Metabo SRE4351 1/2 Sheet Sander??

[bobfog]

Anyone used one of these?

It's £175, comes in a "Metaloc" T-Loc Systainer, so it will integrate in with the storage of my other Festool tools, and boasts low vibration, velcro-pad and 350w motor, basically all the specs between this and the Festool RS 200 EQ are very similar but the RS200 costs, £375. Also the equalivant Bosch in an L-Boxx is £280, so it's £200 cheaper than it's Festool equivalent and £100 cheaper than the Bosch equivalent!

On paper it seems like quite bargain for a half sheet sander is a Systainer from a reputable manufacturer, so just wondering if anyone has used one?

Thanks
Bob.

 

[McNally Family]

Here is a link to an older discussion about Metabo as a company.  If you view post #27, a 30 year Metabo user gives his opinion on their product line, item by item.  Remember this discussion is almost 6 years old (an eternity in tool development).
http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/metabo/

Myself, I am about to pull the trigger on the Festool Orbital 1/2 sheet sander RS 2.  I am only waiting until after the Festool Roadshow tomorrow, where I can discuss alternative options with the Festool reps in person first.

The only thing that I noticed, concerned the warranty itself.  They call it a 30day/3year warranty, but the 30 day component is not like Festools "return for any reason, no questions asked" warranty.  They call it a "30 Day Performance Guarantee", which reads as follows:

'If in the first 30 days from purchase, a tool fails to perform to Metabo’s specifications(1) it should be sent pre-paid(2) postage to the Metabo Corporate Service Center*. If the tool is found by Metabo to contain defects in workmanship or materials, Metabo will replace the tool free of charge".

(1) Original manufactures specifications can be found at www.metabousa.com or in our catalog.

(2) Customer is responsible for shipping all products to Authorized Service Centers and return charges for non-warranty repairs. Return of products repaired under warranty will be paid by Metabo.

Not quite the same as what Festool offers.

 

[Stephen B]

I too am a user of Metabo tools, particularly their drills. And I am considering future Metabo purchases. However after considering this Metabo 1/2 sheet sander, several years ago, I went and purchased a Makita. I am very happy with this decision.

 

[Kev]

If I was to step away from Festool for sanders it wouldn't be to Metabo. I have many Metabo tools, but I generally don't rate their sanders and would decide accordingly. That doesn't mean that you won't find a piece of gold in any range ... Milwaukee's recipro is a great example!

 

[McNally Family]

If I was to step away from Festool for sanders it wouldn't be to Metabo. I have many Metabo tools, but I generally don't rate their sanders and would decide accordingly. That doesn't mean that you won't find a piece of gold in any range ... Milwaukee's recipro is a great example!

Years ago, when my Dad was still head of Research and Development for Maremont Corp (and Gabriel, which is owned by Maremont), aside from designing shock absorbers and exhaust systems, he actually specified the Milwaukee Sawzall (and a special clamping attachment he designed), to all Maremont exhaust installers.

I asked him once why he selected Milwaukee for this particular tool, and he told me at the time, they were considered the best in the world from an engineering perspective (and he had all the then available brands tested).  I trust the current version (made in China), utilizes the same superior engineering as my  30 year old (made in the USA) model does.

Even today, when I hear the name Milwaukee, I still think motors/drills/Sawzalls. 

 

[sae]

Here is a link to an older discussion about Metabo as a company.  If you view post #27, a 30 year Metabo user gives his opinion on their product line, item by item.  Remember this discussion is almost 6 years old (an eternity in tool development).

I'd say it's mostly still accurate.

Only thing I would add is Metabo took on a bunch of venture capital in 2012 and revamped a little bit of everything. Their cordless lineup received some attention...and everything that wasn't a carryover design from pre-2012 (i.e. the same tool w/ a new battery interface slapped on) has been pretty good.

I think I've posted my thoughts before, I can revisit them if anyone is interested.

Regarding the sander in question, people ding it because it's made in China, but I have a mix of China-made and German made tools from Bosch, Metabo, Milwaukee, I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference.