Sanders Reviews

If you want a durable, high-power, aggressive sander, then this is the right one for you. I bought this sander because of Milwaukee's reputation for tough & powerful tools, and it sure has lived up to the name. However, I do have a few minor complaints... (1) The motor shaft has a fan and vent for keeping the motor cool, but unfortunately, this fan/vent blows the sanding dust almost directly upward into my face (so wear goggles/dust-mask); a dust bag would be nice (if it worked right) (2) The power trigger is on the underside of the body which circumscribes the motor, but the body diameter is a little too big to get a comfortable grip when using the sander for a long time. It'd be better if the grip was shaped like a gas pump handle (like the Makita, Bosch, and Metabo sanders) (3) The sander should (but doesn't) come with a hook & loop pad for easy application and removal of sanding discs (instead the discs have to be stuck on). (4) the sander comes with a handle that can be screwed into right/left/top side of sander for two-handed use, but I think the sander would be a lot easier to use for long periods of time if this handle would screw onto the FRONT of the sander, so that your two hands would be on opposite sides of the pad for balance (like on the Makita BO5021KX and Bosch 3725DVS, although the handle is fixed on these models). Aside from these ergonomic drawbacks, the sander is just what Milwaukee tools are supposed to be: very durable, aggressive, and high-power... this is what your money pays for. I've gotten excellent results when using this sander on wood floors and furniture, and would be reluctant to trade it in for anything but another Milwaukee.

I have 3 porter cable, 2 Makita, and 1 Fein random orbit sanders. Only the fein comes close as far as agressiveness. The only drawback is that there is no vacuum provision.

I use this sander every day all day all week long it is the best sander on the market We have tryed them all and this one is hands down the best we use it for rough sanding and fine sanding jobs and it does have a vac set up

I wish I'd read the posts warning about the cost of the paper before I bought the Mouse. It's a very useful little tool, and it's easy to think of uses for it. Unfortunately, each use means a trip to the store for paper or pads. The paper is horribly expensive, and it's not feasible to substitute for it. I've used my Mouse on only about a dozen minor projects over the last year but have easily spent 3X the original cost of the unit on paper and pads.

This is a useful and well-made sander, but it only uses Black and Decker paper that costs [a lot of money] for 5 sheets (if you can even find the paper - it is here on Amazon.com, but usually is hard to find at a hardware store), making it too expensive to use a lot. Orbital sanders with standard size disks or palm sanders that use 1/4 sheets of regular sandpaper are much more economical - about one tenth the cost. It has performed well the times I used it, but I almost never use it due to the expensive paper (that lasts no longer than other paper - you will use up several sheets on a small project).

This is a versatile sander/polisher (depending on what type of abrasive naterial you velcro-attach to the hook and loop base) that can tackle small jobs such as refurbishing furniture as well as medium-heavy ones including removing old paint from small sections of a house's exterior!

Advantages include its light weight, making it easier to handle for long periods of time; a pointed tip for sanding in tight places such as where wood meets at 90 degrees; and the ease of changing the sanding material. It's also priced well; however, you should look at the similarly priced kit on Amazon.com that also comes with sanding/polishing materials.

The disadvantages are relative to your job. It's certainly not as powerful as the typical orbital sander, and therefore will be slower and more tiring for large jobs such as exterior paint removal (after the surface has been prepped by chipping away at old paint). In fact, I generally wouldn't recommend it paint removal/wood sanding at all except that the Mouse's lower weight can be convenient when you're on a shakey ladder sanding the outside of a second floor and want a light, versatile tool.

Sandpaper: THere have been a lot of complaints from reviewers about the price and availability of the pre-cut Mouse sandpaper. I think this is no longer the problem it once was: Black and Decker is lowering its price, and 3-M sells a nicely competitive material that fits the Mouse (available at OSH). With a coarse (say 60-grade) sandpaper with a smallish target zone, you can sand just as well as with a larger orbital sander (for example, the "old-model" Black and Decker R100.) Therefore, for small areas with areas needing precision, and for sanding way up on a ladder (when getting it done fast is a priority) the Mouse does a surprisingly better job than the more powerful, traditional sanders.

Another potential disadvantage of this model is that it has fewer features and less versatility than other Mouse versions. For about another $10 you can get the Mouse 560, which has a more supportive grip (might be nice, but I didn't think the grip design was a problem with the Mouse 500), and some sort of extension for doing detail work in tight spaces. This last feature seems worth the extra money if you're going to sand/polish in tight spaces. The Mouse 500 is fairly tall; for example I was unable to fit the sander between an exterior wall and a fence.

For somewhat more money (current sale price is about $60), the Mega Mouse 700 4 in 1 Sander/Polisher uses interchangeable bases and has a dust collector of dubious utility (see the mixed reviews here at Amazon.com). I think that unless you reallly know that you need the 700's features, either the 500 or the 560 will nicely fit your needs. Overall, you'll be happier with your purchase if you understand your needs and the sander's benefits and limitations (compared to full-sized orbitals), and be sure to buy the correct grip for the intensity of your job!.

