A couple years ago, I bought the Dewalt rotary sander model that was the prelude to this one. I soon needed two sanders in my woodworking shop, and bought this newer model. I have to say that the earlier model was a far superior one. For one thing, the ergonomics of this newer model is by no means friendly to your grip in comparison to the old. The hook and loop sandpaper replacement function is still as good as the last. The one thing that does tend to happen with both models is that there is a brakepad that occasionally needs to be replaced. Once you do it the first time, it's easy as pie in the future. The Dewalt rotary sander in general is a very user friendly sander. I do have to say though that in addition to the handling not being as great with this newer model, the motor is louder than the old, and the rotation just doesn't feel as smooth. Please DeWalt, reintroduce your old superior sander again. All this newer model is good for now,is using the new carbon brushes on my old one when they run low.

Let me start by saying that I have LOVED all my Dewalt tools. But, this sander sucks! At least the one I received. I have an eight year old DW 421 ROS that has served me well with my only complaints being the rubber sealed switch that has always been tempermental and it being underpowered. I have been shopping for a new ROS for a while now with variable speed and more power being two requirements. The highly rated Porter Cables never quite felt right in my hands and the Bosch sanders seemed to have too much vibration when in use. I was excited to see the ad about the new Dewalt sanders- bigger motor, cool new look, and it is a Dewalt!...I was on the list to receive one of the first ones. It finally came, it looked a little plasticy, but still cool. I plugged it in and turned it on (same lame sealed switch but not worn out like my old one) and the sander came to life- it had a wierd high pitched kazoo-like sound that had me concerned but I was going to see how it sounded in action. The variable speed control was really hard to turn, but I suspect that would get easier as it wears.
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br /I put on a new 150 grit sheet and tested it out. It didn't feel good in my hands, the top was big and odd shaped. The high pitched vibration sound was still there. It sanded as well as my old sander but not better. I decided to do a three way comparison with my old DW421 2.0 amp, my friends Bosch 1295 DVS 2.2 amp, and the new D26453K. The Bosch had both Dewalts beat on build quality and power when sanding but without the CFS it just doesn't sand as well (I think what I'm sensing is consistent pad speed on and off the wood that the CFS provides for the Dewalts) The Bosch had more vibration than my old Dewalt but less than the new one.
br / The pad on the new Dewalt stalled as easily as my old one and as I previously mentioned I couldn't tell that this sander was more powerful. I could not rotate the variable speed switch with my thumb while operating it- too stiff. And that horrible sound!!
br / I'm sure I got a less than perfect copy, but I am still disappointed in Dewalt for either poor quality control or if they are all like that, for a sucky new ROS.

This is a great sander. Much better than my Porter Cable. My only wish is that it would have a little longer cord. It doesn't hurt my hands to use this tool. I would buy it again. The dust collection system work great and is easy to clean out. A little comprssed air and the unit looks like new.

Comfortable to use and the variable spped is wonderful to have. Changing pads is a snap and the dust collection works very well.