Bosch 1297DK 2 Amp 1/4-Sheet Sander with Dust Canister

Bosch 1297DK 2 Amp 1/4-Sheet Sander with Dust Canister

Ranking: 8.1 out of 10

Manufacturer: Bosch
Model Number: 1297DK
Product Code: 000346337211
Price: $104.00 -- get the latest pricing from Amazon

Features:

  • 1/4-sheet sander with dust canister; 2 amps
  • Features sandpaper adjustment system to make loading paper quicker and easier
  • Rugged plastic housing; ball-bearing construction for durability; dust-sealed switch; rubberized paper clamps
  • Includes sander, punchplate, 1 sheet sandpaper, carry bag, dust canister
  • 6.75 by 8.63 by 6.75 inches; 1-year warranty

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Description:

All ball bearing construction. SheetLoc sandpaper attachment system for tight, efficient, uniform sanding and longer paper life. Through to pad dust collection system. Dust sealed rocker switch. Flush sanding ability. 3 point counterbalance, with low vibr

User Reviews -- Add a new review for this Product

One feature sets it apart

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 9.8 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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All quarter sheet sanders are relatively similar, however, this one removes one of the small inconviences of the machines. It has a very easy to use quick sandpaper change mechanism. All of the other sanders work as advertised and all require a little bit of fiddling to bend the sandpaper in a small arc to insert into the clamping mechanism. Now along comes the Bosch 1297DK and that small complaint disappears. It also has a slightly better dust collection system, though, no sander short of using a vacuum hose is really going to have great dust collection. I'm replacing my DeWalt quarter sheet sander with this one and am very happy with the upgrade.

great little sander for the money

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 6.7 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I received this sander around the middle of nov, it is so easy to put in the sheets. some 1/4 sheet sanders don't give you any play and the paper usually does not fit to good. this sander was well thought out. it is easy to put in the 1/4 sheets it, gives you room. I have been using it when I am doing doors to eas the edges. the nice thing is it does not have spin "tendencies" like the orbital ones do. plus sheet paper is usually less expensive. fits in hand very well and a good deal. over all I like this sander and have been using it regulary! thanks bosch.

Stands up to daily use

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 6.4 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I purchased this sander about four months ago and have put it through some serious use. The sheet lock system is what attracted me to this sander, but I was not sure how I would hold up to heavy use. In the short time I have owned this tool I have burned through a sleeve (50 sheets) of sand paper which equals 200 (1/4 sheet) paper changes and every thing is still tight and crisp just like it was the day I purchased it.
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br /The ergonomics are outstanding (i.e. balance, comfort, control). The sealed swich appears to be of higher quality than other simular models.
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br /The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because of the power cord and plug. The cord itself is more rigid than typically found on other power tools and the plug itself is thinner than normal and will not stay in the receptical, splitter, or extension cord.
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br /I've recommended this tool to coworkers and would repeat my purchase.

Fine finish sander...

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 6.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I like this Bosch finish sander. At 12,000 OPM, it is less powerful than Dewalt and Mikita but that's not as important to me as Bosch's innovative sanding sheet clamping system and dust collection system. If you've ever pinched your finger changing grits you'll appreciate this new clamping system. The system does the 'stretching' of the sand paper over the pad as it closes, for a taut fit.
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br /I use this machine as the name implies... between finish coats on a woodworking project. I have a belt sander, orbital sander and Fein detail sander to take down raw stock when necessary. A finish sander does not need to be particularly 'aggressive'.
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br /I have owned several 1/4 sheet sanders and this one outclasses the others. Although I own one, I am not a fan of 1/2 sheet sanders; I like the 'feel and control' aspect of using a 1/4 sheet palm sander with the work surface right under my hand. I do notice that the dust collector works better on the Bosch than on any of the other sanders I've have owned but, face it, a quantity of 'free-flying' dust is a given with any sander. The dust canister is secured to the unit's exhaust port with a nice set of 'push' tabs which lock it securely. Other mfg's would do well to come up with a similar system. It is my biggest complaint with other sanders... dust bags 'vibrating' off or getting 'bumped' off the exhaust port. I do blow out the sander with compressed air after each day's use and wipe it down, and don't forget the paper filter on the dust collector cover. High resin wood dust will 'harden' eventually and will definately clog the paper filter on the cover. You know... take care of your tools and they won't let you down. As usual, fit and finish on Bosch tools are superb. I like the fact that the box indicates that Bosch tools I have purchased are 'assembled' outside the U.S. rather than 'made' in another country.
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br /Bosch, Mikita and DeWalt 1/4 sheet sanders are all around the same price, so it really gets down to features and personal preference. As stated above, the Bosch has some nice features that I felt set it somewhat apart from the others and I have not been disappointed. The unit also comes with a canvas 'gym-bag style' tote. Plenty of room to store pre-cut sanding sheets. Poly, form-fitted, storage cases may make storage in the shop/garage easier but severly limit storing 'extras' with the tool. I miss the roomy metal boxes of days gone bye!

