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DeWalt DCW230B 20V MAX XR Sander vs Milwaukee M12 FUEL 6 in. Random Orbital Sander

The DeWalt DCW230B is the stronger all-round sander for woodworkers already on the 20V MAX platform. It has a larger 13/64 in. orbit for faster stock removal, five speed settings, and AirLock plus wireless tool control that starts a compatible vacuum. The Milwaukee M12 FUEL is smaller and lighter, with a finer 3/32 in. orbit and a wider 3,200-12,000 RPM range that suits body filler and finish work. Owners praise the DeWalt's power and battery life; the Milwaukee's M12 platform means less run time per pack on big panels.

  • Choose the DeWalt DCW230B if you sand large wood panels, want fast material removal, and already own 20V MAX batteries and a DEWALT extractor.
  • Choose the Milwaukee M12 FUEL if you do auto body filler, curved panels and detail work, and want a compact sander on the M12 platform.

Prices

  • DeWalt DCW230B 20V MAX XR Sander: $179.00 at Fasteners Tool Outlet (last seen Nov 10)
  • Milwaukee M12 FUEL 6 in. Random Orbital Sander: $329.00 at The Home Depot (last seen Nov 12)
  • Difference: the DeWalt DCW230B 20V MAX XR Sander is $150.00 cheaper than the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 6 in. Random Orbital Sander at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 12)
DeWalt
DeWalt DCW230B 20V MAX XR 6 in. Random Orbit Sander

DeWalt DCW230B 20V MAX XR Sander

DeWalt DCW230B 20V MAX XR 6 in. Random Orbit Sander

3.7(6 ratings)
$179.00at Fasteners Tool OutletChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit Fasteners Tool Outlet
Pros
  • Brushless motor holds speed under pressure
  • Five speed settings from 6,000 to 10,000 OPM
  • AirLock and wireless control start a compatible vacuum
  • Large 6 in. pad covers panels quickly
  • Runs on the wide DEWALT 20V MAX battery line
Cons
  • Heavier at 4.78 lb for overhead work
  • Hook and loop backing only, no PSA
  • Tool-only kit needs batteries and charger
  • Dust capture depends on a separate extractor
Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee Tool M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6 in. Random Orbital Sander 3/32 in. (Tool-Only)

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 6 in. Random Orbital Sander

Milwaukee Tool M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6 in. Random Orbital Sander 3/32 in. (Tool-Only)

$329.00at The Home DepotChecked Nov 12
See all prices and details
Visit The Home Depot
Pros
  • Compact, light 12V body for overhead and detail work
  • Wide 3,200-12,000 RPM range for fine finishing
  • Accepts both hook and loop and PSA discs
  • Brushless FUEL motor
  • Good fit for body filler and curved panels
Cons
  • Smaller 3/32 in. orbit removes material slower
  • 12V packs mean shorter run time on big jobs
  • No wireless vacuum start
  • Tool-only, no battery or charger in the box

What separates them

DeWalt DCW230B 20V MAX XR SanderMilwaukee M12 FUEL 6 in. Random Orbital Sander
Orbit diameter13/64 in. for faster stock removal3/32 in. for a finer, less aggressive cut
Speed range6,000-10,000 OPM, five settings3,200-12,000 RPM, variable
Battery platformDEWALT 20V MAX (18V nominal)Milwaukee M12 12V
Dust extractionAirLock port plus wireless tool control to start a compatible vacuumVacuum port, no tool-to-vac link
BackingHook and loop onlyHook and loop and PSA
Weight and size4.78 lb, taller bodyCompact 12V body, easier overhead
Best surfaceBroad wood panels and cabinet facesBody filler, drywall and curved panels

Price history

$329.00$179.00
Nov 1Nov 12
  • DeWalt DCW230B 20V MAX XR Sander: lowest $179.00 on Nov 9 at Fasteners Tool Outlet; $179.00 on Nov 10.
  • Milwaukee M12 FUEL 6 in. Random Orbital Sander: lowest $329.00 on Nov 12 at The Home Depot.

