Handheld sanders

Portable sanders for removing material, smoothing surfaces and reaching corners. Models identified from photographs taken on 13 October 2026.

Pass the Wood room course; follow the room rules. This guide covers wood use here. No metal, stone or stone-like materials; check the room rules before considering other materials. Felder takes wood dust only.

Choose a sander

Choose suitable grit: coarse removes material; progressively finer paper smooths it. Heavy pressure does not replace suitable grit.

Before and after use

Unplug before changing abrasives, adjusting or cleaning. Check cable, switch, abrasive and pad; replace worn abrasives and stop if a pad is damaged. Secure the work. Use dry sanding only. Fit suitable collection, check suction and align paper holes with the pad.

Hold firmly. Start clear of the work, reach speed, then lower the abrasive flat with light, even pressure. Keep moving; avoid digging in with a pad edge. Lift clear, switch off and wait for standstill. Vacuum the tool and work area, empty the container and return the tool. Empty dust collectors before breaks as well; accumulated sanding dust can overheat.

The models

Bosch GEX 125-1 AE

Model identification photo — Bosch GEX 125-1 AE

Model identification photo: GEX 125-1 AE nameplate.

125 mm random orbit sander. Select low, medium or high speed with the thumbwheel; test on scrap. Keep the pad flat, especially on veneer. Use its Microfilter box or external extraction. Handheld use only; do not clamp to a bench. Bosch instructions, English pp. 12–17.

Makita 9911

Model identification photo — Makita 9911

Model identification photo: Makita 9911 label and belt housing.

Belt sander for faster removal. Match the belt arrow to the tool; release/restore tension with the lever. Check tracking. Hold with both hands; let the tool's weight supply pressure. The dial adjusts belt speed; never force it beyond its stops. Makita instructions.

Makita BO5031

Model identification photo — Makita BO5031

Model identification photo: Makita BO5031 nameplate.

Random orbit sander using 125 mm, eight-hole hook-and-loop discs. Align holes; select speed with the dial. Use slight pressure with the pad flush. Empty the bag around half full. Makita instructions, English pp. 4–7.

Makita BO3710

Model identification photo — Makita BO3710

Model identification photo: Makita BO3710 nameplate.

Fixed-speed finishing sander. Clamp a 93 × 228 mm sheet taut at both ends, with extraction holes aligned. Unperforated paper needs the proper punch plate. Hook-and-loop paper requires the matching optional pad; check what is fitted. The manual's speed dial applies to BO3711. Makita instructions.

Metabo FMS 200 Intec

Model identification photo — Metabo FMS 200 Intec

Model identification photo: Metabo FMS 200 Intec body label.

Triangular finishing sander for corners and edges. Align the hook-and-loop sheet's holes with the plate. Use the Intec collection box or the correct adapter and suitable extractor. Empty the box and clean its pleated filter regularly; vacuum the ventilation slots. Metabo instructions, English pp. 8–9.

Original identification photos — Erik Cederberg, 13 October 2026

Documentation added 15 October 2026. Current abrasives, adapters and tool condition should be checked before use; remaining local inventory details are in Woodshop — Open questions.