Smooth

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 5.3 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I have had numerous sanderers in the past ie. milwaukee,maketa and also black and decker.What I have to say is that this bosh sander is the smoothest and most quiet system I have ever used.
br /I would rate this the best I have ever used. Well worth the extra dollars in my opinion.Also the sanding papaer is so easy to load and not so expensive as the new glue type paper that is on the market for the round type sanders. I rate it an A plus!

Great Features, Okay Results

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 4.9 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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This is a well thought out sander. Although it has the same body as my KraftMatic (cheap China import), everything else is a step up. The dust suction and filter work well, although the filter does tend to plug up somewhat quickly, as they all do. Having to buy an adapter for a dust collection hose is somewhat annoying, and as stated previously you do need a system that can handle the minute air flow from the 6 suction holes. It really does keep the dust off the work, though.
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br /The paper retention mechanism is second to none. The only thing that's faster and easier is pre-cut PSA paper, and you can use that on this sander if you want.
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br /Vibration is low and the sander is quiet. It's padded well and easy to hang on to.
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br /The ONLY real down side is the quality of the results. Since 1/4 sheet sanders are not dual action (sometimes improperly called "random orbit"), they tend to leave elliptical swirl marks on knots or whenever a somewhat course grit is used on a soft wood. The faster the RMP, the more the sander floats, and the less noticeable the marks are. 12,000 OMP (orbits per minute) just isn't fast enough for quality work without switching grits often and being very careful. The 14,000 OPM Porter-Cable 340 leaves a much nicer finish, which is unfortunate, given all the features of this unit.
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br /In the end, I prefer the Porter-Cable because it produces the best results.

So far, so good

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 4.9 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I am a woman who uses a palm sander in the course of my woodworking business. I have been using it for a couple of weeks and so far I really like it. I have trouble hanging on to some sanders (due to my smaller hands, I guess), but this one fits my hand well and runs smoothly.
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br /I like the way the paper is loaded onto the sander - I cut down fabric 6 x 48 sanding belts (way heavier than paper) and it loads easily and holds tightly.
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br /The dust collection seems to be very good - tho I have had the port clog up - probably my fault for not cleaning it out enough.
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br /Typically I get 6 - 8 months use out of a palm sander. By then most sanders I used before are vibrating due to being dropped on a concrete floor and the mechanism for holding the paper has worn out. So I will be interested to see how this one holds up.
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br /My biggest complaints so far would be that I would like a longer cord, it is too easy to accidently turn off and the paper punch won't go thru the heavier fabric sheets I use (some brands have a metal punch).

Serious Design Flaw

Rating: 1 out of 5
Weight: 4.7 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I've owned and used Bosch tools for decades, and consider them to be top of the line for price/performance, with the emphasis on performance. However, the 1297DK Sheet Sander has shaken my faith. As others have noted, the SheetLoc front gripper simply ceases to do its job after just a few hours of sanding work.
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br /At first, the rubber gripping surface would dislodge, requiring a good deal of pulling and stretching to get it back into place on the metal holder. Perhaps that abuse of the rubber -although necessary- broke down its integrity in some way. But in any case, after a few more hours of sanding, stopping to reinstall the rubber, sanding, stopping... etc., the front gripper began losing its grip on the sandpaper. The failure is progressive, and now the sandpaper comes loose from the front gripper within just a few seconds of use. I suppose I'll have to go to stick-on paper, but that's very irritating since I paid for the SheetLoc system.
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br /I never thought I'd say that Bosch has misengineered a tool, but that's the case with the 1297DK. The concept is good, but the engineering is a failure. Bosch needs to redo the front gripper, or take the tool off the market.
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The Lexus of small sanders