Prices at every store

DeWalt DCW230B 20V MAX XR Sander

  • Fasteners Tool OutletNew

    In stock

    $179.00Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Fasteners Tool Outlet
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by tool007tool

    $198.40Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit eBay
  • Tool NutNew

    In stock

    $229.00Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Tool Nut
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $204.99Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 18 stores and price history →

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 6 in. Random Orbital Sander

  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $329.00Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit The Home Depot
  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $329.00Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit The Home Depot

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecDeWalt DCW230B 20V MAX XR SanderMilwaukee M12 FUEL 6 in. Random Orbital Sander
Voltage2012V
Speed Settings5 speeds from 6,000 - 10,000 (no load) OPMVariable speed
Power SourceBatteries—
Cordless or CordedCordless—
Orbits Per Minute6,000-10,000 (no load) OPM—
Orbit Diameter13/64 in.—
Height4.98 in.—
Pad TypeHook and Loop—
Sanding Capacityup to 200 sq.-ft.—
Dust Collectionup to 95% of dust—
Assembled Weight4.78—
Assembled Depth9.450—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecDeWalt DCW230B 20V MAX XR SanderMilwaukee M12 FUEL 6 in. Random Orbital Sander
Five Speed SettingsAdjust the sanding action for different work st…—
Brushless MotorDelivers cordless sanding power from a suitable…—
AirLock PortConnects to compatible DEWALT dust extractors.—
WIRELESS TOOL CONTROLStarts a compatible vacuum from the sander.—
Dust Collection OptionsUse the supplied bag or suitable extraction equ…—
Tracking ProvisionIncludes a chip adapter for optional asset mana…—
BrandDEWALT—
Battery PlatformDEWALT 20V MAX; 18V nominal—
Motor

What reviewers say

DeWalt DCW230B 20V MAX XR Sander

Reviewers who received the sander praise its power, battery life and compact size, and like using multiple sanding discs.

What people mention
  • PowerPraisedOwners say the brushless motor keeps its speed when pushed hard.
  • Battery lifePraisedReviewers report long runtimes during extended sanding sessions.
  • SizePraisedThe compact body is called easy to handle and control.
  • Disc changesPraisedOwners like being able to switch between multiple sanding discs.

Questions and answers

Which is better for sanding large wood panels?
The DeWalt. Its 13/64 in. orbit and 6 in. pad remove material faster, and the 20V MAX pack lasts longer on big flat surfaces.
Which is better for auto body filler?
The Milwaukee. The 3/32 in. orbit and low 3,200 RPM starting speed give more control on filler and curved panels, and it takes PSA discs.
Does either sander start a vacuum automatically?
Only the DeWalt. Its wireless tool control starts a compatible DEWALT extractor when the sander runs. The Milwaukee has a plain vacuum port.
Which lasts longer per charge?
The DeWalt. A 20V MAX pack carries more capacity than an M12 pack, so expect longer run time between swaps on extended sanding.
Is the Milwaukee worth stepping up to if I already own DeWalt batteries?
Only if you need a compact sander for detail or body work. Otherwise the DeWalt uses batteries you already have and cuts faster on wood.

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More comparisons

  • DeWalt DCW230B 20V MAX XR 6 in. Random Orbit Sander vs Makita 40V XGT 6 inch Sander
  • Milwaukee Tool M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6 in. Random Orbital Sander 3/32 in. (Tool-Only) vs Makita 40V XGT 6 inch Sander
Brushless
—
Pad Diameter6 in.—
No-Load Speed6,000–10,000 OPM—
Dust ConnectionDEWALT AirLock—
Five-Speed AdjustmentSelect within a 6,000–10,000 OPM no-load range.—
Brushless Cordless MotorUses compatible DEWALT 20V MAX batteries purcha…—
TOOL CONNECT Chip ReadyPair a TOOL CONNECT chip (sold separately) for …—
Model & SeriesDEWALT DCW230B—
Diameter Grinding Paper (")6.0—
Voltage (V)20.0—
Operating Mode—Random orbital
Cut Speed—Variable speed
Power Type—Cordless Electric
Disc Size—6 in
Pad Size—6 in
Abrasive Type—Hook and Loop
Dust Collection System Comp—Yes
Sanding Pad Size—6 in
Sanding Surface Type—Pad
Sander Type—Random Orbital Sander