I have had a Max XT for about 2 years now and would highly recommend it. I use it wit 3M Cubitron sanding disks and have basically cut my sanding time by 2/3rds. Love it.
@marksutton537413 күн бұрын
I have exactly same MAXXT sander and also use 3m Cubitron sanding disc, absolutely love it.
@dancrawford668610 күн бұрын
I’ve been using the same setup for a couple of years. I think it’s one of wood workings best kept secrets. I actually like sanding now.
@JamesWoodring-mu2izКүн бұрын
lol ive got an air powerd orbital ive used for 40 years! gtf outta here!
@justinbaird_10 күн бұрын
Thank you for the knowledge! Ive had this sander saved for awhile, and seems like a great budget option when I see the need to upgrade.
@siamaklighvani39519 күн бұрын
They use different type of sand papers which has more holes and some of them are like see through which is more breathable
@WoodworkingWarrior16 күн бұрын
If you're going to use sanding net type of sand paper, get you a pad saver or you'll have to replace the sanding pad on the actual sander after a while.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I JUST bought one today! :) Thanks for watching.
@JamesWoodring-mu2izКүн бұрын
lol ive used an air powerd orbital for 40 years!! changed the pads 2 times!! gtf outta here!
@WoodworkingWarriorКүн бұрын
@JamesWoodring-mu2iz And I bet you use paper or film backed paper for those 40 years. Sanding net style is different. Due to it being a net, the hook part of the velcro pad gets warn down faster and after a while sandpaper, whether net, film or paper backed sandpaper has a hard time sticking to the pad. Plenty of videos on it but what do I know.
@JamesWoodring-mu2iz14 сағат бұрын
@@WoodworkingWarrior we called hook and loop back in the 80s!! im old enough to seen it all
@Blasfemurr16 күн бұрын
New to your channel - really like the delivery and presentation so far - new sub 👍
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
Thank you very much!
@paidinfull324414 күн бұрын
I bought one of these and I absolutely love it. I was using a DeWALT 20v sander prior to this, and it’s night and day better.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I'm glad I'm not the only one to have this experience.
@kpeak115 күн бұрын
appreciate the review and would be very interested in a durability check in after using it for a while. The amazon reviews are plagued with units that overheat and stop working suddenly, but still tempted to get one. Thanks again.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I'm definitely adding that to my list of future videos.
@victornascimento76979 күн бұрын
Most of the people who have done reviews on this sander have had it overheat and die after awhile
@defariase15 күн бұрын
Nice video. Direct to the point. I appreciate that. Cheers!
@nathanb36069 күн бұрын
I’ve had this sander for a year plus and have used it on many projects now. Easily 100 hours of use now and it’s just a quiet and efficient as day one! I agree with several other commenters suggesting cubitron paper to use with the XT. Certainly makes dust collection tons better than the solid paper types out there. Definitely recommended!
@BethesdaWoodworks8 күн бұрын
Excellent! I'll plan to do an updated review after I've used it a bit more. Spoiler alert: it's been great!
@charlesenfield219215 күн бұрын
Decibels are on a logarithmic scale. 3 dB fewer is half the sound energy, so it is significantly quieter. There may also be some directionaility to the sound from the MaxXT sander. At one point in the video you tilted it while running, and it seemed to get louder, suggesting more sound came out the side than the top. Perhaps it's even quieter than 96dB to your ears when operating it. Whether or not a premium sander is worth it probably depends on how you use it. I have a nice Bosch rear-handle sander that cost around $160. It was a significant improvement in comfort from the $50 Dewalt palm sander I used previously. It was still loud, but it had less vibration and better dust collection, so I didn't regret buying it. It is very tall and heavy though, so running it for a long time was a chore. Fast forward 2 years, and I decided to build a custom staircase in timber-frame style out of hard maple. I knew I would spend days sanding on that project, so I decided to upgrade to the 3M. (When a contractor wants $30K for a custom staircase and you can build it yourself for $8K, you can justify splurging on a sander.) The 3M is much lighter and quieter than the Bosch. Attached to my Makita dust extractor, which is also very quiet compared to a Shop Vac, I don't feel the need for earplugs when I'm using it. There's only slightly less vibration with the 3M than the Bosch, but the dust collection is nearly perfect. The Bosch produced very little airborne dust, but there was some after a ling time sanding, and there was still dust on the surface being sanded. The 3M hardly leaves any dust on the surface, and after hours of sanding there's virtually no noticeable airborne dust. I don't need to turn on my shop air filter to keep the dust contained, and I don't wear a dust mask. Leaving the air filter off also keeps the noise down. The staircase went as expected, and I spent about 20 hours sanding one weekend with the 3M. I don't think I could have done that with the Bosch. If the ability to sand a long time comfortably and to control the airborne dust in your home workshop are important to you, it can definitely be worth the investment. The sander and dust extractor cost over $1000, so it's hard to pull that trigger unless you use it a lot. If the $200 sander is anywhere near as good as the 3M, that would help make to make it more reasonable. I'm not aware of any cheap import dust extractors yet. A shop vac with a cyclone stage and a HEPA filter is nearly as good at dust collection, but it's much louder.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I hadn't thought about the directionality of the noise - good point! I put an air quality meter right next to my workpiece as I sanded with the MaxXT, and the airborne particulates never budged even a little, so the dust control (even very fine dust) is exceptional. Harbor Freight just introduced a Hercules dust extractor, which looks to be outstanding.
