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Bosch PSM 80A
by milmol7
The gift of true love...
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My Bosch sander has recently been put into semi-retirement - To my dismay I've finally overdone it with too much over-enthusiastic, over-ambitious sanding tasks. I love a bit of amateur diy - minor jobs - and sanding is one of my favourite tasks. Hence this may have been seen by some as ... an odd gift of love from my partner a couple of years ago, but to me he couldn't have bought me anything better!
Design, Ergonomics & Spec-y bits
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The first thing was that I loved the design - it just looks so neat and tidy. It's rounded, resembling a "mouse" in shape, but fairly chunky, and ergonomically designed. My concern, however was that being a power tool it would be designed with mens' hands in mind so it could be too big for me to use. I have to say, it wasn't perfect for me, but nevertheless it was definitely not too big to use, they have been careful in their sums at the design stage. It did give me cramp in my hands when I used it for long periods of time, although that isn't really what it's designed for, as we'll see later!
Your hand sits over the handle and body in a comfortable and comfortingly reassuring grip and the on-off switch is conveniently positioned at the top towards the front. The switch clicks into the on position and stays on, so you can concentrate on controlling the sander, not holding a switch down. The main grip area is also topped in rubber for an extra secure grip.
It works brilliantly without excessive vibration and very little noise. At the back is a dust collector which is effective in normal workload although I always found it a little tricky to get off, so needed to be standing squarely over the bin when emptying. It has a generous length power cable, its power is 80W and it weighs 900g. It's currently selling for around £40 at Screwfix and £35 on Amazon, and replacement sheets can be picked up as a large pack for a few pounds at local diy stores.
Sanding Sheets
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The sander comes with a "starter pack" of sheets. The sheets are shaped to fit the base and whilst they are a single sheet, they are perforated so the front triangular tip can be separated from the rear half. Initially I couldn't see the point of this, but it means that you get more value from your sanding sheets. For most detail jobs I found that the very tip of the mouse was getting the most use and the sheets would wear there quickly - so a quick tear-off, a 60 degree turn, a refix and you had a new area of hardly worn sheet to work with. The sheets are fixed with a Velcro-type fixing, nice and securely - I never ever had a problem of any sheets coming away or slipping with this design, and that includes using non-Bosch branded sheets for the job.
Happy sanding times...
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By far my favourite application for sanding is finishing jobs - rubbing down edges of sawn wood and sanding doors down. This mouse was perfect for getting into corners of window cills and mouldings on doors.
And now the weepy bit...
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My downfall came when I decided I would try to save myself the cost of a replaster of my bedroom - I stripped the walls and bought some filler. I filled the (ample) gaps and uneven bits and sanded. Then filled again. And sanded. And again. And sanded. And so on and so on. My problem is not knowing when I'm beaten. Unfortunately I was beaten when my sander gave up the ghost. Enough was finally enough and the fixing plate (Velcro bit) started to come away from the body of the tool. Not only did that decision cost me nearly a hundred pounds in filler, it also cost me my beloved sander and the cost of a plasterer in the end anyway.
This sander is NOT designed for that type of job, and it was a big error of judgement to tackle such a large scale job with this totally incorrect tool. It doesn't say anywhere what type of jobs this should be used for but common sense would tell an averagely sensible person (!) that an 80W sander was not the correct tool for such a major and large-scale task. In view of what I put it through, I actually consider it to be a really robust piece of kit and in hindsight it coped a lot better than it really should have!
Respect your tool!
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This is a brilliant tool when used correctly, it's an excellent design which has been well thought through and well executed. It comes in its own rigid plastic power tool case which will live on long after it's contents have left us. It does still work, although the jobs take more time because I need to be much more careful and exercise a lot more control, but I will hopefully replace it very soon, and promise to give it the respect it deserves!!
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Einhell BT-MG135
by blissman70
If you've read some of my other pieces of writing then you'll know that I seem to have spent a lot of my hard earned cash on a selection of tools, those being both hand tools and power tools.
I tend to buy a tools if I think that I may need to use it more than once, choosing a quality one if I know that I intend to use it over and ... over again, like a power drill or screwdriver set. So, a while back, when I had a few jobs to do in the home at once, those jobs being grouting the tiles in the bathroom, making and fitting a new stair case, fitting cupboard hinges some bedroom units after ripping out the old ones that I had fitted a few years back and had somehow welded themselves into place, (although I don't remember using my welding gear to actually fit the hinges in the first place? But I do sleep walk sometimes, which is why I wear pyjamas in bed these days).
Anyway, with so many little jobs to do in the house, with some being more tedious than skilful, such as grouting and fine sanding, I decided to get my hands on a multi tool that could be used for those tedious jobs and much much more.
As I had used multi tools before, owning some fine ones in fact, I had actually used the one I was intending to buy which helped me make up my mind about buying this particular modal.
The multi tool that I am talking about is in fact one called the Einhell BT-MG 135/1 grinding and engraving tool which, from the name, you may think that it is only used to do a bit of grinding and engraving. But you'd be wrong as it can do a whole lot more in fact.
