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One Cordless Power Tool, Attachments for Every Application

Black & Decker has just released released a new cordless power tool with a totally revolutionary design. To get straight to the point, the new Matrix is essentially a power tool body with a head that’s been geared to accept attachments. The result is a cordless tool with a detachable head that can be changed and interchanged between seven different attachments, each one geared and ready to perform a different application.

The Matrix and the Quick Connect System

The Matrix comes standard with an drill/driver attachment and is available in both 12V and 20V models. Six different detachable heads (an impact driver, jigsaw, an oscillating tool, a router, detail sander and a trim saw) are available for purchase separately. This allows you to choose the pieces that are most specific to your needs and build upon the tool from there.

Each piece in the Quick Connect System, from the tool itself to each of its detachable heads, is relatively affordable. The 12V Matrix runs about $50, the 20V Matrix is about $70, and each of the attachments costs between $30 and $40 (significantly less expensive than a complete tool). This allows you do a lot more and to save a lot more in the process. – According to Black & Decker, more Matrix Quick Connect attachments are on the horizon.

The Matrix itself is compact and lightweight allowing for easy use in small spaces and awkward or overhead applications. It’s pistol grip design is easy to handle and maintains balance with each different attachment. The tool is powered by lithium ion battery technology that allegedly holds a charge for up to 18 months and definitely provides enough power for the tremendous amount of tasks that are possible with this tool. While the 12V model (model number BDCDMT112) is perfect for most DIY applications, the 20V model (model number BDCDMT120) offers more power for heavier-duty tasks. Each kit includes, the drill/driver attachment, a double sided bit tip and a lithium ion battery and charger.

How it Works (in a very small nutshell)

In case you’re wondering how the Quick Connect System actually works, I’ll explain it very briefly in very basic terms. The motor on the Matrix turns a metal male joint. Each of the Matrix Quick Connect attachments have a matching female joint which securely connects to the tool’s motor. Durable nylon housings additionally contribute to the secure connection between tool and attachment. The motor feeds power to each of the attachments which are geared to perform their specific task. For safe performance between each attachment, the tool also features a mechanical lock which prevents the reverse functionality of the drills from engaging while being used with other heads.

Attachments

So the tool itself is compact and lightweight. It has a variable speed motor and the chops to perform a virtually endless number of applications. But what about the attachments?

The Drill/Driver (included)

For starters, the included drill/driver attachment does everything you’d expect it to be able to; it’s compact and happily performs the entire spectrum of drilling and driving tasks (with respect to the voltage of the tool, of course). The head delivers big power and offers the small profile needed for close-quarter work.

The Impact Driver (BDCMTI | sold separately for about $40)

The impact driver attachment is similarly compact and offers up to 10x the torque you’d receive from the drill-driver head. The thing delivers power and precision without kickback, drives large screws and fasteners with ease and includes a Phillips #2 bit.

The Jigsaw (BDCMTJS | sold separately for about $30)

The jigsaw head offers tool-free blade changes and accepts both T and U-shank blades. Because the tool offers variable speeds, the jigsaw can match speeds to each cutting task and maneuvers easily. This attachment includes one T-shank jigsaw blade.

The Oscillating Tool (BDCMTO | sold separately for about $40)

The Matrix oscillating head attachment offers tool-less accessory changes and accepts a variety of Black & Decker accessories. This allows users to do everything from flush cuts and plunge cuts in drywall, wood, plastics, metals and etc, to sanding, grinding and scraping. The tool’s variable speeds allow for an always precise performance and the attachment includes a plunge cutting blade, a sanding platen and two pieces of sandpaper.

The Router (BDCMTR | sold separately for about $40)

The router head offers a powerful and accurate performance to tackle most decorative, edge forming and hinge routing applications. A Quick Adjust button allows for fast depth adjustment up to 1-inch and a spindle lock allows for single wrench bit changes.

The Detail Sander (BDCMTS | sold separately for about $30)

The detail sander attachment is compact for use in corners and small spaces and is ideal for a huge range of sanding applications from finish sanding to polishing and rust removal. The head utilizes a hook-and-loop paper attachment system for easy and reusable paper changes, and variable speeds ensure you have the right amount of juice for each project. The detail sander head includes six sheets of sandpaper ((2)60-grit (for rough sanding), (2) 120-grit (for middle-of-the-road-sanding), (2) 240-grit (for fine sanding)).

