What is the main difference in use between this one and the non-variable speed sander? Is there any significant usage differences?
794629
With variable speeds you can sand different surfaces, for example you would want to use a low speed setting with a fine disk to sand a car surface you had just painted to put a clear coat on or just to smooth a rough surface to repaint or to put an extra coat of clear on a clear coated table where it is important to have more control. If you were sanding down a painted wood surface with a lot of coats of paint you would want a faster speed with a rougher sanding disk to make the job go faster.
794630
I would say the variable speed sander is better adapted to type of surface, hardness of wood, etc., where you might use it, because the speed can be adjusted.
794631
If you are sanding some thin veneer, then the variable speed allows a slow start for light sanding without going thru the veneer. Otherwise, there is no difference in my opinion.
794632
As a wood worker I would definitely pick an variable speed sander. Advances in random orbital sanders over the past few years have made them the first sander you should consider when buying tools. Random orbital sanders can be set up to sand very quickly or very smoothly, with the added advantage that the random action will leave very few sanding marks on the finish.
794633
Lorraine, I do not think that there is a whole lot of difference between the two models. I own the variable speed version and I happen to use it at the upper end of the speed scale most of the time. About the only time I've really needed to slow it down was when I was sanding some non kiln dried pine and found that the higher speads heated up the wood and the sap began to run (a lot). At the lower speads I was better able to sand the pine without having as much sap run and therefore clog the dandpaper. If you don't want to pay the premium for the variable, I'm pretty sure in day to day use you really won't see the difference. However, my opinion comes from a hobbyist woodworker. Cheers! -steve-
794634
Lorraine, I do not think that there is a whole lot of difference between the two models. I own the variable speed version and I happen to use it at the upper end of the speed scale most of the time. About the only time I've really needed to slow it down was when I was sanding some non kiln dried pine and found that the higher speads heated up the wood and the sap began to run (a lot). At the lower speads I was better able to sand the pine without having as much sap run and therefore clog the dandpaper. If you don't want to pay the premium for the variable, I'm pretty sure in day to day use you really won't see the difference. However, my opinion comes from a hobbyist woodworker. Cheers! -steve- Lorraine, I do not think that there is a whole lot of difference between the two models. I own the variable speed version and I happen to use it at the upper end of the speed scale most of the time. About the only time I've really needed to slow it down was when I was sanding some non kiln dried pine and found that the higher speads heated up the wood and the sap began to run (a lot). At the lower speads I was better able to sand the pine without having as much sap run and therefore clog the dandpaper. If you don't want to pay the premium for the variable, I'm pretty sure in day to day use... » Read More Lorraine, I do not think that there is a whole lot of difference between the two models. I own the variable speed version and I happen to use it at the upper end of the speed scale most of the time. About the only time I've really needed to slow it down was when I was sanding some non kiln dried pine and found that the higher speads heated up the wood and the sap began to run (a lot). At the lower speads I was better able to sand the pine without having as much sap run and therefore clog the dandpaper. If you don't want to pay the premium for the variable, I'm pretty sure in day to day use you really won't see the difference. However, my opinion comes from a hobbyist woodworker. Cheers! -steve- « Show Less
794635
I never really thought about it. I guess the material being sanded could be one criteria, if you tried to sand plastics too fast for instance they could melt. I really don't see a significant difference to tell the truth but I'm an amateur when it comes to wood working. We all may have been wasting our money. Very good question!!
794636
If you are just hogging off material the non variable is fine, if you are sanding between coats of clear or final sanding its nice to slow it down.
1203999
The biggest difference is the variable speed. If you only use small bits then this is not really a value. Besides large bits, the one place being able to slow the router down that is helpful is routing end-grain; helps prevent burning. Also, the 2.25 comes with a spindle lock button so that you only need one wrench to loosen collet. I personally don't use this feature and prefer to use two wrenches all the time. I have both routers. If you were only going to own one go with the variable speed.
1252274
The Bosch is a fine sander but not made for this kind of job. You need to rent a industrial heavy belt sander. You could use the Bosch if you have a couple of years to do the job!
1164074
The Sander is not electric,it is a hand sander,only the shop vac you use is powered by electric. However,in my opinion,this unit is the best hand powered sanding system ever made. I personaly own two of them. I use them religiously anytime I need to sand sheetrock without having to worry about sheet rock dust covering everything in the house.
