Makita BO6040 6.6 Amp 6-Inch Random Orbit Variable Speed Sander

by Makita

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

This variable speed random orbit sander from Makita has a two-mode switch for random orbit action (finish sanding) and random orbit with forced rotation (aggressive sanding and polishing). Its superior engineering and design reduce vibration by 20 percent, and noise levels almost two to one over the competition. This model offers a variable speed control dial (1,600-5,800 opm; 180-670 rpm) for various applications. The compact tool height of just 5-3/16 inches increases efficiency and maneuverability, and the small diameter barrel grip gives you optimum comfort and control. The BO6040 uses convenient hook-and-loop abrasive sanding discs and accessories.

Product Description

This variable speed random orbit sander from Makita has a two-mode switch for random orbit action (finish sanding) and random orbit with forced rotation (aggressive sanding and polishing). Its superior engineering and design reduce vibration by 20 percent, and noise levels almost two to one over the competition. This model offers a variable speed control dial (1,600-5,800 opm; 180-670 rpm) for various applications. The compact tool height of just 5-3/16 inches increases efficiency and maneuverability, and the small diameter barrel grip gives you optimum comfort and control. The BO6040 uses convenient hook-and-loop abrasive sanding discs and accessories.

Product Details

Product Manual [741kb PDF]

• Item Weight: 6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00005Q7BM
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: BO6040
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,741 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great sander, but reliability in question, October 22, 2002

By 

Jon Preston (Dublin, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Makita BO6040 6.6 Amp 6-Inch Random Orbit Variable Speed Sander (Tools & Home Improvement)

When I purchased the Makita B06040 sander a few months ago, I was initially quite pleased with it's performance. In the random orbit mode it is comperable to similar 6" models from other manufacturers, but in the random orbit plus rotary mode this thing could really remove material fast, without the swirl marks from a rotary only sander. After a few weeks of use, the "stop ring" which is engaged to produce the rotary motion with random orbit failed, and the sander is now random orbit only. In addition, use in the rotary mode on oak produced enough heat to literally melt the hook and loop fasteners on the sanding pad. The sander will only function if you start it with the paper engaged to the work piece (otherwise it just flies off like a 6" frizbee). I have returned it to the local Makita service center for repairs, but have not received it back yet.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Works for me, every day., May 16, 2003

By 

Robert S. Whyte (Mission Viejo, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Makita BO6040 6.6 Amp 6-Inch Random Orbit Variable Speed Sander (Tools & Home Improvement)

I think this is a much better machine for polishing cars - in the dual action mode - than any random orbital I've ever used. In the dual action mode there is enough movement between the pad and the paint to get work done while being safer and easier to control than my Makita 9227C polisher that I use when I have to cut fast. Also, by using the B06040 after my rotary polisher I've been able to remove all the swirl marks and produce a really terrific finish on all kinds of paint from really old lacquer to the most modern urethane.
So far, the machine has run like a champ every day for a couple of months with no trouble at all. I hope my experience is more indicative of the way this tool performs than is the experience of the other reviewers of this tool.

This is a follow up to my review: In the six months since I wrote that review this machine has only gotten a bit quieter. It hasn't been any trouble and I run it hard every day.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Follow-up after repairs, November 8, 2002

By 

Jon Preston (Dublin, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Makita BO6040 6.6 Amp 6-Inch Random Orbit Variable Speed Sander (Tools & Home Improvement)

From my earlier review, you will recall that I had problems with the hook & loop sanding pad and the rotation mode of sanding. I received the unit back from the Columbus, Ohio regional service center (after more than twice the quoted repair time) and the rotation feature broke again within 30 seconds of my first use on some poplar trim. At this point I am quite dissatisfied with this product and Makita as well. This sander cost about twice what comparable products without the rotation plus random orbit mode cost, and it is essentially a very heavy, bulky and expensive 6" random orbit sander. The regional service center promises to get it right this time, but to be truthful, it was defective from the start. I attempted to contact Makita (in California) but met with only automated phone systems and a long distance bill. It will be the last tool I ever purchase from Makita for my small cabinet shop.