* So what does this engraver and grinder look like then..?
The first thing I noticed was that it is shaped like many other tools of its kind, a torpedo shaft shape with a minimum of controls. It is made of a strong blue plastic with a few dashes of black plastic thrown in to give it a bit of distinction. Then there is the odd bit of silver in the case of the chuck and the hook.
This multi tool is a good size, bring about 230mm long, (excluding bits and hook), by about 50mm wide at its thickest point, weighing in at no more that a bag of sugar.
There are two controls near the back end, nearest the hook, or where the mains lead enters the tool. The control on one side is the on/off switch, which is a simple switch having a '0' and a '1' on it, with '1' being on. The control on the other side is the speed control which allows you to select numbers from 1 to 5, depending on what speed you want to motor to run at, with 1 being slow, and I mean slow. Whilst 5 is fast, maybe a bit too fast for some jobs. So you do have to have a bit of trial and error to suss out what speed is best for what job.
There is one more control on the tool, although control may be the wrong word, as this is a blue button at the front that, when pressed in, will stop the 'chuck' from rotating so that you can change the accessories without it spinning around.
NOTE:
For safeties sake. DO NOT press this button in when the tool is on as it could cause some serious damage, maybe even to you too.
NOTE: again, on a less serious note, so to speak.
There is an arrow etched below this button so that you know which way the chuck turn which helps you in changing the bits.
* As for the power and technical bits and bobs.
Well, this has a 135watt motor with a upstart speed of 10,000 - 32,000 r/p/m.
The clamping sleeve diameters range is 0.5,1.6, 2.4 and 3.2 so when you want, or have to get new bits then make sure that you get the right sizes. Although as there several ranges in this set then there's no real problem with getting the right spares.
* Is it easy to use then..?
It couldn't be easier. In fact, it's that easy that my uncle Bob can use it and he's about as bright as a ½ watt light bulb in a power cut.
To actually use this you simply slot in the bit that you want into the chuck, then you simply switch the on/off switch onto the on position, ('1'). you then adjust the speed of the motor using the numbered dial so that you can gain full control over the work you are doing.
When you've finished what ever you're doing you then switch the tool off, (the '0' position), and your work should be done.
Simple as that really.
As long as you remember that you don't need to put too much pressure onto the work with this tool then there should be no troubles at all.
But if you do add a bit too much pressure then be prepared for a few fireworks... no, only kidding. The most that will happen is that the bit you're using may just disintegrate, but that's nothing too serious really.
* So what about changing the bits..?
This is simple and, as long as you haven't lost it, involves the little spanner that came in the pack, together with a simple press of that blue button that I mentioned locks the chuck in place.
You simply press that blue button and slowly turn the front chuck screw by hand, in any direction, as you turn the chuck screw you should then feel the blue button sink s little further, this means that the chuck is locked into place and as long as you continue to press the blue button the chuck will stay there.
Then, using the spanner, you unscrew the chuck screw, following the direction of the arrow until the screw is a little loose. Do not take it completely off unless you are chancing the head gripper bits.
Then you simply slide in the bit that you want to use and tighten the chuck back up in the opposite direction, using the spanner to fully tighten it, but not too tight.
And you're ready to start using the multi tool.
Each bit is changed in exactly the same way.
I told you it was simply. In fact, adding the flexible shaft is done in the same way too.
Hang on? Did I not mention the flexible shaft?
Well, this is a flexible shaft that one end attaches to the chuck on the tool and the other end houses the bits that you want to use on the job. It is then used as if it was just an extension of the chuck itself.
Although it is best used on jobs that only need a slower speed as on a faster speed things can get a bit wound up. This shaft is just over a metre long and is designed in the same manner as the chuck when it comes to fixing in the bits, only you need to use the allen key to slot into the little hole on the end in order to stop the chuck from turning. But you can't go wrong as there is only one hole there so you know where to put the key.
NOTE: (don't you love that word..? Note, note, note...ok now I'm bored of it).
The image on the box shows the multi tool hanging on its hook with the flexible shaft attached, which sows that it can be used like that, so you simply hang the tool up, switch it on, then use the flexibility of the shaft in order to do your work.
And it does work in exactly that way if you want it to.
* Does it come with anything else..?
It certainly does. In fact, it comes with an array of things.
Firstly, there are an array of accessories, from sanding bits to etching bits, grinding to polishing, in fact, almost everything little bit that you can think of. I won't give you a complete list of every little bit, as there are a lot, but you get things like, milling pins, sanding rings, drill bits, felt polishing heads, grinding heads, cutting discs and more
And all the bits comes in a rather fetching looking little plastic case. The case itself is a good size too, being 100mm high by340mm long and 225mm wide, with a nice size plastic handle on the top.
Also, I mentioned the flexible shaft, which is another added bonus in this pack, and even this shaft fits nicely into the case.
Something else that it comes with, which is nice, is a smart way of holding the tool.