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 4.4 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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Bosch's 1/4 sheet sander is a great tool. I have used mine to build 2 large loft beds, and to refinish some fine furniture. Vibration levels are very low; I can use this tool for hours at a stretch, and my hands never get tired. The square sides are great for inside surface sanding, where sides intersect. It sands inside corners very well, too. The paper is easy to install and remove, and it never comes loose during sanding. The dust collection works pretty well, but not as well as the collection on my 8-hole, 5" random orbit sander, which has a collector bag, and a circular dust collection port. That one is virtually dustless when it is connected to the shop vac. It would have nice if Bosch used a round dust collector, so that the shop vac could be easily used to collect the sawdust. I only gave 4 stars, because I believe the dust collection design is a significant weakness. It can sand aggressively when mated to some 120 grit paper, and provides a nice smooth finish with finer sandpaper. I just noticed something odd, today, about the punched holes created by the included punch. The punch pokes holes in the paper, but leaves tails of paper in the hole. The paper tails create cross-grain scratches. If the paper is not punched, the cross-grain scratches do not appear. I noticed this characteristic while sanding birch woood. The cross-grain scratches appeared exacly where the punched holes are located. It created some extra work to sand out the cross-grain scratches. The pre-punched paper does not exhibit this flaw. I recommend that you test a small wood sample before you sand your fine furniture using paper punched with the included punch. Maybe the solution requires removal of the paper tails once the punch has been used.

Works well new, but quickly falls apart

Rating: 1 out of 5
Weight: 4.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I have had three of these sanders. When they are new out of the box, they work great. However after several hours of use the front gripper looses it strength and will not hold the sheets of sandpaper in place.
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br /This problem is acute with fine grit papers and I frequently have the front edge of the paper come loose and start flopping around less than a minute after inserting a new sheet. The front edge will come loose even if you're not sanding anything - just running the tools causes it to get loose and flop around.
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br /When this happened on my first sander I thought it might have been a manufacturing defect. However this has happened with all three of these that I have owned and it appears to be a design flaw.
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br /The rear gripper is great. It's too bad that the whole tool is rendered useless by a poorly designed front gripper.
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br /I suppose I could try stick on paper; but then what's the point of the 'SheetLoc??

Decent palm finishing sander

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 4.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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The paper clamping system does work well as mentioned by other reviewers. It is the stand-out feature of this product. One aspect of the tool that I do not like is the rigid plastic filter cannister. It gets in the way when sanding recessed panels on doors and cabinets. This is not a problem with a Makita palm sander, where the bag is fabric with a flexible plastic interior frame. The dust bag on the Makita is also fairly short and angled up higher. The plastic dust cannister on this tool is attached with flexible plastic clips that do no engage the body of the sander very well and they seem like they would break off rather easily. The punch plate rips holes in the sandpaper rather than punching them, because plastic spikes of the punch plate are too flat. Noise and vibration are low, and dust collection seems to work ok.

Not great for heavy use

Rating: 3 out of 5
Weight: 3.8 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I've own this tool for 2.5 years, and have used it heavily, it worked great until recently. Now the paper hold down mechanism is finished. Rubber elements required to hold sand paper have worn off, and the pivot holes that the metal portion of hold down mechanism pivots in are now worn to a point that they are worthless. This is a great machine for the occassional user, but will not last long term under heavy use.

It Lasted One Week....

Rating: 1 out of 5
Weight: 3.6 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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There is an obvious design flaw with this sander. The front sandpaper holding clamp does not apply even pressure across the clamp. One side holds the paper rock solid while the other side is somewhat weak. My machine lasted one week before the sandpaper started to come loose from the weak side. Once that happens then the paper flies off the front of the machine. I went to Lowes to check out their on display model and it too was designed the same. I wrote an e-mail to Bosch about the problem and never heard back from them.
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br /Otherwise, while it was working, I liked it. The ease of changing paper is the big plus for this machine.
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Big Let Down

