ROS Makita or PC

[Stephen M]

My Makita ROS is dying after about a dozen years of serious use. I would like to go with a variable speed model.

My Criteria:

1. Palm-style/ergonomics... Tried Bosch D-handle, it preferable for horizontal work, but was ergonomically unacceptable for other applications

1. Variable speed.

2. Weight... lighter is better

1. Prefer H&L (I'm well aware of the tradeoffs)

2. Cost.

1. a break would be nice if it were available.

I'm considering the PC333VS and the Makita B05012K. The Makita is more is about $99 and a little less powerful, but it is significantly lighter at

2.lbs.. I often use my ROS in-place in non-horizontal positions, so a lighter tool is a big plus for me.

The PC is about $79 but it weighs in at 3.lbs..

Neither tool appears to have a break, which I think would be a nice convenience feature.

Has anyone else compared/used these models and seen a compelling reason to choose one or the other?

Thanks,

Steve

[Daniel Martin]

Steve, I have the Bosch palm model without the D handle and I'm very satisfied with it. Now I would never build anything wihtout my ROS.

Daniel

[John]

What advantage is there to a variable speed sander; why wouldn't you always use the highest speed.

I got a variable speed Fein Multitool, and for every application it says to use the highest speed. Sure am glad I got the VS!?

[Wood Butcher]

The slower speeds are handy on curved surfaces, like the radiused edges on a table top. If I were to use it at full speed it'd be too easy to create a flat spot.

Art

[Lew Hodgett]

Take a look at the 6" Bosch or the 8" Fein.

Sanding is just about the biggest PITA job I can think of doing.

IMHO, the quicker you get it done, the better.

I have beat the crap out of a 6" Bosch, and it's still running.

HTH