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The variable speed dial is tough to adjust, and the rubber dust hood above the base pad sometimes comes loose and rubs against the orbiting base. After using 5" sanders for years, this 6" is a dream. I researched them quite a bit, the Metabo is solid, hooks up to my vacuum easily, has comfortable handles and the detachable front handle is easy to change. Stop immediately if that happens, take off base, press/snap down the dust hood. The dust bag works as well as any of them, but this one is stronger and easier to empty than most.
This is a machine that runs very smooth and quiet and does an exceptional job at removing wood. I have it connected to a vacuum system and it is truly dust free. It has been replaced by a newer model that isn't nearly as good. This machine is substantial and should last many years.
The main difference between these two were the price ($100 more for the Bosch) and also my experience with both brands. I just bought this tool after carefully studying the best 6" random orbit sanders out there. There were two winners, the Bosch 1250DEVs and the SXE450. Bosch is ok, but Metabo are top of the line tools made to last longer than anything else on the market. I have already used it is several projects and just can't wait to use it in turbo mode to remove stock with 60 grit (it does it at a very decent rate to be a random orbit sander) and to finish wood all the way to 240 grit - I tell you, use this tool and you will fall in love with it for a loooooong time.
I normally connect it to my shop vac. I bought the Ridgid version approximately 1 year ago when I learned it was made by Metabo. It has worked flawlessly on a great number of projects. The dust collection works great. An excellent purchase.
I too am a professional carpenter and woodworker, and look closely at a tool before I buy it. That is what happened to me, after very few hours and with careful use. Switching from one to the other is simple.
That said, my sander is now in that repair shop, after very little use. Then you're ready to go. The Metabo is well designed, comfortable to use, and was recommended by my trusty, local repair shop.
You just depress a button on the side of the tool and revolve the disc in reverse direction until it "clicks". The problem is with the dual sanding control. This sander is capable of sanding in either a finer and gentler mode, or in a faster but rougher mode.
Unless the little button sticks in the depressed position, which will lock up the tool rendering it useless. Maybe this is just a fluke, but I'll be more reluctant to buy other Metabo tools.
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