Rating: 1 out of 5
Weight: 3.6 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I bought this sander just over a year ago, and I'm very much regretting chosing this one over the Dewalt. Don't get me wrong, I love Bosch tools, but this sander has a major fatal flaw.
br /After a few days, the rubber pad split apart on the first one that I got.
br /So, I returned it for a replacement. The rubber pad on the front clamp of this one won't stay in place. The vibration of the tool causes it to slip and the sandpaper falls out. I can't sand for 20 seconds without the paper slipping. I'm severely disappointed in bosch. I had higher expectations of them.

probably the best 1/4 sheet sander

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.6 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I got this Bosch sander after my Ridgid one got stolen out of my garage. Hands down the Bosch is the clear winner with its consistent sanding pattern, excellent dust collection system (even though it does not connect to a shop vac, rather it puts all the dust neatly in a filtered container), and hands down the best sand paper hold down system on the market. The Ridgid and many other 1/4 sheet sanders use puny wires to clamp down the paper and many times it will slide right off, the Bosch has a thick gauge pinch system that holds the paper rather firmly. This Bosch can fit into tight inside cabinet corners since there is nothing that hangs over it's footprint, in the front and sides. The grip is comfortable to hold for extended period of usage and vibration is never transfered to the grip. Best of all it's cheaper than some of the other brands. One drawback (a minor detail) is that it comes with a soft canvas bag to contain the sander and sundries, not a hard shell case -- which I prefer better since it truly protects the sander.

bosch 1297dk

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.6 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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in 35 yrs experience with wood finishing, the best 1/4 sheet sander ever.
br /low vibration impact to the hands,super fast paper change,good dust pick-up,great sanding results,outstanding price.

Quality product ?

Rating: 2 out of 5
Weight: 3.4 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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My bosch sander lasted me about 9 months before the motor burned out. I didn't use it every day mostly weekends and it often sat for weeks at a time. I bought the vacuum attachment and strictly used this sander attached to a vac to sand sanding sealer. The hole punch was poor at best, I think a pencil eraser is more pointed than the puinches on the plasic plate. The paper changing system is pretty convenient, or better than others I have used. I didn't save my receipt when I bought it a lowes and Bosch didn't make any effort to help me out with getting a new sander even though they admitted that the sander still should be under warrenty because of the serial numbers. I like most Bosch tools and will continue to purchase them if the fit my needs, but I woun't buy this sander again.

palm sander

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.4 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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Very easy to use and does a wonderful job sanding. It fits well with the hand. I like the way you attach the sandpaper; very secure and tight. It's only drawback is that the vacuum system isn't that effective. In other words, you do get a lot of dust in addition to what the sander is able to pick up. If you're careful to collect the dust that accumulates as you go along, this helps.

easy to work with

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.4 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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This is one of those tools that almost put a smile on your face when you use it, and makes the unpleasant job (sanding) tolerable. I am sure you can read the stats in different places, but from my standpoint, this is a great, great tool! It feels good in your hand, does not vibrate, so you can work as long as necessary without tiring out your hand, does not leave the marks on the wood (not even alongside the edges and corners), and best of all, uses great system to load and unload sand paper. As some reviewers suggested, it probably is the best finish sander on the market. To top it off, the dust collection canister performs well, definitely above my expectations, in case you don't hook it up to dust collector. All in all, one of those tools you are actually looking forward to work with. If I could, I would give it 6 stars. Highly recommended!

best palm sander ever

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.4 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I do a LOT of sanding, of all kinds of surfaces, by hand and with various machines. And I've struggled with various brands and configurations of sanders over the years. Surprisingly, there have been "cheapie" base-level sanders that worked pretty well, and high-end sanders from well-known companies that were just awful. Nearly two years ago I bought the Bosch 1297D (now DK) quarter-sheet sander -- nirvana! Smooth action, not too noisy, good dust handling, and the best paper-lock device imaginable. I don't have a lot of spare money to spend on hook-and-loop paper -- it's fine for random-orbit disks but not for rectangular-format sheets. The Bosch 1297 makes it economical AND EASY to use top-quality 9x12 sheets, sliced into quarters. Just as with other sanders you'd curse their designer every time you swapped paper, with the Bosch 1297 you'll praise the designer and thank the fates. It's just a pleasure to change paper -- ever thought you'd hear that?
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br /Quibbles: I wish the foam rubber padding was a little denser. If you work on corners and rough edges a lot, you can wear it out, and a replacement isn't available (I can't find one, anyhow). But you can repair it if necessary.
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br /Five big stars -- and it's a bargain besides. Less than $55 on Amazon with free shipping and no tax. And it comes with a really good tool bag! You can even buy a reconditioned unit from Bosch for under $40. Trust me, it'll be the best finishing sander you've ever used.
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Look out wood here comes the Bosch sander!

