BLACK+DECKER Next Generation Mouse Sander with Kit Box and 9 Accessories, 120W, KA2500K-GB

I have toyed with buying a B&D Mouse for sometime, but was not sure about committing based on some reviews and the uncertainty of where I could buy the replacement sanding paper and how cost effective it would be (and which types to get as each grade of paper is explained differently on different sites).I am so pleased I went ahead and bought the KA280, I love the iron shaped based plate and the finger attachment (not so sure on the 'sanding disc' base yet, it made my arms ache and hands red and didn't seem to be as effective as I'd hoped).I gave the mouse a good run in over the weekend on some old very silvered garden benches - wow what a change! I did the first bench using the sand paper provided in the kit (although you don't get much - I used the coarsest they provided 80g) and that turned out well, but I needed to get some more paper to do my second bench (whilst I had ordered some online it didn't arrive in time) so I nipped to homebase and got a mixed pack of 20 iron shaped types (code: X31029). This time I used the most abbrasive paper (40g) and that made the job even faster - although I will need to move up to a less abbrasive sort to improve the finish in places). I managed to use the iron shape place to also rock around the angled seat and back slats very effectively, but then need to finish a few awkward places with the finger attachment, But amazed how well it all went, and how addictive it gets once you have started - sad!It seems a bit harder to buy just the finger and profile paper on its own, but I did managed to get a number in a mixed pack of 35 (code: X37115).I must say the sand paper lasts a lot longer than expected I did the first bench using 2 irons shaped pieces and one disc piece and a finger, but the second bench where I used the coarser paper I only used the one iron shaped piece and a finger piece (although that disintegrated faster than the first, so will need to finish off with another piece).Well worth buying and I was also quite impressed by the dust extraction (even though I was working in the garden), it certainly picked up a lot in the little canister and I wasn't in clouds of dust whilst I was doing it either.

Right size for most jobs

When the motor on a first generation mouse burnt out after a few years of sanding everything from loose paint on doors and windows to plaster walls it seemed logical to replace it with the second generation model, if only because the more powerful motor should last longer.The new model looks odd with the collection box sticking out the back and you feel it must make the unit cumbersome, but in use you hardly notice it. It doesn't affect the grip at all and it hardly ever gets in the way. It does collect a fair bit of dust or sawdust which is a bonus,and is fairly easy to empty. The old mouse has a dust collection system which was not that effective - who ever hooks up to a dust extraction system or vacuum cleaner? - and although the mouse Mk II's plastic box does a creditable job, the basic nature of sanding means that the whole area will become covered in a fine film of dust. So see the collection box as a bonus rather than a solution.The new model has noticeably more power than the old mouse and with the various grades of sheets supplied you can do everything from shape wood such as rounding corners or edges to obtaining a glass smooth finish. The Piranha mesh sanding sheets incidentally are vastly superior to even the best quality sandpaper sheets and are easy to unclog when, for example, sanding down for repainting, making them last much longer.So far so good. It has managed a redecorating job and some shelf building and is now resting between jobs.It is sold as a detail sander but I find it can be used effectively on most common sanding jobs you are likely to come across around the home making it a useful, quick and easy tool.

I needed a handy sander that came with a hard case & had a variety of accessories as a total solution package.I read some of the reviews on here & did have some concerns BUT went for it anyway.I have just completed my 1st job using it & have to say that it worked out absolutely fine!The selection of velcro attached, different graded sand papers are limited though to just 1 of each type & I used the coarsest grade 1st. It was spent really before the job was complete so had a labour a little longer than anticipated on the next grade down.I regret now not buying some of the optional packs that were offered at the point of buying.I was just making sure the unit worked & did what I needed before committing to having a supply of sand papers.If your in the market for a reliable, robust, handy to carry & use sander then this could be the machine for you!I hope it lasts as long as the Black & Decker sander handed down from my Grandfather to me after he passed away - which finally stopped working despite my efforts at stripping it to get it going again just last year! It was bought in the late 80's & I used it a lot as did he.We shall see!lol

Good One. Not used much as of now.Note: Updated the feedback once used heavily on this.

Having had one of those old oblong ones with the clips to hold sanding sheets ( which I've always found clumsy and annoying ) I opted for one of these electric sanders to update my array of tools. I like the velcro-esque attaching mesh sanding sheets but being an 'only-when-I-have-to' DIY'er may have to await the arrival of a substantial project in order to see how durable they are compared to the more conventional sheets. The slot-in dust catching tray may prove a tad awkward or compromising if you have big hands when gripping the handle with the power cord coming out of the end of it but will be O.K if you are just holding the top in your palm. It is not a trades-persons tool but is adequate enough for domestic stuff. You may also like to test out your I.Q. when trying to put everything back into the carry-case.Tight fit ? yeah, you bet.