Makita’s Smooth (Start & Stop) Operator

Sure, this wouldn’t be news on most sites. But one thing about being a Toolmonger is that we love any tool news, no matter how minor. And on that note: It looks like Makita updated their palm sander a little bit.

For the most part, it’s the same as the previous model, with all the top forty hits: sealed bearings, through-the-pad dust collection, a 4,000 to 12,000 RPM variable speed control, a big front handle, and rubberized grips. But this model includes an “improved pad control system” and re-engineered pad brake to prevent the gouging that can bite you (or your project) in the ass on start-up or shut-down.

We also noticed the trigger-style switch. Are you a fan? We’re admittedly more used to a rocker switch, but the Makita’s trigger does lock on, so maybe it’s not that different after all.

Street pricing averages around $100 — about what you’d expect to pay for a decent quality palm sander.

Orbital Palm Sander (BO5041K) [Makita]
Street Pricing [Google Products]