Makita BO5041 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander - Perfect for Woodworking, Sanding Floors, and DIY Home Improvement Projects

I have this orbit sander before I just lost it recently , I ordered the used and cheapest in price I can get ($70 , New one is $100 ) but they send me the brand new unopen one just out of box !this is very powerful and good quality machine it will last at least 10 year for Contactor used ! Is the best in his class ! I recommend you should buy this Makita brand No need to look any farther ! thank you Amazon !Bought this to replace a Makita orbital that had finally gone bad after many years. As the BO5031K model I normally buy was out of stock, I thought this model with a handle might be a nice addition. On the whole, I prefer the other style without the handle. Maybe for some production jobs the handle might be useful, but on smaller project it makes the sander difficult to use and I hate the lack of an ON/OFF switch. On this model you have to pull the "trigger" and then hit the lock button if you want it to stay on.The machine is awesome, no news there. As to connecting it to a shop vac, there is a much simpler way (and less professional looking) than the ones other expert comments have mentioned: put some duct tape on the pipe, three layers will do, and then push the vacuum hose all the way in. And if you want, you may then tape over the vacuum hose and the pipe. It works.Pro - it sands well, and that's the most important feature.Cons:A. the trigger lock button is wonky to operate and often I have to stop the sanding and use both hands while trying to engage it.B. The dust collection bag captures maybe only half the dust, or less. It can be hooked to an external vacuum, with an additional attachment (available on Amazon) to modify the exhaust tube diameter. But as it is, much of the dust flies out (away from the user, gratefully) at about an 11:30 angle to the handle.C. On vertical or slanted/uneven surfaces, it is not that well balanced to use by holding the handle. But the air inlets are on the main body where you grab to use with palm control. So have to be careful not to cover those up too tightly.Just listing all considerations - overall very pleased with it.So we'll built. I've been using it for 8 hrs a day over weekends on a project for a local charity for about 6 of the hottest weekends we've had this year and it does need a break...just keeps doing its job without my doing anything but steering it, changing pads, and emptying the dust catcher. My dad used to buy this brand. Now I know why. Quality.This is by far the best random orbit sander I have used the handle is easy to adjust and even the longer handle with the trigger makes for a more enjoyable experience I almost didn’t buy the sander due to the long trigger handle but decided to risk it there is very little vibration the trigger lock works well and I like to use the dust collection bag as it makes it easy to pour the dust out and use during glue ups the downside is the dust collection could be better and the dust port could be larger to make it easier to use with dust collection equipmentThis right here? Oh you better be excited when you get it. It doesn't just work, no, this sander makes quick, efficient work of whatever job you need done.I purchased this one to replace the one I’ve had for almost 30 years bearings finally giving out after all these years.I trust Makita I expect us to Xander to outlast me now.Really disappointed just opened this up and it doesn’t have a standard plug on it l have to buy a specialist box to use it at s as cost of £64Great toolGreat product.Excellent. Small but powerful. Ideal for light finish work.After having read all the positive reviews on this sander, I went ahead and purchased with confidence. But, I am disappointed and unsure whether to keep it for the following reasons:1. Dust handling is poor even with a shop vac. Dust exist the base of the sander without being sucked through the dust port and accumulates all over the base of the sanding pad. I'm really surprised given I have a good dust handling system and my previous orbital sander performed excellently in this regard.2. On pieces larger than the width of the sanding pad (eg: table top) the sander grabs the surface consistently which stall the sanding pad and causes swirl marks. I have never experience this behaviour on even cheaper model sanders. I tried different sand paper grades with the same result. The behaviour is also very tiring on hands and arms as you struggle to keep the sander flat and under control.3. The grip is wonderful.4. The power of the sander if excellent.5. When sanding material smaller than the width of the sanding pad, the performance and handling is superb but the spewing of dust still exists and is simply unacceptable.I suspect I might have a defective sander but I simply don't have enough information to indicate there's a technical / manufacturing issue with this particular sander or this model. I've noted others indicated that this model sold on Amazon has not been reliable and that buying from a retail store has resulted in higher product satisfaction. Has anyone else noted the sander grabbing the surface being sanded causing a jerking movement? Has anyone else noted that the sander spews dust even with a vacuum attached?