light , almost too light ; and relatively quiet . not as agressive as I would like , even with 60 grit . dust collection bag still obtrusive and tend to spew extra fine dust into one face if the unit be hold at a ninety degree angle . the angular design make for a secure fit upside down in a bench vise so one can hand feed smaller piece for shaping . I rarely use a belt sander and then only to hog off amount to then use the ro sander . bottom line : I love Bosh anything so if I have the money I would have spend extra to get a heavier duty machine by Bosch .