Bosch Random Orbit Sander

Orbital sander PEX 400 AE - dust box fail – Huge dust box issues. Falls off easily. Nothing really holding it on. Heatlh hazzard. Plus, very hard to open it to remove dust, and then hard to close it again. Major fail and for that reason, as it is a health hazzard, I do not recommend you buy it despite the sander working fine.

I am happy with this model – I have checked model number again before I wrote this review after reading other's reviews. First, I am a floor sander using this obitel everyday every month every year. I have used this small beauty at least 2 hours a day every two days time whether sanding processing or final coating work as well. It works beautiful. I have orderd 2more… Read more

through Burnnings where used to sell it but they don't stock anymore. so I did special order system. My old Bosh are two ...still work fine. Only one ...wore out velco area which is waiting replace velcro sheet. 2more order.... I worried run out stock just in case. So I picked up today and comparing prices when I read others experiences. I wouldn't buy 2 more if I am not happy even I am stuck with same model when I am satisfy it . Because I can swap some parts when it has troubles.

Hard working no troubles. I could change $10 velcro sheet few times after using it few months. My 10years of floor sanding expriences with Bosh... 7years..I have used others 150mm obitels. That is my story anyway.

I am happy with Bosh obitel 300AE.

Throws Discs – I used the PEX 300 AE with Diablo Sandnet 80 grit discs to take the saw marks off 3 metre, narrow, rough-sawn oregon battens. Using a high orbit rate of 5 or 6 (as suggested in the manual) and using only the weight of the sander resulted in the disc flying off after about 2 or 3 metres of sanding. The discs removed the saw marks effectively and… Read more

the disc surface showed virtually no wear, but I lost 3 discs in this way (at $3.00/disc) and damaged the hooks on the connecting pad that came with the discs. Many of the loops on the back of the discs were torn. I tried Flexovit 60 grit discs and the first disc also flew off after several minutes and would not re-attach. The wood and disc did not feel the least bit hot. I lowered the orbit rate to 4 (medium) and the next disc lasted considerably longer, about 10 metres. As expected, the removal rate was reduced and I had to sand over the same area more often to remove the saw marks. The dust collection was not effective with the Sandnet discs on orbit rate 6, the dust went everywhere, but it collected more dust with the Flexovit discs on 4. I think that the orbit rate of 6 on the Bosch PEX 300 AE is too aggressive for the hook and loop pad and discs, at least when used on rough timber.

Very happy with this sander – I bought this sander on the recommendation of the guy I buy my timber slabs from, he uses the same one. I've had a great experience with this sander. I do a bit of woodwork at home and find this sander more than capable of doing the job. It's a good size to use one handed, and very stable, I always feel like I've got control of it and it's not… Read more

going to escape on me. I've read a few other reviews about the dust collection not being great, I haven't had these problems. The included dust catcher gets about 60 to 70% of the dust. Maybe other brands do better... I really can't say. When I connect the sander to a triton dust collector bucket wiht a vacuum cleaner attached to that it does a good job, getting about 90% of the dust. I'm happy with that. Like I said, I've never used any other dust collection system so not sure if other systems or brands are better. I also see other reviews saying the velcro system doesn't hold onto pads. I had this problem with my previous cheap Black and Decker sander... but never had the problem with this Bosch. In fact most of the time I have trouble taking the velcro pads off. I use the Flexovit 8 hole sanding pads found at Bunnings.

** Soft vs Medium Sanding Pads from Bosch. The sander comes with Medium Bosch sanding pad. For doing curved parts on furniture like curved arm rests I found the Medium a bit hard, so I got the Bosch Soft pad. Squeezing it with your fingers it doesn't seem that much softer than the medium, but it makes sanding curved parts much easier. I can recommend the Soft pad for these types of jobs.

Unstoppable machine – Can't remember how old it is but well over 10 years ago. Use it constantly and apart from replacing the sanding pad (they do wear out eventually) it's been faultless (like most of the Bosch products I own). Made in Switzerland by the way and the excellent little Bosch hand sander I just bought was made in Hungary so they're much better quality control than the cheap made in China stuff. Show details

First random orbital sander I've owned – I bought my PEX 400 about 15 years ago to sand a plywood dinghy and although it hasn't had a great deal of work since I have kept using it, no issues with Velcro on the backing plate, the little dust filter clogs quickly and it has finally worn out a backing plate ( Velcro was still working). Pictures of replacement backing plates look different, extra ring of dust holes, I hope it works as well as the old one.

