DeWalt is Black and Decker's premium brand. I've had good experiences with them.

> John:

> In our shop, we use the Black & Decker model RO100 palm grip
> ROS. The Makitas were nice while they lasted, but the motor on them
> is only rated at 1.2 amps. The B&D is rated at 2 amps. We buy
> them at Wal-Mart for about $50.00 each and include one in every kit.
> My own RO100 has done 12 canoes, 6 paddles, a tool box, my truck,
> my wife's car and a Cosine Wherry, without so much as a hiccup. It's
> about to do a 17' Endeavour very soon. For the money, you can't beat
> it. One of our students bought a Porter Cable (I'm not sure which
> model) and burned the bearings out of it before the canoe was finished
> - less than 20 hours on a $150.00 sander. Granted, there are probably
> better machines ou there, but I like to stick with what works for
> me, and this one is certainly worth looking at. BTW...replacement
> brushes, bearings and velcro pads are readily available through B&D,
> and they are reasonably priced. The only thing I've replaced on mine
> is the brushes. The first set gave out after almost 300 hours of sanding.
> The bearings and the velcro are showing very little wear after almost
> 400 hours. Just remember to let the sander do the work, don't force
> it (I guess the same goes for any power tool). If anyone is interested,
> I can post the specs tomorrow night.

> Don