What are some downfalls of using a random orbital sander?

Cons

More expensive to buy and operate.
Sanding discs sometimes hard to find.
Aggressive power can damage a workpiece.
Hook and loop on pad can become dirty and fail to hold disc.
Sanding pad can become damaged – may affect sanding quality.
Circular pads prevent working in corners/tight spaces.

What makes an orbital sander random?

Random-orbit sanders combine a spinning motion with a secondary orbital motion (Photo 1) made possible by an offset counterbalance. When you apply pressure, the sanding pad moves around the work area much the same as a random circular hand movement, only much faster.

What can you not do with an orbital sander?

Don’t do it. The weight of the sander, plus your hand and arm, is enough pressure. Pushing down does remove wood faster, but it’s counterproductive. It can slow or stop the pad’s rotation, creating those ugly swirls.

Why does sandpaper fall off orbital sander?

The reason sandpaper is coming off your sander is that the current sander pad is worn out, replace the pad to fix the problem. Orbital sander pads wear out from regular use, eventually, the hook and loop Velcro will not properly hold onto your sanding discs.

What is the difference between an orbital sander and a random orbital sander?

What is the difference between an orbital sander and a random orbital sander? An orbital sander moves only in a circular motion while the random orbital sander also moves back and forth. As a result of the two separate motions, it leaves less of a swirl pattern on the wood.

Why won’t my sandpaper stick to my sander?

The simple fix for sandpaper that isn’t sticking is to replace the sander pad. The problem might be with your sander, not the sandpaper. Orbital sander pads wear out with use. Eventually, the pad will need to be replaced no matter if you have Bosch, Makita, DeWALT or Porter-Cable sander like me.