I was expecting great things after reading the other reviews, and ordered one soon after buying my sander from one of the big box home stores. I used the sander stock for a few days while waiting for the new wonder shoe to arrive in the mail, so I got a good feal for the sander before hand. While the graphite sanding shoe was a little smoother, it isn't holding up all. Almost imediatly, the shoe refuses to stay on correctly and gets twisted over to one side, the flimsy fabric backbone is not stong enough to keep the mounting hole from elongating. There should be some sort of metal bracket to hold everthing in place, but there isn't. I'm back to steel and cork and out $21.

There has been some twisting with my shoes, but over-all, it's MUCH better than a regular cork pad. It works better with my more powerful Porter Cable than it does with my entry level Craftsman, so it may be the sander shoe that causes the shifting. Anyway, get one.

Because of reading a review about Porter Cable's "graphite impregnated sanding shoe", I orderd one along with my purchase of a new belt sander. Had I not, I would have been extremely disappointed, as using the sander directly out of the box produced "lower than acceptable" results.

When using the sander with the factory installed steel and cork shoe, it works fine when starting and the equipment is cool. But after several minutes of continuous sanding and the inevitable friction produced, causes the sanding shoe to heat up, it seems to distort in someway, because the sander would start a bouncing action. The only way to stop the bouncing was to partially support the weight of the sander, presumably reducing the friction, but also reducing the sanding effectiveness.

Being disappointed with the results, I then installed the "graphite shoe". What a world of difference!! The sander now has a "soft" feel as the sanding belt glides across the wood. The lubricating effect of the graphite is dramatic! I can now sand for hours without any negative effects from heating.

I have since ordered a spare, as I have used about a dozen sanding belts and can tell that the graphite shoe, while producing optimum sanding conditions does have a limited lifetime and it will eventually wear out. When it does I will gladly replace it because of the superior results it produces.

Even if you are satisfied with your belt sander as it is, I believe these graphite shoes will give an unexpected improvement in performance. It sure did for me.

Friends,
I bought this Porter-Cable product, along with the 180 grit roll adhesive sandpaper. These 2 products, though they have the same SKU as previously, are no longer made in the United States. The longevity of the abrasive is shorter than previously on both grits. The units made in the U.S. were made by 3M for P-C. If possible, I would like to order the U.S. produced product.
Thank you.
mike

Excellent sandpaper that holds up well.

adheasive on back holds paper tight to pad, sands faster, last longer, easy to change. GREAT

What a nice machine! We purchased this sander for our commercial operation, and have not been disappointed. The fit and weight of this machine are excellent. I especially like the cast iron tables. Assembly and adjustment were a breeze. One area of disappointment was that the base was shipped wrapped in a box (no packing) and arrived with some damage, this wasn't an issue, since we purchased the machine to perform and that it has done. The head of the unit which arrived separate was packed very well. One other point that someone else mentioned, this unit can make some dust, some type of dust collection should be used.

Our shop purchased this tool about 18 months ago. It is well made and has been a great addition to our inventory. It is one of those tools that once it has been in your shop for a while you can't remember how you ever got by without it. If you are going to buy this tool I recommend that you get a dust collector. Sanding with this tool produces large amounts of very fine dust that will cover everything in your shop. The sander is only second to our table saw in dust production. A bargain for the money.

I bought my machine from a local merchant and I am very impressed. Fit and finish are excellent, the sander is heavy and there is almost no vibration. The tables are cast iron and their mounting is rock solid, the belt table can be easily removed or positioned parallel to the belt for many different applications. The dust collection works extremely well also but Powermatic recommends a dust collector with at least 400 cfm. Fortunately mine is much bigger than that. I also like the capability to sand metal with the machine. The machine sands extremely well, smooth and there is no lack of power. The belt tracks well (after a little fussing at first). ... I think this is a good machine and I am sad to hear that Powermatic is difficult to deal with. I have other Powermatic machines and so far they have all worked very well. ... The Powermatic is heavier, has larger tables ... I would definitely buy this machine again!!

Actually most of this machine is manufactured in China. As a matter of fact, many of Delta's products (especially parts) are now being made in China. This is not a bad thing. I suggest you try not to let your prejudices cloud your judgemnt.

This is a fine sanding station however it is overpriced and you may want to consider a Jet as an equally fine product. BTW, Jet is made in Taiwan.

This is a fine machine, very solid. I have been surprised about how many uses I have found for it. With the appropriate belt or disk, it even works well on light metal work. I have used it to quickly deburr and straighten my wood lathe tool rests. Works like a charm, and much quicker than hand-filing. My only gripe? WHY does it NOT include a dust collection hookup for the disk? The belt sander has a very effective dust port. The disk just has an oval hole in the bottom going nowhere. At first I jury-rigged a way to plumb that hole to the outside world, but then I got mad about having to do so and called Delta. The tech fellow was sympathetic and gave me the part number for the dust collector kit (50-224). But why should I have to pay another $37 for what ought to be a standard item? Well, I paid the $$ and now have a complete machine. And I'm very happy with it.

