Performance and efficiency can make or break productivity on a jobsite. The more you can get out of your tools the better. If you’re going cordless, sufficient power is a must. And hopefully, you can keep your cordless battery platforms to a minimum. This is why Milwaukee Tools is one of the most popular tool lines for professionals.  When it comes to a broad line of cordless tools, Milwaukee offers one of the largest 18V line-ups.  Today we take a look at an addition to their ever-expanding line of tools, the M18 FUEL 3″ x 18″ Milwaukee Cordless Belt Sander. Believe it or not, this is Milwaukee’s first belt sander.

Milwaukee Cordless Belt Sander

If you are a woodworker or someone who needs to remove a lot of surface material quickly and easily, a belt sander is the perfect tool.  However, one of the biggest problems with belt sanders can be the cord.  The cord always seems to get in the way or caught on something when you’re working.  Milwaukee is not the first to market a cordless belt sander, but it’s a nice addition to the company’s cordless line-up.  No longer do you need to worry about the cord getting tangled up.  And if you are already invested in the Milwaukee M18 FUEL battery platform, you can pick up the bare tool at a reasonable cost.

Milwaukee Cordless Belt Sander Features

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The device is geared towards aggressive sanding and smoothing applications. It is powered by a POWERSTATE Brushless Motor. It is also equipped with Milwaukee’s REDLINK PLUS intelligence, so “less bog down under load for more aggressive material removal and protection from overload, overheating, and over-discharge.” And as is mentioned further down, the belt sander offers variable-speed control that lets you adjust from 1350SFM to 750SFM.  This feature is one of my favorites.

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The POWERSTATE brushless motor together with an M18 FUEL lithium-ion battery can generate the equivalent of an 8A corded sander.  This should be enough to tackle some of the most sanding jobs.

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Something I like in the Milwaukee Cordless Belt Sander design is the notable ease of belt access and replacement.  To quote Milwaukee’s website: “This battery-powered belt sander also features automatic belt tracking, a tool-free belt tracking knob, dual-LED lights, a tool-free belt change lever, and a lock-on button.”

A solid grip is very important in a belt sander. As you know, control is paramount. The ergonomic handle/grip design will prevent unnecessary strain on your hands. And the adjustable pommel is a big plus. I have noticed that for relatively quick jobs hand strain isn’t an issue. However, with extended belt sander use, you come to appreciate the grip features more and more.

Reiterating the point about control, the Milwaukee Cordless Belt Sander features an adjustable pommel.  This flexibility accommodates a variety of grip styles, sizes, and orientations in which you may need to place the belt sander to complete a job.  Do not underestimate such allowances for versatility.  Power and output amount to little if they can’t be applied at the proper angle in a tight spot.  The adjustable pommel also allows you to make contact with your material at the front of the sander as well as the bottom.

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Since different materials and applications require different sanding belt speeds, the belt sander offers varible speed settings from 1350SFM to 750SFM.  A thoughtful add-on feature that helps you to not overdo a surface with excessive sanding.

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The Milwaukee Cordless Belt Sander features well-placed LED lights to illuminate your work area.  When there are uneven grooves and possibly varied materials that respond differently to a belt sander, these LEDs come in handy.

Roller alignment, belt tension, wobble, and other performance snafus haunt even the best sanders.  Tracking issues need to be addressed promptly, or else there is the risk of compounding the frustration, expense, and delays associated with jobs requiring a belt sander.  Easy-to-reach adjustable tracking is part of the good design this Milwaukee Cordless Belt Sander delivers.

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Adequate dust collection provides a safer work environment and less clean-up time. The Milwaukee Cordless Belt Sander provides the option of either a dust management bag or you can utilize the universal hose adapter to hook up to a dust management vacuum system. Milwaukee claims over 80% dust collection.

Milwaukee Cordless Belt Sander Performance

Based on some trial runs, I can say that the Milwaukee Cordless Belt Sander works great.  Generally, it is easy to use. It doesn’t matter if you are taking off a lot of material or just a little, it’s easy to control and use this sander.

Milwaukee Cordless Belt Sander Value

At the time of this writing, this belt sander, Model 2832-20 is $279.00 at The Home Depot.  A similar product from RIDGID costs $268.00 and you get a 4Ah battery and charger, while the Milwaukee is tool only.

Milwaukee Cordless Belt Sander Wrap Up

Overall, the belt sander is a nice addition to the M18 FUEL line-up and possibly to your tool stockpile as well. It is powerful and portable. And several of its features (adjustable speed, adjustable pommel, toolless belt change, etc.) make it a great overall belt sander. The fact that it is also cordless makes it just about a must-have tool for the carpenter, remodeler, and/or professional woodworker.

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Wow, I am sitting here and don’t know where to begin.  Do I talk about how Bosch is one of my favorite tool companies because of their quality or do I just talk about how they just released the best portable sander?  Not really sure but I can say this Bosch Cordless Sander is just another reason why I love Bosch Power Tools.

Bosch Cordless Sander Overview

So before I get started, I want to be honest and say I have a beef with Bosch.  As I said before, they are one of my favorite power tool brands.  I love their quality, the design, and the power, but I do have a serious problem with them.  Please, please release more power tools.  Yes, I know you have all the main ones and a bunch of niche tools which is awesome, but I want more.

I also get it, you have an automotive division that is huge and probably a great money maker.  I get it, you have appliances and more.  I get it, you are a huge company and power tools isn’t a huge moneymaker.  But as a tool guy, you make some of the best tools.  They are well-balanced, powerful, efficient, and make our lives easier.  So you can’t blame me when I say give me more.

This sander is a perfect example of why Bosch leads the way.  They may not always be first to market but when they do bring a tool to market, you can be assured that it’s probably one of the toughest, well-balanced, and a leader in its class.  This brings me to the Bosch Cordless Sander.

Bosch Cordless Sander Features

The GEX18V-5N is a Cordless Sander from Bosch.  This 5″ random orbital sander is designed for comfort and reliability.  The sander only weighs 2.4 lbs.

One feature you can not see but feel is the vibration damping element which helps reduce vibration and user fatigue.

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The sander is powered by the Bosch 18V battery.  If you want to get the most out of this sander, the Core battery is the best option.

As you can see, it has a rubber over-mold design and feels like a traditional corded sander.

On the front of the sander, there is a push-button switch to turn the sander on and off.

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On the side, there is a wheel dial to adjust the speed from 6,000 to 10,000 OPM’s.

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The pad is a hook and loop design with 8 holes for dust collection.

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Speaking of dust collection you can use the included dust bag or hook this up to a dust collection system.

