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I bought a "reconditioned" version of this machine and saved about $100.I had worked with a Porter-Cable Orbital (7424)and considered getting one, but then I would be paying almost as much and, I would still need a rotary machine.I was concerned getting a "reconditioned" model, but, reasoned that if they had to "take it back" and "check it out", it must be at least as good as a new one, after a "tech" had put it through the "check out". It comes with the same warranty as the new one and hopefully I won't need it.Anyway, what a fabulous machine. It works perfectly, so far, and it is efficient and effective to have "both" machines in your hand and I can change back and forth with just the "flick" of a switch.Also the "speed" control means you can do any kind of work, close, tight, or open panels without worry.Its the "right" weight and the backing pad is "perfect" (the velcro is very strong, which means, it can take some time to get the pad off when work is finished.So far, I am very pleased.
In spite of it's size it is extremely easy to control and sand with precision. In the first five minutes of giving this machine an initial test it became obvious to me that the "continuious spinning mode" was a stupid afterthought. There is no way that hook and loop would be able to stand up to the power of the machine.That said, if you stick to the "Random Orbital Mode" then the machine is absolutely a superb performer. The machine removes material at a brisk pace to say the least. I can sand with this machine in five minutes what used to take me ten with my old random orbital Makitas.
I think this is a much better machine for polishing cars - in the dual action mode - than any random orbital I've ever used. So far, the machine has run like a champ every day for a couple of months with no trouble at all. In the dual action mode there is enough movement between the pad and the paint to get work done while being safer and easier to control than my Makita 9227C polisher that I use when I have to cut fast. Also, by using the B06040 after my rotary polisher I've been able to remove all the swirl marks and produce a really terrific finish on all kinds of paint from really old lacquer to the most modern urethane. I hope my experience is more indicative of the way this tool performs than is the experience of the other reviewers of this tool.This is a follow up to my review: In the six months since I wrote that review this machine has only gotten a bit quieter. It hasn't been any trouble and I run it hard every day.
I have had this sander at Makita's regional service center (the second time) for over 4 weeks, and still no sander. I have suggested to the Makita regional repair manager (in Chicago) that this kind of treatment was unacceptable, but with no results. They have told me that the parts needed to fix it are "on national back order" and were unable to provide any estimate of when I might have the sander back. I have already purchased a Porter Cable sander as its replacement. I beleive that they should have replaced the sander with a new one after it failed the second time. It is unreasonable to expect me to pay for this sander, two trips to the service center, three long distance phone charges and a replacement sander so I can continue in business.
This sander cost about twice what comparable products without the rotation plus random orbit mode cost, and it is essentially a very heavy, bulky and expensive 6" random orbit sander. From my earlier review, you will recall that I had problems with the hook & loop sanding pad and the rotation mode of sanding. The regional service center promises to get it right this time, but to be truthful, it was defective from the start. I received the unit back from the Columbus, Ohio regional service center (after more than twice the quoted repair time) and the rotation feature broke again within 30 seconds of my first use on some poplar trim. At this point I am quite dissatisfied with this product and Makita as well. I attempted to contact Makita (in California) but met with only automated phone systems and a long distance bill. It will be the last tool I ever purchase from Makita for my small cabinet shop.
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