Bosch has introduced a new half-sheet orbital finish sander (OS50VC) that they say will provide woodworkers with superior handling and maximum comfort during long sanding sessions.
The sander is said to feature superb vibration control, a convenient sandpaper clamping system, and high performance 3.4A power rating.
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Vibration Control and Dampening
Bosch’s “best in class” vibration control and dampening is accomplished via a suspension system that includes eight foam blocks that isolate the grip area of the tool from the motor and gearing. This prevent tool vibrations from transferring to users’ hands.
Power
Higher power usually translates to quicker sanding performance, and this case is no different. The 3.4 amp motor is said to be significantly more power than competing models, which should result in speedier sanding and paint removal.
Sandpaper Clamping
The OS50VC sander has a Sheetlock paper clamping system that automatically tensions the paper as it’s being clamped. This way the paper is held completely flat against the sanding backing pad. The backing pad itself is extra soft, allowing it to accommodate contours and unevenness.
I have an older Bosch 1/4″-sheet finish sander, and LOVE the clamping system. It’s easy to attach paper to the sanding plate, and a quick punch creates holes for dust removal.
Dust Removal
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Included is a translucent microfilter dust canister with integrated paper filter and cap. The canister is quickly emptied via an easy-to-remove twist-off top.
The sander also comes with an included hose connection, for use with dust extractors or shop vacuums.
Additional Features
- variable speed dial: 8,000-11,000 orbits per minute (OPM)
- multiple soft-grip locations for fatigue-reducing ergonomics
- removable auxiliary handle for flexibility to sand in tight spaces
- due-cast aluminum gear housing for improved tool life and stability
- can also accept PSA (sick-on) sanding sheets
- made in Switzerland (according to Amazon product description)
Pricing and Options
MSRP is $379, and you can find the sander via authorized USA Bosch dealers. An optional L-Boxx with foam inlay is available separately.
By Now(via Amazon)
First Impression
I’ve used belt sanders, random orbit sanders, 1/4″ sheet sanders, oscillating tool sanding attachments, and all sorts of hand sanding products and accessories, but no half-sheet sanders.
It seems to me that half-sheet finish sanders are akin to 1/4-sheet sanders, but with added power and surface area for quicker sanding or paint removal tasks.
The price seems a little steep, at least compared to Bosch’s other power sanders, but it could be easily justified if Bosch’s vibration control system is as effective as they claim.
Mati
The list price is $680 on Amazon and the price you would pay is $332.42 as of today on Amazon. Now if the vibration system truly was effective as Bosch would claim, I could see this potentially be worth the price for the serious woodworker but I honestly can’t imagine your average person being willing to pay that price. Granted this is Swiss made, but that remains to be seen, as Bosch likely will never show a image of the back of the package that lists specifically the country of origin of this product.
I personally own a Dewalt random oribital sander D26453 and it’s mostly made in Mexico and with the repairs done at my authorized Dewalt factory service shop, some parts are now USA made as well. This works pretty well for me, but while this was under warranty, this unit stopped working and the repairs would have cost more than the unit itself though.
Stuart
Never put faith in the Amazon “list” prices – except for some electronics and certain other product categories they are completely made up and higher than brands’ actual MSRPs. Other retailers do this too to make you think you’re getting a great deal each and every time.
Bosch is targeting this model at users who sand a LOT. If you use a sander for more than a couple of minutes a day or week, vibrations can certainly become a pain to deal with.
I view products like this as solutions. They’re designed to solve a problem, and the price is what it is.
fred
Just a reminder that most production sanding is done with pneumatic (rather than electric) sanders – but vibration and dust collection is always an issue no matter what you use. Ceros recently released a DC motor sander that is said to have close to pneumatic sander performance – but I see it gets some mixed reviews on Amazon – and as far as cost goes – a Dotco orbital sander costs between $200 and $300
Stuart
That’s a very good point, thanks for the reminder! I’ve generally stayed away from air tools, mainly because I lack the space for a sufficiently sized air compressor, but I know they hold a lot of appeal in larger production settings.
I keep meaning to post about the Mirka Ceros sander, which I have only seen raving good reviews about.
Monte
The version sold here in Germany says “Made in Switzerland” on the tool so i guess it´s the same than they sell in the US. The R+D of this tool probably cost a couple of million € and of course you pay for the innovation and COO. Outside of the US people also use electric tools more often than pneumatic tools because (screw) compressors which supply enough air are expensive in purchase and maintenance vs. a electric tool. The Bosch sander consumes 340 watt of power vs. 10 or rather 20 times the power a compressor needs to operate a air tool…
fred
As you say – For the small shop I can not imagine buying, running or maintaining a big comperssor – but in a fair sized production shop they can have their place. Compared to our older compressor – the last compressor we bought – uses 2 stage compression, variable speed drive, water cooling with heat recovery, longer-life compressor oil, refrigerated drying, an oil water separator, good easier to maintain filters, a microprocessor controller and soft start. While this all helps reduce O&M costs – and lower both electric usage and demand charges – all of this did not come cheap – and the machine (I think it weighs over 3000 pounds – and it draws about 50kW at full load) is not something you would likely put in your garage just to run a few air tools.