@charlesenfield219211 күн бұрын
@@BethesdaWoodworks My nephew is starting to look for work as a handyman, and I encouraged him to get a decent vacuum. I think keeping the customer's home as clean as one reasonably can is more likely to result in getting invited back. He wasn't too excited about spending $500+ on a vacuum. He may find $300, more palatable.
@JamesWoodring-mu2izКүн бұрын
lol as a muscle car restorer ive used the same air powered air da for 40 years! top that jr!
@Thomllama16 күн бұрын
just a note, that is a 5.0 sander and the normal, old fashion palm sanders are mostly 2.5 stroke so any of these "paddle" style 5.0 sanders are going to be faster sanding! just note a 2.5 will in the long run actually give you a better final surface. Reason I keep a 2.5 around.. (got a paddle version of that now also) Same as you I'm kinda cheap and avoid the super priced ones. Have tested a few and recently got the Vevor which seems to be nearly identical to the MaxXT. I really like it also. Longevity has yet to be determined though as I haven't had it long enough. Time will tell! All these Paddle style sanders are a major improvement over the Old basic's in both Vacuum and anti vibration for sure! like a LOT better! Hope you enjoy it! these units are a definite step up!
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I still have my Hercules and Ridgids "just in case", but my finish using the MaxXT and 320 grit mesh sandpaper has been incredibly smooth with absolutely no swirls. Like you said - time will tell!
@MStoica14 күн бұрын
What do you mean… I can’t wait to get to the sanding part. I absolutely love sanding for the first 5 minutes or so 😁
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I like the end result, but the journey to get there is torture!
@siamaklighvani39519 күн бұрын
I have seen those random orbital Sander in Automechanica for mostly car body work changing the color or damaged cars ....... it is mostly for cars and less for woods but doing its job of cleaning very well .
@robertsmith351815 күн бұрын
Great video ,thanks ! I’ve Ben looking to upgrade my Lady Kenmore RO , looks like this will be a contender!
@thomprd11 күн бұрын
I'm having shoulder issues which I believe are due to my Ridgid sander. This might be a good pick for me. Thanks for the video.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
You bet. I got increasingly frustrated with the Ridgid sanders. Even the lifetime warranty didn't make it worthwhile in the end.
@jimrosson670215 күн бұрын
Great video Thanks for sharing
@syngress671614 күн бұрын
This is the best entry level sander almost on the market make sure you get the MAX XT don't try to save a few extra dollars and buy a different brand. I have two of these and run a small production woodshop they can overheat and you got to ensure that that nut on the bottom stays tight. But these things are amazing even compared to the DeWalt the vibration is way lower has way more control and the paddle is way better. Almost all professional Sanders have paddles.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
That's good to hear. I don't do production work, so I doubt overheating will be a problem for me. Thanks for watching!
@agent7agent75915 күн бұрын
I got the exact kit and works like a champ and instead buying the mesh style paper that destroys your pad i opted for a good brand called serious grit and they are good quality and last long as well , other than that the sander works perfectly and I do own festool etc 125 and didn't want to spend almost 800$ for 6" , saying that I invested 1000s of$ in festool and nothing can compare to them but this maxxt sander is a decent sander and does the job
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I've gotten the Serious Grit sandpaper too, and I was unfortunately not impressed. It tore much more easily compared to even the really cheap stuff.
@mariocorona289014 күн бұрын
I might have to try it. Since I’m using a rioby one. 😂
@RobertTayman-m9r14 күн бұрын
That looks (and comments seem good as well) great. I live in Philippines, buying here it looks to be about 400 dollar when I convert! Yikes!
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
Wow, that's a heck of a markup! Yikes indeed.
@kireeyusino642513 күн бұрын
i own the festool ets ec 150/5. and i can say, its probably the best 600 bucks i ever spent. yes it is expensive but you get what you pay for, the dust collection is superb, the vibration is non existence, and with the 3m xtract sanding disc, it works amazing. ive gone through dewalt sander and masterforce sander, they were cheap but they wore out overtime.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I'm glad you like the Festool, but as a hobbyist I can't justify spending that much on a sander. So far the MaxXT has incredible dust collection, especially with a mesh sanding disc.