The Trim Saw (BDCMTTS | sold separately for about $30)

The trim saw attachment comes with a 3-3/8-inch, 24-tooth carbide blade that, coupled with the big power of the tool, is ideal cutting plywood, fence boards, paneling and etc. It’s lightweight, compact design make the saw easy to use and maneuver and its portability make the tool incredibly handy to have around.

Because each of the attachments are sold individually, users can be particular about which heads to invest in. This helps crafters do a lot more with (and for) a lot less. At the end of the day, the tool is built right and comes at a really great price; the attachments are incredibly more affordable that buying an entirely new tool and they perform most applications with inspiring vigor. – I would only suggest you also invest in a second battery. Even though these lithium batteries are the cream of the crop, it’s always good to have another on hand.

Festool PLANEX Modular Drywall Sander (571579)

A New Sanding Solution for Today’s Evolved Craftsman

Well, Festool has done it again and despite their current catalog of superior power tools and equipment, Festool is astonishing the industry once more with the release of their modular and totally evolved drywall sander. With an articulating head, a body that can be extended or reduced to accommodate your work area, and innovations that span the entire length of the tool’s 43-1/2” to 83-1/2” body, the PLANEX absolutely revolutionizes drywall and plaster sanding.

Fabricated in Germany with intense attention to detail and with advanced, high-endurance materials, the PLANEX is built to encompass durability, ergonomics and ultra high-performance. Because drywall sanding is demanding of both the operator and of the tool itself, Festool has designed this sander to be lightweight and comfortable to use while also durable and resistant to the rigors of rough jobsite environments. For enhanced performance and durability, the tool also features sealed switches and gear housings; this prevents even the minutest dust particles from infiltrating these integral components. Additionally, the tool’s large dials and switches are immediately at your fingertips for easy access and operation, and with non-slip rubber grips on the handle, users always remain in complete control of the tool.

The body of the PLANEX is essentially designed around segments or length extensions that can be installed or removed to determine the functional length of the tool. In fact, the thing can be entirely collapsed to easily snug into a hand-carry Festool systainer rendering storage, transportation, organization and the preservation of the tool itself a literal “snap,” but, I (kind of) digress. This collapsing design, though, ensures optimal reach and working space when sanding anywhere from narrow hallways to vaulted ceilings. Requiring only seconds to install, these extensions are simple to assemble (and disassemble) and remain securely locked while engaged.

Without extensions, the PLANEX measures 43-1/2”. This length allows operators to use the tool comfortably in smaller spaces; at this length, the sander weighs 8.4-lbs. The first extension elongates the tool an additional 20” to 63-1/2” in length. With this extension, the tool weighs 10.1-lbs and is ideal for general purpose sanding. With the second extension (sold separately), the tool gains another 20” growing the total length of the sander to 83-1/2”; the weight of the tool with the second extension is 11.9-lbs. To jump ahead of myself for another moment, though, although the weight of the tool (between approximately 8 and 11-lbs) may not sound as “light as a feather” as Festool claims the tool to be, with the suction power of Festool’s AutoClean dust extractor, the suction literally supports the weight of the tool. In fact, the suction from the AutoClean is so powerfully focused it can hold itself, like a suction cup, to a ceiling – hands free. This, in effect, renders the tool very nearly as “light as a feather.” One can also purchase a Festool support harness (specifically designed for this tool) that will essentially carry any additional weight for you. This harness is particularly valuable during extended work periods.

The Festool PLANEX is also designed with a pivoting head that offers a huge range of motion. This flexibility allows users to sand from any angle from corner to corner with surprising ease and comfort. The sander also provides two different suction methods with convenient controls that allow users to quickly switch from either extracting dust from the outside or from the inside of the pad. This ensures the most optimal dust control with each application performed. Surrounding the pad there is also a brush that, like a sweep, aids in the capturing of excess dust and cleans residual dust from the sanding surface. To ensure users also have access into corners, a section of this brush can also be removed enabling sanding action against adjacent surfaces.

In addition to varying suction methods, the the sander pad is also spring-loaded. This creates optimal contact with the sanding surface and reduces the risk of uneven pressures that can cause unsightly swirl marks. The pad’s action is also gear-dirven ensuring the most efficient and durable method of power transfer; this promises an altogether better performance and a longer lasting, more resilient tool. The sander spins between 310 and 920 RPM ensuring users have the right amount of sanding power for each application and with an 8-1/2” sanding pad, the thing achieves full-bodied sanding with even pressure and variable speeds.

