well built, questionable design
by - Written: Mar 31 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Tough, aggresive material removal
Cons: Dust collection by broom
The Bottom Line: There are better sanders from Bosch, and Makita.
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| chesshire_cat's Full Review: DeWalt Heavy-Duty 5 Random Orbit Sander DW421 |
The DAO sanders have always been the anchor of auto body work, and after owning one for any length of time, you will find that they are a necessity in the woodshop. I found the De Walt to be a bit “top heavy” the gyro effect of the motor can be a bit tiring on your wrist. The pad has held up well, and not delaminated, or torn around it’s perimeter (yet)
The switch it well made, and protected it typical DeWalt fashion, by a rubber boot. This boot makes switch operation a bit unsure, and difficult to manipulate. The plastic housing is typical DeWalt, well made, strong casting capable of surviving drops, whacks, and routine shop abuse. The cord is made of flexible material, good strain relief, and good length.
From an ergonomic standpoint the unit produces considerable hand-numbing vibration, a situation not helped by the rather small grip area. The published weight of 3 pounds is on the heavy side of it’s class.
The unit comes with an additional gasket for their “controlled finishing system”… that extra gasket is a sign of things to come. Order a few they go bad with a vengeance.
The finish is acceptable, and with a course grit paper in place this sander can remove allot of material in a short time.
Now, the worst part…
They hired ex-yugo engineers to design the dust collection system, it virtually has no redeeming features! The bag is prone to popping off the adapter at random, then the adapter falls of the sander with equal fervor. The dust collection system only traps a portion of the produced dust on it’s best days.
Recommended:
No
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