CRAFTSMAN 6-in Dual Action Sander, Swirl-Free Finish, Adjustable Speed Control, Durable Build, Ideal for Wood and Metal Projects

Great tool

I was just saying the other day that most pneumatic tools are very rough around the edges, no matter what brand you buy them from (but they still work reliably, likely because they are more simple than those with engines).Then this comes along, and it is, in fact, an exceptionally crafted, refined tool. It seems to me that the new owners of Craftsman are bringing this name back to its former glory (and I thank them for that).It's super smooth, and has a sort of dual-circular system. I'm guessing this is to ensure that the pressure (from weight) on all parts of the disc is even over a time interval. But it is confidence inspiring. And you set the speed via an airflow knob on the tool that takes it from so low it doesn't move all the way to super fast. And it does make sense - as the manual says - to utilize that feature so you don't damage your workpiece by starting at the super fast speed.You can remove the pad with a spindle lock as you might expect. And it works with a handle "trigger" system, as you can see.Other than that, it's still a simple tool, so if you take care of it, it'll likely last forever. What they did to make it a little more special is give it a very aesthetically pleasing rubber coating, formed for comfort and better detailing (in the looks department). Although I am more concerned with a tool's function, this is a nice change from very basic looking tools and makes you feel like you're getting the best you can get.No case with this, but you'll probably want to keep dust out of it (ironic, I know). Unfortunately, it is too deep for the lidded compartment in my tool box where I keep my caseless pneumatic tools. So maybe a box would be nice. And of course 6" self-adhesive sanding discs are less common in my experience than 5" velcro, but I think I like the 6" self-adhesive better. Also, no chance to hook a vacuum up to this of course, worth considering. But I generally prefer my pneumatic tools - this included - when I have my compressor activated.

Not very balanced for smooth motion on panels. Would recommend the center control for better balance

I'm a smaller woman, although taller at 5'7". Larger tools can get heavy on me real quick, no matter what type of brace I have for assistance. This sander really doesn't seem to fatigue me as much as some of my others in the workshop. It weighs in at 3.8 lbs so it is a bit hefty, but working with it I don't really notice it.I had it out for some bondo work on my 2005 GMC Sierra and it powered through the old paint as well as the new bondo so I could go over everything. It's durable, and has a working pressure of 90 PSI. It is supposed to get 10,000 rotations per minute for a smooth sand. So far, I'm impressed with the sanding job. It's good enough for commercial work, but it's what you want for home work at a fair price. Craftsman is really pulling out all the stops under the new ownership. The only thing I wasn't super keen on with the sander is that the metal trigger feels a bit loosey goosey. It functions smoothly, but the pins and spring action just seem loose to me.Like many of the newer tools, this one has the awesome rubber grip that is supposed to help with fatigue and callousing. It also has the noise reduction muffler. I can seriously tell a huge difference, but still wear ear protection. Changing the spindle lock is super easy and right on the side. For $79, this thing is a champion. It has some quirks, sure, but I'd get this again. Durable. It blows my little 6 inch Central Pneumatic one out of the water. I really feel like for home use it's up there with Dynabrade and especially at the price point.

This is a much nicer tool than I was expecting from Craftsman. It's large and heavy with a smooth disc surface that works with the rolls of adhesive sanding pads. There is a plastic speed regulator knob and a comfortable soft rubber grip but most of the plastic is just an outer cover over a mostly metal tool.I'm very happy with this sander for body work, and it is a workhorse but it uses a lot of air and my compressor is running most of the time that I'm using this, even at 90 psi. The speed is good and the unit is powerful enough for coarse sanding and rust removal but it really does well at higher grits to sand down primer before hand sanding. This is so much better than my old Central Pneumatic sander, I am so happy to be rid of that thing and was using a corded sander because it was more reliable. This sander has been working great and aside from needing a 20-30 gallon or larger tank to use it for anything more than a small panel, I don't really have anything negative to say about it. I'm really impressed with some of the new Craftsman air tools coming out lately. Time will tell how they fare long term but they seem built well and I do think the plastic covering is a smart idea to protect the tool from dropping and dragging around the shop.