@Redthumb4514 күн бұрын
I’d like to see a direct comparison with the other more expensive sanders you mentioned. Are they worth it?
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
If you'd like to donate the money to buy them, I'll be happy to! :) But in all seriousness, it was a struggle to pay nearly $200 for this one, so it would be virtually impossible to justify spending another $2000 or so on the others. Maybe in the future if this channel takes off?
@rob839211 күн бұрын
I actually love sanding it makes me feel good and relaxes me to see the wood change, I love sanders as well of course.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
You're a rare specimen then! :) Thanks for watching.
@Skwish69526 күн бұрын
I used to use those same Ridgid sanders years ago at a wood shop and in just the 3 years we had like 15 non working ones, almost all of them were because the bearing seized.
@BethesdaWoodworks3 күн бұрын
Yup, I now have 2 of them collecting dust. I should probably just get rid of them since I have very limited storage space.
@msk390516 күн бұрын
Great video and I need a new sander plus have several gift cards ready for use, I’m liking what I see just never heard of this brand but I find electronics either fail in beginning or they just last.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I've been pleasantly surprised by some 'no-name' brands. I've used this sander a few times since posting this video, and it's holding up just fine so far.
@msk390511 күн бұрын
@ curious if you have seen and used the vevor brand sander, looks nearly identical and listed for $116 on their website.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
@@msk3905 I hadn't seen it before I bought the MaxXT, but you're right - it looks completely identical except for the color, and the specs are exactly the same. I'd bet the Vevor and MaxXT are made in the same factory. I've seen reviews on other Vevor tools, and they seem to be hit or miss. But I probably would have gone for the Vevor had I seen it before buying the MaxXT. If you do end up buying the Vevor, please come back and let us know know what you think!
@scottcountryman609016 күн бұрын
You should have gone with the Bosch GET-75N. You can get it sub $200 when on sale and it’s repairable
@garymelrose972716 күн бұрын
That's more of an alternative to the likes of the Festool RO-150, not a finish sander. It's also normally $475, $530 with the multi-hole sanding pad. Then again, the 75N is an obsolete version, replaced by the current GET-76N, so that may explain the '$200 on sale'?
@mak437415 күн бұрын
I have the 75N, which is a beast and I love it, but I also have the BOSCH GEX34-6N, which I actually prefer. It has power for heavy stuff, but it is more refined for smoother stuff. Yes, it is different form factor, but it has the best vibration, better than even the Festool stuff. If they make it into a brushless model (even quieter) I would think it would be the best all around sander you can get. And yes, unlike the 75N which I have never seen under $300 (and believe me, I have looked), I got the 34 for $185 on (extreme, long awaited) sale.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
The Bosch is currently $475, and I'm happy with this one so far. Time will tell though.
@nate1sam10 күн бұрын
If you remove bearing from Ridgid and remove the dust seal on the bearing you can easily clean and regrease the bearing. Poor choice of materials on Ridgids part but can be overcome
@BethesdaWoodworks9 күн бұрын
I did that, and it still failed. The bearing in the new Ridgid failed within a few weeks. It's just a poor design, in my opinion.
@nate1sam9 күн бұрын
@BethesdaWoodworks they used a low quality bearing. The seals on it are not up to par. I submerge bearing in mineral spirits and hold can against my running bench grinder to create a poor man's ultrasonic cleaner. Then I repacked with a thick bearing grease. Takes me about 10min and I do it every 6 months. Shouldn't have to but it was a decent cheap sander otherwise
@JamesWoodring-mu2izКүн бұрын
lol ive got an air powered orbital sander ive used for 40 years ! as a muscle car restorer! ii laugh at this video!
@garyhicks866612 күн бұрын
I had terrible issues with the MaxxT 6”. Shaft broke within 15 minutes of use. Got another one after trying for a month to get hold of someone in customer service. (Beware - they are virtually nonexistent). Got the second one in and it broke in 15 minutes as well.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I've had the same bad luck with the Ridgid 5" ROS. Maybe a bad batch, or poor quality control, or just a bad design/poor quality components. Time will tell.
@onocoffee17 күн бұрын
Interesting sander - very much the form factor of the Mirka, 3M and even the Festool ETS EC lineup. Do you know if it uses a brushless motor? And what kind of extractor did you connect it to? Interested to see how it performs over the next project.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
It is indeed brushless. I hooked it up to a Ridgid shop vac with a cyclone separator, and the dust extraction is nearly flawless.
@gudrune16 күн бұрын
Interesting, but I thought you'd then sand with one of the cheap ones to compare the performance and experience. And maybe most importantly the relative ease to get good results. Spending more time sanding, if you don't sand much, may be something liveable. But if it's five times easier to get good results without artifacts with the fancy one, then I'm buying the fancy one.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
A side-by-side comparison might make for an interesting video in the future. Thanks!
