We recently posted about Bosch’s new 6-inch dual-mode random orbit sander. Well, it looks like they have also come out with a new 5-inch model.
The new Bosch GET65-5N looks to have all of the same features as the larger GET75-6N sander, but different specs.
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It features a slim handle, a removable pad guard, auxiliary handle, removable extraction tube, variable speed dial, and dual-mode selection switch. The dual-mode feature allows you to switch between “standard” random orbit mode and “turbo” direct-drive eccentric-orbit mode for faster material removal.
Specifications
- 5″ disc size
- 188-436 RPM
- 3100-7200 OPM (no-load)
- 2.25 mm (0.09″) orbit radius
- Separate on/off and speed controls (according to the spec sheet)
- 6.5A current draw
- 13.7″ long
- 5.5″ tall
- 5.8″ width
- Weighs 5.3 lbs
Price: $279
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Discussion
Why buy this sander over the new Bosch 6″ sander?
To start, it has a smaller disc size. Normally that translates to lower pricing, but in this case it’s not much of a difference. Still, the smaller size might work better for some users or applications.
The biggest difference, according to Bosch’s official specs, is that this sander has half the orbit radius. The 6″ sander has a 4.5 mm orbit radius, this 5″ sander has a 2.25 mm orbit radius. In other words, it *should* be more of a finer-finish sander. This is at least true for other sanders. For example, Festool’s 6″ sander is available with 3 mm or 5 mm sanding strokes, with the longer stroke providing for more aggressive material removal.
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I don’t think it’s very important that we’re talking about different-sized sanders here. The size of the pad would determine how quickly you could work over material of the same size. A shorter sanding stroke should result in a finer finish and a longer sanding stroke in faster or more aggressive material removal, regardless of the sander size. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
The 5″ and 6″ sanders have different specs, with the 6″ sander being able to draw a little more power (7.5A vs. 6.5A) and running a little faster. Bosch’s user manual has slightly different specs than Bosch’s website, but both sets of figures still show a slight difference in sanding pad speed.
Although retailers and Bosch’s website both have pages up for the two sanders, Bosch hasn’t sent out any press releases about them, and so we’re only able to surmise about the differences. From the specs, it would *seem* that the 5″ sander with its shorter stroke is meant for finer-finishes, but it also has a dual-mode feature for switching to “turbo” mode.
We also reached out to Bosch to ask if the 6″ sanding pad can be installed on the 5″ sander, or vise versa, and will follow up once we hear back.
More tool options are always good. What’s also interesting is that I can’t find a previous model 5″ dual-mode sander. There’s the 1250DEVS 6″ dual-mode sander, but the 5″ looks to be a new size for Bosch.
Tim
They never had a 5″ turbo mode sander.
This is big since the festool is the only other T” competitor and alot of people use 5″ stuff all the time and need to stock two abrasives. Especially floor guys who use multidisc sanders.
PETE
Makita has a dual action sander. BO6050J
Kilroy
I own the Bosch variable speed 5″ RO sander, have used it extensively, and love it… Great for what it is, and especially for the money, as the street price for that is ~$50 if you shop around a little.
These new 5″ and 6″ sanders from Bosch sound very enticing, but as a DIY user (albeit one who does a ton of sanding), the prices on these are tough for me to justify/stomach, even assuming street/sale prices end up in the low/mid $200s (total SWAG, based on the MSRPs). If I could pick one of these up for low/mid $100s, I’d probably buy it, but in the meantime I’m spending my money and time on hand tools (card scrapers and hand planes) to try to reduce sanding time.
Reflector
If you already own a 1250DEVS: The 1250DEVS will take the same 5″ pad part from their ROS65VC. I actually run my own this way because 5″ discs are easier to buy. Especially if you’re burning through a bunch of cheapo ones to strip paint.
Rob Potson
This seems the way to go. Agree with everything you said
DC
Sorry to nitpick but 6A is current draw, not power draw. Power is in watts (W) not amps or ampheres (A).
Stuart
Thanks – fixed! But only in on instance (spec list). The other mention is still accurate since higher current draw translates to higher power draw.
McFly
I was looking at getting the Festool sander but I may go with this Bosch provided it has a hard case. I like cases over bags
Stuart
Unfortunately, and to my surprise, Bosch’s website says “no case included.”
Big mark
This should be a quality sander as Bosch is affiliated with mafell, 5 inch pads are easier to find, I have the festool 150 , big bucks, this bosch sander is at a decent price point
Slavi Yordanov
Looking at the 5” and 6” pads, they seem to not be interchangeable. Have you checked on this?
Stuart
I have not checked on this, but I would agree that it is unlikely for the pads to be interchangeable. If they were, Bosch probably would have advertised them as such.
Lee Cottrell
I checked with Bosch today and the 5″ pad will work on the GET75-6N. They recommend the 6″, but they will interchange if needed.
David
Did they spec the part number or is it just the part for the 5″ turbo sander?