Bosch Cordless Sander Performance

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It’s hard to show a sander in action with just pictures but tried to show a little bit on a rough 2×4.  Also, check out our video below.  What I can’t show but I can explain is how comfortable and well-balanced this sander is.  This is mainly accomplished by the way they designed it with the battery in the back.

All the other sanders have the battery sitting on top or right next to the top of the tool which is great to have all the weight in the center but it also makes it hard to use for longer periods of time since your hand has to be wide open in order to grip the sander.  The gripping for this Bosch is more like a traditional corded sander which is comfortable.

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This sander has one of the best dust collection systems around, corded or cordless.  I am not sure how they do it differently but it captures almost all of the dust.

Bosch Cordless Sander Value

You can pick this sander up on Amazon.  The bottom line, if you are looking for a sander, this is worth every penny.  I love the power, the balance, and the build quality.  As with other Bosch tools, you can’t go wrong.

Bosch Cordless Sander Wrap Up

Overall, I am pretty much sure you realize I am sold on this sander.  This is by far the best cordless sander on the market at the time of this article.  I love the balance and how easy it is to work with and control.  Next, I like the power and how I can dial it down to any speed to match my work.  As with any Bosch, the build quality is top-notch.  So if you want the best sander around, this is it, hands down.

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Are you a homeowner who likes to perform projects around the house or are you into woodworking?  If so, have you ever thought about a cordless sander?  For me, I never thought I would like a cordless sander but over time I have had the opportunity to use a few brands.  The one thing I have to say, it’s awesome not having a cord get caught on the corners and the run time has surprised me.  So how does this Skil Cordless Sander stack up?  Let’s find out.

Skil Cordless Sander – Information

• Name – Skil 20V Random Orbital Sander
• Model – SR660302
• Price – $100
• Where to Buy – Amazon
• Skil Reviews – Skil Power Tool Reviews

Skil Cordless Sander – Features

The Skil is built around a brushless motor for longer run times, a higher efficiency, and a longer-lasting motor. The motor produces 1,100 rpms.

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The sander is powered by the Skil 20V battery that features PWRJUMP.  PWRJUMP will charge the battery from 0% to 25% in just 5 minutes.  So if you need that extra power to complete a job, no worries.

Another huge plus to the Skil batteries is that each cell is wrapped with cooling material to keep the cells cool and produces 25% more run time.

Still not enough?  How about a battery that has a USB charger so you now have power on the go for your phone and other electronics.

As you can see by the pictures, the battery is on the back of the tool so it doesn’t get in the way and it does help with the overall feel and balance of the tool.

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The top handle has a nice over-mold rubber grip.

As with most other sanders, the Skil uses a hook and loop pad.

The on/off is sealed for protection and located on the front of the tool for easy access.

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The variable speed dial is located on the back of the sander for easy and quick access.

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One feature I like and is one of the best I have seen with a cordless sander is the dust canister.  The canister is easy to put on, take off, and clean, plus it does a great job of collecting waste.

The kit comes with the sander, 2Ah battery, charger, 5 sanding disks, and a dust box.

Skil Cordless Sander – Impressions

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As I noted earlier, I have had the chance to use a variety of cordless sanders, both professional and homeowner grades.  For me, I love the feel, ease of use, and power.  What I like best is the comfort and ease of control.  I have used other sanders where I feel like I am fighting the tool and it’s not user friendly.  With the Skil, it’s easy to use and work with.

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Even though I am working in my garage, I still like to have dust collection.  Again, I have used other sanders and I feel they all lack a good containment system.  Either it doesn’t do a good job or the canister is in the way or the canister is falling off.

This canister does a decent job at containment and once it’s on, it stays in place.  Yes, you will have to push hard to get it on but that just means it doesn’t loosen up.

Skil Cordless Sander – Wrap Up

Overall, I am impressed with the sander.  The sander is powerful and easy to work with.  I love not having a cord that gets caught on the corners of my projects.  I love the run time and not having to charge the battery all the time.  The bottom line, it’s a great sander.  For me, it’s a great buy.  Besides a great homeowner sander, the battery is awesome and you can expand into other tools in the Skil line of power tools.

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One of the very first tools I ever bought was a Dewalt sander.  Ever since then, they have been my go-to orbital sanders.  Today we get to take a look at the Dewalt Sheet Sander to see if these are just as good as the orbital sanders I am so fond of.  So let’s first take a look at what these sanders have to offer.

Dewalt Sheet Sander Features

The Dewalt sander is built around a brushless motor for efficiency and durability. The sander uses a clamping system that is traditional with this type of sander.  We used this sander for a variety of projects and it never had any issue with the sandpaper staying in place, even on uneven surfaces.

One awesome feature to this sander is no cords to mess around with.  The sander is powered off the Dewalt 20V battery.

On top of the sander, there is a rubber grip that is comfortable and allows you to control the sander without it slipping around.

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The Dewalt sander offers variable speed control that allows the user to adjust the speeds between 12,000-14,000 RPMs.

The 1/4 sheet sander can use either a dust bag or be connected to a dust collector.

Dewalt Sheet Sander Performance

The one thing we noticed was how smooth the sander was.  While you can feel the vibrations, you would expect it to be more.

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The sander performs great and I do put it up there with the quality and usability of the Dewalt orbital sanders.  Another thing we noticed was how the sandpaper stayed in place, even when on an angle or uneven surfaces.

Dewalt Sheet Sander Value

The sander runs $119 at The Home Depot.  I am a fan of Dewalt sanders.  I love how this feels and performs so I am a fan of the price.

Dewalt Sheet Sander Final Thought

If you are looking for a sheet sander, the DCW200B is a great option.  The sander takes after the high build quality of the orbital sanders.  This sander is comfortable and easy to control.

*This is part of the THDPRoSpective program

The post Dewalt Sheet Sander appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

I’m sure you have noticed that every major tool company has a very large catalog of tool options. They can range from construction tools, woodworking tools, metal fab tools, cordless tools, corded tools, hybrid tools, cross over tools, and the list goes on and on. One thing that I have learned from my tool testing over the years is that each major tool brand creates at least one type of tool that stands heads and shoulders better than what the competition has to offer.

When I think of Bosch, the absolute first tool that comes to mind is the random orbit sander. I have and use three different Bosch random orbit sanders in my shop.  As a matter of fact, they are the only ones I use.  I also own the $99 Festool sander that became available for a short period of time a couple of years ago, but I have only used it a handful of times.

There has been a huge push for tools to go cordless in the last past 6 or 7 years. Many tools can run all day long on a single battery charge.  This is great, but I still prefer the corded option for the random orbit sanders for most of the work in my shop. Cordless sanders have a place for quick small jobs but tend to fall a little short when dealing with larger sanding jobs.

