I bought this sander 5 months ago so I have put it through various sanding jobs from finish sanding to surfacing material off with 40 grit.  First off, changing the belt is a snap. Pull up on a trigger and it releases nicely.  The balance is great and allows a gouge free surface.  (all belt sanders will go gouge crazy if you let them)  The cord exits off the top of the machine and over your shoulder for a "snag free sanding experience".  I allways had gouges from my last sander when the cord would pull back on the unit and cause a wheelie across the work!  Only had dust blowing in my face once, and that was because the dust bag was full to the brim.  Emptied the bag and problem was solved.  Other than that the amount of dust depends on what you are sanding and the grit of the paper. Belt sanding is dusty work no matter what.  Noise is not nearly as loud as most sanders I have heard either. The three wheel design really gets the center of gravity low so it handles great! I bought the kit version that comes with the blow moulded case that has plenty of room for extra belts and misc. hardware you want to store. Overall rating.......solid tool!!!!!!
I bought this sander 5 months ago so I have put it through various sanding jobs from finish sanding to surfacing material off with 40 grit. First off, changing the belt is a snap. Pull up on a trigger and it releases nicely. The balance is great and allows a gouge free surface. (all belt sanders will go gouge crazy if you let them)  The cord exits off the top of the machine and over your shoulder for a "snag free sanding experience". I allways had gouges from my last sander when the cord would pull back on the unit and cause a wheelie across the work! Only had dust blowing in my face once, and that was because the dust bag was full to the brim. Emptied the bag and problem was solved. Other than that the amount of dust depends on what you are sanding and the grit of the paper. Belt sanding is dusty work no matter what. Noise is not nearly as loud as most sanders I have heard either. The three wheel design really gets the center of gravity low so it handles great! I bought the kit version that comes with the blow moulded case that has plenty of room for extra belts and misc. hardware you want to store. Overall rating.... ... solid tool!!!! !!