Several months ago in issue #272, I reviewed a collection of 5-in. random-orbit sanders. The Triton TROS125 wasn’t available to
us at that time, so when one came into my hands, it was only natural to give it a spin. The sander was nice and tall, affording plenty
of places to grip. It was also well-balanced and handled easily when I stuck with on-board dust collection. The tool fought me a bit
when hooked up to a vacuum, but it never got out of control. The variable speed control knob lets you dial in the speed between 7,000 rpm and 12,000 rpm. The kit includes several mesh sanding disks and a circular dust port adapter, which is probably necessary, since the connection is rectangular with rounded corners.

Everything comes in a handy carrying bag. When using the built-in dust collection, the sander removed an average 5.7 grams of material, collecting about 57.9% of it. When hooked up to a vacuum, the TROS125 removed an average of 7.0 grams but collected 90%. It took 2.35 seconds to power off. When compared to other sanders in the review, its numbers trailed the pack in nearly every category.

—Barry NM Dima is an associate editor.

From Fine Woodworking #275

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Festool DF 500 Q-Set Domino Joiner

This joinery machine revolutionized woodworking for so many. There is no easier way to get mortise and tenon joints—but it comes at a cost.

Buy at Amazon

Fein Turbo II HEPA Wet/Dry Dust Extractor

Among the most powerful HEPA-rated shop vacs on the market, Fein’s Turbo II is quieter, more compact, and nimbler than the rest.

Buy at Amazon

Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

Buy at Amazon