This sander sands like a boss – I bought a new Ryobi sander specifically for this large job i had to do - sanding 5 light years of cornice glue off an entire ceiling off a sprawling house that we were going to put another ceiling straight over top of. Anyway the Ryobi died after a couples of hours so I drove straight to Bunnings and replaced it with the Bosch. OMG unbelievable… Read more

difference, the Bosch ripped through the old cornice glue like it was made from meringue cake base. The discs do come off every now and then which is a bit annoying, but weirdly for me they were coming off when the sanding discs were ready to change. The filter seems to work well but the design is crap for getting it on and off (hence the 4 stars) I would buy another in a heartbeat

Base plate stopped moving – Bought sander, after some light use, the base plate stopped moving but the motor turns over. Opened up the sander and it was pretty clean inside, the bearing was clean and functional. Very disappointed in this machine, hardly used , $150 down the drain. I'm baffled to why the base plate doesn't move or freezes when about to sand when pressure is… Read more

applied to it. Spent hours investigating it by opening it up, and even if I find the faulty part, the expense of fixing it is not worth it- better to buy another brand

Don’t buy this – Almost from new the sander threw the Velcro sanding pads off the head well before the abrasive wears out. Don’t expect a new head to help you, the pads will soon throw again. I resorted to gluing the pad on, which worked for a while. Now the whole head comes loose no matter how tightly you do up the Allen screw. Not throwing good money after bad, I’m cutting my losses and throwing it out. Show details

Throws discs – Like other reviewers I purchased this sander understanding it was a middle of the range Option but reasonably good. After three fairly small jobs undertaken in line with manufacturers recommendations for speed etc it now throws discs within minutes of commencing a sanding and they cannot be reattached. It makes it an expensive task as the sanding… Read more

surface has plenty of life left in it but the attaching face fails.

Spend the extra and buy a better brand. You’ll be ahead in the long run.

Slightly conflicted: hard worker, could last "forever" in Europe but ultimately disposable in Australia – We put this sander through all kinds of hell over the last 4-5 years - nothing professional, but everything from sanding furniture for finishing, to constructing two vans and a tiny house. It's fair to say this thing worked hard, and gave a great result. I was pleased when I found I could replace the sanding backing pad / plate when it wore out,… Read more

but eventually had to bin it when the main bearing flange broke - it's available as a replacement part in Europe, but prohibitively expensive here in Australia.

Very good – Bought this from Bunnings 7-8 years ago and very happy with it. Unlike other reviews it doesn’t throw discs so unsure what they’re on about. Great unit, when using, stop and clear out the dust bag. Which is simple. No problems. Show details

Terrible Sander with a massive dust bag issue – It’s a good Sander Absolutely but the dust bag comes off all the time!! And I am working in a workshop which means it’s super dusty! It’s not acceptable at all! Very disappointed

Money making sander – Backing plate with nylon hook velcro is a designed to fail and have you buy new heads. Head gets hot due to friction (so don't press even a small amount !!) then the hooks change shape so the sanding discs don't stick and get thrown. I'll research and check the design more carefully before next purchase. Machine works fine when new head but doesn't last long. I'm on my 3rd and its getting expensive to run this machine. Unexpected. Show details

USELESS PIECE OF JUNK – Purchased recently and used intermittently on very small jobs for fine work,I have other sheet sanders for large work,however when working with this thing{sander] the other day it just stopped working,I picked it up to start and no go,very unhappy with this as it was not cheap and has only lasted a short time on very light work,absolutely useless thing,thought Bosch was better than what I have paid for. Show details

Throws discs, hard to empty – Wish I'd read these reviews before I bought mine... -Dust collection box is hard to remove and clean and sometimes pops off while you are sanding. ..and the o ring broke so I had to order another. -The biggest problem is that it's been throwing discs since I bought it and now they don't adhere at all - this seems to be a common issue -I'm… Read more

ordering another backing plate now and will see whether this fixes it. -If not then I will provide another update here and will never buy another Bosch power tool again. This one has major design flaws. Just goes to show that paying a premium doesn't automatically get you quality.

Great for what it is – This is a decent little sander. Not high end, but not a high end price so that's ok. As a working sander, it really does that. It works. I have almost no issue with it. Solid performer. Highly recommend, provided one thing... You better not be too worried about how the dust catching system functions. Because basically it doesn't. The thing falls… Read more

off with the slightest bump, but it's ok because it pretty much never caught the dust.

I'm still fine with it - i just use it outside and use a mask. Something I do for most work, so no issue for me. So I still rate it a 4 star for price etc - just know what you are buying.

failed speed contoller – after a couple of times using this model the speed controller failed and the machine would not run lower than half speed, then it failed altogether, replacement part is $44 from https://www.toolspareparts.com.au/bosch-pex-300-ae-3603ca3040-spare-parts.html I should have returned at the first instance of failure but you know what its like just… Read more

wanting to get the job done and move onto other bits so did not follow up on warranty, wish I had, also the dust catcher is pretty much useless, now replaced with Ryobi, so far so good.

