The DeWalt D26451 and DeWalt D26453 are both popular and budget-friendly random orbital sander models. They have almost the same features and looks, making it hard to choose one over the other. 

In the past, we make the comparison of D26451K vs. D26453K. Today, we are going to compare DeWalt D26451 vs DeWalt D26453 and see which one is better.

Some technical feature of both models

1. Motor Power

The motor is the heart of this random orbital sander or any other power tool. Both the DeWalt D26451 and DeWalt D26453 have a sporty 3.0 Amps motor that is agile enough for most general purpose sanding, whether it is on softwood or hardwood.

Both products use 120V. They are suitable for US electricity voltage.

2. Speed

A determining factor when sanding wood is speed. Both models have a maximum no-load speed of 12,000 OPM.

The DeWalt D26451 has a linear and constant speed of 12,000 OPM, while the DeWalt D26453 has a variable speed that ranges from 7,000 OPM anywhere to 12,000 OPM.

It is also good to note that both models have a practical feature called CFS (Controlled Finishing System) that starts the sanding pad slow so as to prevent gouging.

As far as speed is concerned, the DeWalt D26453 wins. It has more versatility when working with different materials and allows the user to have more control over the finished result.

3. Finishing Quality

Since the DeWalt D26451 has a fixed speed, it will result in a standard sanding finish every time. The high speed of the “random orbits” of 12,000 OPM (technically less while sanding) will leave a polished smooth finish.

You can easily retrofit a different grit sanding pad depending on the result you want. “Fine-tuning” is definitely possible with the DeWalt D26451. It’s just not coming from a variable speed but instead from a sanding pad swap.

The variable speed control of the DeWalt D26453 definitely allows you to get more variety over your sanding result. The highest 12,000 OPM setting will result in a smooth mirror finish while the lowest 7,000 OPM, a coarser one. The lowest setting is also ideal for removing paint or veneer on materials.

4. User Friendliness

Since you will be working with those models for possibly long hours, user-friendliness and ease of use are very important aspects.

• Grip: Both models fit well in the palm of a medium-sized hand. They have great ergonomics which should limit hand fatigue. A small caveat worth mentioning for both models is that they do not have a rubberized coating in the palm rest area. Sweaty hands might become an issue.
• Vibration: The tall form factor and mechanisms at the pad all help reduce vibrations. DeWalt uses a handy “slip disc” system between the pad and motor which absorbs a lot of vibrations. However, the main function of this slip-disc is to prevent the pad from spinning too fast when lifted from material surface.
• Weight: Both units are almost identical in terms of weight, with the DeWalt D26451 clocking at 3.4 lbs and the DeWalt D26453 at 3.5 lbs. The difference is clearly negligible.
• Ease of Use: As far as ease of use is concerned, both models are very straightforward and easy to use. Simply place on your material and hit the power switch.

5. Dust Collection

A dust collection system along with a fiber dust cloth comes fitted in both models. The dust cloth is not the finest dust trapping system out there, especially when compared to a HEPA filter. But in all fairness, it does the job fine. It leaves the table clean and it “vacuums” while it sands. It is a very interesting observation that both those budget random orbital sanders have such elaborate and “premium-grade” features.

In addition, users will appreciate the effort DeWalt went to fit those models with industry-standard adapters that make it easy to connect an external vacuum or dust collection system, should you have or need one.

Best, both models have dust sealed switches which prevent sawdust from entering and eventually clogging them.

6. Sanding Pad

The 3/32 inch sanding pad in both units makes excellent contact with material. They lay perfectly flush and this is mostly due to great engineering at the sanding pad base.

Furthermore, changing pads is very easy which can be accomplished without the need of tools, in both models. This is a recurring feature we tend to see in most good random orbital sanders these days.

7. Price

Cost is one area where they demark from each other.

The DeWalt D26451 is offered lower than DeWalt D26453 around $15 (price gap changes, you should check current price). While those 2 models are seemingly clones, the variable speed control in the DeWalt D26453 is worth at least $15 more, according to DeWalt (and online shopping sites we price checked).

Conclusion

This comparison ends with you now more informed about those 2 well-regarded models. As we have seen, price and the inclusion of a variable speed control in the DeWalt D26453 is what really differentiates those 2 models apart.

You will have to choose a model based on your need. If you really need the variable speed control and work with a diverse range of materials, as well as need absolute control over your sanding - the DeWalt D26453 is a great choice. On the other hand, you can easily save at least $15 by going the fixed speed route with the DeWalt D26451. It gets the job done equally well.