@JackMorty-w6i15 күн бұрын
Festool over this anytime. I hate the idea of the "flap" switch, can't take your hands of the dang thing, unlike the Festool. I can let that glide by holding the vac hose, without even having to touch the sander. No vibration at all. Love my Rotex.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I had a regular switch on my previous 3 random orbital sanders, and I wasn't sure I'd like this variable speed paddle switch. But having used it several times since making this video, I actually like it. I'm glad you like your Rotex, but I can get 3 of these for the same price. :) Thanks for watching!
@JackMorty-w6i11 күн бұрын
@@BethesdaWoodworks Try sanding a 8x4 table top, you'll see what I was talking about. Some things are just better for pro work. That is, in the end, why people end up with Festool, unless they are hobby guys.😉 The "Aggressive Mode" of the Festool, unlike its other random orbital mode, is what we call Beast Mode...
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I know what you mean. I sanded my kitchen table top with my 5" Ridgid about 10 years ago, and it nearly killed my hand and shoulder. I know Festool makes incredibly good tools that are the absolute gold standard, but as a hobbyist/DIY guy, it just isn't for me.
@JackMorty-w6i10 күн бұрын
@ That's what I said... First I burned through Harbor Freight tools, then Ryobi, then I finally wizened up, sold it all, bit the bullet, saved longer and bought Festool. I will never go back. In the end I spend more by not going that route to start with. 20/20 hindsight...😩 I subscribed to your channel, good luck, wish you the best...👍
@douglasvine25166 күн бұрын
There is a fatal flaw with those sanders, The side parallel to the sandpaper (top of the sanding pad) on the pad is a label. After a few hours of sanding with a vacuum it will fall off the top of the pad and dust will fly everywhere. It can't be reattached because it's covered in dust. I've bought replacements and they just fall off. I ended up buying the Festool and it's heaven. Sanding is the wrong place to go cheap.
@BethesdaWoodworks3 күн бұрын
Well that doesn't sound promising. I assume since it came with both 5" and 6" backers that the backers are replaceable. All I'll say is so far so good...there will definitely be updates in the future!
@douglasvine25163 күн бұрын
@@BethesdaWoodworks Yes, You can look at the pads yourself. It's just a pressure sensitive adhesive label. The motor and power are fine, but those pads are a problem. I even tried other pads but the dust collection wasn't adequate. Now it's a paper weight.
@ljgault16 күн бұрын
I got one for Christmas a year ago and use it daily with no problems and I also love the dust collection using a ridged vacuum.
@rogerlove758815 күн бұрын
Likewise, got my mine for Christmas of ‘23, and it’s still going strong today. The only issue I’ve had with mine is that the dust hose connector kept coming loose during use, causing the hose to fall off. I finally fastened a hose clamp around it and installed a Rockler hose connector to it. Of course, that meant I had to replace the hose too. No big loss there. Since then, it’s been fine. I am keeping my eye out for a used Mirca or Festool however….
@scottcountryman609016 күн бұрын
Are you in Bethesda Maryland? I’m in Annapolis!
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
Sure am. :) But shhh...it's a secret.
@rumbeloworks17 күн бұрын
I considered this one. I just was t sure about the brand. I look forward to seeing how it holds up for you long term. Looks very promising though! I ended up going with the $100 Makita. No complaints on it so far. Definitely less vibration than my old dewalt. That was one of my biggest complaints too, it arm fatigue from the vibration on large projects.
@gntfilms16 күн бұрын
I've had one for 6 months, it gets weekly use, and it's fantastic. The dust collection alone is worth it, and apart from slightly being down on power to the Mirka, it's a sander that easily competes with the big boys.
@joelthoenen373315 күн бұрын
I've had mine for almost 4 years. The only thing I've done to it is replace the sanding pad when it lost its ability to hold discs. I also don't use that terrible dust collection hose. I use the rocker hoses.
@gntfilms15 күн бұрын
@@joelthoenen3733 What do you mean by 'rocker hoses'?
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I think he may have meant "Rockler" hoses.
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
The included dust hose is definitely my biggest complaint with the MaxXT. I'll do an updated review at some point in the next few months after I've put it through its paces.
@matthewclemente42014 күн бұрын
you will never know if you don't spend the doe
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
Fair enough! :)
@stuartwhelan32587 күн бұрын
You'll crap yourself if you use a Mirka.
@BethesdaWoodworks3 күн бұрын
You mean because of the price? :)
@braddobson206015 күн бұрын
Bad vidio
@BethesdaWoodworks11 күн бұрын
I know I can't please everyone, but I'm sorry you didn't like it. What do you think I could change to make it better?