Bad customer service – Go to Bosch Australia try to get spare parts cant order through them what a joke think may have to use different manufacturer didn't mind the tools but if you cant get help from them what's the point cant order through dealer as the cost of replacing the sanding pads all the time gets to dear with dealer mark up and takes to long to get part in.  Show details

Poor dust catching function – the sander works OK but the dust catcher is useless, dust clouds are the order of the day. Even when I cleaned the filter and took care to refit it to the machine, it still emits dust from around the lid. Checked that its fitting Ok but no change. Disappointing dust catcher.  Show details

Spot On – Light and perfectly weighted orbital sander. I would say the best I have used. Variable speed control works well. Great control with the front auxiliary handle. Low noise. And comes in a case. Cannot fault!

Poor quality – Bought new from Bunnings with DIY use intended. Has perhaps an hour to hour and a half of use so far. The hook and loop system has all but given up - throws discs even when not under load. Appears to be a well documented issue with no answers from BOSCH. RRP for replacement hook and loop (velcro) pad is about $35 AUD. Machine is only worth… Read more

$76ish AUD. False economy to bother replacing the pad.

The sad thing is the sander actually does a really good job when fit for purpose....

Im now off to the shops to invest in a decent machine.

EDIT: For those of you still reading with the aforementioned velcro pad issues.It can be rectified cheaply with an OZITO branded sanding pad. Sold at Bunnings for $10. $30ish cheaper than OEM replacement parts.

Bottom end of the market, but it gets the job done – I am just a DIYer, I knew an orbital sander would help me get a better finish on my projects, but can't really fork out for sanders at the top of the market. I have been really impressed with this unit, the adjustable power output is a nice feature and the dust collection does an ok job, better than my 1/3 sheet makita anyway. I should say… Read more

that I didn't get much help from Bunnings Brendale while selecting this, the staff member in the tool shop didn't seem to know too much about the sanders in their lineup. Tho i have also got great helpful service there when buying a drill, guess it's just hit and miss.

Frustrated – Not a bad sander, onto my 3rd base pad as the Velcro wears very quickly, major problem, call center not very helpful,the other problem is with this review, I only needed 22 words but I couldn't post it until I had written 50, also very frustrating, regards Craig, good bye  Show details

Throws sanding discs. Velcro not fit for purpose – As others have found these Bosch 400 sanders throw the sanding discs. Very poor velcro attachment plate used on backing pad. Not fit for purpose IMHO. I've already replaced it twice with the Bosch OEM backing pads, no better, they go bad soon after. Bosch OZ know about this problem yet have not offered to replace these defective parts nor owned up… Read more

to the issue. Very poor IMHO. Web searches reveal this is a common issue.

Their response is to tell readers to call their helpline where you will be told crap by someone who knows nothing and offered nothing useful as a remedy. I will not be buying another Bosch orbital sander not will I recommend them.

Throws pads after a while – Brought two to renovate the inside of the house. Both throw pads now after working for approx 12 hours. Do not buy useless. The basic function of a sander is to sand this doesn't do that one the pad loses ability to hold pads. Would not buy this type of sander again  Show details

Speedy and efficient sander – End grain cutting boards require a lot of finishing. I choose Bosch for price and innovation, their products tend to be a lot better designed then most. Green Bosch products are generally very usable for most people, especially DIYers. If I want a professional, heavy built product then I tend to go for AEG or Mikita. But as I need to use a tool… Read more ·  3

for a long period of time, I prefer something lighter.

This sander replaced a Triton 1/4 sheet orbital sander, it was struggling and died on the job (less then 6 months old). This new sander completed the job in half the time. I prefer Diablo papers, they make good products, I use their sanding belts as well. In terms of throwing disks, I would try another brand paper.

In regard to dust collection, the same problems occur for all tools, unless you have a good shop vac don't expect the dust collection to work. Belt sanders produce dust at a much greater rate, I've had the cloth bags blow out. I work outside, use a dust mask so I don't need to care too much.

Every Bosch tool I've owned so far has been brilliant, I like tools that come with their own cases as I have a place to store everything in the one box. The quality of the case matches those of the other manufacturers. If you generally buy Festool the quality might be a comedown.

I don't expect that this sander will replace my belt sander or even my finishing sander, that would be too much to expect. If you have a tough job use a belt sander and the right grit for the job.

Very happy and hopeful of a long relationship. If not then I'm sure Bunnings will assist. I'll tape the docket inside the case.

Poorly designed product. Avoid – I called Bosch customer support when my PEX 270A had the problem of throwing pads. They were not very helpful and suggested I contact customer support via email, so I wrote them the following email: ---- My PEX 270A orbital sander will not keep sanding discs adhered to the velcro. After a little bit of research I discovered that this is a… Read more

common problem with this series of Bosch sanders which implies improper design of the material that is used to keep the discs in place.

I refer you to the following 2 sites for reference.

