Black & Decker MS2000 Multi Sander with Smart Select

by Black & Decker

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Black & Decker MS2000 Smart Select Sanding Kit takes all the guesswork out of sanding projects. This all-in-one random orbit, 1/4-sheet, detail, and finish sander guides your work and self adjusts, so you'll get high-quality results every time you use it. Straightforward and easy to operate, the MS2000 is ideal for home improvement enthusiasts and hobbyists who want a tool that's ready to go right out of the box.

The MS2000 Smart Select Sanding Kit At a Glance: 4-in-1 sander: random orbit, 1/4-sheet, detail, and finish SmartSelect technology Tool-free base change Includes 2 interchangeable sanding bases, finger detail attachment, storage bag, and more 2-year warranty

SmartSelect dial adjusts speed for 4 different applications. View larger.

Swap sanding bases with the touch of a button. View larger.

Smart Select Technology for Optimal Performance
It's not always easy to match the right sanding materials to the job, or to know which speed is best for the application. That's why the MS2000 features Smart Select technology, which does most of the thinking for you.

Just dial in your application with the illustrated Smart Select knob at the front of the tool: the sander will recommend a base and automatically adjust to the appropriate speed. The bases are color-coded to match the images on the knob, so selecting the right base for the job is as easy as can be.

Three Interchangeable Bases for Versatility
To make sure you get the most bang for your buck, the MS2000 is a complete sanding kit that includes three sanding bases: random orbit, detail sanding, and finish sanding. These interchangeable bases allow you to tackle a range of jobs, everything from sanding intricate detail work to doors, furniture, and floors.

To swap bases, simply press the MS2000's release button and attach a new base--no tools required!

Comfortable and Built to Last
The MS2000 has numerous features that were designed for comfort and reliability. To start, the sander features an ergonomic design with multiple grips (palm, rear-handle, and two-handed) to give you complete control.

For durability, the MS2000 has a dust-sealed rubber on/off switch and an easy-empty dust canister with filter to keep debris away from the tool's components.

The MS2000 is backed by a two-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Sander; one random-orbit sanding base; one flush/finish sanding base; one detail attachment; one accessory storage bag; and assorted sandpapers.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 4.8 x 7.1 inches ; 4.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002HWS2GS
• Item model number: MS2000
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,939 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #7 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Sanders > Random-Orbit Sanders

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Inexpensive sander that meets most anybody's needs!, November 20, 2009

By 

J. Brooks (Nampa, Idaho United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Black & Decker MS2000 Multi Sander with Smart Select (Tools & Home Improvement)

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UPDATE #2!
Just finished making a half a dozen large poster sized picture frames (32" x 24") and decided to use this to sand down a few spots. While the sander worked... it didn't do a great job. The finest sandpaper I can find locally for it is 180 grit, which isn't fine enough for my projects where I typically end up using 400 grit for a pristine finish. This is the biggest complaint I have about this sander is the fact that you have to buy B&D's pre-cut hook and loop sandpaper at a crazy $1-$2 a sheet, where as most orbital rounds or plain sheet sandpaper will run anywhere from a few cents to MAYBE $.75 a sheet. For example I can pick up a twenty sheet pack of Norton 400 grit sandpaper for $10. While this on the other hand, the finest I can find for it is 240 grit, which runs $5 for five pre-cut sheets.

The fact that you just can't use any normal sheeted sandpaper with this machine is starting to wear thin on me... for that reason I have downgraded my rating to 3-stars.
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UPDATE #1!
Been using it a bit more and still liking it. I also forgot to mention one detail... you HAVE to use hook and loop sandpaper pads, you just can't go out and use regular ol sheeted sandpaper. It's be nice to be able to use standard non hook and loop pads but oh well.
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I must be some sort of sander collector... besides this Black & Decker I own a Porter Cable, Hitachi, and a Mikita all of which I use on a regular basis.

So lets get down to the nitty gritty of this sander. What makes this a great choice for the DIYer is the fact that it is a four in one design, no need for multiple sanders for different jobs... pretty nice. As for how the sander performs as these different sander, not bad.

The 1/4 sheet base and speed setting works pretty well. Great for knocking down really high spots fast as well as doing large surfaces and getting into areas that a random orbital sander just can't get into.

