SKIL 5″ Random Orbital Sander SR211601 Review: Powerful Dust Collection in a Compact Package

After spending several weeks putting the SKIL 5″ Random Orbital Sander with Cyclonic Dust Box through its paces on various woodworking projects, we’re excited to share our hands-on experience with this impressive tool. From furniture refinishing to detailed trim work, we’ve thoroughly tested this sander’s capabilities to help you determine if it deserves a spot in your workshop.

Innovative Dust Collection That Actually Works

The standout feature of the SKIL SR211601 is undoubtedly its cyclonic dust collection system. Unlike many sanders that merely claim to capture dust, this one delivers. During our testing on oak cabinet doors, we were genuinely surprised by how little dust escaped into the air. The transparent dust box allowed us to monitor collection without interrupting our work, and emptying it proved remarkably clean and simple.

The cyclonic action isn’t just marketing jargon—it creates a vortex that efficiently separates dust particles, preventing the common problem of filter clogging that plagues many competing models. Even after sanding several pine boards, the airflow remained strong and consistent.

Performance and Power That Exceeded Our Expectations

Powered by a 2.8-amp motor, this orbital sander strikes an excellent balance between power and control. We found it particularly effective when removing old varnish from hardwood surfaces, where it made quick work of the finish without creating unsightly swirl marks. The 12,000 OPM (orbits per minute) provided enough aggression for material removal while still allowing for finesse when needed.

The 5-inch pad size hits the sweet spot for most DIY and professional applications—large enough to cover surface area efficiently but not so bulky that detail work becomes impossible. We especially appreciated this balance when sanding curved table legs, where both power and precision were essential.

Comfort Features Worth Mentioning

Extended sanding sessions can be punishing on the hands, but SKIL has clearly considered user comfort in their design:

– The rubberized palm grip significantly reduced vibration transfer
– At just 3.5 pounds, we experienced minimal fatigue even after 30+ minutes of continuous use
– The ergonomic handle design accommodated various grip positions as we navigated different project angles

Smart Design Elements That Make a Difference

Little details often separate good tools from great ones, and we noticed several thoughtful design elements:

– The power switch is dust-sealed to prevent premature failure
– Micro-filtration captures particles as small as 0.5 microns
– The included 3-piece sanding sheet assortment (60, 120, and 240 grit) covers everything from aggressive stock removal to fine finishing
– The 8-foot power cord provided sufficient reach without requiring an extension cord for most tasks

When sanding our workshop shelving project, the variable speed control proved particularly valuable—allowing us to dial back the aggression for the final finishing passes while maintaining full power for the initial sanding stages.

Experience the Difference of Pad Brake Technology

One feature that impressed us during practical use was the pad brake system. When lifting the sander from the workpiece, the pad stops spinning almost instantly—eliminating those frustrating moments when an uncontrolled sander damages your nearly completed project. This seemingly minor feature saved our maple tabletop from potential damage more than once during our testing.