What's inside
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The Bosch GET75-6N has the stronger claim to faster stock removal: it combines a 6-inch pad with a selectable aggressive eccentric-orbit mode. The Milwaukee 6034-21 is a capable 5-inch random-orbit sander, but its smaller pad and fixed sanding action make it better suited to controlled finishing than rapid leveling.
That does not mean the Bosch is always the better buy. On small parts, narrow workpieces, and jobs that call for careful control, the Milwaukee can be easier to handle and may remove material quickly enough. The right choice depends on what you sand, how much material you need to take off, and whether you can manage the Bosch’s more aggressive setting without leaving marks.
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At a glance
| Feature | Milwaukee 6034-21 | Bosch GET75-6N |
|---|---|---|
| Pad size | 5 inches | 6 inches |
| Motor | 3.0 amps | 7.5 amps |
| Operating modes | Random orbit | Random orbit and turbo mode |
| Orbit diameter | 3/32 inch | 3/16 inch in random-orbit mode; 3/16-inch turbo eccentric action |
| Best fit | General sanding and controlled finish work | Large surfaces and faster material removal |
The Milwaukee’s 3/32-inch orbit is relatively short, which supports controlled sanding but takes smaller bites than a more aggressive stroke. Bosch’s turbo mode changes the sanding action to a direct eccentric orbit for more rapid removal. It is not the setting to use casually on thin veneer or a finished edge.
What “faster” means in practice
On a broad tabletop or door, the Bosch can cover more ground per pass because its 6-inch pad has about 44 percent more face area than a 5-inch pad. That is a simple area comparison, not a promise of 44 percent faster work. Actual speed depends on abrasive grit, wood species, pressure, dust extraction, and how evenly you move the sander.
The Bosch’s extra power and turbo mode matter most when flattening uneven boards, removing old finish, or stepping down from coarse grit to a more refined surface. Use turbo mode for stock removal, then switch to random-orbit mode for normal sanding. Keep the pad flat and keep the tool moving. Holding it in one spot can create a depression or swirl marks before you notice them.
The Milwaukee can still remove material at a useful pace with fresh, appropriate abrasive. Its smaller pad is less likely to overhang narrow stock, and its milder action gives you more margin for error near edges. For cabinet parts, trim, and ordinary between-coat sanding, the speed difference may not justify the Bosch’s larger size and higher cost.
Control and finish quality
A more powerful sander does not automatically produce a better finish. Both tools can leave swirls if the abrasive is loaded, the pad is tilted, or you skip too many grit steps. The Bosch’s turbo mode raises the risk of visible scratch patterns, particularly on softwood, veneer, and stained surfaces. Use it for rough removal, not as a shortcut through the final grits.
The 5-inch Milwaukee is easier to place on smaller panels and around tighter areas. Its lower removal rate can be an advantage when you need to preserve a profile or avoid cutting through a thin surface layer. The Bosch’s larger pad is more efficient on open, flat surfaces, but it is awkward on narrow pieces and can make it harder to sand close to inside corners.
For either tool, a practical sequence is to start with the least aggressive grit that removes the defect, then move through progressively finer grits. For example, a rough leveling job might begin around 80 grit and continue through 120 and 180; do not assume those exact grits suit every wood or finish. Vacuum dust between steps, since a stray coarse particle can scratch the surface at a finer grit.
Dust collection and abrasive costs
Dust collection affects both cleanup and sanding performance. Fine dust can clog a disc and slow removal, while poor extraction lets debris scratch the work. Use discs with the correct hole pattern for the pad, and connect a suitable dust extractor when the job produces a lot of dust. A basic 5-inch random-orbit sanding discs search is useful for the Milwaukee; the Bosch takes 6-inch abrasives, so check size and hole layout before ordering.
Do not compensate for a dull disc by leaning harder. Excess pressure can slow the tool, increase heat, wear the pad, and make the sander harder to control. Replace clogged or worn discs instead. If the work involves large amounts of dust, consider a dust extractor for sanding rather than relying only on a small collection bag.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the Bosch GET75-6N if your priority is faster removal across wide surfaces and you will use its aggressive mode deliberately. It is the stronger choice for flattening, stripping, and production-style sanding where the extra pad coverage can save passes. It also asks more of the operator: use a fine touch, test turbo mode on scrap, and stop before you cut through veneer or a thin finish layer.
Choose the Milwaukee 6034-21 if you mostly sand smaller workpieces, need a manageable 5-inch tool, or value controlled, predictable sanding more than maximum removal rate. It is fine for furniture touch-ups, general woodworking, and routine finish prep when you are not trying to erase deep defects quickly. If you mainly sand large tabletops or panels, the Bosch’s size and speed are more useful; if those jobs are occasional, the Milwaukee is the more restrained choice.
Before buying, check the abrasive availability and dust-collection setup you already own. The faster sander only saves time when it is paired with the right discs and used on work large enough to benefit from its larger pad.