Makita GV5000 3.6 Amp 5-Inch Disc Sander

This versatile sander has a no-load speed of 4,500 rpm, and it includes an abrasive disc (#80), a plastic pad, a side handle, and a hex wrench. It features a lock-on button for continuous use, and a rugged 3.6 amp motor for fast sanding in a wide variety of applications. Use it to sand house siding or for paint preparation, to prepare a piece for finishing, or to smooth wood floors.

Overall, this is a great tool for painters, which is why it seems to be standard issue with many pros. If I were using it for anything else (sanding or grinding fiberglass, for instance), I would personally prefer a sander that has speed control (such as the 7" sander/polishers from Makita or Milwaukee) so that I could have better control of the amount of material being removed. But for painting houses, I consider it a must-have. The only thing I have come across that could use improvement (and it is a bit nit-picky) is that the trigger lock is difficult to operate with the left hand - I am right handed, but sometimes need to use the tool with the left when up on a ladder, etc. I have also seen it cheaper than Amazon's current price ($99) at a local home superstore...


Great little labor saver   January 29, 2003
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

If you need to remove paint from a house, barn or old garage, buy this thing before you start. It does an excellent job without marring the work surface. Considering the amount of effort it saves (esp. over using a scraper), it's dirt cheap. It's also very durable (I've had mine 7+ years). I only wish their orbital sanders held up this well. With a coarse grit sanding disk you can quickly and easily take an old painted surface down to bare wood. I learned about the tool from a house painter who told me it was invaluable. One warning though, be sure to use the side handle that comes with it. It runs at high speed and if you're using it in only one hand, it can get away from you if the disk gets wedged in a crack or caught between two boards. The bottom line is, unless you really enjoy scraping paint (in which case you're a little weird), you'll want this tool - it's a MAJOR labor saver.


Superb Grinder/Sander especially with fiberglass   October 2, 2002
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Borrowed one of these (then bought one) and used to grind out an old floor that was glassed into a '65 fiberglass runabout. Was super fast and the control was amazing. Loved how light and powerful this little dynamo is.


A handy,versatile tool.   February 23, 2001
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I do alot of metal fabrication and welding,and I recently purchased one of these sanders. It is one of the best purchases I have made.I find myself reching for it more and more in place of my usual grinder.It leaves a much nicer finish than a disc grinder,and it is perfect for dressing welds without having them look like they have been hit with a grinder. It removes material rapidly,and is very good for removing paint prior to welding. I use either 36 or 50 grit discs,and they seem to last very well.This tool is highly recommended.