DeWalt DWE6423.
Sander Fit Guide
DeWalt DWE6423.
Short answer: 5" (125mm) discs with an 8-hole pattern and a hook & loop backing.
That is the same pad DeWalt sells as the DWE64233, and it is the most common 5" layout in the US. If you own this sander, almost any disc marked 5 inch 8-hole will fit it.
Disc diameter
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| Spec | DeWalt DWE6423 |
|---|---|
| Disc diameter | 5" (125mm) |
| Hole pattern | 8-hole |
| Attachment | Hook & loop |
| Stock pad part | DWE64233 |
| Order from Orca | 5" 8-Hole |
Same pad, other DeWalt models
If you own one of these, everything on this page applies to you too.
- DWE6421 and DWE6421K
- DWE6423K
- DCW210B, the 20V cordless
- DW421, DW422, DW423, DW426
- D26451
What to order
Purple Ceramic Sanding Discs, 5" 8-Hole
Ceramic grain on a film backing, rated wet or dry. Cuts faster and lasts longer than aluminum oxide on hardwood, cured finish and body filler. P40 through P2000.
From $12.99 for 10, $22.99 for 25.
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Green Aluminum Oxide Sanding Discs, 5" 8-Hole
The everyday option for softwood, plywood and general shop work. Better cost per disc, and it comes in 50 packs. P40 through P1200.
From $10.99 for 10, $16.99 for 25, $26.99 for 50.
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Purple Ceramic Project Pack, 5" 8-Hole
Every grit in one box so you are never stopped mid build. Workhorse is 18 discs, P40 to P150, three of each. Fine Finish is 20 discs, P180 to P400, five of each.
$19.49 and $20.99.
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Ceramic Mesh Sanding Discs, 5" (125mm)
No hole pattern at all. The open mesh extracts across the whole face, so there is nothing to line up. Worth it if you also run a second sander with a different pad. P80 through P800.
From $11.49 for 10, $21.49 for 25.
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Why the hole pattern matters more than the grit
Flip the sander over and count the holes on the pad. There should be eight.
If you fit a disc whose holes do not line up, the extraction pulls against solid paper. The dust has nowhere to go, so it stays on the surface and packs into the abrasive. The disc loads up in a few minutes, stops cutting, and starts polishing instead. Most discs people throw away are not worn out. They are clogged.
Get the pattern right and the extraction does its job, the grain stays exposed, and the disc lasts as long as it should.
Grit ladder for a DWE6423
5" random orbit
This is a 5" random orbit with a moderate stroke, so it is a general purpose sander rather than a stock removal machine.
P80
Mill marks, old finish, heavy leveling. Do not start here unless the board needs it.
P120
Where most projects should actually start.
P150
Levels out what P120 left behind.
P180
Where most furniture should stop.
P220
Pre-stain or pre-oil on tight-grained woods only.
Do not skip steps. P180 grain is too fine to cut out a P80 scratch, so it polishes the shoulders of it instead, and the scratch shows up dark the moment finish goes on.
And do not lean on it. Pressure stalls the orbit, which is what causes swirl marks, and the heat melts resin into the grain. Guide it, and move about an inch per second.
A few things worth knowing
Will 5 inch 5-hole discs work on a DWE6423?
They will sand, but five of the eight extraction holes will be blocked. You lose most of your dust collection and the disc loads up fast. Use 8-hole.
Do I need 8-hole if I am not running dust extraction?
The pattern still matters. The holes vent heat and let dust escape the cutting surface even with just the onboard dust bag. With no extraction at all, mesh is the better answer.
What is the difference between the purple ceramic and the green aluminum oxide?
Ceramic grain fractures to a fresh cutting edge as it wears instead of dulling, so it stays sharp longer and handles hardwood, cured finish and body filler better. Aluminum oxide costs less per disc and is plenty for softwood, plywood and general work.
How many discs do I actually need for a project?
More of the middle grits than you expect. A project pack is built around that: three each of the coarse and medium grits, five each of the fine ones, because finishing passes cover more surface.
Grab the right disc for your DeWalt.
Sanding Guide · Grit by Project Stage · All 8-Hole Discs · All 5" Discs · Ceramic Mesh Discs · Universal Fit 5" Discs · Not sure, ask us