Which is better for sanding a large deck or tabletop?

The DeWalt DCW230B. Its 6-inch pad covers more area per pass, and the anti-vibration design helps on long sessions. The Milwaukee is lighter on the wallet but slower to cover big flat surfaces.

Which one removes material faster?

The Milwaukee 2648-20 has the higher top speed at 12,000 OPM, so it can cut faster on rough stock. The DeWalt's 6-inch disc partly offsets that with wider coverage.

Do I need to buy batteries separately?

Yes for both. Each is sold tool only, so you need Milwaukee M18 packs for the 2648-20 or DeWalt 20V MAX packs for the DCW230B. Buy the one that matches batteries you already own.

Is the DeWalt worth the extra money?

If you sand for long stretches or work on wide panels, the 6-inch pad and lower vibration justify the $198.40. For occasional jobs, the Milwaukee at $112.49 does the work for less.

Which lasts longer on a charge?

Milwaukee publishes up to 35 minutes of runtime on a 3.0 Ah M18 pack. DeWalt does not publish runtime for the DCW230B, so compare with your own battery size.

Which is better for finish sanding?

Both have variable speed. The DeWalt's five settings start lower at 6,000 OPM, which suits fine finish work, while the Milwaukee's dial runs 7,000 to 12,000 OPM.

Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander 2648-20 vs DeWALT 20V MAX XR 6-in. Random Orbital Sander, Tool Only (DCW230B)

Buy the Milwaukee 2648-20 if you want a 5-inch cordless sander that costs less and runs on batteries you may already own. Buy the DeWalt DCW230B if you need a 6-inch pad for faster stock removal and lower vibration on long sessions. As of November 3, 2026, the Milwaukee is $112.49 at West Marine and the DeWalt is $198.40 at eBay, both tool only. The Milwaukee's lowest recorded price was $99.99 on November 1, 2026.

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