MakitaBO5030K 5" Random Orbit Sander, with Tool Case

So far so good. Only used it once so far but it is certainly very quiet and gets the job done

This is a great little sander. I use for finish sanding for hobby woodworking projects. It is relatively lightweight and produces very little vibration, so you can sand without fatigue. It has a lot of power - I've used it on cherry, hard maple, and walnut so far. The dust collection works well provided you line up the holes in the sanding disk with the pad. It is not abnormally noisy, but you should wear ear protection. I recommend it!

I'm very happy with this purchase. I had a "mouse" style electric sander and needed this one for other types of jobs.I'm using it for finishing electric guitar bodies.I chose the Makita BO5030K 5" Random Orbit Sander because of it's simplicity, price, and the reputation of the brand. It didn't disappoint.I'm also a hobbyist, so I didn't want to spend more than $80 if possible.I started using it out of the box (ordered the discs separately) with great results so far.Not sure how to rate it in terms of loudness, as I would have to compare with other similar items and this is the first and only random orbit sander I've used.I can say I find it ergonomic although when using it continuously for more than 5 minutes in certain angles, the arm may get tired and it doesn't seem designed to switching hands without turning it off first. If it had a second handle or way to grab it, then it would be possible.

Makes sanding simple. For big and small projects. Low noise level. Collects dust in bag.

I just got this sander. It sands great. No issues. But as others have mentioned, dust collection is another story. I have a cheap dust collection system, a regular shop-vac, a small shop-vac and a handful of stepped hose adapters. Guess how many of those items will pair with the dust collection port on this sander to allow me to use a vacuum. That's right. Zero.How hard does this have to be?

My 25 year old Makita finally bit the dust (pun warning). This replacement is every bit as good. I also have a larger, two-handed version, which is great, but this smaller palm sized one is perfect for smaller jobs and tighter spaces. I recommend to friends, as well as others.

These sanders are very comfortable to use they fit your hand well and they are very smooth operating. We have 3 in are woodshop and would not use anything else.

This sander is very comfortable to use. It is not too heavy and doesn't vibrate on the top end leaving you with a much smoother use. Make sure to get sanding disks that are rated for this tool as it 'orbits' at 12,000, it will be worth the investment otherwise you will have disks flying across your workshop from coming detached. The dust collection system operates by sucking the sawdust through the holes in the disks into the dust bag...well kinda. This type of problem is not unique to this brand as most (all?) others have the same issue. Hook it up to a shop vac to eliminate the major dust build up. Since it is a corded sander, you have to plug it into an outlet anyway, so plugging in an additional source of dust mitigation won't hurt. It's O/RPM is static so some might consider this a drawback. This brand has been around for many years and make superb tools. The decibel level is rated (by brand) at around 85 to 95 depending on what and how you are using it. Not deafining, but always get into the habit of wearing ear/sound protection. Great brand and fabulous product. Recommended!