This machine is the very best of its type and still made in U.S.A. I have used them for over 40 years,and it is always a pleasure.The disapointment is in the way Delta gouges the dedicated Made in U.S.A.customer who has no problem paying for U.S.quality,when said customer goes to buy a dust-collector kit for the 12"disc,that is not included,to match the built in 6"belt dust collector and ends up paying over $... for a few pieces of 3" dia.galvonized tin.What a slam.It should be included,and prior customers be reimbursed.That"s just good business.

Good quality product and a always handy to extras on hand. Don't go for the faster shipping. My 2 day shipping came in 4 days.

Having extra sander pads are a must have. Once you finish a couple of projects you'll find that the your pads must be replaced.

Having extra sander pads are a must have. Once you finish a couple of projects you'll find that the your pads must be replaced.

Manual is not complete. Items included were not in manual but were in the cover picture.The table tilt/ height adjustment should utilize more of the belt.

The machine sands nicely.

Assembly was straight forward. The only problem encountered was when the belt tension handle broke. The weld snapped the first time I moved it. Don't know if it was shipping related damage or an improper weld in the factory. Was not a major problem for me, I just re-welded it. Would have been a major bummer for someone without a welder. All the parts fit with no major modifications. I have only spent about three hours on the machine so this is not a long term review. Belt tracking was ok. A few seconds with each belt ( I tried several grits ) to track and in the short time I used them they never needed further tracking. I was most pleased with the results of the sander. Couldn't believe I had gone all these years without one. I love it.

Now the cons:

Very few. The tension handle I mentioned. The dust port at the back end could have been a little bigger. I have a high flow cyclonic vacuum and there was still a little dust in the air. I will modify mine to catch more. There is also no dust port on the nose end. A down draft port would have been nice. Lastly as with most of these 6" sanders the table does not go all the way down. Could be they would have had to put a bigger motor for a full 6" although I never had a problem with power.

Conclusion:
I like it. Get one.

Very well built machine with heavy steel stand. Much better than the comparable models on the market today. Easy to set up and adjust. The only reason I gave it four stars is it comes with a poor assembly manual, but assembly is so straightforward this is not a big problem. I have only had the machine a short time but sanding results so far have been good. Exceptionally fast stock removal. Highly recommended for the pro shop or the part time woodworker.

I received this automated request for review, but how can I review something that I still have not received yet??? I ordered this item on 14 December 2006 and still have not received it. Now Amazon says this item will be shipped March 28, 2006 - April 17, 2006. Last month they told me it would be here this month!???
I searched for other providers of this particular Wilton 99175 sander, but damned if I can find any other US supplier!? All the other sites who claim to have this item refer me back to Amazon. Seems like a monopoly to me.....
On an upnote, I have always had excellent and prompt service on all the books and DVD's, CD's, etc.I have purchased from Amazon, maybe this is their forte'??

The item description says 9" disc. The description further down the page from the manufacture says 8". Turns out it is an 8" disc, Amazon should update their description so it won't mislead anybody. That way you won't buy a few different grades of 9" discs waiting for its arrival, which for me was six weeks. Thanks Amazon, would you like to buy these discs from me? I'll be buying my 8" discs elsewhere! Sander works great, be careful when lining up the belt, it almost slid off and cut through the rubber stop when I first turned it on. Comes with 60 grit on both belt and disc.

The Wilton 99175 Disc Belt Sander Combo is by far the best of its price category and size. I have tried Crafsman, Phish, and Ryobi, and Central Machinary of the same size and it is the sturdiest best thought out of all of them. For a 4" x 36" sander it is the best in its class and the best value for the money!

I actually was going to buy this drill with the gel stuff, but I looked down the shelf at walmart and found the same drill with no gel, and an extra battery for the same price. Its a winner no doubt, but I must agree the case is pathetic. I took a dremel to the case and now its all good, but I shouldn't have had to do that...

I bought one of these to replace an old cordless I'd busted. After buying a cheaper cordless drill with totally weenie torque and returning it, I found this drill on sale and went with it.
It's been a few months and I have used it alot. The removable drill bit thingie with a driver bit underneath is amazingly handy to use...just drill, pop off the thingie, grab a screw and put it in the hole without removing and replacing the bits each time. The torque is fantastic and the grip is comfortable. The only reasons I gave only 4 stars is because the plastic case it comes in is pathetic...no place to put bits or anything except the drill w/ charger. And having an extra battery would be smart for any drill or cordless tool that gets alot of use, but they didn't include a second battery...but you (and I) can get one here at Amazon.com ...45 bucks a piece...ow.
But I love the drill, it's worth it and I'm getting an extra battery because I use it so much...
If you're looking for a great cordless drill that isn't too expensive...get this one.