1589162
It's a great sander. I've used it to put polish on my truck. Instructions doesn't recommend polishing with it but it does ok as long as you control it. I only used mine on wood finishing. I own 8 of them.
2036365
this sander is a serious work tool and will perform to the highest levels of workload . . you get what you pay for imo . . . again this sander is a winner and the vacuum system works very well .. you will not regret if you purchase .. good luck
286426
Not being an expert on the type blade you indicate, I would say in most cases, the speed of the blade determines the best cut. To better control the speed I also purchased voltage controller (rheostat) connecting the Dremel through the controller. This controls the motor speed, allowing you to select the best cutting speed. I felt this was less expensive than using the Dremel with variable speed.
2099184
Yes, this is a wonderful sander and should work great. Also you can use sandpaper from other models if choose.
1444694
I am very pleased with the sander. I can not comment on the upgrade since I am not familiar with it. The B03710 sands much faster and has less vibration than the one I had before. And I like that it uses 1/3 sheet of paper.I would recommend it. NH
2249428
Light duty sanding - it has worked for an hour plus or minus. I must say, that I have sent it back once and soon the second time for a faulty off/on speed change switch. I feel it was not properly engineered to handle the dust (wood) that is incurred using the tool.
1725364
I bought this particular belt sander for knife sharpening,and i wouldn't want this over a belt disk sander that's why i have both. Each one does fills a need in my shop. A lot of people have just the belt/disc sander which usually does the job, all depends what "you" are going to do with it.
1147384
There are 6 different speeds, from very low to pretty fast. This is a sweet little sander. I have always likes Bosch tools. Though I haven't used it much, I can see that I am going to enjoy how much lighter it is than my big Porter Cable random orbits. I can use a little help after woodworking for 43 years full time!! Hope this helps! :)
275409
This sander works in concentric circles, unlike a random orbit sander, so it is less aggressive, it works well for sanding the edges of boards, and for sanding roundovers. It is not a commercial quality sander, like the 330, but it is good for part time wood workers. I wore one of these out in about 2 years of daily use, where my 330 has been going for 20 years. This sander is a lot easier on the hands than the 330 and the dust collection is a nice feature, though perforating the paper does reduce its life span.
241342
without a doubt. the difference will be in the grit of sandpaper use. the finer the smoother and less marks. i used do finish carpenter worksand that's when i first used one. having using one ever since that time. this is my 3rd one.
275407
Sandpaper is MUCH cheaper when you cut down full sheets into 1/4s compared to the cost of sanding discs, also there is less chances of burning your woodworking projects since these only vibrate instead of spinning at a high speed. However random orbit sanders work well for many uses too, I use both for different projects
446210
It is not variable speed. I used it for some flagstone and stone veneer. Cut was excellent.
85924
The biggest difference is the way it glides, rails vs 3 sealed bearings. If you cut a lot, go with the this unit. It is a lot more, but you will immediately be glad you did. Effortless articulation, spot on miter adjustments, never any binding in the sealed bearings. This tool is by far my favorite tool in my shop. It handles everything I throw at it with ease. I put the laser on it and got the Dewalt stand. At close to a grand all in, it definitely wasn't cheap. Then again, what price do you put on happiness? Because I've never been happier using this saw. (BTW you have to buy the Bosch laser, the after market lasers are too wide). Good luck with your decision. The biggest difference is the way it glides, rails vs 3 sealed bearings. If you cut a lot, go with the this unit. It is a lot more, but you will immediately be glad you did. Effortless articulation, spot on miter adjustments, never any binding in the sealed bearings. This tool is by far my favorite tool in my shop. It handles everything I throw at it with ease. I put the laser on it and got the Dewalt stand. At close to a grand all in, it definitely wasn't cheap. Then again, what price do you put on happiness? Because I've never been happier using this saw. (BTW you have to buy the Bosch... » Read More The biggest difference is the way it glides, rails vs 3 sealed bearings. If you cut a lot, go with the this unit. It is a lot more, but you will immediately be glad you did. Effortless articulation, spot on miter adjustments, never any binding in the sealed bearings. This tool is by far my favorite tool in my shop. It handles everything I throw at it with ease. I put the laser on it and got the Dewalt stand. At close to a grand all in, it definitely wasn't cheap. Then again, what price do you put on happiness? Because I've never been happier using this saw. (BTW you have to buy the Bosch laser, the after market lasers are too wide). Good luck with your decision. « Show Less