I could not agree more with Jim Thompson on this sander . you can tell that alot of thought go into its design . it be so much more useful than ordinary belt sander . for one thing the balance be perfect . you do not have to torque you wrist to get it to sand level . because of the in line design , you can see both side of the belt when you be sand . of course you have to watch it and keep it move , but it be alot less work with the little Bosch than the other . it be a little slower than the fastest sander . but what you sacrifice in speed , you gain in control and accuracy . I would not buy one to sand floor , but for finish work you can not beat it . it be light enough to use one hand if you have to . it easily become a table top horizontal sander by flip it over on its flat top . -lrb- it be even better with the sand frame -rrb- the dust collection really do work . the front handle come off for tight spot . Belt change be a cinch with the lever action release . the variable speed be a lifesaver with soft wood , detail work where you do not want to take too much off or even rough grind on chisel and plane iron . I have several Belt sander from different manufacturer and this truly be my all time favorite .