Bosh has released a new random orbit sander option that I find quite unique. The Bosch GET75-6N direct-drive random orbit sander does sanding differently than almost other brands.

Bosch Dual-Mode 6-inch Sander Review Overview

There are several things I look at when I’m using random orbit sanders.

1. How well does the sander remove material?
2. How well does the vibration dampening work?
3. How ergonomic and balanced is the sander when used?
4. Does the sander leave swirl marks?
5. How effective and user-friendly is the dust collection?

All the other three Bosch sanders I use rate 5 stars in each of these categories, so it is obvious why I think of Bosch as the top major brand manufacture of sanders.

Let us take a closer look to see if the Bosch dual-mode 6-inch sander can stack up to the expectations I have for Bosch sanders.

Bosch Dual-Mode 6-inch Sander Review Features

At first glance, there are several features on this sander that differ from everything else Bosch has to offer.

First and foremost, there is a switch that allows you to toggle between a direct drive turbo mode and normal random orbit mode. This Turbo mode rotates the sanding pad into an eccentric-orbit mode a more aggressive removal of material.

Unlike most random orbit sanders where they are designed to fit your palm, this unit has a barrel grip form reminding me of the shape found in angle grinders.

Dust collection is handled by a tube connected above the sanding pad and travels to the back of the barrel grip where a dust vac can be hooked up.

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A dust port adaptor is supplied so you can hook this sander up to 35MM, 1-1/4”, and 1-1/2” vacuum hoses.

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The sanding pad is a hook and loop setup which is pretty much standard but has a different dust collection hole pattern than I’ve seen from Bosch. Instead of having their standard 6-hole setup, there are dozens of little holes in addition to the standard 6-hole setup.

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A removable bump guard clips onto the front of the sander. This prevents the sanding pad from adjoining surfaces near your workpiece.

The auxiliary handle can be set up on either side of the sander according to the user’s preference.

Variable speed control is located on the end of the barrel grip.

The cord on this unit measures in at 12 feet.

Bosch Dual-Mode 6-inch Sander Review Performance

When using the Bosch Dual-mode random orbit sander in the regular mode, I was quite pleased with its performance. There were no discernable swirl marks and the vibration was low making this easy to use for long periods of time.

When using this sander in the turbo mode, the sander works like a beast. I would compare the material removal to be nearly the same as a belt sander with some control benefits. I find this sander to quickly remove material without the fear of leaving gouges that can be produced from a belt sander. You can also more precisely target difficult spots versus a belt sander by tilting the sander slightly.

With the long barrel grip the Bosch dual-mode sander features, this unit is not as well balanced as their other random orbit sanders. When I grip this unit on the barrel, it’s a bit more difficult to keep the sanding pad flat on my work surfaces. It has been common to find myself putting too much pressure no the back end of the unit causing it to tip back. Also, I must be careful when setting this unit down. If the cord is hanging off the table too far, the weight can cause the sander to tip. No big deal unless the sander is close to the edge of your table.

When removing material in the turbo mode, be prepared to hold on. The aggressive motion of the Bosch dual-mode sander causes this unit to want to wander quickly.

The removable bump guard located on the front of the unit is awesome. I have caused damage to projects in the past when the leading edge of the sanding pad hit a vertical board attached to the piece I am trying to sand. This feature works incredibly well.

All random orbit sanders perform best hooked up to a dust vac, but most of them have the option to hook up a bag or pleated filter canister. The Bosch dual-mode sander has only one way to capture dust. You must connect the long dust shoot to a vac or live with the dust.

Bosch Dual-Mode 6-inch Sander Review Value

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, Bosch makes some of the best sanders available. The only other sanders I consider to be the equal of Bosch sanders are made by Festool.

I’ve seen the Bosch dual-mode random orbit sander listed between $250 and $299. Sure, you can buy cheaper sanders. To find a comparable performing unit, you can purchase a Festool Rotex 150 which is listed at $620. At a savings of $300+ over the Festool, I’ll take a Bosch any day.

Bosch Dual-Mode 6-inch Sander Review Final Thoughts

The Bosch Dual Mode 6-inch Sander is like having two tools in one. When using this unit in the turbo mode, you can remove material nearly as fast as a belt sander. In a matter of seconds, you can flip the switch back to the normal mode to get the finishing quality of a random orbit sander.

If you think about how much time you spend and how important sanding is to the final look of any woodworking project, a good quality sander is priceless.  The Bosch dual-mode 6-inch random orbit sander is not only a time-saver but a great performer as well.

The post Bosch Dual-Mode 6-Inch Sander Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

There are very few tools I use as much as my random orbital sander. I remember purchasing my corded DeWalt years ago and if there is one tool in my shop that has never let me down that was it. Sanders have advanced since that purchase, but I never really felt the need to replace it, as it just simply never let me down. When DeWalt announced the new Cordless Random Orbital Sander would be launching in late 2018, I was eager to see if it could possibly reach the pedestal of which my corded version stood. Spoiler alert folks, it did. Let’s get all the details in the DeWalt Cordless Sander Review and see what I love so much about it.

Dewalt Cordless Sander Review Overview

There are a handful of different handheld sanders available on the market today. From basic palm sanders to belt sanders like this Belt Sander from Ridgid, to specialty sanders from brands like Festool. There is a sander option no matter what your budget and needs are. One you may be more intrigued by is the random orbital sander. The ROS possesses a few key advantages simply by design. Much like applying and removing the wax on the car, a random orbital sander smooths surfaces my randomly orbiting and vibrating for supreme results with minimal effort.

With good reason, it ranks right up there with a top tool any beginner will want as much as any professional will need. If you are a woodworker, you know a good sander is worth the investment. For me, I will never forget the first time I used a quality sander. Outside of a saw, it was one of my early major purchases when I started building furniture. I had owned a few lower end models prior but this was one of those purchases I finally didn’t want to skrimp on. And let me tell you, my sanding world was changed.

My beloved original DeWalt Random Orbital Sander (model DWE6421) had no bells and whistles, instead, it is a very basic model that only possessed a single on/off switch to control it. This was never a bad thing, as this Sander has seen years of use, all of which it performed flawlessly for. This new model from DeWalt has certainly upped my standards and become my new favorite sander.

Dewalt Cordless Sander Review Features

The DeWalt Cordless Sander comes in at 1.9 pounds bare tool and features a brushless motor for ideal runtime and efficiency.  This sander runs on DeWalts 20V battery line.

The power switch is dust sealed to provide longer life by preventing exposure to dust.