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.4 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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AFTER USING IT A WHILE, I would only give it three (3) Stars because the punching plate that punches holes in the sandpaper does not work well, it tears instead of punches clean holes... The Makita has a much better punch plate but it is noisier and does not have as nice a filter/dust bag...
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br / It looks small but it really sands wood and everything else with little noise and vibration. In short it's a joy to use and it even has a easy to use hold down system that makes changing sandpaper fun!

do yourself a favor and buy one.

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.4 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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This sander rocks. the paper is easy to clamp on and remove, the dust collector works great, and there is very little vibration. I can't believe how much better it is than my old craftsman palm sander. there is no comparison....

Be prepared to order parts to keep it going

Rating: 3 out of 5
Weight: 3.2 out of 10
Created: Jul 24, 2008
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Like other here have said, the rubber bar wore out after about 20 hours of use and would no longer hold the paper. I have ordered 6 of the bars from the Bosch service facility. I'm not sure if this will be the total solution but if it works then it is worth it because of the ease of changing paper with the sheet lock system. The cost to order was $1.15 plus about $7 shipping. I will update this after the parts arrive.

Quick change paper, more than adequet power, and a nice paper punch!

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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The paper punch is not a gimmick! It does aid in getting dust into the included hard-sided dust bag. As with any sander, it's going to leave some behind and in the air.
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br /At a full 2 amps, it's got plenty of power for sanding with a 1/4 sheet.
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br /The handle design is comfortable in my hand.
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br /The paper clamping system is really nice, nicest I've ever seen in fact. I wish all my sheet sanders had it! Or not, because then I wouldn't have bought the Bosch!
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br /If you're going to spend more, why? Theis sander can use ANY paper, not just what they make available in velcro-backed 8-hole 5" discs. I've even used auto-body paper in it when rehabbing old hand planes and cast iron table tops.
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br /Sheet sanders are just plain more versatile.

Easy to use

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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This sander works as advertised and the sheetlock system is easy to use. It comes with a nice carrying case and everything you need to get started (except sand paper).

Kitchen cabinet doors and drawers.

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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This Bosch sander was wonderfull and works very good. I am very happy that I purchased and used it. The sander is a very nice adition to me tools.

Quit after 12 hrs

Rating: 1 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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My sander stopped after 2 days, about 12 hrs of work. I sanded the paint off the plaster walls because some genius painted with latex over oil without the proper priming and the latex paint began to flake off. The sander worked well at first and it was very easy to change the sand paper. But then it just did not turn on after I replaced sand paper once again. This sander was made in Mexico. I read all Amazon reviews before choosing this sander and I have other Bosch power tools that seem to be reliable. I am very disappointed with the sander.

It had a MAJOR design flaw: the rubber gets worded out after few usage

Rating: 1 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Nov 9, 2008
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in less than 1 year the tool is useless. the paper slips out. the rubber gets soft and breaks into pieces (melts actually, they used cheap materials on that or because of the vibration).
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br / I bought BOSCH because it looked nice and the locking mechanism seemed very easy. BUT in less than a year the holding rubber broke on both ends. and the paper slips out after few seconds.
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br / don't buy it or tested it out in you 30 day allowance. (90 at HD)
br /..AND the filter doesn't stay locked in place also. it is frustrating to use this tool. - believe me - I like Bosch tool because but this is trash. looks cool but...
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Did not last long

Rating: 2 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 9, 2008
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It was working good for about 2 weeks. The dust colector does not work well. No mater how long I used the sander I never got much more than a tablespoon full of dust out of it. The front paper holder works super, now the bad news, the rear paper holder wore the rubber off of it in 2 weeks. The hole puncher makes such large hokes that the paper comes apart before the paper is worn out. You can not hook a vacume hose to it because there is no adaptor for it, that I could find.the motor still runs great. to bad the rest of the sander failed to pass any test. It is not quite junk but very near. I am going to try a Porter Cable sander next. It cost less money and people are talking nicely about it.
br /Have a great day Jerry

