Does the Ingersoll Rand 311A need a compressor?

Yes. It is a pneumatic tool and runs only on compressed air, so you need a compressor and air line with enough CFM to drive a 6-inch dual-action sander.

What is the difference between dual-action and a plain orbital sander?

Dual action combines a random orbit with rotation, which helps avoid swirl marks. That makes it suited to feather edging, filler and primer work rather than aggressive stock removal.

What is the 6-inch pad good for?

The larger pad covers more surface per pass, which speeds up panel and metal prep. It is less suited to tight areas and fine detail than a smaller pad.

Is it quiet enough for shop use?

It has a built-in silencer that muffles exhaust noise, and owners commonly describe it as quieter than other air sanders. Ear protection is still standard practice in a shop.

It suits body shop and metalwork users already set up for air tools who want an economical dual-action sander. Home users without a compressor should look at electric random orbital sanders instead.

Ingersoll Rand 311A 6 in. Dual-Action Quiet Air Random Orbital Sander

Best price now

$89.99at WalmartChecked Nov 9

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Ingersoll Rand 311A 6 in. Dual-Action Quiet Air Random Orbital Sander

Best price now

$89.99at WalmartChecked Nov 9

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $89.99 at Walmart on Nov 9.

Our take on the Ingersoll Rand 311A 6 in. Dual-Action Quiet Air Random Orbital Sander

The Ingersoll Rand 311A is a pneumatic dual-action random orbital sander with a 6-inch pad, built for body shops and metal work. Its built-in silencer quiets the exhaust, and the dual-action orbit is designed to leave swirl-free finishes on filler, primer and bare metal. It is a budget-tier air tool: it needs a compressor and air line, so it suits people already set up for pneumatic tools rather than casual home users. Owners like the low noise and smooth finish, but the 3.8 rating reflects complaints about durability and air-hungry performance against pricier sanders.

Best forAuto body and paint prep workShops already running an air compressorFeather edging and filler smoothingMetal preparation before finishing

Pros

Built-in silencer keeps exhaust noise down
Dual-action orbit gives swirl-free finishes
6-inch pad covers ground quickly
Simple pneumatic design with few parts to fail
Handles feather edging, filler and metal prep

Cons

Needs a compressor with solid CFM output
Durability complaints from some owners
Not a finish sander for fine detail work
Pneumatic only, so no cordless convenience

Ingersoll Rand 311A 6 in. Dual-Action Quiet Air Random Orbital Sander prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by S.B.D. DEALSReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$89.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
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What reviewers say

3.8 / 510 ratings

Ten ratings average 3.8 out of 5. Owners who like it praise the quiet exhaust and the smooth, swirl-free results on body filler and metal. Others report reliability problems and say it needs a lot of air to keep spinning under load.

What people mention

NoisePraisedOwners say the built-in silencer makes it noticeably quieter than typical air sanders.
Finish qualityPraisedReviewers report swirl-free results on body filler, primer and metal prep.
DurabilityCriticisedSome owners say the tool wears out or fails sooner than expected.
Air demandMixedIt needs a compressor with enough CFM; performance suffers on smaller setups.
ValueMixedBuyers see it as an economical entry air sander but expect trade-offs in build and longevity.

About the Ingersoll Rand 311A 6 in. Dual-Action Quiet Air Random Orbital Sander

This is a 6-inch dual-action pneumatic random orbital sander. It runs on compressed air and has a built-in silencer that muffles noise while you work.

The dual-action pad motion produces swirl-free finishes. The sander is used for feather edging, metal preparation, and finish work on body filler.

Type: Dual-action pneumatic random orbital sander
Pad size: 6 in.
Color: Black
Noise control: Built-in silencer
Uses: Feather edging, metal preparation, finish work on body filler

Specifications

color: BlackSource
size: 6-InchSource

Questions and answers

Does the Ingersoll Rand 311A need a compressor?: Yes. It is a pneumatic tool and runs only on compressed air, so you need a compressor and air line with enough CFM to drive a 6-inch dual-action sander.
What is the difference between dual-action and a plain orbital sander?: Dual action combines a random orbit with rotation, which helps avoid swirl marks. That makes it suited to feather edging, filler and primer work rather than aggressive stock removal.
What is the 6-inch pad good for?: The larger pad covers more surface per pass, which speeds up panel and metal prep. It is less suited to tight areas and fine detail than a smaller pad.
Is it quiet enough for shop use?: It has a built-in silencer that muffles exhaust noise, and owners commonly describe it as quieter than other air sanders. Ear protection is still standard practice in a shop.
Who is it for?: It suits body shop and metalwork users already set up for air tools who want an economical dual-action sander. Home users without a compressor should look at electric random orbital sanders instead.
Where is the Ingersoll Rand 311A 6 in. Dual-Action Quiet Air Random Orbital Sander cheapest?: At Walmart, for $89.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Ingersoll Rand 311A 6 in. Dual-Action Quiet Air Random Orbital Sander?: Rated 3.8 out of 5 from 10 ratings.