In the end, not nearly enough can be said about how cool this tool is nor about how much safer (for your lungs, muscles and customers) and more comfortable (in all aspects) it is to operate. When used with Festool’s AutoClean dust extractor the tool delivers virtually dust-free sanding and, thanks to the intense suction of the AutoClean, when coupled with the sander, the PLANEX essentially supports its own weight. Because the sander additionally offers incredible time and energy savings and because the tool and its abrasives (available in multipurpose, general-purpose, high-performance and heavy-duty grits) deliver unparallelled durability, the PLANEX offers an incredibly fast return on your investment. In fact, between your happier muscles, happier customers, cleaner environments and the PLANEX’s faster, better quality results, the sander essentially pays for itself within the first few uses.

Ultimately, the PLANEX is like nothing else in the industry. Designed to sand drywall and plaster with incredible high-performance and designed to do that with significantly less trauma to you and your body, Festool’s PLANEX modular drywall sander is an exceptional product with the style, grace and superior quality to utterly satisfy users and to leave any competition shaking in their boots.

A 5” & 6” Rear-Handle Random Orbit Sander With Vibration Control

Bosch is well known for building some of the most impressive, most high-performance power tools in the industry today. Accordingly, it should come as no surprise that their ROS65VCL is one of the smoothest, most comfortable to operate industrial random orbit sanders to ever hit the market. Still, the tool glides, maneuvers and operates with such incredible smoothness, one can’t help but be a little shocked.

Utilizing Bosch’s exclusive suspension system, the sander offers superior vibration control eliminating nearly every hint of vibration or discomfort from the tool’s operation. The tool handles with superior precision and delivers optimal operator control and, designed with multiple ergonomic soft-grips to further enhance user comfort and control, users enjoy significantly less working fatigue and better overall results. The tool’s rear-handle position renders the tool comfortable and controllable and with a removable front handle, users can can achieve both greater controllability or greater access into tight or awkward spaces.

To get back to the basics, though, this random orbit sander is powered by 3.3Amps of juicy force and with a variable speed dial, users can optimize that power by setting it to specific materials and tasks. With this high-power motor and sanding versatility, the tool has the ability to perform an array of applications from fast and aggressive stock removal to delicate, smooth, and perfectly blended finishes. The tool’s trigger switch additionally features a lock-on button for greater efficiency and usability.

The sander is built with a durable die-cast aluminum gear housing for enhanced durability, and because this housing is also engineered with an exclusive dual-bearing pad mount, the component additionally contributes to the tool’s low vibration, low wobble performance and its overall longevity. And just in case you were concerned that that amazingly smooth, comfortable performance, ergonomic design, variable speed dial and durable construction just weren’t going to cut the mustard, the ROS65VLC additionally offers two dust collection systems. Two. The thing is outfitted with both a microfilter dust canister (with an integrated paper filter and screw-off/on cap) and a vacuum hose connection with an airflow control feature.

Furthermore, to prevent swirl marks and encourage the most perfect finishes, the sander additionally features an integral pad dampening system and with high-performance, soft microcellular hook-and-loop backing pads, the sander is sensitive to, and truly ideal for, the many varying forms and contours of your materials and projects. Although this particular model (awesomely) functions with (and includes) both 5” and 6” diameter backing pads, the sander is available with just the 5” pad (model number ROS65VC-5) or just the 6” pad (ROS65VC-6). Again, this model is designed to work with both diameter sizes ensuring you have exactly the right amount of sander for each application.

Altogether, the sander, despite its comfortable, compact size, is a real Goliath in terms of performance. With an unparalleled smoothness of operation and seamless results in both aggressive and delicate applications, the sander will fast become a favorite in any tool repertoire. Bosch’s ROS65VCL random orbit sander kit includes the aforementioned removable front handle, and soft 5” (RS038) and 6” (RS6045) backing pads, a tubular dust canister, vacuum hose adapter, a 5mm pad wrench and an L-Boxx.

Change Your Sandpaper Often!