The 5-inch sanding surface features an 8-hole hook and loop replaceable sanding pad. This allows for better dust pick up and extending the life of your sandpaper.

Variable speed dial provides 7 different speed options to provide an oscillation per minute range from 8000 to 12000.

The dust bag features a one-handed locking mechanism for easy and secure attachment.

The dust bag can be removed and the sander can be connected directly to compatible some DeWalt vacuums for improved dust removal. Additionally, a connector is sold separately for universal attachment to 1-1/4 inch vacuum hoses.

The rubber overmold improves comfort and grip, while the low profile design allows for better precision of sanding surfaces.

Dewalt Cordless Sander Review Performance

If you follow us on Instagram, you’ve seen me talk about the table I have been working on. I have my faithful old DeWalt corded sander that I have kept out thinking there was no possible way I would get the kind of performance or run time out of this sander that I needed. Well, as has been the case as of late when it comes to my unbelievable resistance to battery powered tools, I was wrong. I think this may have finally been the tool to break through that mental barrier because it really did perform that well.

On a 5.0 Ah battery, I was able to get an insane amount of runtime out of this sander. Even on the highest speed, I finally gave up the ghost at about 45 mins with one bar left. That is truly amazing because it is rare that you would really sand for hours straight with no breaks in between.

The comfort of this sander was remarkable as well. Often times my hesitation with sanders comes down to overall comfort with the persistent vibrations. This model though was very minimal, even on a high setting. There is no doubt that this sander is the most comfortable sander I’ve used to date.

The dust collection is okay with the dust bag. It is better than other sanders I have used, but I am eager for the day that this improves even more. You can see the dust is powder fine, which is the worst to keep cleaned up, but it was fairly well controlled. When attached to a vacuum, it is a huge jump in effectiveness. I have a DeWalt vacuum that is not compatible, however, I own several universal connectors for switching from ports of different sizes and it works well.

I use sanders very frequently in my shop. From Belt Sanders to Palm Sanders and even specialty sanding attachments on tools like the Dremel Multi-Max, they all see a lot of use in my shop. For a sander to impress me the way this one has is pretty hard. I think of all the tools I review, I am the hardest on Sanders, but this one is hard to find any flaws on.

Dewalt Cordless Sander Review Value

This model from DeWalt, DCW210B, is available for $119.00 bare tool from The Home Depot. This tool is an investment, yes. One I think is a no-brainer to make. I have a special someone in mind that I will be purchasing this sander for. My former corded sander ran about sixty dollars, while the variable speed cordless runs about $69.00. As well, when comparing this model to other cordless sanders on the market, DeWalt is priced competitively.

Dewalt Cordless Sander Review Final Thoughts 

I mentioned that it takes a lot to impress me with a sander. I use them so often that I often it takes a lot to really stand out in the mix. DeWalt launched a few tools this year designed with the woodworker in mind and I have to say they’ve blown me away. Just like the Cordless Jigsaw, this Cordless Sander stands out in terms of pure performance, rugged construction and powerful features. It looks like team yellow is out to win it this year, and this Cordless Random Orbital Sander is no different. For those eagerly awaiting all things new from the Power Tool giant, DeWalt, this launch is an exciting one.

The post Dewalt Cordless Sander Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Bosch’s 6” orbital sander fits a niche where the job at hand is bigger than what a palm sander will comfortably do, but not quite large enough for a belt sander. With two modes, it can even tackle jobs that would normally be reserved for a belt sander, but with the control and comfort of an orbital sander. Read on in the Bosch 6 Inch Orbital Sander Review for all of the details.

Bosch 6 Inch Orbital Sander Review Overview

Orbital sanders are quite common, I would venture to say that most workshops have one, a 5” one that is, 6” orbital sanders are less common. These larger “big brother” sanders are great for larger jobs that do not need a whole lot of material removal. More aggressive material removal was previously reserved for belt sanders.

The Bosch 6” Orbital Sander Review will cover this two-mode sander. Its’ “Turbo” mode takes off “five times the rate of the normal random orbit sanding mode”. Now almost the same rate of material removal as a belt sander is available in the easy to control and manage, the safe package of an orbital sander, along with all the benefits of a random orbital sanding pattern.

Bosch 6 Inch Orbital Sander Review Features

The main body of the sander is long and makes for a large handle that is easy to hold, even for the largest hands.

The power switch is large and has positive engagement, and locks on. It is big enough to manipulate with gloves on, and the texture allows for a positive grip while pressing it.

Bosch 6 Inch Orbital Sander Review

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The Turbo switch is clearly marked with easy to decipher illustrations. The lever has a switch that locks it in place, but it easy to depress. You should note that the instructions state that the mode lever should only be moved when the unit is off. We switched while it was running and did not have any issues. It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions, especially when it may void a warranty.

An allen wrench/hex key is included, along with a”keeper” to place on the power cord so it is not easily lost.

The allen wrench is used to remove and replace the dust collection port and the backing pad. Bosch offers backing pads in various densities (extra-soft to hard). This tool is also marketed as a polisher, so you can install polishing pads in lieu of sanding pads if need be.

The dust collection port is listed as “ANTISTATIC”. During my testing, sawdust did not accumulate on it.

Included along with the allen wrench are two vacuum or dust collection adapters and the auxiliary handle.

One of the dust collection adapters is specifically designed for Bosch’s dust collection hoses, and the other is a generic adapter for 1-1/4″ and 1-1/2″ hoses.

You can attach the auxiliary handle to either side of the sander head. The angle that it screws in at is very comfortable and natural feeling. Getting the threads started at that odd looking angle though was a bit of a challenge at first though.

This model uses standard 6″ 6-hole hook-and-loop sanding pads and came with a single 120-grit pad, which is what we used for testing.

 Bosch 6 Inch Orbital Sander Review Performance

The amount of material removal in turbo mode is quite impressive. It does not make a very noticeable change in the sound or feel of the unit until you touch it to the workpiece. Then the difference is quite obvious, as the amount of sawdust produced from the increased material removal is dramatically different.

The sander powers up softly. It is easy to control, even on the small piece of wood we used for testing. The large handles make handling the tool comfortable. The auxiliary handle can be attached on either side or removed completely, making this almost a dream to handle.

Unlike some orbital sanders, this one is not very loud. Even in turbo mode, the sound does not change that much. While hearing protection is always recommended, using this without did not leave our ears ringing.

Bosch 6 Inch Orbital Sander Review Value

Every now and then we come across a tool whose price may leave us scratching our heads. But when you factor in the intended market this tool is geared towards, professionals, the price point makes more sense. Home Depot has this model listed for $279, whereas their single-mode 3.3-Amp sander is available for $149.03. This one carries a robust 6.5-Amps, which is part of the reason for the higher price tag. The turbo mode really does make a huge difference during use.

