. I'm stuck between the DeWalt DWE6423 and the Makita BO5041. I know both are solid brands, but which one has better dust collection and vibration control? I've got a bunch of DeWalt batteries already, but I've heard Makita's sander is smoother. Any real-world experience? Thanks!

I've got the DeWalt DWE6423 and it's a beast. Dust collection is decent with a shop vac attached, but the stock bag is meh. Vibration is pretty low, I can use it for hours without my hands going numb. But if you already have DeWalt batteries, that's a no-brainer. Makita might be slightly smoother but you'd need to invest in their battery system. Unless you go corded, then it's a toss-up. I say stick with DeWalt for the battery compatibility.

I'm all about saving a buck, so I'd say go with the Makita if you can find a good deal. I got my BO5041 on sale for like $99 and it's been great. The dust collection is actually really good, even with just the bag. Vibration is low too. But yeah, if you're already in the DeWalt ecosystem, buying the Makita bare tool might be cheaper than switching. Have you checked CPO or eBay for refurb deals? Sometimes you can snag a Makita for cheap.

I've used both extensively. The Makita BO5041 has a better ergonomic design and the variable speed dial is more accessible. The DeWalt has a bit more power in my opinion, but the Makita is smoother. For restoration work, the Makita's pad brake is a nice feature to prevent swirl marks. But honestly, both are great. If you're heavily invested in DeWalt batteries, just get the DeWalt and don't look back. You won't be disappointed. Just make sure to use good sandpaper, that's half the battle.