An orbital sander is provided having a number of novel features including a high speed permanent magnet DC motor having a relatively flat rpm versus torque curve. The sander includes an AC to DC power supply, a remotely located on/off switch operated by a switch actuator bar extending transversely through the housing enabling the operator to actuate the on/off switch by alternatively pushing opposed ends of the actuator bar. The orbital sander further includes a fan having non-uniformly spaced blades, eliminating the need for a conventional counterweight, and a dust outlet adapted to be alternatively connected to a dust canister or alternate size collector vacuum hoses.