If you turn the 1/4 sheet base around it becomes your finish sander. Adjust the speed and change the grit and it does a FANTASTIC job. Easy to get into tight areas and produces a great finish.

The random orbital base and speed setting does a good job, but not as well as either the Porter Cable or Hitachi I own, then again those cost a considerable amount more then this... so honestly for the price it can't be beat.

And finally you have a detail sander base, very similar to Black & Decker's Mouse sander. It works good for getting into really tight areas, however the overall size of this sander prevents it from being a really great detail sander.

The noise level of this sander is above normal to my standards. The Porter Cable and Hitachi are quieter and better insulated. The quality of the tool isn't too bad, a lot of plastic and rubber but has a bit of heft to it.

I vowed never to purchase or own another Black & Decker tool, but this one has actually changed my mind. They must actually be working hard at producing fine tools at a reasonable price.

If you are considering getting a couple of different sanders, such as an orbital and a detail, buy this one tool, you wont be disappointed!

Pros:
Cost.
Tons of features.
Dust collection/filter work great, surprised the heck out of me.
Uses most started sized precut sandpaper sheets.
Quality of the tool is on par with most any other brand.

Cons:
Noise... found it to be noisier then I like my sanders to be.
Haven't owned it very long and Black & Deckers track record (for me at least) has been sketchy... so I'm not sure how well it'll hold up.
You have to use hook and loop sandpaper pads for all of the bases.
Dust collection could use some work, i.e. make it easier to empty it out.

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Versatility & features more than compensate for shortcomings, December 3, 2009

By 

Y. R. Wu "The will to win is nothing without ... (Ann Arbor, Michigan) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Black & Decker MS2000 Multi Sander with Smart Select (Tools & Home Improvement)

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Summary: "Jack of All Trades, Master of none" Overall I would definitely recommend this sander for the DIY'er, homeowner, hobbyist, or even to a very budget conscious woodworker for light and occasional use.

The key advantage is that it can switch between THREE modes: 1) Random Orbital Sanding(ROS) with 5" disks, 2) Orbital with a proprietary sanding pad (Which can get inside corners) and 3) Orbital with a detail pad (for sanding around spindles or intricate moldings, etc). All 3 modes use hook/loop (H/L) sandpaper. H/L sandpaper costs more than plain, but the convenience is great for swapping grits if you are a heavy userr, and the cost penalty is relatively small if you are an occasional user. For best results you should start with a coarse grit then move quickly to finer grades as the scratches come out. If there are deep scratches or blade marks I will start with an 80 grit. From here, to a 150, then 250, 330, etc. If I am staining (which is NOT often) then I will stop around 220-280. For an oil or natural finish I will go to 330. If I'm polishing aluminum, I will go to 400, 600, 1000, 1500.

Why do you need different modes? ROS sands quickly with "no" swirl marks so it's preferred for doing large flat surfaces (There are in fact swirl marks, but since they're random it's much harder to see them). ROS however can't do edges, narrow pieces, curved surfaces and you can't sand inside corners. That's why a lot of people end up buying more than one sander. If you can only afford one, most people will get a "1/4 sheet" orbital. This gives you a square sanding surface and allows you to use regular (and inexpensive) sandpaper. The down side is that changing sandpaper is a hassle and it's a lot slower on large flat surfaces.

The main drawback to this sander is that it isn't as balanced or isolated as the more expensive sanders - it's noisier and vibrates more and you have to get a better grip on it. Sanding freehand or sanding odd shapes is also harder. Not a big deal if you're doing smaller projects now and then. If you're thinking that you'll be using it more than an hour here or there or have a really large project (like refinishing all the cabinet doors in your kitchen) then you'll want a "Pro" level sander which is dedicated to a single purpose.

For the price you can't go wrong. The "Pro" level ROS are $20 more and they don't do detail or corners. The cheapest ROS I saw at Home Depot was the Ryobi, but for $10 you lose the dust collection and the other two sanding modes. It's definitely not as smooth as my Porter cable sanders, but for about a third of the price you get more capability than I have with a Quicksand (ROS) and Speedbloc (1/4 sheet orbital)

TIPS: You'll want to use the ROS 5" disks for most of your work, especially since the hook/loop disks cost about 1/4 of what they charge for "Mega Mouse" sanding pads. You can also cut up your ROS disks to make replacement sanding pads for the detail "Finger" Finally, to clean out the dust compartment I simply remove it and hold a shop vac nozzle against it. This helps clear out the filter so that it breathes again.

