I have a drawer full of different sanding pads. I usually start with 100 grit, using a backer pad with a medium density pad. I go with the medium till 150. I go with a soft pad from 180 on. I do not like the Metabo for the odd or random 80 grit gouge job, I prefer the angle drill for that. Luckily its been a while since I had to go to that. The soft pads do not last long, if I get 3 or 4 months I'm happy. Also, I have ordered pads and discs from the 3 companies that in my opinion are good, and have nice products, The sanding glove, Vince's wood & Wonders, and Ken Rizza. My favorite sanding disc is the Norton blue, from the sanding glove... Pads, I have lost track of who sells what, I just pick them out of the drawer by feel... Would like to hear your opinion after you have used it a while. Aloha
Emiliano: As discussed, I have run my new Metabo through its paces now and relay some observations as requested. Main feedback...it is most certainly a welcomed addition to my tool stash. I still need to power sand an initial grit or two...but then this gets pulled out of the drawer from now on.
Pros:
1) It is a well made/solid and powerful tool
2) It is great for working the bark edges of a natural bowl
3) It specializes in removing those small concentric circles and swirls we all are plagued with especially in the bottom of a vessel. If no other credit is given, it is absolutely great to use with 320 for a quick sweep of the bottom to kill the swirls.
4) It is a high-grit specialist...150 and up.
Cons:
1) As discussed above, it is an awkward shape and doesn't fit everywhere you want it to (i.e., inside of a bowl/vessel).
2) Like about everything we do, you can't expect to get good results when you pull it straight out of the box. Time in the saddle is a must. As I said earlier, I took it out of the box, put on some 80 grit, turned it up on its highest setting...and promptly smoked a backing pad.
3) Like Michael said above, it uses up sanding discs pretty quickly. (However, it is worth it to me to get to watch the little swirls scream and try to jump off of a vessel.)
Final comment: Thanks to all for the good discussion. To back what Donna said above...I too don't necessarily find that the Metabo makes the sanding chore any quicker for myself, however, I'm pretty sure that I'm going to use this ROS quite a lot going forward.