Bosch 1/4 Sheet Sander

Rating: 3 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I am a professional cabinetmaker and I use mostly Bosch power tools in my shop. The sander is well made and operates quite nicely. The concept of the clamping mechanism is a good idea however it does not hold up under production use. The rear clamping bar has rubber pads that are suppose to pinch and hold an abrasive piece of sandpaper which over time gradually wear away and then will not hold the sandpaper in place. I've had two of these sanders recently and both have suffered the same malfunction. I wish there was some way they could redesign the rear holding mechanism.

so so sander

Rating: 3 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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Here are a few cons of this sander to be aware of
br /1. The size of the base is small and it wastes a pretty good amount of a 1/4 sheet
br /2. The hole punch creates huge holes that actually tear the sand paper rather than punch through a nice clean hole. All too frequently after five or so minutes of sanding, the paper rips from one of the holes to the side of the sheet exposing the base pad and requiring a premature change of the sheet.
br /3. The dust collection is so so. The vacuum hose adapter has to be bought seperately and does not fit your standard vacumm hose. I had to rig up an additional adapter to make the connection. unfotunately I bought 3 bosch sanders thinking I could easily swap the hose from one to another when changing grits. The adapter does not release easily and I have to fight it to get it off.
br /4. After 4 months of use, the easy sheet change out mechanism wore out and the sheet would come loose while sanding. I was able to tweek the clip to get it to hold the sheet tight again but I must say, this sander has been more of a disapointment than anything else.
br /I prefer my makita

Quality Product

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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Sturdy construction. Dust collection works pretty good. Easy to attach sandpaper. Comes with a nice carrying bag.

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MATTER!!!!

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 17, 2008
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WHEN I RATE A PRODUCT I TRY TO THINK ABOUT ALL THE THINGS THAT MATTER TO ME; BECAUSE I LIKE QUALITY, AND I FIGURE EVERYONE ELSE DOES TOO. I HAVE TO SAY THAT BOSCH HAS PAID ATTENTION TO DETAILS. THE EASE WITH WHICH YOU CAN CHANGE PAPER ON THIS SANDER IS AMAZING. NO FUSING WITH TRYING TO HOLD THE SANDER WITH YOUR CHIN, OR JUGGLE IT ON IT'S END TO GET TO CLAMPS. JUST PUT THE PAPER IN PLACE ON ONE END, AND IN A SNAP THE PAPER IS MOVED TO THE REAR OF THE SANDER, STRETCHED TIGHT, AND PUT RIGHT IN PLACE. THE SANDER HAS HIGH QUALITY PADDING, AND IS MADE IN SUCH A WAY AS TO PROTECT THE FINISH ON THE MASTERPIECE THAT YOU HAVE CREATED. THIS LITTLE SANDER REMOVES SOME SERIOUS MATERIAL TOO; WHICH SAVES YOU SOME VALUABLE TIME. THE ONE DRAW BACK TO THE SANDER IS THE DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM; WHICH REQUIRES THAT YOU BUY ACCESSORIES IN ORDER TO CONNECT IT TO MOST DUST COLLECTION SYSTEMS. IF NOT FOR THAT; THIS ONE WOULD WARRANT 5 STARS IN MY OPINION.Bosch 1297DK 2 Amp 1/4-Sheet Sander with Dust Canister

Nice product but----

Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Aug 29, 2008
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Unit seems to works nicely but seems to lack some muscle?
br / Do like Bosch tools so I maybe asking to much from the little guy?
br / Still---nice finishing tool---Brian

This is THE sander I would have invented....