How to Replace the Pad on a Random Orbital Sander

Replacing the pad on a random orbital sander is one of the most common maintenance procedures found in the power tool industry. Fortunately for woodworkers and tool users, it is also one of the very simplest tasks your power tools will every as you to perform. In fact, replacing your sander’s backer pad requires little more than, well, removing one, installing the other, and slapping a few screws around in between.

To cut straight to the chase, the first step in any repair or maintenance procedure is to disengage and unplug your sander. All power tools and working machines should be entirely off before you begin working on them.

Additionally, because not all sanding pads are the same (the consistency of the pads and number of their dust-collection and screw holes vary from pad to pad), the first step in replacing this item on your sander is ensuring you have the right backer pad (from the right manufacturer) for the procedure at-hand. To do this, all you need is the model number of your tool and one of the following few things: access to the tool’s schematic and parts list, access to a tools/parts/service rep at your preferred tool parts dealer, or access to the internet. Any of these avenues will set you on the right path to finding the exact part number for the exact pad you need. Simply share your tool’s model number, and the item you need for it should follow suite. 

Once you have procured the correct pad for your specific sander, you can get into the meat of the procedure. First, remove all mounting screws from the existing backer pad (there should be either three or four screw-holes, the other holes (either five or eight) will be for dust collection). Remove and discard the old pad. Place the new backer pad on the sander matching the screw-holes in the pad to those on the sander. Insert and slightly tighten-down each screw. Again, leave each screw slightly loose until all screws have been inserted and half-tightened. Once all mounting screws are in place, tighten them firmly.

HINT: Some folks find it simpler to insert the mounting screws into the screw-holes on the new pad before matching them to the holes on the sander. This allows the screws to guide themselves into place. Using this method, it is still important to half-tighten each screw before fully tightening any of them. 

And at that, you have successfully replaced the backer pad on your random orbital sander. Engage the power tool, giver the sander a quick spin to ensure the pad stays put, and consider the thing now in fine fighting form.

The Facts About Belt Sanders

With two parallel spinning drums on its underside powering the continuous motion of a sanding belt, a belt sander is a brilliant power tool designed to efficiently sand and level any number of industrial materials. Belt sanders are a much rougher tool than most sanders and are generally only used for the most demanding quick removal or rough surface leveling or removal projects. The most conventional belt sanders use 3″ to 4 ” wide belts offering greater working surface area and sacrificing a bit of controllability. It’s easy to make avoidable errors when working with a belt sander; it takes only one moment to lose control or remove too much material. Of course the same is true of motor size, the more amps you have, the more power you have to control. So essentially, operators should be comfortable and cautious with their belt sanders; the precision of finish sanding, for example, is pretty difficult to achieve with one of these bulky power tools.

Maintenance: The larger build of belt sanders, however, helps them withstand some pretty serious shop abuse. They are tough and general maintenance is relatively simple. Mostly you just need to be certain the two cylindrical rollers (drums) the sanding belt sits on remain in perfect alignment. If the rollers are not precisely parallel, the belt will not track in the center of the rollers and will slip off. As a rule, you should try to adjust the rollers each time you change the belt. This can be done with a manual tracking knob on the side of the tool. If your drums are tilted the belt will either push toward the inside of the rollers or slip off of them altogether. If the rollers are poorly aligned, they can also push the belt up toward the housing which could cause damage to both the housing and the belt.

It’s also important to check the platen for wear, dents or scratches when changing the belt. The platen is a thin piece of metal backed with a similarly thin sheet of cork. It sits (on the underside of the sander) between the inside of the sanding belt and the sander’s shoe. It’s there to afford a flat but also somewhat soft support, or shock absorption, for the sander and the belt as well. Because the belt rubs over the platen, it’s important to watch for wear; the platen will eventually need to be replaced due to this friction. You may consider removing the platen periodically to make certain the cork is still intact. When the cork begins to crumble apart, or the metal begins the thin, the platen must be replaced.

Changing the Belt: To change the belt, flip the sander onto one side leaving the open side facing up, pull the release handle and the rollers will come slightly together to slacken the belt. Before replacing the belt be certain it is facing the direction indicated (by arrows) on the bottom of the belt – otherwise your sandpaper will be moving in the wrong direction. Slide the belt over the rollers and drop the handle to tighten the belt to the drums. Align the rollers with the sander’s tracking knob to ensure they are exactly parallel. The sander must be engaged to adjust the tracking so be certain the sander is secure before making any adjustments. The sander may face either up or down as you adjust the tracking, but it’s generally easier to do effectively if you can see the belt as you adjust. The belt should track in the center of both the rollers and the platen, but if you run into a stubborn belt, just be sure it tracks in the center of the rollers.

