I’m contemplating the purchase of a Metabo random orbit sander. It’s the dual orbit type, you can switch between 3mm (approx 1/8″) or 6mm (approx 1/4″) orbits.
The job I need to do with it is to level the little step I sometimes get between the rail and style of a frame and panel door. In other words, sand where the grain is at right angles. WIll the 3mm orbit be OK for this with no further sanding? Oil finish BTW
TIA, John
Replies
I got the Metabo 6" ROS when my PC 333 or 334 died after 10 or so hard years. I don't think I will ever kill this beast. It is in a different class than the PC. Quite powerful, and it takes a bit of practice to land it on the wood without leaving a mark. But, once you have the glide-in down, it is a real workhorse. Your application is fine for it, as would be any ROS. The dust collection, with Fein vacuum, is near perfect. Start with the wider orbit, then go to the smaller when you are into the 150 or so grit, to finish. All this said, however, I am more and more addicted to a hand planed finish, so it doesn't get the usage it should.
Alan
Festool, Fein and Metabo are all top of the line tools, and a cut above the typical american tools. But.....they all cost considerably more. If money is not an object, owning them is one heck of a gloat, but otherwise, the other tools do the job also.
If you ever get a chance to see or get a Metabo router, go for it. They are not available in the states according to the local Metabo dealer, but I have seen them in Canada and they are awesome. Some even have dial indicators built in for depth. The plunge mechanism is second to none.
Also, according to Metabo's web site, their motors are made by hand. Even the wire wrapingwinding. Seems machine control would be more percise, but you can't agrue with the power those machines have. Some of their drills come in at 100+ and 150+ torque ft. lbs. And that is not on the big oil bath geared heads like the big Milwaukee hole shooters have.
Don
Dunno if it makes any difference, but Home Depot has just introduced in its Ridgid line a 6" sander which is a dead ringer for the Metabo, except for being orange. In fact, I'd bet dollars to donuts that Metabo is private-labeling its sander for HD.
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