Review Metabo SXE400 2 Amp 3-1/8-Inch Random Orbit Sander ...
It's small size, small orbit and variable speed make it perfect for my lathe jobs when sanding is needed or the myriad other small sanding jobs where other sanders are simply too big or cumbersome. Thankfully, Metabo still manufactures tools in Germany and the German high quality shows in this 3 1/8 inch random orbit sander/polisher. I use the Griot's Garage 3 inch polishing and waxing foam pads along with the Griot's Garage polishes and waxes (available through Amazon or directly through Griot's Garage). I find the Metabo sander and the Fein Multimaster, are the perfect pair of small sanding options. My pneumatic random orbit sander lacked the control of this thing, even though it was in fact only 2" wide disk size. The SXE400 is a strong and very smooth sander. I have also used the unit with Griot's plastic polish to polish the plastic rear window on my convertible and plastic headlight covers on my cars and have achieved good results. This baby has become my default sander. Other than that, the sander is a trooper, even with 40 grit paper. Based on my experience with this random orbit polisher, I would definitely purchase another Metabo tool. 3-1/8" is a little big for standard US 3" sheets and too small to fit the Festool RO 90 sheets. The Metabo was worked well in all these polishing applications. This is the first Metabo tool that I have purchased. The unit's smooth motor produces virtually no vibration which makes the unit easy to hold for long periods of time without the user experiencing hand fatigue or numbness. It's certainly no toy, what Metabo learned with their grinders is obviously in play here. ) where my six inch random orbital polisher is a bit too large to use effectively. I purchased this unit to use polishing and waxing smaller areas on my automobile (A-Frame of roof support, around license plate, etc. The unit fits the hand well, the switch is conveniently located and the motor is smooth, strong and quiet. The tool can comfortably be held and operated using one hand as designed. The rpm range runs from 5,000-10,000 rpm. This is a well designed tool. Adding a foam pad for contour work adds just enough weight to throw the balance off causing more vibration than normal.