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/bosch-pex-400ae-sander-60148

http://www.productreview.com.au/p/bosch-pex-270-ae-pex-400-ae-random-orbit-sander.html

One of them mentions a redesigned pad for the 400AE. Is such a pad available for the 270?

This seems to be a widespread issue which some people are fixing by actually glueing third party velcro onto their pads. In the interest of quality control, customer service and the reputation of Bosch products, what solution do you suggest to fix this problem? Please also note that several forum posters had tried simply replacing the pads with regular Bosch replacement parts but this did not fix the problem.

———————

I never received a reply.

This has really made me lose faith in Bosch and I will be considering other brands in future purchases instead.

I found this sander to have all the problems mentioned by other reviewers here. It’s a poorly designed machine and Bosch should have tried to look after customers who purchased this dud in good faith.

Older Swiss made was a solid machine – Very good machine, but with a disclaimer: I purchased mine a number of years back and it was made in Switzerland, and I have no clue what their quality is like now, so my advice might only be applicable to second hand. But it's a great machine. I've even done absurd things like polish a full terrazzo floor with it. The dust extraction isn't the… Read more

greatest, and it has chucked a disc once (ever) - after I put it on not realizing it was caked in dust.

Great sander – The problem with this particular sander is now over. I have spent 7 days drywall sanding with this model. Other than small for the job i am doing, the PEX 400 is brilliant and not once as the disc come off. My main problem is that the vacuum cannot keep up with the sander

Frustratingly disappointing – This machine is fabulous for the first year. Then the sandpaper discs start throwing off.. so I get a new disc attachment as the surface has gone too smooth and wont hold the sandpapers on. Carry on.. then it happens again..so buy a new disc attatchment.. Carry on.. and the whole disc attatchment starts throwing off. So I buy a new disc… Read more

attatchment. It throws off as soon as its put on.. then find out that the thread is bare on the centre screw. Another $150 to fix all up apparently..so now have to buy a new sander..All this from a sander thats only 3 years old.

sorry i bought it – decided to save a few dollars on my ROS purchase and thinking that the bosch name meant a reasonable level of quality I bought this sander a couple of years ago. I am a diy user who tends to make jewelry boxes, picture frames and small items of furniture as well as re finishing old furniture. most of my tools are Makita but I thought with this… Read more

purchase I would step out of my usual box.

first impressions were that it vibrated more than I expected. stock removal was ok but not great and finish was similarly ok but not great.

another disappointment was when one of my sanding discs flew off mid work and examination showed that the hook base pad was now smooth and now longer was able to grip the pads. I shopped around and found a retailer that stocked replacement base pads and fitted it. the problem was that it kept happening with base pad life being distressingly short. it meant that I always had to try to keep a spare base pad in my workshop so I could replace it when the pad in use would suddenly stop gripping the discs in mid job

this added significantly to the on costs of the machine and rendered any initial savings at point of purchase very redundant. I appreciate that any hook loop system has a life but this pad life was ridiculously short.

the final failure was just over a year after purchase when I plugged it in and it simply refused to switch on. a low grade hum coupled with an unpleasant smell and that was my sanders last hurrah.

all in all I regretted ever buying this tool and will never purchase a bosch sander again

Mildly functional but flawed. But disc throwing problem is solved – I needed to refinish our largish (50 sq mtrs) deck. I use Sikkens Cetol Deck which is an excellent product but you have to reapply a coat every year. You need to re-sand the old surface with 180 grit before painting and my 15 year old finishing sander clapped out on me. I just raced into Bunnings and grabbed this. It seemed reasonable quality… Read more

and $150 should buy a reasonable sander...shouldn't it? (No it doesn't.)

Things I like: IT NEVER THREW ANY DISCS. THIS FAULT SEEMS TO BE FIXED. It comes with a brilliant sanding disc applicator. It makes sure you get it centred every time. It's pretty quiet and didn't annoy the neighbours. It seems powerful enough to handle most light duty sanding jobs. It has a dust collector (see below). It seems solidly built.

Things I didn't like: Leave the dust collector off. It's hopeless. It should be a bag system. This collector fills up very quickly after which, the dust clags up every little nook and cranny inside the machine making it overheat. You can't connect it to a Shopvac. After about 3 discs use, I had to take the filter box off and clean it which is quite difficult to do. The filter box is poorly designed and hard to push together. After 10 discs, I had to pull the machine apart completely (by undoing 8 screws) and clean out the clagged up sanding dust. It was rock hard! WHY does Bosch put in those stupid star head screws to hold the machine together? It's bad enough that we have to disassemble the machine to clean it so often without making disassembly even harder. I think, leaving the filter off would help stop the clagging up, but you're going to have to clean the machine regardless.

Things I've learned: Don't be cheap...I'll buy a heavy duty sander with a proper dust collection system next time. Or even better, hire a heavy duty system with a vacuum collection system.

I wouldn't recommend this unit to anyone.