The R2610 is likely an excellent tool.

However, the receipt of this reconditioned tool has changed my approach to buying (reconditioned) tools via the internet: I now view such a purchase as a risk--vs. an economic opportunity.

Having spent thousands of dollars on the internet for (new) woodworking tools, I am a proponent of the process. Until recently, I've believed that a reconditioned item is a shrewd purchase, as it has theoretically undergone additional quality assurance (during the reconditioning process), and often appears to be new. This particular sander is clearly used in appearance (and arrived with the front knob severely broken). I now have a defective, reconditioned Porter Cable nail gun and this warn sander.

The R2610 experience has caused me to closely examine Cummins Tool's customer reviews. Cummins Tool is not among the best tool retailers. It too often errs in shipping, and is slow in responding to customer service issues. My complaint about the condition of a reconditioned tool is among other, similar complaints from customers.

I apologize for not solely focusing on the tool's quality. Raving about a tool that arrives in a beat up condition is apparently more than I can do (regardless of any price discount). I hope to forewarn potential buyers with my comments.

Outstanding tool. I'm building a cedar strip kayak and using the Ridgid 6" orbital to sand down epoxy that was used for filling holes and gaps. I've tried two other sanders -- a PC palm sander and a Grizzly angle sander, and the Ridgid is by far the best. It has a great heavy feel and I love how it revs up to speed. It removes material very quickly and the sandpaper lasts far longer than I thought it would. Dust collector is adequate. This is a great tool that I would highly recommend.

I've used this for a couple years and it works great. I bought it new at Home Depot ($180) when my old AEG 6" sander took up smoking. Used mostly for cabinet making (maple & plywoods usually). Its a little on the large side for small projects but the dual random selction and larger size cuts down sanding time quite a bit. (I have a 5" random sander for smaller pieces) Very little vibration & noise - shop vacuum connects & disconnects easily. I try to use gloves when using this as the extra width of its orbit will take skin off if it contacts it from the side (won't happen on the fine setting). Sanding is major project time - this sander cuts it down significantly.

I just bought the factory reconditioned sander. Except for the cut on the rubber handhold on the top it's in near perfect condition. For the value it's a great deal. I've used it to sand on a Honduran Mahogony bookshelf and it did great. I hooked it up to my shopvac and used the dust bag.
The shopvac sucked in all the dust and the dust bag blows the dust around a bit. I have a small craftsman shopvac. It's not a loud sounding sander, I use earplugs anyway. Very little vibration. I used 80, 100, and 120 grit. The sander did well using all of them. I had to use two hands to keep it from getting away. It's a powerful motor and I didn't want to damage the wood. I could hold it steady with one hand using all the grits of sanding discs, but wouldn't recommend it if you have a nice piece of wood. I liked the long cord. I also didn't have to wait long for it to stop turning once I released the trigger. I just wish it had a case to sit in. A great buy!