I've been putting off my summer repair jobs for far too long, but thanks to my trusty Bosch sander, I'm finally getting ahead of the game. I've had this thing for a year now, and I've had a chance to really put it through its paces, so I figured it was time to share my thoughts.
The Bosch sander has been a game-changer for me, and I'm excited to share my experience with you. In this review, I'll cover everything from the packaging and contents to the filter system, shaping disks, safety precautions, and the sander itself.
Packaging
The box arrived looking a bit worse for wear, like it might have seen some rough handling. The front's got the benefits of this sander spelled out, along with some specs and a pic of the sander itself. No Russian labels in sight, thank goodness!
The packaging is no-frills, but it gets the job done. I appreciate the fact that the box is sturdy enough to protect the contents during shipping.
Contents
So, what's in the box?
The sander itselfThe sanding disc (more on that later)The manual (if you need it, that is)And an extra manual, just in caseThe contents are well-packaged and easy to find. I'm glad they included the sanding disc – it's a crucial part of the sander's functionality.
Filter system
One of the benefits this sander's supposed to have is its filter system – a solid compartment and a filter at the top. This filter looks a bit like a HEPA one, but it's not. It's made of some kind of sturdy cardboard.
Despite its lackluster appearance, this filter does a decent job of collecting dust – it's not a vacuum, so you don't need a HEPA filter. A good dust collection system is all you need to keep debris from flying everywhere.
Shaping disks
The package comes with one 125mm disk. Since that's not enough for serious work, I ordered a few extra disks. The one that came with the package is actually pretty good quality. It's not too bad at sanding, and the adhesive backing makes it easy to attach to surfaces.
Safety precautions
Don't be a rookie – always follow safety guidelines when using a sander! I always wear safety glasses, a mask, and gloves. When I once skipped this step, I ended up inhaling dust and spent the rest of the day coughing and sneezing.
The sander itself
Okay, finally, let's talk about the sander itself. Check out its specs before we dive in:
Type: Eccentric sander
Max power: 250W
Power source: Mains
Cable length: 3.9m
Features: Rubberized handles, dust collector, and vacuum connection
Class: Professional
Color: Dark blue
Disk attachment: Adhesive backing
Max RPM: 12,000
Part number: 0601387508
Max vibration frequency: 24,000 vibrations per minute
I've got to say, the rubber grip on this sander really makes a difference in terms of ease of use – it doesn't slip out of your hands at all.
You can hook up a vacuum to it and clean up even more dust than the built-in dust collector, but I don't bother because I don't really need it – the filter system does a great job on its own, and its capacity is just right.
There's a little insert on the side with certifications and some info about the sander.
The on/off button and the speed control dial are both rubberized – and right next to it is a little wheel for adjusting power. I've got my sander set to max power all the time, so I never have to worry about it not having enough juice.
The cord on this sander is seriously long – it's got plenty of length to get from my outdoor workbench to the nearest outlet. I just used it to sand down some old tree stumps and it worked like a charm. The old paint came off in no time.
Naturally, this review is coming to an end. I think this is a pretty solid sander, but it's a bit pricey – although I guess you get what you pay for with a Bosch product.
Excellent performanceGood dust collection systemLong-lasting and durableEasy to useCons:
Pricy