My assortment of ROS palm sanders all began to wear out about the same time, forcing me to decide what route to go for replacement(s). While the Festool and Mirka sanders have great reps, they also have pretty impressive prices especially if you add the dust extraction units. While admittedly agonizing about this, I stumbled across reviews for the new 3M Xtract Electric ROS models. Eventually chose the 5 inch, 3/16" orbit model. Added a Cen-Tec Systems 16 Ft. Hose and a Harbor Freight version of the Dust Deputy cyclone to go with an existing QSP style shop vac.
All in, spent a little over $500 (less the ~15% I save on all Amazon purchases … which is a different story) and am very pleased with the performance. Recently sanded both sides of over 350 linear feet of 6.5" wide red oak with practically no dust. As in very close to zero dust! I used the 80g 3M Xtract discs to remove the planer chatter marks and they are everything they claim. Could hardly believe how fast they made the job.
I am missing some of those special features like combination hose & power cord of the Festool, but the financial tradeoff was better for me. Should you have a similar need and shallow pockets, here’s what I purchased:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z1GZC42
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0849L6LLH
