I got a perfect rub down. (Wickes 280W Orbital Sander)

Member Name: h27gooner

Product:	Wickes 280W Orbital Sander
Date:	28/05/09 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Light, easy to use.

Disadvantages: Sanding sheets too thin, dust collecter small and flimsy.

I bought this new last week when my old sander finally packed up. It cost £29.99. The sander came boxed with 3 sanding sheets, a dust bag and a hoover attachment. I didn't need to read the instructions because this thing is straightforward. The are 2 clips at either end which you lift up to open the clamps and then when you've fitted the sanding sheet you clip them back down. This locks the clamps in place and holds the sandpaper. I was sanding a weathered teak table and I found that the sander was a good size in that it was small enough to get into most places but light enough to be manoeuverable. It wasn't too noisy although I would suggest if you are using it for some time that you wear ear defenders as it can leave a bit of ringing. I didn't use the dust bag because it looks just too small and flimsy to be of any use. The sanding sheets didn't last very long so my advice is to buy a roll of sandpaper and cut strips to size. I did this and as this paper is thicker it lasted longer. It is also a cheaper way to do it.

The sander is operated by a finger switch on the upper part of the handle and there is also a knob which allows you to lock the switch in place. The lock is released when you press the switch. This is a good idea but the only problem is that when holding the handle I kept touching the switch which unlocked it and kept switching it off which was annoying. The moulded grip allows you to put pressure on the sander and allows 2 handed operation which stops your arm from aching. The cable is about 1.5 m long so gives you plenty of slack.

The mark of a tool is that it does the job and I have to say this worked wonders on the table, was easy to use and didn't cost the earth.

Summary: A cheap tool which saves hours of elbow grease.