If you’re tight on storage space, you could rationalize the purchase because this sander could take the place of a belt sander, too. The quality and performance of this sander are wonderful, as we expect from Bosch. I don’t think I would shell out the $279 for the sander on my own, as a hobbyist. Unless I planned to buy only one power sander to cover all of my power sanding needs, it would be hard to justify the cost. This sander is geared for the professional though, so for users who need the power and performance to earn a living, this may be a perfect fit.

Bosch 6 Inch Orbital Sander Review Final Thoughts

Bosch has put out a real workhorse with this sander. Even though it comes with a steep price tag, the performance and quality still make it worth looking at. With all the power needed for a professional, It should earn a spot on your list of must-see sanders when considering your next purchase. Those looking to simplify by relying on one sander should consider it too, as Bosch doesn’t dissapoint with this model.

The post Bosch 6 Inch Orbital Sander Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

It’s been a couple of months since I reviewed the Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander. A lot of tools perform well at first, but once they’ve been put through their paces a bit you can really see a tools potential. Belt sanders aren’t for everyone, but for the woodworker or weekend warrior looking to step up their game, a belt sander can make a huge difference to any finishing process. Ridgid didn’t let me down with this one and has absolutely made me a believer in the brand overall. Let’s jump right into our Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Review Follow Up by starting with a few of my favorite features.

Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Review Follow Up Features

One of my favorite features of the tool is the adjustable pommel. While it may not seem all that significant, it actually makes a world of difference. The Pommel on this belt sander allows the user to truly distribute even pressure. Belt sanders are entirely different from other handheld sanders and are designed to be operated using both hands. If a belt sander isn’t properly supported, it can easily damage a workpiece during use.

The lock-on button becomes very handy during extended use. At times depressing a trigger especially with constant vibrations even if slight, can cause some serious hand cramps. The lock-on feature reduces hand fatigue and the ability to focus your grip on keeping the sander level and uniform improves the outcome as well.

The variable speed dial works well too, allowing for different speeds based on need. I tend to stick to the middle of the range. There are six speeds and you can feel a discernable difference between speeds which is impressive given the range.

The Belt tracking tool has worked well overall, having only one hiccup. A belt edge became frayed from hitting a nail head at one point and the small fray became hung up slightly in the inner rotating mechanism. Once it was addressed this feature has performed great. The fine adjustment knob offers a great way to adjust the tension to your ideal settings.

Ridgid makes changing the belt a breeze. The simple lever opens and releases the tension on the belt allowing for a quick switch of grit.

The dust collection generally works well. One thing it doesn’t seem to always pick up as well is wood filler dust or spackling compound. I would guess the finer particles don’t transfer as well. Outside of that, the dust collection bag works better than any other I have used on a sander.

Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Review Follow Up Quality

Ridgid put together a well-built tool, it feels sturdy and solid but doesn’t have unnecessary weight either. The overall feel of the tool is comfortable as well. Generally, all sanders have a degree of vibration. Given the power of this belt sander you would expect that to be more prevalent, thankfully it isn’t the case though. I actually find it more comfortable than most other sanders I have owned.

Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Review Follow Up Performance

Ridgid always brings out the big guns with the brushless motor and cordless battery system. Generally, I use the 18-Volt 5Ah battery with the sander and consistently get at least 25 minutes of runtime. I am not one to let a battery run until dead though, and generally, I like to switch from the belt sander to a random orbital sander. I am a huge fan of Diablo sanding products, and their sanding belts are the perfect complement to this Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander.

Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Review Follow Up Value

In my mind, I determine value as a combination of price and performance. Ridgid has priced this belt sander very competitively but for its price point, it performs exceptionally. As a bare tool, it retails for $149.00. However, Home Depot is also offering a packaged deal with a charger and a 2.0Ah battery for the same price, which is an added bonus to an already well-priced tool.

Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Review Follow Up Final Thoughts

Ridgid makes a great tool in this belt sander. I’ve used this sander quite a bit and the more I use it the more I appreciate it. Ridgid is the type of manufacturer that you can’t go wrong with. There is no doubt that this tool will remain a staple in my shop for years to come. If you’re in the market for a great belt sander, definitely check out the Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander.

The post Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Review Follow Up appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee is one of the cordless power tool leaders and has a huge line of 18V power tools.  I am loving how Milwaukee keeps pushing the boundaries.  The cordless random orbital sander is another example.  While they aren’t the first to market with a cordless sander, they are sure putting their name on this space and giving companies like Makita and Ridgid a run for their money when it comes to a cordless orbital sander.  Let’s jump into the Milwaukee Cordless Sander review and see what we like and don’t like about this new addition to the red family.

Milwaukee Cordless Sander Review Overview

Our world is going cordless and it’s nice to see companies taking advantage of the newer battery technologies.  It’s amazing the tools we are seeing hit the market without a cord that we never thought would happen such as table saws and miter saws.

The orbital sander is one of those detail tools that can really clean up a job and make it look great.  Losing the cord on a sander is perfect for those quick jobs where you need to clean it up and make it look nice.

Milwaukee Cordless Sander Review Features

The Milwaukee orbital sander, model 2648 is a variable speed sander that boasts a run time of 35 minutes with a 3Ah battery.  The sander is 4.9″ wide by 5.7″ tall and is 10.5″ in lenght.  The sander weighs 2.7 lbs without a battery and 4.75 lbs with a 5Ah battery.

You can use any of the Milwaukee M18 batteries on this tool.  The lower the amps, the lighter it will be and also the shorter the runtime.  We ran this with a 5Ah battery.

On the top of the tool, there is a nice over-molded grip that makes it comfortable to use.

If you want to wrap your hand around the body, you can do it in the front but not the back as the onboard dust collection system and battery get in the way.

To power the sander on and off, there is a switch located on the top of the sander which you can easily hit with your thumb.

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The sander is a variable speed which you can control with your thumb while your hand is on the sander.  The speeds range from 7,000 to 12,000 opm.

Dust management is important with a sander and Milwaukee has two options.  They offer an onboard option or an included 3/32″ Orbit Diameter Universal Hose Adapter.

The dust canister has a replaceable filter.  The top of the canister snaps onto the body.

Milwaukee Cordless Sander Review Performance

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We were surprised how comfortable the sander feels in your hand.  The grip is nice and contours to your hand.  You would think with a big battery, it might be uncomfortable.  If you are using it for fine detailing sanding, it might be cumbersome with the battery.

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I like the fact you can use this with either a single hand or both hands if you require more precision.

