Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3-inch Random Orbital Sander

This year’s Pipeline was a huge event, and I was there to take it all in. Admittedly, it was my first time out at Milwaukee’s headquarters. What I saw was impressive, not only in terms of presentation, but also in the breadth of the brand’s new releases. These products ran the gamut from a host of outdoor power equipment to dozens of storage solutions and hand tools. Here, we’re looking at the performance and design behind one of the latter – Milwaukee’s 3-inch M12 Fuel Random Orbital Sander (2535-20).

Pros

Lightweight design
Variable speed trigger
4-speed motor
Lock-on button for continuous operation

Cons

No significant drawbacks

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Milwaukee Random Orbital Sander Performance

Speeds: 4,000-10,000 OPM
Oscillation Diameter: 3/32 in.
Motor: Brushless
Pad Type: Hook and Loop
Trigger Type: Variable

If you’re looking for a finer sanding finish, a random orbital sander is the way to go.

The difference between this type and a traditional orbital sander is that the random doesn’t move in constant circular patterns alone. Instead, the disk also moves in small ellipses. As such, no part of the abrasive material takes the same path twice during a single rotation. The result is little to no swirl marks.

Driving Milwaukee’s 3-inch Random Orbital Sander is the brand’s Powerstate brushless motor and a 12V lithium-ion battery. Together, they produce speeds ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 OPM, which you can control with the 4-mode settings.

What’s more, the 2535-20 is compact and versatile. According to Milwaukee, this unit’s 3/32-inch orbital diameter makes it ideal for delicate sanding tasks that often come into play with railings, trim, and other detail-heavy applications.

And, as with any sander, this random orbital model is going to make dust; however, Milwaukee has you covered. The 2535-20 features an integrated dust control system that should capture over 80% of the debris.

Milwaukee 2535-20 Design Features

Model: Milwaukee 2535
Battery: Milwaukee M12 battery
Weight: 2.12 lbs (bare tool), 2.6 lbs (with M12 CP2.5Ah battery)
Dimensions: 8.4″ (L) x 2.9″ (W) x 5.5″ (H)

milwaukee M12 Fuel random orbital sander

This model has a few design features worth noting, starting with the ergonomics.

Milwaukee built its 3-inch random orbital sander to be lightweight, weighing in at just 2.12 pounds as a bare tool. In addition to reducing fatigue, this enhances both control and maneuverability.

And, when it comes to control, visibility is an important factor. The 2535-20’s built-in LED worklight takes care of this, providing 270 degrees of illumination. Combined with the tool’s variable speed trigger, you should be able to tackle most any 3-inch-appropriate application with little difficulty.

Finally, this unit allows for an optional sponge pad and pad saver for added protection against heat buildup.