I have used a DeWalt palm sander for many years. When my other one was getting too old, I purchased this model from another store. It does emit a screeching noise as stated in some other reviews. However, the one thing that really bothers me is that the base is too large to actually use a 1/4 sheet of sandpaper. I did not have this issue with my other DeWalt palm sander. I contacted DeWalt, and they did not respond. The only reason I purchased the DeWalt was that I was familiar with how it worked. There are other sanders that have been reviewed more favorably. I will be going elsewhere for my sander needs in the future.

its a good sturdy sander but when it is first turned on it emits a loud screeching sound and ear plugs are a good idea

I bought this elsewhere, but it's a great sander. I have absolutely no complaints after using it for (too) many hours. It's nicely made, with excellent design details for usability and longevity (I confess, I'm an engineer). Of course it's noisy, but not terribly so for a sander. Earplugs are always a good idea with any power tool, especially if you're doing a lot of work.
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br /Here's an unadvertised benefit of this sander over the round "hook and loop" sanders: it's a lot more economical AND a lot easier on the environment. Round hook loop sandpaper costs much more than standard sheet sandpaper - triple the cost per sheet and more. Over the life of your sander, that will add up to a lot of money. Plus, there's more material in each sheet (the added loops - or is it hooks?) which will end up in a landfill in some poor neighborhood or desecrated wilderness. So, give the environment and your wallet a break, take a few minutes to cut sheets into 4 (or buy precut), and use a 1/4 sheet sander like this one.

DeWalt D26441K Heavy-Duty 2.4 Amp Orbital 1/4 Sheet Sander with Cloth Dust Bag
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br /This is the best 1/4" sheet sander I have ever worked with. I am a highschool cabinet making teacher and have tried various brands in my shop. My students use these sanders harder than anyone would use them for their own work, and they hold up great. ! have five of these in my shop and when I needed to replace the one I use at home for myself I ordered this one.

Excellent value, very powerful and fast. The best I have found.

I bought this for my wife to use on her restoration projects. She's only used it a couple time so far, but she really likes it. The dust collection function is awesome. It picked up 80% of the paint dust from her recent project. Additionally, even more important is the fact that the unit doesn't vibrate nearly as much as the Black and Decker she was using, which allows her to work for longer periods of time. We recommend spending the extra couple bucks. You can't go wrong with DeWalt!!

I love this little sander. It is so simple to use, especially if you get the precut sanding sheets. The dust collector works well. It is very ergonomically designed and can be used for long periods without your hands tiring.

I've read that some people are complaining of it making a whining sound upon startup. I didn't experience this. This is the best sander I've ever used. After only using lower quality sanders like Ryobi this was a pleasant surprise. The only con was that putting the sheets on is a bit tricky at first.

Works fine, but is hard on people with carpel tunnel (buzzy). Good value, and has OK dust collection when used with a shop vac (but nearly none with the canister).

I redid my sunroom in Knotty Pine and had some nailholes to fill in. I wanted a dustless sander so I wouldnt have a big mess to clean up. This sander is the boss. Very little dust to clean up and it works Great.
br /Wonderful sander......

Vendor: Fast service, well packed, no problems - Give 'em 5 stars.
br /Product: Another DeWalt quality product. Makes wood and stuff smooth as a baby's behind and does it with ease and speed. The dust bag helps contain the dust, though it doesn't get all of it. In sum, Black Decker and DeWalt have done it again. (This DeWalt Orbital 1/4 Sheet Sander replaces a Black and Decker palm sander that I've has since wood was discovered and was used to build my house many years ago).
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I have been using this product to refinish my cabinets and it works great on flat surfaces.

Highest recommended sander. It made me throw away my broke makita instead of repairing it. It is a work horse that will pay for itself on sandpaper alone compaired to the velcro round sanding disks used on the makita. I've read a few reviews about noise. They gave me a laugh. when someone makes a silent sander I'll call it loud. makes no more or less noise that any sander I've ever used.. buy this tool with confadence. Never thought I'd say any tool maker can build a better product than a makita but dewalt does on this.

I have used it a few times and I'm happy with it.. No complaints. The longer reviews on the site were on target and helpful. I especially like the fact that you can cut a standard sheet of sandpaper into fourths for use with it.