LIKES: 3 sanding modes, 2 speeds. Dust collector actually works well (The cloth bags typically don't work on the exra fine dust, which is the most hazardous to health. This even when I used it with 5 hole disks which blocked all but ~2 holes). Fast spin down. can use inexpensive 5" disks (for ROS). Storage bag for accessories. Works when it's cold. My PC Speedbloc (super quiet and balanced but expensive orbital sander) won't start up when it's freezing since the rubber isolators are too stiff (see my related review)

DISLIKES: More vibration and noise than I would be able to tolerate for long periods. Pricey "MegaMouse" paper. Switching to detail sanding mode requires removing and reinstalling a small screw (which I am leery of losing).

For context I have been doing woodworking for >30 years and doing extensive home handyman and repairs for >15 (neither professionally) in addition to Habitat for Humanity and other similar volunteer work.

B&D is targeted towards the homeowner and hobbyist but also make the majority of hand power tools used in manufacturing but they also make DeWalt. B&D is therefore good for someone who is more sensitive to price rather than wanting something which is bulletproof. I have a number of B&D tools and, price considered, am quite satisfied with them (Note: I panned a B&D cordless drills based on price - I paid 1/5 and was therefore happy overall)

Disclosure: I received this through the Amazon Vine program. If you've found this review helpful (or have questions), please let me know!

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is one powerful sander for the price! Not perfect, however..., November 26, 2009

By 

Otis Maxwell (Saratoga Springs, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Black & Decker MS2000 Multi Sander with Smart Select (Tools & Home Improvement)

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I knew I was going to like this sander because it evolved from the "Mighty Mouse" which I purchased to sand the corners of the fir floors in my San Francisco Victorian where an orbital sander wouldn't reach. It really tore up the wood (in a good way) and caused me to cancel an order for a much more expensive detail sander. Now, Black & Decker has expanded the concept with multiple bases that are easy to snap on and off, including a standard 5-inch, 8-hole orbital base.

This is a good thing and a great value as long as you understand what you are getting into. Essentially, this IS an orbital sander and as you swap out the bases and change the settings you are simply adjusting the torque and the speed. The sander will always rotate in a roughly circular pattern instead of back and forth or hitting the four corners of a rectangle like some palm sanders or detail sanders do. Read on for the pluses and minuses of this.

I already knew I like the mouse sanding features (using the triangular pad plus an extender "finger" for tight corners or detail work) and I do not have the patience for quarter-sheet sanding, so I went right to the circular orbital base and used it to sand a bunch of pine boards that had been rough-sawn for use in making Westport chairs. Normally I would use my Porter Cable for the job. I did not see any fall-off in performance with the Black & Decker and the sandpaper lasted just as long, so I would say the two are pretty close. That's pretty impressive since the Porter Cable orbital is close to $100 for a single-function sander.

But when I wanted to sand the edges of my 1-inch stock the sander became very difficult to control. I finally solved this by adjusting to the finger sanding setting without changing the base. But I'd compromised some square edges and I had to resolve to my Porter Cable to fix it. With more practice I will probably become comfortable with the Black & Decker but I can see a new user making a mess of a piece of stock. BUT, if you are just sanding a flat surface or maybe getting rid of old paint (two of the most common applications for orbital sanders) then I'd recommend this sander without reservation.

And I would definitely recommend this is a gift for somebody who does not have a power sander. The different bases provide a lot of versatility and they are easy to change. Also, the box is HEAVY which makes a favorable first impression. Heavy is good because it suggests the tool is not made of stamped parts.

I can think of two things I'd improve. First, there's a bag for the accessories but why not make it a little bigger so it will hold the sander itself? Sanders throw off a lot of dust and that's a problem if you have to keep them under the kitchen sink in condo etc. So buy a carry bag for your tool guy or gal and you will have an even better gift.

Second, the sandpaper is expensive if you buy it from Black & Decker, especially the specialized shapes used for the finger sander. Solution: buy some cheap generic 5 inch 8 hole hook and loop orbital paper (do a search on Amazon, it's here) then cut them to the shapes you need.