Should I get a 5" or 6" ROS - Random Orbit Sander?

[Greg L. Brown]

I've got a $50 Home Depot gift certificate (and a 10% off coupon) so my choices are narrowed down to the 5" or 6" Ridgid ROS's. The 5" is like a palm sander, and the 6" is much heavier and looks more "industrial." If you could only have one, would you get a 5" or 6" ROS?

Thanks,
Greg

[Peter Pedisich]

Whats the size of your typ work?
I just got a 6" to replace a 5" to cover large flats quicker.

[Greg L. Brown]

I've made a few smaller things in the past (night stand, small bookshelf, DVD case, etc), but I plan to make a computer desk (relatively simple one) and a medium-sized chest in the near future. I've been using a random 1/4 sheet sander (a real cheapo one; got it for like $14.99), but it's a piece of junk.

So I guess I do medium-sized stuff.

[David Christopher]

Greg, I have a 5 and a 6 but I like the 5 better, it is easier to handle for extened periods and awkward places and sandpaper is more available

[glenn bradley]

5" is more versatile due to physical dimensions. From you descriptions of your work and plans I would go with a 5" rather than get the 6" for a few projects and have too much sander for everything else.

P.s. The Milwaukee ROS HD sells gets really good ratings for a few bucks more.

[Steve Clardy]

I have several of both 5 and 6.

Once I went to 6", I haven't picked up a 5" in quite some time.

[Cary Falk]

I like my 6". I never felt it was too big.

[Mike Henderson]

I use a 5". My 6" is too heavy.

Mike

[Greg L. Brown]

Thanks all. I think I'll go with the 5" and upgrade if I need to.

-Greg