I already have a couple of Makita LXT tools as well as a couple of 3.0 amp batteries. I didn't have a random orbit sander. Just a finished grinder that leaves marks and just doesn't work. I was building a shelf for my wife and had to sand down about 20 square feet of material. I didn't want to do it manually. So I got that. To be honest, I was afraid that the battery would not last. My batteries lasted long enough that I could charge one while using the other and I had enough time to fully charge the battery. For the whole device with three sanding passes (coarse, medium, fine) I only had to change the batteries three times. I'm sure a 5.0 amp battery would be even better. It was so easy to use and saved me tons of time and sweat. Fits comfortably in your hand. Not exactly light with battery, but light enough that you don't have to take a break when working vertically.