Metabo SXE 450 TurboTec Random Orbit Sander Review
Metabo SXE 450 TurboTec Random Orbit Sander Review
Metabo SXE 450 TurboTec Sander
Manufacturer: Metabo
Model number: 600129420
Price: $269.97
Weight: 5.3 Lbs.Right out of the box, the Metabo TurboTec sander just screams high quality and durable construction. But a tool can’t just look good alone, right? This sander performed exceptionally well during the review process and produced professional quality results. It is ergonomic in a variety of hand positions, has little felt the vibration, and also has a wide band of power settings available. Metabo built a high-quality professional-grade tool with the SXE 450 TurboTec.
Specifications
- Diameter of Backing Pad: 6″
- No-Load Speed: 4,200-11,000 RPM
- Rated Input Power: 350 W
- Output Power: 180 W
- Revolutions at Rated Load: 8,500 RPM
- Orbit Diameter: 1/8″ / 1/4″
- Weight: 5.3 Lbs.
- Cable Length: 8.0 Ft.
- Warranty: 3 Year Limited
Outstanding Features of the Metabo SXE 450 TurboTec
Metabo Power Control System
There is nothing worse than ruining a finely finished surface with gouges or swirl marks. Metabo included some technology in this sander to help prevent that from happening. Their power control system acts almost like an electric brake to prevent the sander from creating unwanted surface gouges. The system will automatically slow down or stop the sanding pad when placing the tool on a work surface at speed. This prevents scratches and other damage to the workpiece.
Adjustable Speeds and Settings
The TurboTec offers six total speed settings. There are six dedicated speed settings. A rotary dial on the front of the tools adjusts the speeds and is easy to reach. Additionally, the TurboTec features two mode settings. The first setting is a standard orbital mode for finish sanding. When more power is needed, switch it over to Turbo Boost mode. Turbo Boost switched to the tool to a direct rotary mode and is excellent for shaping or removing material quickly. A two-position selector switch on the tang of the handle selects between the two modes.
Adjustable Orbit Diameter
Metabo allows users to select an orbit diameter that best suits their needs. Whether you are fine sanding or performing heavy stock removal, you can adjust the sander to best suit your needs. The orbit can be set to 1/4″ or 1/8″ travel diameter.
To switch from 1/4″ (6.2MM) to 1/8″ (2.8MM), press in the red detent button and rotate the base in the indicated direction. There is a positive click to let you know the tool is in the proper position.
Solid Construction Throughout
The bearing housing of the Metabo SXE is made of die-cast aluminum for strength and durability. The ball bearing system is completely sealed and dustproof to preserve the life of the tool and keep that destructive dust-out. The upper plastic portion of the tool is well fit with no pinch points or hot posts. The rear grip, molded top portions, and removable front grip all have ergonomic profiles and rubber over-molding that are very comfortable. This sander is a quality German built tool.
Dust Collection Performance
Metabo includes a fabric dust collection bag for use when not connected to a dust extraction system. This bag is easy to empty out and fits securely in the sander’s dust port. Using the TurboTec without an extractor provided good results. This standard extraction system left a very clean surface as I would expect from a sander of this quality.
However, to me the TuboTec excels when paired with a quality dust extractor. Metabo sent me their ASR 35 AutoCleanPlus HEPA vacuum to review along with sander to get a better picture of their complete system of tools. This vacuum was featured in our previous Dust Extractor Head-2-Head comparison and will be the subject of a stand-alone review soon. When connected to the ASR 35, the TurboTec left a near dust-free work surface.
SXE 450 TurboTec In Use
Metabo included several sets of their own sanding sheets in various grits to test with the sander. Overall theses sanding sheets are of excellent quality and their hole pattern works seamlessly with the TurboTec’s velcro attachment base. Again, this is an example of the complete system of tools and accessories from Metabo working well together.
The TurboTec is extremely smooth in hand and very little felt vibration is transferred to the user. During fine sanding work, the tool is easily controlled with one hand and will not fight against you. This ease of use is partially due to the overall weight of the tool. At 5.3 Lbs. it is a beefy boy.
While the sander excels at slow, smooth, fine finishing work I find it to be lacking some power on the opposite end. When in orbital mode at maximum speed, the sander feels slightly underpowered. The motor distributes the power well, but it feels like it needs a little more grunt when rough finishing. The Turbo Boost mode makes a big difference when working with abrasive sanding sheets, but is nowhere near as capable as some of the Metabo’s direct-drive competitors. If you do a lot of rough shaping work of harder materials, or stock removal of rough slabs, the TurboTec may take a little longer than you would like.
A bonus feature for me was finding that the SXE 450 will fit perfectly inside a Milwaukee PACKOUT compact toolbox, or ammo can as many of us call it.
The XSE 450 TurboTec fits perfectly inside this PACKOUT box. I still need a better solution for sanding sheet storage though.
Pricing and Availability
The SXE 450 TurboTec currently retails for $269.99 from a variety of online stores. Overall I think this is a reasonable price from Metabo. It is more expensive than some of its direct competition. Such as the 6″ sander from Bosch, which Rob recently did a long term review of. However, the more advanced features of the Metabo, such as the power control system, are extremely worthwhile for someone looking for a fine finish sander.
Our friends at Ohio Power Tool have the Metabo XSE 450 available on their website now as well as the high-quality Metabo sanding sheets and other accessories. Follow the link in the Buy it Now box below to order one directly from the guys at OPT.
Overall Impressions
Metabo is a name that is well known and regarded in the metalworking trades here in the United States. However, they are not as commonly known among woodworkers. Knowing their reputation for quality with metal finishing, I was excited to see if Metabo brings the same attention to detail to a woodworking tool. Overall I think they excelled with the execution of this sander. The SXE 450 TurboTec sander is a heavy-duty, high quality, tool built for demanding professionals that expect nothing less than a quality finished product. If you are interested in upgrading your capabilities with finish work, the Metabo TurboTec is a completely different class than most commercially available finish sanders.
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About the author
Wes Bartosik
Wes Bartosik is a Connecticut native with strong family ties to the construction world. Wes’ father and grandfather both were builders and developers and taught Wes the values of doing things right from an early age and getting hands on experience with every facet of the construction industry. Wes apprenticed with a carpenter throughout high school and would later attend Central Connecticut State University earning a bachelor’s degree in construction management all while working for a large excavation contractor throughout. Wes would go on to work for a local heavy-highway construction company and gain further experience with all the skilled trades associated with large civil engineering and utility projects. Though working as a manager now, Wes’ true passion is working in the field alongside the tradesman and laborers on site. Wes has been involved in community based service projects throughout his life as well as emergency services. In his spare time he takes on serious DIY projects for himself, friends and family. He is a firm believer that with a quality tool in your hands and some grit, you can accomplish anything.
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Any chance you can compare it to the Bosch GET75-6N or Festool Rotex?
[…] option to suit your needs. Metabo sent me a sample of this vacuum to review along with their SXE 450 sander. I used the Metabo vacuum with the sander as well as for a variety of cleanup tasks. Overall I […]