I purchased this sander to sand my decks and it worked great!!  I wanted a work horse tool and I think I have one.  With about 12 hours on the motor I cannot pick up on any abnormal sounds.  I may be too critical here but I am giving the sander 4 stars because of the dust collection system.  I think one reason why the bag does not collect as much dust as it could is because the bag's wire attachment fixture does not seal the bag around the port so dust blows out of a small hole.  With that in mind, wearing a well-fitting dust mask is a must for the operator and those who may in the immediate area.  And yes, it is noisy so I strongly advise wearing hearing protection.

I liked:
 - the heavy weight of the tool simply requires the operator to steer the sander over the work surface.
 - quality feel of the sander during operation.  I did not notice any vibration in my hands.
 - the motor was strong and when I applied gentle pressure to the work surface it did not bog down.
 - excellent belt tracking.  I only make fine adjustments after replacing the belt.
 - even sanding over the work surface.  I could not detect any high or low spots on the sander.
 - quick belt changes.

I would like:
 - a better dust management system.  I will not use this sander inside the shop.  Also, I am left handed so my tendency is to drive the sander with my left hand.  With the sander at full power in my left hand It only took a few seconds to receive a face full of dust due to the "blow by" resulting from the poor fitting dust bag.  That said, the sander is balanced so well, using my right hand with this tool is not a problem.
 - more space between the drive wheel and the wheel housing.  I am a rookie with belt sanders and was not managing the position of my power cord properly. About an hour into my project I snagged the power cord and wrapped the cord around the drive wheel of the sander.  I was able to get the cord free of the drive wheel without damaging anything but with extreme difficulty.  I now operate the tool with the power cord over my shoulder in order to keep the cord above the sander and off the work surface.  I also keep the extension cord behind me and away from the sander at all times.

All in all it is an excellent tool.  I would buy it again and strongly recommend the sander to others.
I purchased this sander to sand my decks and it worked great!! I wanted a work horse tool and I think I have one. With about 12 hours on the motor I cannot pick up on any abnormal sounds. I may be too critical here but I am giving the sander 4 stars because of the dust collection system. I think one reason why the bag does not collect as much dust as it could is because the bag's wire attachment fixture does not seal the bag around the port so dust blows out of a small hole. With that in mind, wearing a well-fitting dust mask is a must for the operator and those who may in the immediate area. And yes, it is noisy so I strongly advise wearing hearing protection. I liked:
 - the heavy weight of the tool simply requires the operator to steer the sander over the work surface. - quality feel of the sander during operation. I did not notice any vibration in my hands. - the motor was strong and when I applied gentle pressure to the work surface it did not bog down. - excellent belt tracking. I only make fine adjustments after replacing the belt. - even sanding over the work surface. I could not detect any high or low spots on the sander. - quick belt changes. I would like:
 - a better dust management system. I will not use this sander inside the shop. Also, I am left handed so my tendency is to drive the sander with my left hand. With the sander at full power in my left hand It only took a few seconds to receive a face full of dust due to the "blow by" resulting from the poor fitting dust bag. That said, the sander is balanced so well, using my right hand with this tool is not a problem. - more space between the drive wheel and the wheel housing. I am a rookie with belt sanders and was not managing the position of my power cord properly. About an hour into my project I snagged the power cord and wrapped the cord around the drive wheel of the sander. I was able to get the cord free of the drive wheel without damaging anything but with extreme difficulty. I now operate the tool with the power cord over my shoulder in order to keep the cord above the sander and off the work surface. I also keep the extension cord behind me and away from the sander at all times. All in all it is an excellent tool. I would buy it again and strongly recommend the sander to others.