As all craftsmen know, a great deal of sawdust comes along with sanding. It’s vitally important to keep all your power tools clean, so be certain to blow out your sander periodically (even after every use) to keep it running smooth and efficient. If your belt sander is corded be sure to check it for breakage and replace replace it if damage occurs.

Though belt sanders have a tendency to be rough, don’t let their aggressive power deter you form using them – simply be slow and cautious as you work and you’ll find that for many projects the performance of a belt sander is totally incomparable.

For more information on a specific belt sander you may like the Makita 9404 belt sander, Dewalt DW432 belt sander, or the Porter-Cable 352VS belt sander.

Detail sanders are a vital part of any renovation or carpentry project; they provide craftsmen with stunning results and always smooth surfaces right down to the last detail. To ensure your finished projects meet all your expectations, its important to use a detail sander that is designed to exceed them. These sanders from Fein and Festool represent the ultimate best in detail sanding bringing craftsmen incomparable, nearly inconceivably superior results.

   For over forty years Fein has essentially monopolized power tool oscillation technology, and with that experience, produces some of the finest detailing tools in the industry. Poised a the top of Fein’s oscillating line the MultiMaster Top utilizes every ounce of Fein’s expertise to bring craftsmen a tool that performs like no other. Designed to help craftsmen complete the most detailed jobs and projects with remarkable professionalism the Top is, well, at the top of its game (please excuse the pun). The tool boasts a powerful 250 watt motor with variable speed control and a rapid clamping system that allows for simple, keyless accessory changes. Additionally, the tool is sleek and ergonomically designed for comfort and provides the versatility to master a nearly limitless number of applications. With all the extras and accessories necessary to champion a ridiculous range of applications the MultiMaster Top yields truly beautiful, always smooth results to your every project. (Fein’s MultiMaster Select and MultiMaster Start are other extremely high-quality tools should your be looking for something a bit less Gung-Ho than the Top.)

 Additionally, Festool’s Deltex DX 93 E detail sander provides a superior solution to even the most intricate detailing projects. The sander is incredibly versatile providing the best access into close-quarter areas and offers a 13 ft long cord to provide enhanced mobility and work range. Because of the tool’s triangular sanding pad and precise orbital action, the DX 93 E utilizes the full area of the pad saving labor and eliminating the oh so tedious and time consuming process of hand-sanding. Hard-to-reach areas are now a part of your domain giving you the ability perfect every nook and cranny of even the most detailed projects. The tool offers speed control and an integrated dust extraction pad to provide users with optimal control and highly efficient dust removal. Festool’s DX 93 E sands and maneuvers like a dream while also eliminating the pain and potential inconsistency of hand-sanding. This puppy is an incredible detail sander that’s always in your corner (this pun is also intended).

Representing the absolute best in the business, either of these power tools is certain to bring you results unlike any other tool, results that will impress with every use and lend a new degree of precise professionalism to your detail sanding projects.

Belt sanders provide the most effective, efficient stock removal of any hand sander in the industry, and for the heaviest-duty craftsmen with the highest expectations, one of these sanders is certain to keep a skip in your step. Producing the highest-quality results and boasting tremendous high-performance, these belt sanders from Makita and Porter-Cable are aggressive and precise to yield the finest results from the industry’s finest belt sanders.

 Makita’s 9903 (3″ x 21″) variable speed belt sander is a truly exceptional tool from an exceptional manufacturer. This sander receives most of its accolades, and rightly so, for its belt tracking which is superior on all counts. The tracking is automatic, so the tool continuously keeps its sanding belts properly aligned without any operator intervention. Its remarkable. The tool’s motor is powerful enough (at 8.8 amps) to tackle any rapid stock removal job while still running nearly noiselessly as the quietest sander in its class. The tool also boasts an unique design which allows for flush, to the edge sanding – and the 9903 doesn’t stop at sanding wood; this belt sander can work its magic on metal and removes paint and rust with astounding effectiveness. The sander is comfortable to use, and although it must be tethered to a wall, its power cord is a 16ft long providing craftsmen with an extended working range and enhanced maneuverability around projects or other equipment. This also means that its power source in non-dwindling and always reliably powerful. A dust bag provides a cleaner work environment, a more visible workpiece, and leaves less room for any brain-melting operator errors. Altogether, the 9903 is a superb machine taking belt sanding to a smoother, more efficient plane.