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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This is the FOURTH palm sander I've owned in my 48 years and this is the first one that I don't want to destroy with a sledge hammer. The paper-change feature on this one is a little bit of heaven. It's easy, it's quick and you won't pinch your delicate lady fingers (or worse). The little red button on the front is what makes it sweet and good. Press that button and the sandpaper slides in easily. On the back, the paper is threaded through a little lever. I love this feature. Oh mercy, do I love this feature.
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br /The dust-catcher does a decent job of trapping sawdust but as often as not, I use it without the rear-bagger dealie.
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br /The other super-nice feature: It is not painful to sand with this sander. Most other sanders vibrate my hands, wrist and arm so bad that it is quite painful and unpleasant. I don't know how they did it, but this sander is almost vibration free.
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br /Speaking as a woman who has sanded about 12 billion board feet of lumber, this is the best palm sander I've seen on the market. I'm very impressed.

Great Sander

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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This is a great sander. The paper clamp is the best I've ever seen. Dust collector works great and is easy to clean. Beats my old BD hands down.
br /Only one thing - - I bought it at Home Depot on sale for $39.

I am happy with this sander

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I am using this sander for metal, mainly silver and aluminum. I bought it because of the SheetLoc system and Bosch's reputation. The SheetLoc feature really makes it easy to change sandpaper. I have had this sander about 2 years and haven't had any problems with it, though I don't use it a lot. The dust collection works well. The sander comes with a bag that is big enough to hold the sander, with dust collector attached, hole punch for sand paper, and some 1/4 sheets of sand paper.

Bosch 1/4 sheet sander is one of the best!!

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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Having used Makita, Dewalt and Porter Cable 1/4 sheet sanders I have to rank this one made by Bosch as the best of the bunch. It's 12,000 RPM makes for a less buzzy sander and yet it still finishes wood very well. This sander is very smooth in operation and much less likley to numb your hand and fingers. Ihe clamping system and dust filter work nicely too. Very pleased with this product and Amazon's service is tops too!!

Better than the others but needs glue on rubber block

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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Others have said what I would about the design improvements over other sanders but they should have glued the rubber block that tightens the sand paper. Easy fix though, just add some weatherstrip cement or liquid nails to the front rubber pad to keep it from slipping off the metal holder. My older De Walt is now second string. I hated having to play around with tightening the sandpaper each time on that sander.
br / Amazon should sell the vac hose connector accessory but as of this date they do not, only 3rd party sellers here where sh is too much for the item. You need to buy the Bosch ,it is a special type connector. Wish Bosch kept it made in the USA but mine was made in Malaysia.

It's about time

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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It's about time someone made a palm sander that's easy to load with sandpaper. And this one's so easy it's almost fun. There's really nothing I dislike about it. It would be nice if it were quieter, but hey, it's a vibrating sander so it's got to make some noise, right? I have an old Black and Decker that REALLY clatters if you want to talk about noise. I love the bag that this one comes in. It's easy to drop the sander into the bag and stuff the cord in, unlike the hard plastic cases that are hard to keep the cord in. People who have a problem with the dust probably didn't poke holes in the paper with the included punch. I also ordered an adapter to connect a vacuum hose but I haven't received it yet. I really like this sander and I would buy it again and recommend it.

Solid tool

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Jul 5, 2008
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I really like this little tool. It's a high-end tool with a bit higher price along, but after borrowing my friend's hard-to-control BD palm sander with crazy vibration and the finger pinching lever, I've opted to spend more. Glad I am for the decision! Like many here pointed out, changing the sand paper is really easy and it's very very well balanced. I basically let it do its job while holding it over surfaces.
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br /I have to admit to my Dad that he's right; you should buy good tools even if it costs more. They help you do the job simply better and make it more enjoyable. The extra bucks spent is soon forgotten.

Works great, While it holds the paper

Rating: 3 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Nov 22, 2009
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Great sander, but after several hours of use, the front speed lock mechanism will no longer hold sand paper. After a few seconds the sheet vibrates out of the holder. Very disappointing.

Great Tool!

Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 2.6 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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Excellent high quality sander. The paper is easy to change and quite easy to make your own 1/4 sheets from whole sheets. Heavily used for several years with no problems whatsoever! You'll be glad you bought it!
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br /Billy Baty

Very poor dust collection.

Rating: 2 out of 5
Weight: 2.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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A great little sander if you had a downdraft table. The dust collection did not pull anything through to the bag. I attached a shop vac using the adapter (sold seperately) and same difference. Sanded one small cabinet door and this beast threw dust all over the place. The sandpaper "punch" is a real piece of crap.