Customer Reviews

Makita BO5012K 2 Amp 5-Inch Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander with Cloth Dust Bag

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Makita BO5012K 5" Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander
is worth the extra five to ten dollars (price comparison to most competitors in the 5" orbital range) for two simple reasons. First is the minimal vibration. If you have used a palm orbital for an extended period of time you know the vibration can make you hand numb. Over time the numbness leads to nerve damage. The Makita BO5012K has a minimal amount of vibration compared to the Porter Cable and Dewalt orbitals. Secondly is the dust collection on the sander. Whether using hook and loop discs or sticky disks the Makita BO5012K traps a majority of the fine dust which makes for happy lungs. Also, in my furniture production shop I find the variable speed option very useful when training new people. It allows the user to get comfortable using the sander and the slower speed keeps them from removing too much material. Buy one and try it out, it is the only way to know.

Just got the sander and proceeded directly to the garage for my woodworking project on hold for sanding. This sander is everything advertised and more. The range of speed control is excellent. I didn't expect much of the dust collection, but I was in for a surprise; hardly anything to clean up at all!

I love Porter Cable and was looking at them again until I found out that other people were having the same issue as I had with my defunct 1/4 sheet sander - bearing failure. Makita hasn't let me down in the past, in spite of much abuse, and I'm sure it won't here.

Feels good, quiet, and smooth. My first hook and loop sander - love it! A+

Ordered it from Amazon on Nov. 15 and it arrived promptly on Nov. 20 in a nice box with the item in excellent condition! I've owned the Makita BO5010 (non-variable) for several years and I love it. The fit and finish on the BO5012 is just as nice and it feels much lighter and better balanced than my new variable Porter Cable (which I'm going to sell to a friend ASAP). I was undecided between this unit and the highly rated Bosch variable, but after lifting the Bosch up, I felt it was also too bulky for me. Overal an excellent choice for me, sands extremely smooth and picks up most of the dust without the vacuum attached.

this product has given excellent performance & everything operates as advertised, love the product.

Howard Strike

I build cabinets and do high-end trim work. For my business, control and true random scratch pattern are the most important attributes - much of what I do is feathering-type work. I had not used the Makita but I purchased it based on a review I saw that rated it highly in the categories that are important to me.

I had used Porter-Cable five hole sanders for many years. When one recently went down, I took the opportunity to try the Makita. There is no contest when it comes to control - the Porter-Cable wins hands down. By comparison the Makita is like having a gyro in your hand and it's a good deal better than others I have used. The Makita seems more efficient than the Porter-Cable so I think I'll get use out of it on broad expanse flat work but I've ordered parts for the down Porter-Cable and will be returning it to action soon.

When it comes to scratch pattern, the only true test is whether scratches show up when wood is stained. I assume the Makita will do well but I have no feedback at this time. I have never had a problem with the Porter-Cables.

The Makita is a good tool - just not as good for most of MY applications.

I like this tool a lot. It sands well and is built sturdy. Of course anything that carries the MAKITA name has a place in my shed. But aside from that I found that is had good power and that it will do the job. Recommend you were a mask when sanding too, so your lungs don't fill up with dust. The dust bag is quite handy and the case keeps is safe. With the right pads you will be able to sand anything.
I recommend this tool. Hands down.

I was looking for a small random orbit sander that could be used in the house. This one is great! The dust collection works excellent, it is fairly quiet and has very little vibration. It is comfortable in the hand, so it can be used for quite a while without any hand fatigue. On the small project I used it on, the sanded surface was nice and smooth & ready for finishing. This is going to be a joy to use for years to come!

Contrary to what the description says, my sander spun at full speed upon startup making it difficult to set on the workpiece without marring it. I had to place it on the piece before turning it on. It was also a little difficult to control as it seemed to jump around while sanding.

July 17, 2006. I have been using this sander since oct 2005. I like how it sands (very well)and it has a good case. I do not like the dust catcher--it is virtually useless and comes off too easily. The machine blows dust out in copius amounts when it is first turned on. For the price, I guess it is O.K.

Update July 2008. I have replaced this sander. It is blowing dust everywhere, even with the rig I have used to attach it to a standard vac hose (the Makita dust port is too small!!). It has also lost power and is slow to start up and slows down easily. I have replaced it with a RIGID orbital sander that DOES attach to a vac system.

I bought this sander back in 2004 and it is still going strong. I do have a couple of other sanders including a Festool sander, but I find myself coming back to this Makita every time. The handle holds well in my hand, the switch is conveniently placed, and it is well balanced. I find the variable speed feature very handy for different applications.

I would have to agree with the other reviewers who mention the dust bag could be better. The dust on mine tended to leak out at a couple of stitches where the bag met the plastic connection, but I solved it by just putting tape over that section. If you hook the sander up to a dust collector/shop vac, this problem is eliminated.

I would highly recommend this particular Makita BO5012K model and would definitely purchase again if, knock on wood, needed to.