The sander is surprisingly smooth and we didn’t get a ton of feedback in our hands.  Yes, you will feel the vibrations, but not what you would think, even with the sander on 6.  In fact, you can control it very easily.

I can’t say we were too impressed with the onboard dust collection system set up.  The system does a great job when attached correctly, but not too impressed with the way the lid snaps on.  The lid and body are a little flimsy so you always have to make sure you have a tight seal before you start or as you can see, the dust goes everywhere except the dust collection system.  If the lid is securely on the body, then it does a very good job collecting dust.

When we attached it to a dust collection vacuum, it rocked and performed as you would expect.

Milwaukee Cordless Sander Review Value

The sander retails for about $99 on The Home Depot website and that is for the bare tool.  Now that is inline with the Makita but is more expensive than the Ridgid which retails for $70 and a lot more than the Ryobi which retails for $40.  Yes, I know the Ryobi and Milwaukee are designed for two different users, but still worth a note.

I don’t think a $90 price tag is too bad considering I don’t have to deal with a cord and the vibrations are low.  I know this isn’t a sander I will be using for 8 hours a day as the weight will be a little overboard for longer use.  For those quick jobs, this is a good buy at $90.

Milwaukee Cordless Sander Review Final Thoughts

Bottomline, I am a fan of this sander.  While I do wish the onboard dust collection system was built a little better, I do like the fact I can hook this up to a dust vacuum.  In regards to the sander, I think Milwaukee did an awesome job.  The vibrations are low and love how I can adjust the speed with my thumb while I am working.  The grip is comfortable and is easy to use with either two hands or a single hand operation.

The post Milwaukee Cordless Sander Review appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Ridgid is the kind of power tool company that is constantly performing the ultimate supporting role, second only to the person using it. They aren’t flashy or gimmicky, they focus on providing solid power tools that are designed to stand up to harsh and constant use. When searching for a belt sander, I was curious if Ridgid’s Cordless Belt Sander would match up to Ridgid’s stellar reputation. Let’s take a look at the Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Review.

Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Review Overview

The Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander is not lightweight in the power department, operating with their innovative brushless motor making it the first in its class. Using their 18-volt battery line, and weighing in at 6.3 pounds the Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander has the perfect balance of power and weight for a tool like this. Belt sanders have a long history of being intimidating to some as most tend to stick to random orbital sanders. Belt sanders may not be for everyone, but for my purposes, I wanted to more efficiently sand wood, particularly when seaming wood on detailed projects. I also was curious about its ability to sand off paint vs using stripping chemicals.

Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Review Features

The sander operates using a simple switch trigger to operate.

There is a lock-on feature to allow for more comfortable sanding when used for extended periods. I like this a lot for a sander especially because the vibrations can become uncomfortable when your hand is gripping the equipment with tension on the trigger vs allowing a natural grip.

Ridgid’s Cordless Belt Sander is equipped with a dust collection bag that they claim can collect 90% of the dust, this was seemingly quite accurate.

The 1.5-inch dust port could also be attached to a shop vac using a standard 1-1/4 hose.

The Brushless motor increases tool life overall and allows for better results on a cordless platform.

The variable speed dial was simple to understand and there was a discernable difference in speed when adjustments were made. The dial is marked A through F, F being the fastest.

There is a front adjustable pommel that can be moved using the onboard hex screw.  By removing a set screw and adjusting the pommel to one of three available positions and then re-installing the set screw you increase comfort during use and adjust grip depending on the application.

Both the Pommel and the handle have a rubber over-molding for enhanced comfort.

The flat metal plate allows for flush sanding and improves the performance when used on vertical surfaces.

The sander utilizes Ridgid’s Gen5X lithium battery platform, designed to perform in extreme weather as well as providing substantial battery life. I used the sander each time in excess of 20 minutes before I switched out the battery. I never actually let it go dead, but at higher speeds the power would start to deteriorate, I also never noticed any heat coming from the batteries like the echoes from early cordless tools.

The sander uses 3 x 18-inch sanding belts which are readily available at all home improvement stores. Here I have a Diablo belt attached.

The belts are easy to change on the Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander as it uses a metal lever to disengage the belt and to re-secure it.

The tool does have an automatic belt tracking tool, which keeps the belt centered on the plate. However, there is also an adjustment knob to make personalized adjustments.

Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Review Performance

Ridgid really impressed me with this sander. I played around with sanding a few things with it, and as well switching the grit of the belt, and I was impressed each time.

Rigid Cordless Belt Sander- Vertical Paint

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I used the sander vertically to attempt to sand off multiple layers of paint on some cabinets I will be stripping, and it worked really well at removing the paint. This photo was taken after no more than two minutes sanding with an 80-grit belt.

Rigid Cordless Belt Sander- Pine 2X6

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The sander smoothed out pine 2x6s with ease, and much quicker than an orbital sander. You do lose some control that an orbital sander gives you by using the belt sander, but it’s also much quicker.

The variable speed control also worked well, giving defined variance between speed and allowing for superior control in sanding. I usually feel like variable controls on tools such as these don’t offer much advantage, but it definitely did here.

The dust collection bag worked better than any other dust collector I’ve used previously. When sanding wood especially the dust throw off was minimal, when sanding vertically there was somewhat more dust, but again less than what I usually see. I think using it with a shop vac would lessen it even more but I appreciate that this was overall successful because if you are trying to use a tool without the restriction of cords, hooking up to a shop-vac would be somewhat counterproductive. The belt tracking tool worked flawlessly as well, leaving little room for error on proper alignment.

Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Review Value

For me, a belt sander was appealing as I do a lot of detailed tops on tables. Without a planer etc., a belt sander seemed to be the most obvious way to best diminish seams between boards without spending a small lifetime sanding. For that purpose alone this tool would be well worth the investment for me, but there are other applications as well. For woodworking, it makes quick work of sanding stock. I imagine the ability to strip through paint will appeal to a lot of users and would have really come in handy when I was stripping the old finish off of my staircase.

The bare tool version of the Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Model # R86065B comes in at $149.00, however, Home Depot is offering a package deal that includes a charger and a 2.0 Ah battery for the same price Model # R86065SB. I only tested the tool with the 5.0 Ah battery, but a free charger and battery are hard to complain about. Overall the price point is quite fair and is very competitive with other brands corded versions.

Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander Review Final Thoughts

Ridgid upholds their well-earned reputation as a manufacturer of solid tools that are designed for harsh conditions. They aren’t over the top, having just enough features to optimize performance without losing their focus on putting out dependable tools. The Ridgid Cordless Belt Sander holds up to Ridgid’s reputation of providing a workhorse meant to withstand rigorous use while performing exceptionally. The cordless feature is a huge bonus on this mighty sander and the brushless motor allows no loss in performance and power. For me, Ridgid’s Cordless Belt Sander will get a lot of use in my workshop and is another great value from Ridgid.

