What is Reddit's opinion of BOSCH ROS20VSK Palm Sander 2.5 Amp 5 in. Corded Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander/Polisher Kit with Dust Collector and Hard Carrying Case?

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Fyi the first one is variable speed. You can see the speed dial in the 2nd picture and here’s the Amazon link for the same model.

I have this one and with limited experience I'd say it's a good buy. The variable speed is quite helpful.

For woodworking, the two big power tools you need are a router and a tablesaw. You can duplicate other functions of tools with those two. I would suggest high quality on both.

For a sander, the Festool seems interesting, but I can't imagine spending that much on a sander. Instead, I went with this Bosch which if you take the bag off, has a tube connection that fits a standard shop vac. Much cheaper on all fronts, does the job just as well.

Someone mentioned you wanted to build a deck, and that is one of the few places I think a miter saw is really warranted. In a woodworking shop setting, you could simply use a crosscut sled for the tablesaw, but for more construction style work, a miter saw would be invaluable.

Thanks, I am going to buy:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018Z8D64?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_image_1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I imagine it doesn't come with the sandpaper... so I should buy some for it. How much and is it necessary to step it up, like 100 then 180 then 240? Or can I just do it all in one go at 240? I'll get wood from Home Depot (unless that's a mistake?) or similar store.

I will use polyurethane, thanks for suggestion. The finish will depend on what I think will look good. I might go with drift wood finish for this. We will see.

Do you sand by hand? I use a random orbital sander and wet sand from 600, 800, 1,000, 1,200, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500 and 3,000. Then I use three different polishing compounds after sanding. Listed links below in the order I use the polishes.

Bosch Palm Random Orbital Sander

Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Compound

Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax

Meguiars Mirror Glaze Show Car Glaze

I always feel the same way about every time saving tool I buy. My latest "How did I ever get by without this is?" tool is my Bosch Orbital Sander

I researched a lot of them based on reviews. I think overall for price and how happy people are with the product, this stood out to me: http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-ROS20VSK-120-Volt-Variable-Random/dp/B0018Z8D64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333586647&sr=8-1

It's even back down to a very good price. I bought one, which was my first Bosch tool(I'm brand agnostic), and it really exudes quality. Comes with a case, vacuum adapter, and has variable speeds for $60 shipped. Hard to beat that.