Product Review: Makita Finishing Sander Model BO4552

All home improvement projects require a variety of tools to do the job properly. Having the proper tools at hand allows for a more efficient, safer, and quicker completion of home improvement projects. My favorite tool for finish sanding is the Makita Finishing Sander Model BO 4552. This sander weighs about two pounds, has a 1.6 A motor, and operates at a speed of 14000 OPM. It is double insulated. Double insulation eliminates the need for a grounded electric cord and allows tools to be used on both grounded (3-wire) and ungrounded (2-wire) circuits.

I have used this sander after receiving it as a gift several years ago and have never had a problem with it. It takes a quarter sheet of sandpaper which you can either cut yourself or buy precut. Cutting your own sandpaper is much less expensive, although not as convenient, as buying the precut quarter sheets. Cost verses convenience, the choice is yours.

I have used this sander for drywall finishing as well as for wood working projects. It works well for either application. My preference for finishing drywall, however, is sanding by hand. In my opinion, this sander or any other power sander for that matter just kicks up way too much dust. Professional drywall finishers, with access to respirators, may feel differently as power sanding sure makes the job go quicker. I use my Makita Finishing Sander almost exclusively to prepare wood for finishing with polyurethane and to lightly sand in between application of subsequent coats of finish.