Dust Collection
Affiliate link — we may earn a commissionDust collection on a sander is the system that captures wood particles as you sand. Most random-orbit sanders have built-in dust ports that connect to a vacuum or a small collection bag/canister. The sanding disc has holes that match holes in the pad, and suction pulls dust through those holes into the bag or hose. A sander with good dust collection captures 80 to 90% of particles. Without it, you're breathing fine wood dust, which is a known carcinogen for some species like red cedar and walnut.
Why It Matters
Wood dust under 10 microns enters your lungs and stays there. A dust bag catches most of it. A shop vac connection catches nearly all of it. This isn't about cleanliness. It's about your lungs in 20 years. Always use dust collection or wear a P100 respirator.