Found a killer deal on a ROS, but is it any good?

So I was at BigBox Hardware today and spotted a random orbital sander by a brand I've never heard of - 'ProFinish' - on clearance for $29.99. It normally goes for like $80. I'm tempted to grab it, but I've been burned by cheap tools before. My old Porter Cable just died after 10 years. Should I take a chance on this one or save up for a known brand like DeWalt or Festool? Any thoughts?

That price is tempting, but I've learned my lesson with no-name brands. The key is the build quality and vibration. I've used a $30 sander that felt like a jackhammer, left swirl marks no matter what grit. If you can, test it in the store - see how it feels. Check the orbit diameter (5mm or 6mm) - 6mm is better for stock removal, but 5mm gives a finer finish. Also, look at the pad - does it have holes that align with a dust collector? That makes a huge difference. I'd rather spend $60-70 on a Bosch or DeWalt on sale than risk $30 on garbage.

I'm all about saving money, but for sanders, I've had mixed luck with cheap ones. I do a lot of restoration work on old furniture, and the sander is key. I once bought a $25 off-brand from an auction site - it died after a week. That said, my buddy has a cheap one that's been going for years, but the dust collection is pitiful - it throws dust everywhere. For $30, if you're just doing a one-off project and it's not your main sander, go for it. But if you're like me and use it daily, stick with a name brand. I got a used Festool for a steal on Craiglist, and it's worth every penny for the dust extraction alone.

I've been a contractor for 20 years. My motto: buy once, cry once. I bought a Makita ROS 10 years ago, still runs like a champ. The cheap ones always have issues - the velcro backing wears out, the switch breaks, they vibrate like crazy. And don't even think about the dust collection - it's a joke. For $30, you could buy a couple of sanding discs and a good lunch. Save your money and look for a refurbished or on-sale DeWalt or Ridgid. I've seen the cordless ones go on sale - if you already have batteries, that's a solid option. But if you're in a pinch and need it for a single project, maybe, but wear a mask and goggles because it'll throw dust everywhere.