Milwaukee vs DeWalt Random Orbital Sanders - Daily Pros Weigh In

Hey folks, looking to upgrade my random orbital sander. Torn between Milwaukee's M18 Fuel 6" and DeWalt's 20V Max XR 5". I do mostly finish carpentry and some furniture builds. Need something that won't bog down on hardwood and has good dust collection. Anyone using these daily? Real-world experiences appreciated - not just spec sheets!

Ran both on job sites for 6+ months each. Milwaukee's got more power - doesn't stall on maple edges. But DeWalt's ergonomics are better for 8-hour days. Milwaukee dust collection clogs faster with MDF mud. If you're doing production work, Milwaukee. If comfort matters more, DeWalt. Both beat corded for mobility.

Precision perspective: Milwaukee's variable speed dial has finer control for delicate finishes. Measured runout on both - DeWalt had 0.003" more wobble at max RPM. Not noticeable to most, but if you're doing guitar bodies or veneer work, it matters. Milwaukee's battery gauge is useless though - shows full until it dies.

Roofing guy here - we abuse sanders prepping decking. DeWalt survived a 12-foot drop onto concrete last month. Milwaukee died from sawdust ingestion after 3 weeks of cedar sanding. Both have stupid safety switches that slow you down. Pro tip: wrap the hose connection with electrical tape on either - they vibrate loose.

Apprentice chiming in - my crew uses DeWalt. Boss says Milwaukee's too expensive for what we get. The DeWalt's been dropped, left in rain, still works. Battery lasts about 45 mins on pine. Only complaint: the pad changes are stiff when hot. Watching Tim's videos helped me learn proper technique with it!