Porter-Cable produces some of the finest belt sanders in the industry their 362 and 363 (4″ x 24″) belt sanders being some of the smartest tools in the business. The 362 belt sander has an intensely powerful 12 amp motor positioned directly above the tool’s platen. This positioning perfects the tool’s balance and performance rendering the tool amazingly simple to use. With a belt speed of 1,500 SPFM, the belt sander produces ultra rapid, nearly effortless stock removal. Its quick-release belt change lever additionally provides fast and simple belt changes so your time is better spent sanding rather than tinkering to get your sanding belts on and off properly. The 362 also touts an acute fingertip belt-tracking knob for fast, yet unfailingly accurate belt adjustments. The tool is surprisingly comfortable to use with ergonomically correct handles and a large capacity dust collection bag that swivels 360 degrees for enhanced maneuverability and superior collection. Altogether the 362 is a wicked and beastly belt sander with all the bulk to rapidly remove stock, and the design and precision to do it right.

 Porter-Cable’s 363 (4″ x 24″) belt sander is another aggressive, sanding, stock removing machine with all the same features (sans the dust bag and dust port) of its ruffian counterpart, the 362. This sander lacks a dust port for all those who don’t appreciate the dust bag collection system. It’s true that on occasion dust bags have a tendency to get in the way, they can be an encumbrance, a distraction, and sometimes an insurmountable frustration. It’s also true that sometimes dust bags can plug up only to collect with half their standard gusto. Ultimately, dust bags can be a pain; so here, for you, is a tool that doesn’t require one. I absolutely recommend using some form of dust collection outside and especially inside – keeping your work environment clean is a huge factor for all jobsite equipment (including yourself) to perform at its best. Aside from that difference, and even without the dust port, the 363 is an efficient, effective, altogether brilliant belt sander with the perks to ensure your projects are sanded fast and smooth.

Representing the absolute best in the business, these belt sanders take high-quality performance to an entirely new level. If your projects hinge on the utmost professionalism one of these tools will assuredly help you achieve the most brilliant results attainable.

        

A drum sander is a particularly awesome woodworking machine designed to sand and finish large wood surfaces on a mechanism similar to a thickness planer. Drum sanders are available in a variety of sizes from 10″x20″ to 26″x52 inches. This means that although the sanding belt is only 10 or 26 inches itself, the machine has one open side which allows you to pass your panel through once, flip it, and pass it through a second time. You can beautifully sand or finish an entire piece (up to 52″) in just two passes. Within the drum sander the sandpaper moves on a continuous loop (like a planer) through a sanding drum. The abrasive sleeve is cylindrical and turns with motorized power on a cylindrical slotted drum. Drum sanders have a height adjustment to allow for around four inches, give or take, of thickness to be passed through. Operators adjust the machine’s feed rollers, and height to accommodate their materials, then simply pass the wood through. The looped abrasive sleeve sands or finishes the material as it gently moves or pushes it out the other side. Most drum sanders offer pretty simple sand paper changes and deliver great results with much less bulk and much less price than a wide-belt sander.

Dual Drum Sander: A dual drum sander has two sanding drums. This allows operators to use two different sanding belts with different grits. This means you can sand your panel with a rough grit and it finish with a fine grit in the same pass; a wonderful concept – sanding and finishing simultaneously. The dual drum is a bit more expensive, but it does save a great deal of time and energy.

Oscillating and Non-Oscillating: Most standard drum sanders are non-oscillating, but don’t let that get you down, they still perform with surprising smoothness. Oscillation technology is relatively new in drum sanders. The oscillation provides more movement in more directions for a smoother, finer finish to your products. The drum pushes the material forward and the oscillator moves the abrasive belt from side to side. This additional motion delivers a seriously smooth finish in much less time.

Pricing and Brands: Drums sanders range in price from anywhere between $400 and $2,200. The more expensive models tend to have better dust collection and anti-vibration technologies, but most specifically, they are just bigger to accommodate bigger panels and larger projects.