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This tool is the exact reason why I love Ryobi and always recommend their line of products to Homeowners.  Well, it’s not just because they have a cordless belt sander on the market, but because of their line-up of 18V tools.  Who else on the market has such a wide range of cordless power tools on the market?  Sure there are companies who have a ton of SKU’s on the market, but if you look at Ryobi array of tools, no one beats them.  Couple that with who they are, Quality tools at reasonable prices and no other manufacturer can beat them for the homeowner.  Ok, their exact motto is Pro Features at an affordable price, but I think yo get my point.  Think about it.  You have quality tools, that don’t break the bank.  You can buy them at any Home Depot or online at Home depot, they have a huge selection of 18V tools, they make an extremely reliable battery and they have a 3-year warranty.  Why would anyone ever want to go with another line of tools?  Speaking of tools, let’s look at the Ryobi 18V Belt Sander.

When I heard they were coming out with a cordless belt sander, I was pretty excited.  I have projects around the house that sometimes I need a belt sander.  Now if I am going to be doing a ton of sanding, I will reach and time to set up my corded sander.  There are plenty of times I just want to remove some material and want to do it quickly, this is the perfect solution for those times.  Plus for most homeowners, they aren’t going to be doing hours of sanding so why invest in a corded belt sander when you can just buy the Ryobi as a bare tool.

The Ryobi Belt Sander is a pretty decent sander, better than I thought.  The top handle can be positioned into 5 different positions to make it more comfortable for you.  You will need a screwdriver to make the change.  The tool weighs 7.6 lbs which are great for a belt sander since you really don’t want to press down when sanding, you want the weight of the tool to do the work.  Ryobi designed this with a brushless motor so the run time will be increased.  Now I don’t know the exact run time since you have different types of wood and different types of paper, so it will all vary depending upon your project.  According to Ryobi, you can remove up to 325 grams of material per charge, which is equivalent to .75 lbs.  That seems like a ton of material for a single charge.  You can manually adjust the tracking with a turn know.

If you are a homeowner and looking for a cord line to invest in, there isn’t a better option.  The Ryobi is the one to have.  I love the fact Ryobi has so many tools in their 18V line up and they range from all most every spectrum.

The post Ryobi 18V Belt Sander Model P450 appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

I have to say I love having a Bench Sander.  I don’t know how many times I have relied on this type of sander over the years.  For a long time I used the Craftsman Bench sander and was extremely happy with it.  I was recently in the need of a new one and decided to take a look at the Ryobi bench sander since Craftsman seems like it has been going down the tubes over the recent years.

As you would expect with any bench grinder, this does have some weight to it.  The unit weighs 53 lbs.  The base is made of cast iron.  Even most of the covers are metal.  Really the only plastic I found on this machine was the cover in the back to hook up your dust collection.  As you can see this is a dual sander, meaning it has a 4″ x 36″ belt sander and also a disk sander on the side.  The table on the disk side will allow you to perform bevel sanding (0° to 45°) operational while the belt sander can adjust from a down to upright position.

The unit does come with a sanding disk and one belt, which was already installed.  If you need to change the belt, it does have a tool free belt tension release to make changing the belt a snap.  You can see on the side there is a large dial, which is a tracking dial.  The motor is an induction motor which should make the unit quiet.

I read through some reviews and while most people agreed this is a great sander for the money, some people did have some gripes with it. Some people said the belt would stop if they used forced.  While I could get this to happen, in reality that is not the way you should use a sander.  I could do the same with my Craftsman.  For me, I tend to let the tool do the work and just guide what I need sanded.

Overall I am happy with this sander.  I don’t use it everyday, so if you’re looking for an everyday bench sander I am not sure how this will work out.  For the rest of us, I think the Ryobi is a great option.  For the price and the quality, it’s pretty hard to beat.  I did find this at Home Depot much cheaper than Amazon.  At the time of this article I found it at Home Depot for $119.  On Amazon it was much more expensive at $178.  If you are going to buy this, I would take a look at both in case the prices have changed.

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This has been one of those sanders I have been eyeballing for a long time.  There was always something about it.  Maybe the size or maybe the low profile, but either way I have been waiting to check this one out.  If you’re looking for a way to remove a massive amount of material quickly, well then you know you need a belt sander.  With a belt sander, there is no messing around.  I have to say while I have used this tool to an extent, I don’t have tons of hours on it.  But before I go on about my opinion, let me introduce you to the sander.

First and most important is since this is a Ridgid tool, you get a lifetime guarantee with this tool.  Just make sure you complete the registration card.  This sander is a 3″ x 18″ belt sander that weighs 5.8 lbs.  Inside the sander lays a 6.5 Amp motor that will spin the belt from 400 – 950 rpms.  Looking at the stats, this seems like a good work horse and for $99, it’s hard to beat.  As with most other belt sanders, this has a simple lever in order to change sanding belts.

A couple cool features of this sander is first the dust collection system.  I have to admit while it doesn’t trap all the dust, it does a great job, one of the best I have seen in a long time.  The second cool feature is the electronic feedback system.  This system will match the speed to the desired removal rate.  Which basically means you don’t have to worry about the motor slowing down while using it.  If you end up pushing hard on the unit, the unit will do it’s best to increase the motor speed to match your speed setting.  Another feature is the automatic belt tracking system.  I have to say it has done a good job at tracking the belt and keeping it in line.  If you are old fashion or still need to make adjustments, you can still use a thumb screw to make changes on the fly.  You may notice on one side of the sander, it’s pretty flush which makes it great for those applications where you’re sanding against vertical surfaces.

So here is my low down on this sander.  Overall I really like this sander.  For my needs which is projects here and there, it does a great job. Now if you are a guy using a belt sander all day long, I am not sure how this will work out for you.  It might work great or it may not, I just can’t speak on that part.  The grip is comfortable and the sander is very easy to control.  As with any sander, just watch what you’re doing with a belt sander as you can remove a lot of material very quickly, especially pine.  I love the dust collection system and the fact you can hook it up to your vac.  With the provided bag it does a great job collecting dust, however I really wish they would have made the bag much bigger.  I like the smaller bag, but having a bigger bag for larger projects would have been nice.  My last gripe about this sander is it doesn’t come with a case or tool bag.  I am huge on organization and I just love my tools to have a place.  Plus I like having accessories all with the tool.  It would have been nice if they provided a case or even a bag to keep this sander in when not in use.