What I mean by that is that I mentioned the hook, which is on the rear end. This hook is designed so that you can hook the multi tool onto a hook so that it can sit safely out of the way and so that you know exactly where it is the next time you want to use it.
And this is where the people at Einhell thought of us poor workers as they actually put a hooking arm in with this tool. But not just a hooking arm, they put in a telescopic stand as well which, when attached to the little clamp that you also get, can be placed almost anywhere you are working at the time.
This actual telescopic stand is about 280mm when closed and then a good 560mm when extended, with the hook on the end allowing the multi tool to sit swinging there all day long. The actual clamp, which the stand screws into, can be used either horizontal or vertical by a simple moving of the screw that the stand screws into.
* And what do I think of this multi tool..?
I like these types of tools as they, to me, are a lot more useful that a single purpose tool, and this one is as good as any other that I have owned, or just used.
It feels good in my hand when I'm doing a tricky job, (easy now), which gives me that bit of confidence as I don't feel that I am going to drop it or lose the grip. This means that I can get a good finish on what ever I am doing with this tool.
It's a good size and I can easily hold it either as you would a pen or as you would hold a hammer, either way feels as comfortable as the other.
The power control really helps out when it comes to certain work, although it can take a bit of getting used to before you find that perfect speed for certain jobs. Some jobs need a fast speed, some jobs need you to go slower, so it's all down to what you're doing really.
It doesn't get hot even after excessive use as the heat escapes easily out of the slits that seem to be everywhere on this tool, so there's no real danger of the motor over heating. But then again I do tend to give this a breather every so often, maybe going to make a brew every five minutes of so... no wonder it takes me so long to finish something..? It's a good job I'm paid by the hour isn't it?
The case is a cracking addition and houses the tool, together with all the accessories, so that you can keep everything together in one place.
Sadly though this is were the case stops at being good, the looks, as the actual build is pretty much a let down.
The bottom of the box is made of a very thin flimsy plastic, which reminds me of the trays that you get in boxes of milk tray, the plastic that can be crumpled up like paper. Well, this box is only just slightly thicker than that and can, and has no mine, split if you breath on it the wrong way. I have ended up gluing the splits and surrounding the entire outside of the case in duct tape, which I have to change every so often in order to keep the box from tearing itself apart.
So that's the case. Now for the accessories that are housed in, yet again, a lovely looking detachable section that is also the lid of the case.
Once again, the looks are the best thing about this as many of the accessories are about as useful as a bra on an crocodile, with some being more dangerous than trying to actually put a bra on a crocodile.
The worse ones being the thin metal rods that attach to the sanding rings, these rods bent like a straw when I put a little bit of pressure in it when sanding. Then there are the cutting discs that become little pieces of eye ripping danger as the little pieces exploded into oblivion after a few seconds of use.
The polishing heads do a good job in cleaning metal. Then there's the etching heads which do a cracking job in making perfect markings on such things as glass.
I have used these on such things as digging out the grout around my bathroom tiles so that I can get a good base for a complete re-grouting.
The sanding rings, or what ever they choose to be called, are fine at first, but then, after a few turns, the rings of sandpaper find there way off the attachment and fly about willy-nilly, taking out any nearby unprotected eyes if you're not careful.
The little drill bits are on the thin side and should ideally only be used for such things as pre drilling or drilling through thin material such as hard board, or maybe even just card board, as anything thicker may result in a complete disaster and a trip to your local A & E.
My favourite little accessories in this collection are actually the engraving tools as they do exactly what they are supposed to do, they engrave, and, with a steady hand, you can make a fine piece of art work in a plain glass jug. Or, in my case, a rather fetching little cross headstone for my daughters budgie when it passed away a few weeks back, (the bird was nearly 11 years of age which is a good innings for a budgie I believe, and we had had him since he was a young pup, so to speak... may he rest in piece at the bottom of the garden with his lovely little headstone engraved by myself and my daughter).
Anyway, we're not here to discuss the accessory case are we? Well, not really, although as it came in a package with the multi tool then I supposed it is a bit of a let down over all.
But as the actual multi tool is a cracking tool indeed, doing exactly what it is designed to do, with more control than a healthy mans bladder, then I supposed the accessories can be over looked, as long as you go out and buy some better quality accessories to go with this good quality multi tool.
* So at what cost would I have to pay for this multi tool..?
This one from Einhell sells for about £40 - £50, depending on where you see it and what time of year.
When I have seen it on sale it has always comes with all the accessories and all housed in the case so I'm guessing that you're paying for the entire package and not just the tool itself. So technically, if you can get just the tool, you may be able to get it for a bit less, say £25 - £30 maybe. It's well worth asking isn't it?
* Is it worth the money..?
For me I would have to say yes as I have used it on many occasions and find it to be a very useful little gadget indeed. It is a good size and has enough power to do those small, delicate jobs whilst having a good kick in order to get to the nitty-gritty of it all.
İBlissman70 2013
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