Overview of the Makita BO4556 Sander

Power sanders are essential tools in any tool collection. Whether you're a professional woodworker or a dedicated hobbyist, having a dependable power sander is crucial to achieving a smooth and refined surface. In this article, we'll examine the key characteristics and capabilities of the Makita BO4556 1/4 sheet palm grip sander.

We'll analyze the sander's power, type, motor, speed, and more. This comprehensive analysis will offer insights into its specifications. By the end of this article, you'll understand how this sander stacks up against alternatives available on the market. You'll also learn whether it offers the right blend of power, features, and usability to handle the tasks you need to tackle.

Makita BO4556 Sander Specs

Spec	Value
No-load Speed	14,000 OPM
Brushless	NO
Cordless	NO
Cord Length	6.6 ft.
Amperage	2 amps
Pad Size	4.5 x 4 inches
Weight	2.5 lbs.
Dust Collection	YES

The Makita BO4556 is a 1/4 sheet palm grip sander that accommodates a 1/4 sheet sandpaper, making it suitable for precision work and detailed sanding. Based on our experience, these sanders excels at smoothing small, intricate surfaces and reaching tight corners that larger sanders can't access. The palm grip design offers excellent control and comfort, allowing extended sanding sessions without undue strain. This type of sander proves to be an ideal option for tasks requiring meticulous attention to detail, such as woodworking crafts and fine finishing work.

The Makita BO4556 sander operates at a no-load speed of 14,000 OPM (orbits per minute).

The no-load OPM refers to the maximum speed the sanding pad can achieve without any resistance or load, which means when it's not actively sanding material.

We found that a higher no-load OPM generally translates to faster and smoother sanding, especially on soft materials such as wood. It's worth noting, however, that very high OPMs aren't always beneficial for more dense materials; here, slower speeds can often provide better control and extend the pad's lifespan. Over time, we saw that while high OPMs deliver cleaner, more efficient sanding results, they also produce more heat and noise.

The Makita BO4556 is powered by a brushed motor.

Brushless motors have a more efficient design with fewer moving parts, which leads to less friction and heat build-up. We observed that brushless motors result in better performance, longer motor life, and increased battery efficiency (if cordless) compared to brushed motors.

We also found that brushless motors adapt to the task at hand, altering their power output based on the material being sanded. On the other hand, while brushed motors are less efficient and durable, they're typically more affordable. These aspects might make them a suitable choice for occasional or light-duty users.

The Makita BO4556 sander is corded.

Based on our experience, corded sanders, like the Makita BO4556, often deliver more consistent power and have unlimited run-time as long as they are plugged into an electrical outlet. This is particularly beneficial for prolonged or heavy-duty tasks where a cordless saw's battery might not last long enough. Moreover, we observed that corded tools are usually more affordable since they don't require expensive batteries or chargers.

Nevertheless, we found that the cord could limit mobility and require access to a power outlet, which could be inconvenient in certain situations. Additionally, there's also a risk of accidentally damaging the cord or tripping over it.

The Makita BO4556 sander has a cord length of 6.6 feet.

A longer cord provides more range of movement, but it's crucial to manage it effectively to avoid potential hazards.

The Makita BO4556 sander has a power rating of 2 amps.

Amperage is a pivotal factor when considering a sander, as it directly correlates with the power of the motor. Opting for a sander with a higher amperage rating, typically 15 amps or more, grants access to substantial sanding power. This enhanced power proves particularly beneficial when dealing with more demanding surfaces that require thorough sanding.

The Makita BO4556 sander is made for a 4.5 x 4 inch sanding pad.

Through our experience, we have found that larger pads typically cover larger surface areas quickly. For bigger projects, a sander with a larger pad size can be very effective. However, for detailed work or tasks requiring more precision, we often choose sanders with smaller pads.

The Makita BO4556 sander weighs 2.5 lbs.

During our extended testing of sanders, we found that a lighter sander (8 lbs. or less) was significantly easier to handle, resulting in better precision and less fatigue. Conversely, a heavier sander (more than 8 lbs.) , while possibly more durable, could become cumbersome and strenuous to operate over longer periods.

For occasional use or DIY projects, we've observed that a lighter sander can be more convenient, enabling precision without straining your hand. However, for frequent and extended use, a more substantial sander may be more suitable.

The Makita BO4556 sander comes equipped with a dust collection feature.

Dust collection in sanders plays a significant role in maintaining a clean workspace. Excessive dust makes the task messy and harms your health when inhaled. A sander with a dust collection feature ensures that the majority of the generated dust gets collected, reducing the need for post-task cleanup and ensuring a safer work environment.