Besides those two gripes about this sander I have to say Ridgid did a great job with this sander.  It’s powerful, easy to control and love the added features.  There is plenty of power to get most jobs done not only quickly, but leaving it with a nice finish.  If you’re in the market for a belt sander, you should check this one out.  At the time of this article I did find it on Amazon for $143.  However on Home Depot it was only $99.  I would still check both prices to see if either has changed.

Ridgid R2740 Sander, 3-Inch x 18-Inch Belt

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I have to say my favorite corded orbital sander is either the Bosch or Dewalt.  Yes, Festool is great, but a little out of my price range.  Speaking of price range, Ryobi has a new cordless orbital sander available.  If you know Ryobi, you know three things about them. Ryobi is designed for the homeowner, they are quality tools for a reasonable price and they are exclusive to Home Depot.  Now I can’t say I have much use, desire or experience with cordless sanders except the Ridgid.  Not that I am knocking Ridgid, because they make some great tools, but I am just not a fan of their cordless sander.  So when I found out that Ryobi had a cordless sander, I can’t say my enthusiasm was peaked.  But after all, we are here to show you tools available on the market today, so I ended up giving this one a shot, plus Jason brought it over.  I have to say to my amazement, this sander was actually pretty cool and not at all like the Ridgid.

This sander is well designed, while you do get vibrations, they are kept to a minimum.  I love the over-molded grip and the design of the whole tool.  This one is very easy to handle and control by either using the top grip or the middle grip.  The battery doesn’t seem to get in the way as it does with the Ridgid.  The sander delivers a speed of 10,000 OPM and does a great job for a 5″ sander.  In regards to weight, it weighs about 2.5 lbs, which isn’t too bad.  I know what you’re thinking, how is the runtime?  Actually the runtime is pretty good.  Now if you’re sanding all day, I would go with a corded version, but this is great for those quick sanding jobs.  The runtime is about 35 minutes with a P109 battery.  As with most other sanders, this also uses a hook and loop pad system, so yes your existing sanding disks will work with this sander.  Also as with other sanders, you can hook this up to a dust collection system using the port.  While it does offer a locking switch, it does lack a variable speed.  You can either have the unit on or off, but not in between.

Now this product is new to the market and not available at Home Depot as of the date of this post, but for those who have this line, this sander would make a nice addition.  The idea of having a portable sander that not only feels good, but is well priced is hard to beat. Plus you have a 3 year warranty.

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If you are a woodworker, then you know how Festool owns the woodworking market.  I can’t think of another manufacturer that even comes close.  Now before we started reviewing Festool, I didn’t have much experience with their products.  I could only go by what people told me over the years. One after another told me how great their tools were.  After starting to use some of these tools, I realized what all the big hoopla was about.  In my own comparison, I look at what Hilti is to concrete, Festool is to woodworking.  Yes, you will pay more with both brands, but you get a much better tool for the job.  Well as you can image the Rotex RO 150 FEQ Sander (571810) is no different.  The Rotex is a multi-mode sander which not only sands, but it can polish.  So let’s jump in and check out this bad boy.

Before we get started I just wanted to mention when I first saw this tool, I was a little taken back.  I thought by the size of it, it would be heavy and awkward to use.  After using this sander for some time, I was dead wrong. The balance is great, the control is awesome and the sander only weighs around 5 lbs.  Okay let’s get started.  Festool products are known for their durability and this sander doesn’t look any different.  First, Festool designed this sander with an enclosed gear system.  This type of design prevents dust from entering into the gearing and bearing unit.  The lack of dust means this tool should last much longer because of the lack of foreign objects.  This unit is 6 amps and has a speed rotary motion of 320-660rpm, with a speed eccentric motion of 3,300 to 6,800 opm.  So this has plenty of power for the tougher applications, but accurate enough for the finer applications.  The unit has a 6″ pad diameter that uses stickfix hook and loop design for easy changes.  The Fastfix Pad changes means this unit is tool-less and allows the user to transition between pads.

The unit comes in a Systainer that allows you to easily store and transport the unit.  One nice thing about the Systainer is everything has a place and you can even store extra pads.  Plus, there is even a diagram that shows you exactly where everything goes, so no more guessing on how to put the unit back. Picking up the unit, I was surprised how light it was, I thought it would be much heavier.  This power supply is designed like the Milwaukee Quick connect where you plug the cord in the back of the unit and twist to lock it into place.  When starting the unit, the first thing you notice is the soft start, so it doesn’t jerk your arm. I always like soft start systems.  I hate turning on a tool and trying to fight it right off the bat.   Festool uses MMC electronics to perform this task and the same electronics also provide overload protection.  Not only that, this is a variable speed and with the MMC electronics, you have the step-less speed control, but it also provides constant speed under different loads.

Okay, now the best part of this sander.  On the top you will see a switch which allows the user to match the sander to the application.  With the dual mode option the user can chose the aggressive mode for rapid removal of material.  They can also switch it over to random orbital mode for fine sanding.  I love this option because now I won’t always have to reach for my belt sander.  I can do everything with this sander.  Will this replace my belt sander?  No, but it’s not meant to.  However there are plenty of times where you need to remove a lot of material and it’s always a pain to keep moving from one tool to another.  With the dual mode, there will be plenty of times you can use this tool and eliminate the need for switching tools constantly.

With the rotary orbital mode the motion is a combination of two movement patterns.  The pad both rotates and has an eccentric/orbital pattern at the same time. The aggressiveness results from the fact that the pad is gear-driven and forced to spin as opposed to the random orbital motion where the pad spins due to centripetal forces.  With that said it is very aggressive, but has one up on a belt sander.  A belt sander leaves deep linear scratches.  With the rotary orbital mode it basically erases itself during sanding making it a much better finish and easier to move up pads.  This is also great for polishing applications.

Regarding the random orbital action the main pattern is an eccentric pattern. In addition, the centripetal force resultant from the crankshaft offset causes the pad to spin. This is a weak force and pad rotation can be stopped if too much hand pressure is exerted on the sander. Due to the eccentric motion and the rotation, the tiny orbits are stretched into long curved loops, which, when interlaced, tend to eliminate any signs of swirl marks.

  Festool 571810 RO 150 FEQ Rotex Sander

 

Overall I love this sander.  Yes, it is bigger than most, but for the trade off and what you get, I will take a little bit bigger tool.  The dual action sanding is awesome and I love the idea of having one tool do most of the work instead of switching off from sander to sander.  The soft start is also another great feature.  Bottom line this is another quality tool from Festool and anyone who is into sanding and looking for a system that is out of the box, this is a great sander.

 

 

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