Hart 20V Cordless Random Orbit Sander Makes Quick Work of Weekend Projects
Sanding is one of those tasks that take some time to do right, but it can be incredibly therapeutic. We brought the Hart 20V cordless random orbit sander along for several projects to see if its cordless convenience could get our yin and yang back into a better balance.
Using the Hart 20V Cordless Random Orbit Sander
Oscillation Speed
Speed isn’t everything, but it sure helps. Hart’s cordless sander spins at 10,000 RPM according to the specifications. That’s with the combination of the pad rotation and random orbital motion, not just the pad itself. If you’re comparing that number to other sanders, it’s really the OPM value.
Some cordless sanders boast a higher rate and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, Hart’s sanding speed is highly effective.
Don’t just take our word for it. High-end professional woodworking brand, Festool, dials in their ETSC 125 cordless random orbit sander with a 10,000 OPM max speed. If a company that caters to really picky professionals is happy with that level of performance, so are we.
Padding Your Results
The trick to getting the best results with your Hart 20V cordless random orbit sander is picking the right sanding pads and working your way through them.
One of the big mistakes we see beginners make is starting with the grit size they want to finish with.
If you need to remove paint or stain, start with a really low grit, such as 40 or 60, until you get down to the bare material. Then start working your way through 80, 120, 180, and maybe even 220 grit to dial in the finish you’re looking for.
We needed to sand down some interior doors that were slightly sticking in the frame to prepare a home for sale. It wasn’t a big enough issue to plane the edge, so we used the Hart 20V sander for the job. We started with 60 grit and worked our way to 120 since we didn’t need a super-fine finish.
On the other hand, a cutting board coming from Ashley Vogel’s workshop required us to take it to those higher grit counts to get the ultra-smooth finish we were looking for.
Because Hart opts for a hook and loop pad system, switching pads is very easy and you can find them at nearly any home improvement store, including Walmart.
Limitations
On the projects we’ve completed, the Hart 20V cordless random orbit sander proves to have plenty of power in its brushed motor. As with so many tools, if you let the motor and the accessory (sanding discs in this case) do the work, the tool is quite capable.
Runtime is an issue for nearly every cordless sander and it’s no different for Hart. We tested using both the 1.5Ah and 2.0Ah batteries.
For small projects and punch list work, they work great. However, plan on stepping up to Hart’s 4.0Ah batteries if you’re going to be doing more consistent woodworking projects.
You’ll also notice there’s no variable speed dial on this model. That’s absolutely fine for most DIY projects you have lined up. However, it’s a feature you might want later on if your hobby becomes a passion that takes you to higher levels.
Dust Collection
Like most sanders, you can either use the included bag for dust collection or connect a vacuum to it.
The bag collection is decent, but it really steps up when you use active suction from a vacuum. There are plenty to choose from, along with a couple of cordless options like Ridgid’s cordless wet/dry vac.
If you’re doing more punch list-type projects, go ahead and use the bag. Switch over to a vacuum when you have a heavier sanding load in your shop or garage. Most 1 1/4-inch and 1 7/8-inch vac hoses will fit it without an adapter.
Pricing
You can pick up this Hart cordless sander at Walmart for $44.88, either online or at your local store. It’s only available as a bare tool at the moment, so plan on adding a battery/charger starter kit if you don’t already have other Hart 20V tools and batteries.
That’s in line with what we see from other DIY sanders at the same level. You’ll need to increase your budget if you want to add options such as a variable speed dial and a brushless motor.
The Bottom Line
The Hart 20V cordless random orbit sander is one of those essential tools you’re going to need whether you’re into weekend projects or home improvement. Though basic in its feature set compared to some models, its performance is excellent and the price is hard to beat for a cordless sander.
For more information about this and other HART Tools, click here.
Hart 20V Cordless Random Orbit Sander Specifications
- Model: Hart HPSD01
- Battery: 20V LI-Ion
- RPM: 0-10,000 rpm
- Pad Size: 5 in.
- Pad Style: Hook and Loop
- Vacuum Hose Compatibility: 1-1/4 in. and 1-7/8 in.
- Weight: 2.3 lbs.
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $44.88
