Makita BO5021K Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander

Makita BO5021K Random Orbit Sander (Variable Speed) Makita owes its reputation for building outstanding quality power tools to the drive and determination for excellence that began over 85 years ago as a manufacturer of electric motors. In 1958, Makita introduced their first electric tool and today Makita is one of the world's largest power tool manufacturers. Makita BO5021K Random Orbit Sander (Variable Speed) : 2-Handle Design for Controlled Continous Operation Variable speed dial (4,000 - 12,000 OPM) for sanding and polishing applications Powerful yet lightweight (3.1 lbs.) design Large trigger switch and lock-on button Fast random-orbit action for aggressive sanding Efficient through-the-pad dust collection system Pad control system maintains the sanding pad at a controlled speed upon start-ups All ball bearing construction for reduced vibration and noise Uses convenient 5" hook-and-loop abrasive discs and accessories Makita BO5021K Random Orbit Sander (Variable Speed) Specifications: Pad Size 4-13/16" Abrasive Disc Size 5" No Load OPM 4,000 - 12,000 Orbit Diameter 1/8" AMPS 2.0 Size(L x W x H) 11-11/32" x 4-13/16" x 5-11/16" Net Weight (lbs.) 3.1 Shipping Weight (lbs.) 6.4 Includes:     1 ea. Abrasive disc (#120; 794520-1)     Dust bag (151517-7)     Plastic tool case (824562-2)     Model BO5021KX1 includes 15 extra abrasive discs

Amazon Sales Rank: #125413 in Home ImprovementBrand: MakitaModel: BO5021KDimensions: 3.10 pounds Variable speed dial (4,000 - 12,000 OPM) for sanding and polishing applicationsPowerful yet lightweight (3.1 lbs.) designLarge trigger switch and lock-on buttonFast random-orbit action for aggressive sandingEfficient through-the-pad dust collection system

Most helpful customer reviews36 of 36 people found the following review helpful.In the end, Makita finishes smoothlyBy iwoodknotOk, so you've assembled your most recent work of handcrafted perfection, and now you've got to sand it. Your already dreading the tediously long job of blistering hand sanding and worried the next time you cough, a ball of "wooddough" is going to come up from your lungs. Well, sanding is certainly not one of the more pleasant aspects of masterpiece creation but unfortunately a necessity. Of course, if your family and guests have thick skin, particulary their backsides, then they won't mind sitting on birch fuzz or oak splinters. I on the other hand am only thick-headed (ask my family and friends).The Makita BO5021 was the easy choice for a good random-orbit sander and random-orbit sanders are the clear choice for most finish sanding jobs. They are simply the most versatile of all sander designs, period. They can remove wood stock aggressively AND provide a smooth scratch free finish (an Achilles heel of orbit and belt sanders). Of course the finish depends on the grit of paper and sander model used. The Makita excels here. One of the leading woodworking magazines did a head to head comparison of a half dozen or so models using plexiglass as the sanding medium a year or two ago. Plexiglass was used so one could clearly see the degree of noticeable swirl using several grits. The BO5021 came out on top along with, I believe, the Porter Cable in smoothness. (Don't quote me here, unfortunately I had $40 worth of wood magazines stolen after loaning to a friend including this one and now?...I have a free subscription to American Woodworker. Hey what are friends for??) Similar tests were also done with softwood in pine to emphasize the swirl potential in a real world scenario. As smooth as the finish was found to be, it was surprising to find the Makita near the top for aggressive stock removal using heavier grit. The icing on the cake is that it comes with variable speed, unlike it's sibling the BO5010 for unsurpassed control. A truly "do-all" sander. Another pleasant feature of the Makita BO5021 is its dust removal system. With eight holes (vs. PC's five hole) sanding pad/disks the included dust bag performed very well, with little noticeable dust using 80 grit paper. Impressive! I've never hooked mine up to my vac for this reason, but I assume it would then function even better. PC's system works adequately but it is much easier to find eight-hole sanding disks than five-hole. More companies use the eight-hole disks including DeWalt, Bosch, Milwaukee, Hitachi, B&D and Skil. Which is better? You do the math, the major companies did.Any downsides? Well yes, but they are petty arguments at best and may very well not bother others. It is my subjective opinion only, but I think the trigger length is a bit excessive. At nearly half the length of the handle, it feels a little awkward to me. I'm always afraid I'm going to accidently hit the trigger when I pick it up. I assume Makita designed it so those with more dainty hands could use two or even three fingers to pull the trigger, but this is perplexing as the pull is not unusually heavy. I suppose if you had REALLY large paws the larger trigger might be useful, but who has 2" thick fingers? The braking system inside the pad for stopping it from spinning once the trigger is released appears a little cheap. For now it works fine, but being made of plastic I wonder how long it will last. Maybe this is an unfounded worry. Only time will tell.Note: My 5 star opinions are based on 5 being the best overall available at the time of review, taking into account a number of factors and not that the reviewed product is perfect. As said before, I've yet to find a "perfect tool". Pros:**Aggressive or smooth?-You get to choose**Better dust control with eight-hole disks**Easy to find sandpaper grits**Variable speed for more controlCons:**Trigger too long for handle size??**Cheaply designed plastic pad brake??**Price-A lower price would make a great tool even betterSummary: A smooth operator with the aggressiveness to finish any job.20 of 20 people found the following review helpful.I Am absolutely amazed by the performance of this tool !!By robert l hanbyI have been using this random orbit sander from Makita, B05021k for a little while now. After using a Bosch, this is a dream come true. The Bosch was good but too agressive in all but the roughest work. I love the variable speed of the Makita and I found the pad brake very sufficient as well. I hook it up to my shop vac and there is no dust to speak of. The bag does very well too, but I like a bit of insurance when it comes to what can be deadly dust in the lungs. There is nothing to dislike about this sander and therefore I will not put it down for any problem at all. As to use, I use mine as often and for extended a periods as need be.12 of 12 people found the following review helpful.Good sander but pad wears out too soonBy Bernie BernbaumI've owned this sander for about a year and have used it on furniture I've built (hobby - not professional). I found it to be an excellent sander, aggressive but still giving a good, smooth finish. My problem is with the hook and loop pad on the sander. After about nine months of use, I began to notice that the sandpaper would not adhere well, especially after the sandpaper was used a bit. Soon, the sandpaper was coming off while I was sanding. I eventually had to purchase a new hook and loop pad for the sander at a price of $20. I don't know if this is normal, but $20 a year for a sander that costs less than $100 seems to be a high ownership cost. I don't know if my experience is common, or if the Makita is any worse than other brands. Anyone else care to comment?See all 20 customer reviews...