Popular Woodworking 2002-06 № 128, страница 28
Tool Test Bosch 5" Random-orbit Sander with Superior Dust Collection We're not always enthused about getting a new sander to test. Let's face it, few people enjoy sanding. So the best thing we can hope for when testing a sander is that it will work more quickly, create less dust and work without a lot of vibration. Bosch has two new 5" random-orbit sanders that try to fill this bill: the 1295D, a single-speed tool, and the 1295DVS, a variable-speed model. We tested the variable-speed model. The 1295DVS boasts a 2.2-amp motor with variable speeds ranging from 7,000 to 12,000 rpm so you can adjust the aggressiveness of the stock removal. The eccentric offset (also called the orbit size) on the sander is stated at 1/l6", making it one of the smaller offsets in the category, but the sander's performance tends to belie that statistic. We had good results: quick removal and low sanding-swirl problems. The sander's pad-dampening system provided good protection against swirls when the running sander met the wood. Most impressive during our testing was the performance of the new Microfilter dust canister filter system. Bosch has drawn on some of its automotive experience and incorporated a pleated filter that is rated to trap particles as small as .25 microns. The thickness of a human hair usually is in the 100-micron range, with common pollen checking in as small as 10 microns, so this is a pretty good filter. This all sounds good in theory, but what about in the shop? We found the 1295DVS a pleasure to sand with. Little dust escaped the through-the-pad collection system. You'll need to clean the filter out every so often, but all-in-all, this is some of the best dust collection we've seen outside of using a vacuum hook-up, which also is an option with this random-orbit sander. The feel of the sander also was good, with a soft-grip top adding some comfort while allowing a solid grip on the tool. We did notice vibration and somewhat overactive pulling from the sander when we weren't using the full pad against the material. While this is something to be aware of, we didn't find it a problem with the tool's performance. Another nice feature is the sealed switch that keeps the internal electronics free of dust, which leads to longer life. We were a little concerned initially that the somewhat large and rigid plastic dust col- SPECIFICATIONS Bosch1295DVS Sander Street price: $90 Amps: 2.2 RPM: 7,000 - 12,000 Disc: 5" Orbit diameter: 1/is" Weight: 3.5 pounds Filter efficiency: .25 microns Performance: ••••◦ Value: •••◦◦ Bosch Tools: 877-267-2499 or lection box would get in the way during use, but once we started sanding we didn't notice it anymore. Overall we found the 1295DVS to be a good all-around random-orbit sander with superior dust collection, and rapid and aggressive material removal. The price for either the variable- or single-speed model is in line with all the other manufacturers' models, making this a strong competitor. For more information, circle #142 on Free Information Card. HOW WE RATE TOOLS At Popular Woodworking we test new tools and products with an honest, real-world workout. We check for ease of assembly and determine how clear and complete the manuals are. Then we use the tool in our shop to build projects that appear in the magazine. Each issue, our editorial staff shares its results and experiences with the tools. We use a one-to-five scale, with "five" in performance indicating that we consider it to be the leader in its category. For value, "five" means the tool is a great deal for the money, while "one" means we consider it pricey. Though, a unique low-value tool may be worth the price. If our tool reviews don't answer all your questions, e-mail me at david.thiel@fwpubs.com or call me at 513-531-2690, ext. 255.You also can visit our website www.popularwoodworking.com to check out previous tool reviews and sign up for our free e-mail newsletter (focusing on tools) that's sent out every other week. —David Thiel, senior editor 26 Popular Woodworking June 2002 |
