Rami wrote in with a tip (thanks!) about a new Dewalt DWE6411 1/4 sheet sander that we haven’t seen before. This will probably be a replacement for the Dewalt D26411 sander, with the new model looking to have been redesigned from the ground up.
We have already seen new Dewalt random orbit sanders, and so a new quarter sheet sander is hardly a surprise.
Advertisement
It’s good to see Dewalt shaking things up with their corded woodworking tools.
New Features (Compared to Previous Generation)
- Lower height without affecting motor power, which should provide increased user control (Dewalt’s words call it improved interaction)
- Reduced vibration and wobble
- New paper clamp, based on user feedback
- New front button and paper tension system with back paper clamps
Features and Specs
- 2.4 A motor
- 12,000 OPM
- Weighs 2.7 lbs
- Locking dust port
The new Dewalt sander features sealed 100% ball bearing construction, for longer life, and according to details from a Finnish site that Rami provided us with, it also has a dust-sealed switch for greater durability.
It also features a dual plane counterbalance, resulting in a low vibration design for reduced user fatigue.
The DWE6411 sander comes with a sandpaper punch (for creating dust collection holes in plain sandpaper) and a dust bag. The DWE6411K sander is exactly the same, but is bundled with a kit bag.
Price: $55 for the sander (the kit bag version will likely be $5-$10 more)
Buy Now(via Acme Tool)
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(w/ Kit Bag via Acme Tool)
Advertisement
Here’s a look at those others new Dewalt sanders:
First Thoughts
I bought a Bosch 1/4 sheet sander a few years ago, and it’s been fantastic. Why did I select that particular Bosch model? Because it had a great paper clamping system that users enthusiastically recommended.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a sheet sander’s paper clamp.
Dewalt says that the new paper clamp system was created after feedback and frustration that users had with the current wire form system. This is good to hear, and we’ll be very interested to see how well the new clamp system works.
Thoughts about the clamp aside, the new sander brings other improvements to the table – less vibration and lower height.
It’s hard to tell from product images, but it looks like the new Dewalt 1/4 sheet sander is noticeable lower profile than the older model. The new hand grip looks to have a more comfortable shape too, and is also has a lot more overmolding.
Zach
I have the old model, putting paper on can be a challenge no doubt. But its not horrible, this improvement will likely help what can be slightly frustrating.
Kudo’s to DeWalt.
Now.. where is the brushless 20v recip saw & circular saw? Oh and new T-Stak’s……
Stuart
What kind of TStak case configuration are you hoping for?
I too wish they would come out with inserts for their cases, but I don’t think that’s in the cards, due to cost.
Lenny
I have an old Porter Cable sander that I rarely use it because it’s so difficult to change the paper. I may need to upgrade if this is as easy as they claim. The paper punching tool is interesting, never saw that before.
Stuart
My Bosch sander came with a paper punch plate.
The holes are small, but it beats having to buy specialty with pre-punched holes paper. I do wish there was some sort of ubiquitous standard, similar to what you see in 5″ sanders with 5 and 8 hole patterns.
Fran Tark
I remember some 20 years ago adding a random orbit sander to my stash after years of using a 1/4 sheet sander. The 1/4 sheet sander (dewalt) is still with me but I don’t think I’ve used it in 5 years. The swirl marks the thing leaves are just too much to deal with.
I’m rather curious why anyone would buy a new 1/4 sheet sander instead of a ROS? The cost difference is negligible, at best, and the paper changing aspect alone compared to slapping on paper to a ROS makes it more than worth it.
What does a 1/4 sheet sander do that a ROS can’t do?
Stuart
A 1/4 sheet sander can more easily sand up to edges, and can fit into corners.
I tend to treat my ROS as a general purpose sander, and sometimes treat my 1/4 sheet sander as a finish sander. I believe it has a less aggressive oscillation.
Fran Tark
That makes sense… I rarely need to sand in corners as I have found it’s easier for me to sand the pieces as individual flats first and then assemble the box/cabinet. On those rare occasions I do need to get into (or sand along) a corner, I just grab a sanding block.
Allen
Drywall folks use them, fast and cheap paper.
Jerry
I hope the paper clamp is convenient. I had an old B&D quarter sheet sander my dad gave me that we both dreaded to use because we might have to change the paper. To vet the paper tight you actually had to uses screwdriver. When it finally died the only tears I shed were tears of joy. Might look into this,IF it looks like the paper changes would be easy.
Shan
Given fairly recent discussion both here and elsewhere as to Dewalt tool’s manufacturing origin, is this sander, as well as the other new ROS they’ve come out with, made in the U. S. A. ? Any idea?
Stuart
I don’t think so. I think their USA assembly operations focus more on cordless tools.
Luke
So then where is the cordless sander? Needs it
Mux
Can anybody tell me the part number of the shop vac adapter for this sander? For anybody reading this, the so called “Universal” Quick Connector does NOT fit.