Replies

1. 
   djhawk | Apr 26, 2004 06:55am | #1

   Popular Woodworking did some testing...see October 2001 issue.

   Fein MSF 636-1 was rated the best @ $450.00.

   If this is too pricey look at one of the others rated good quality..

                Makita B05021K @ $110.00     Porter Cable333@$65.00

                Porter Cable 333vs @$85.00   MakitaB05010@$70.00

                MakitaB05020@$80.00

   
   

   ---

   Edited 4/25/2004 11:57 pm ET by djhawk

2. 
   jazzdogg | Apr 26, 2004 08:13am | #2

   Dovetail,

   Based on your "headline" I thought you may have been inquiring about oscillating spindle sanders. Having read you post, though, it sounds like you're really asking about random orbit sanders. My little PC 333 has given good, if light-duty service.

   I'm curious to know what kinds of problems have you've had with your Bosch - I've never had a bad experience with a Bosch tool.

   -Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

1. 
   dovetail3 | Apr 26, 2004 05:23pm | #4

   The Bosch disk that holds the paper comes loose and

   flys off. I've had it repaired and continued problems. Last repair

   used locktite on nut and assured me it would never come off. Guess

   What? Came off the first time I used it. Was expensive tool but I

   don't want to waste more time and money with more repairs. I have other

   Bosch tools that have been satisfactory but won't be looking to purchase the

   brand in the future. Thanks for your suggestions

1. 
   djhawk | Apr 26, 2004 10:41pm | #5

   Here's the latest report card put out by Workbench.

      Bosch model 1250DEVS @$300.00 was the editor's choice

      Ridgid model R2610 @$170.00 was rated top value

      Others tested include: Porter-Cable, DeWalt, Makita, Fein, and Festool....

      See Workbench Magazine; June 2004 for the complete test results....

   Personally, I use a DeWalt  443 and a Makita 5010. Both

   cost about $85.00 and do the job for me.

   Edited 4/26/2004 9:11 pm ET by djhawk

2. 
   Elcoholic | Apr 30, 2004 08:52pm | #8

   I had the same problem with my 3017EVS ??? (5" RO, with pistol grip, adjustable front grip and all plastic housing).  Red bearing and stud-mount Loctite did the trick for me.  I'm just curious what model you have because the pad on mine attaches with an allen bolt and you mentioned a nut.  FWIW I compliment my Bosch with a Makita 5" single-speed palm RO.  It's an excellent finishing sander where the Bosch is more aggressive for the initial grits.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

3. 
   AlanTurner | Apr 26, 2004 03:56pm | #3

   I have the 6" Metabo, and have no complaints.  Strong, VS, 2 settings for the orbit (large or small), and excellent DC with a Fein Vacuum.  It is less expensive than the Fein and the Festool, and an excellent machine.

   Alan

   Alan

   http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com

4. 
   fdampier5 | Apr 27, 2004 11:59pm | #6

   I abuse the heck out of my Mikita but it doesn't have variable speed.. I've got a varible speed but I like how rugged and quiet my Mikita is and  find I use that all of the time..   probably sanded well over twenty thousand bd.ft. with the Mikita so far,.. mostly white oak and black walnut.

     It also is a bit smaller and lower so it seems to fit my hand better.  I find with others I've tried they don't seem to feel as nice..

1. 
   Fingrs | Apr 30, 2004 06:00am | #7

   I have the PC 333...actually, I have two of them.  My dog ate the dust collection cannister on the original and since the part was backordered, hey, opportunity!  Now that the dust collection cannister came in for the old sander, I no longer use that method of dust collection...I hook up the dust collector directly to the sander for a much cleaner shop.  Having two sanders is great when sanding a bunch of boards in sequence, say, from 120 to 150 to 180 to 220 to 320 grit.  Other times I keep both sanders on the workbench, one with 120 grit and the other with 150 grit, to knock sharp edges off or sand down wood plugs.

   You can find this tool (and others) at a really low price if you go to http://www.toolseeker.com

   Woodworker's Supply has it for about $50, including shipping.