Replies

1. 
   Scott_MacLEOD_Kel-Kat_Constructi | Dec 15, 1999 06:00am | #1

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   Don't buy the RYOBI. Got one in a pawn shop for the "good" price. Obviously used, lots of spares, not "hot" (we have a real good program for that up here). But it vibrates way too much and I can't use it for too long before it begins to turn my hand numb. Hate to think of the long term effects.

   However it does do an OK job and the price is rights

   Scott

1. 
   lonecat | Dec 15, 1999 08:33am | #2

   *I agree with Scott, that cheap little Ryobi really does work, and it makes your hand numb in about 10 minutes. I've got one of those PC ones with all the attachments. It doesn't seem to be orbital- just back and forth- scratches things sometimes but my wrist likes it. It has its uses, but usually seems to be more trouble than its worth.

1. 
   Mad_Dog | Dec 17, 1999 07:09am | #3

   *I couldn't get the pads to stay on the Ryobi, tried several times, put down the tool and consider it a useless piece of junk.

1. 
   D._Peterson | Jan 07, 2000 11:25am | #4

   *Try the Fein. It's one of those cases of 'you get what you pay for'. If you buy a cheaper model and use it a lot, you'll end up paying for the Fein plus whatever you paid for one you'll be replacing. Just my thoughts.

1. 
   J_G_M | Jan 08, 2000 04:57pm | #5

   *I was able to use the Ryobi, Bosch, PC & Fein before making my purchase a few years ago and decided on the Fein. Is it alot of money...yes, but what a pleasure to use. It's well balanced, smooth, has plenty of power and can be used for hours at a time.John

2. 
   Phillip_Kehoe | Jan 08, 2000 05:55pm | #6

   *Fein is the way to go, no doubt about it. I have had mine for about 6 or 7 years and it is a workhorse with sanding head, blades or knives.

3. 
   jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Jan 08, 2000 10:26pm | #7

   *I bought a PC detail sander a few years ago and am really disappointed with it. WAY too much vibration and very akward to hold. About the least ergonomically designed tool I've ever trid to use. Mostly it collects dust in the shop. I'll sell it for 50.00 plus shipping to anyone who wants it. The Fein is high on my "tools I gotta have" (right under a Wap shop vac and just ahead of W+H moulder).

4. 
   DD_Wilson | Jan 15, 2000 09:09am | #8

   *Yes, the Ryobi will vibrate the hell out of hand and arm, but it does do an adequete job. I like the Bosch myself, although the general census tells me the Fein gets the vote. I do a lot of fine finish work and regardless of what you use, the final finish is gonna be hand-work. With an 80-grit paper, the Ryobi makes a nice shaper (of sorts)... but stock up on the sandpaper packets, even the 80-grits get the edges warn off pretty quickly. The Bosch is kinder, gentler and worth the price. For the many "occasional" jobs tho, I still find myself pulling out my cheap Ryobi and, hey, the numbness goes away pretty quickly.

5. 
   s_crawford | Jan 24, 2000 08:23am | #9

   *Has anyone tried undercutting door jambs with the Fein outfitted with a blade. If not do you think it's capable of doing the job.Thanks S. Crawford

6. 
   Dana_Dawes | Feb 28, 2000 06:15am | #10

   *S Crawford asked about using the Fein with the saw to cut door jambs. Yes, fer sure. We use the Fein more in the saw mode than in the sander one. The Fein with the saw blade is one of the slickest tools to come along since the RO Sander, IMHO. The kerf is tiny and you can easily plunge cut with it. We've used it to remove damaged panels from doors, trim Jambs for new flooring, trim base (in place) to re-case a door frame, and on and on. Since they work like a Dr's cast saw, they are plenty safe to use.Dana

7. 
   Bill_Pickard | May 29, 2000 07:32pm | #11

   *Fein is great in and of itself but even better due to all the attachments.PC profile sander for window mullions.

2. 
   abraemer | May 29, 2000 07:32pm | #12

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   Need advice about buying a detail sander