Review on 🛠️ Makita BO4556K 2-Inch Finish Sander for Enhanced SEO by Steve Campbell

Note. This rating refers to a grinder with a case. (Revave only combines reviews of the grinder with reviews of the grinder with case.) The grinder that comes with the case is only $4 more expensive than the grinder alone, so if you're buying this grinder, get the cased version. . ************************************************** **** ***** ***** ********** Note - The cylindrical "thing" on the power cord is not, as some users believe, an anti-theft device. This is a ferrite core (aka ferrite coil and a few other names) designed to reduce EMI (electromagnetic interference). Don't delete it. Makita wouldn't spend the extra money to install it if it wasn't necessary or if it wasn't required by law somewhere. It will not harm you and may even be beneficial.************************************ ** ** ***************************** Now for my real review: I bought this Makita to help a nearly 20 year old replace Porter-Cable 1 / A 4 blade grinder that has served me well over the years but was dead. I would love to buy another Porter Cable Grinder, but the current model no longer comes with a case. (I didn't realize until after I bought it that I could probably use my old Porter-Cable case with a new Porter-Cable grinder.) I don't want to elaborate on my Porter-Cable, but my experience with it tells me otherwise Perspective as if the Makita was my first grinder. First, let me say that I initially chose the quarter blade sander for two reasons: 1) They are very economical to use. especially if you cut the sandpaper yourself instead of buying pre-cut sandpaper, 2) they can get caught in corners. I don't have my own workshop and I don't use my tools regularly, so a grinder with a storage/carrying case was on my wish list. Quarter blade grinders are a very basic tool and almost every tool manufacturer has at least one model. By functions. They are very similar, but differ in performance, speed, noise level and ergonomics. After narrowing my search to 1/4 blade sanders with a cover, I chose the Makita because it had good reviews and features, as well as good ergonomics. I've used it in several projects and overall I'm very happy with it. It's quiet enough for a grinder, feels comfortable in the hand, and works well. However, this is not ideal. Here are some areas that could be improved: 1) Dust extraction. When you sand, you create dust. The Makita dust bag has several problems: 1) it is uncomfortable and inconvenient; 2) unexpectedly detaches and scatters dust everywhere; 3) it's difficult to empty; and 4) it doesn't hold much and needs to be emptied frequently. Also, I wish Makita had an adapter so I could connect a vacuum to it. (This may be an optional accessory but should be available.) 2) Sandpaper clamp mechanism. It doesn't work as well as the same mechanism on my old porter cable. The clamp arms are stiff and it is difficult to attach sandpaper. Worse, it doesn't hold the paper very well, especially in the corners. 3) The paper punch is not very efficient. It just doesn't punch clean holes. After punching through the paper a few times, I use scissors or a knife to make a better hole. (I always use cloth sandpaper because it's less likely to tear. It can be a bit tougher than regular sandpaper, but I haven't had this problem using the same paper and perforated plate for my Porter-Cable.)