Jet/Performax makes an awesome single drum sander, Steel City only manufactures a dual drum while Delta only makes a single; Powermatic makes a great dual drum sander. All of these are great brands to search for when looking into which drum sander best suits you and your professional needs.

Some drum sanders can be compact enough for a bench-top, while others are closer to the size of a washing machine. Because of this variety, craftsmen of all calibers and with all shop sizes can be satisfied and accommodated with a drum sander. This machine makes sanding and finishing a much easier, much cleaner, and much quicker process. With a drum sander craftsmen, carpenters, and woodworkers can be confident in their projects and products. Happy crafting!

Finishing sanders are used to produce the smoothest, finest finishes to your craft and carpentry projects. Helping craftsmen achieve the most seamless, professional results, finish sanders do a seriously good deed to the tool and woodworking community. To get the most unwaveringly, brilliantly smooth results, however, there are four finish sanders from Festool and Porter-Cable that truly cast shadows over the competition.

Festool brings craftsmen the Rotex RO 150 and the RTS 400 EQ finishing sanders – both of which are tools that are truly difficult to put down. The Rotex RO 150 (571594) is a heavy-duty, high-performance sander with the power to tackle any application and the refinement to do it with delicacy and style. It features a simple dual-sanding system which allows operators to sand in a random orbital mode for uncommonly fine sanding or switch into a gear-driven, aggressive mode for rapid stock removal. A (detachable) auxiliary handle provides you with greater control during these more aggressive sanding jobs. With variable speed control, constant speed under load, and thermal and over-load protection the sander can aggressively or delicately match each application. Despite this big power, however, the tool weighs only 5 lbs, boasts very low vibration, and has a superior ergonomic design to bring craftsmen a tough package that’s also simple and surprisingly pleasant to work with. The sander’s gearbox is completely enclosed to protect the bearing unit from dust and debris; this vastly extends the life of the tool and its components. Additionally, a jet-stream dust extraction system ensures your work environment is a clean and safe space.

Festool continues innovating the finish sander with the (567817) RTS 400 EQ flat surface finish sander. With strength, balance, and truly intelligent design the tool is, essentially, in a league of its own. Weighing only 2.4 lbs the sander is compact and lightweight, and with an ergonomic design it is comfortable to operate despite continuous or awkward use. The sander’s balanced design (with vibration stop technology) and simple to operate speed control system render the tool uncommonly smooth and give craftsmen the ability to appropriately ascribe different speeds to each different application. The tool’s orbital sanding motion produces full pad contact with the sanding surface, thus, minimizing any swirl effect and yielding strikingly smooth finishes. With a narrow profile rectangular pad design, craftsmen have superior access to tight spaces, the design additionally allows for close sanding on edges and frame members for the most professional finishes from edge to edge. Abrasive removal is quick and simple with the tool’s resilient pad hooks and hard-wearing fabric backing – this also, pleasantly, contributes to a longer abrasive and pad life.

Additionally, Porter-Cable builds some of the finest, most trusted finishing sanders in the industry offering craftsmen designs and durability to withstand heavy-use and rough jobsite environments. Delivering the entire spectrum of “really great finishing sander” perks, Porter-Cable’s 330 and 344 offer the most commendable features in a seriously high-quality sander. The 330 is small (at only 4 lbs) and ultra simple and comfortable to use. Despite being a smaller tool, the sander is still incredibly sturdy and incorporates rubber posts to isolate your hand from vibration; essentially the tool delivers aggressive sanding action without the stress and fatigue of heavy vibration. The tool orbits at 14,000 OPM to ensure the smoothest, most superfine finishes. Altogether, the 330 is compact, lightweight, comfortable, buttery smooth, and delivers an incredibly fine finish.

The 344 (5″) random orbit sander is another treasure from Porter-Cable that exceeds all expectations. Using its powerful and yet oh so delicate style, the tool provides craftsmen with ridiculously smooth surfaces. It’s optimized ergonomics are designed to enhance the comfort and usability of the tool, and weighing only 4.05 lbs, the tool is a feather weight with a furious appetite to finish your surfaces with a super-finer quality unlike any other. With a 3 amp motor and super fast 12,000 OPM this sander offers superior consistency, blending, and durability. Additionally, the tool is simple to use, comfortable to operate, ultra smooth, and

Each of these sanders is sure to offer you striking results and professionally fine finishes that will leave you smiling after every use.