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Ryobi has come out with a new 18V One+ variable speed cordless polisher/sander, model PBF102B.
The new Ryobi cordless polisher was designed to be compact and lightweight, and for use in tight spaces. Ryobi also notes that, as with other cordless power tools, there are “no accidental scratches from an air hose or power cord.”
They give a runtime estimate of up to 60 minutes of polishing when powered by a 9Ah battery.
The polisher has a 2-speed selection switch, removable auxiliary handle, spindle lock for tool-free accessory changes, and an LED worklight located at the base of the handle.
Ryobi shows off the new polisher with a variety of wheels and completing different cleaning, polishing, and surface preparation tasks. IT has a
The polisher/sander comes with a 3-inch foam hook and loop backer pad, and also a 2-inch twist and lock backer bad that can be used with compatible sanding discs.
Product images show that the auxiliary handle can be mounted to the left or right sides of the tool.
The 2-speed settings mean that you can use the polisher for more delicate work, such as polishing or cleaning painted areas, or higher speed sanding tasks.
Ryobi Polisher Features and Specs
- 2 speed modes
- Removable auxiliary handle
- Spindle lock for tool-free accessory changes
- On-board LED work light
- Up to 60 minutes runtime with 9Ah battery (not included)
- Lanyard loop
- Model no. PBF102B
Included Accessories
- 3″ hook & loop backer pad
- 3″ foam finishing pad
- 3″ foam correcting pad
- 3″ wool pad
- 2″ twist and lock backer pad
- 2″ 120 grit sanding disc
- 2″ 80 grit sanding disc
- 2″ 60 grit sanding disc
The polisher/sander is said to have a 5/16″ spindle.
Price: $129
The polisher/sander is only available as a bare tool, and requires the use of a Ryobi 18V One+ battery and charger, which are available separately.
Discussion
2″ twist-lock sanding discs are widely available, as are 3″ foam polishing pads, and so replacement accessories should be easily available.
One thing to pay attention to are the runtime specs. Up to 60 minutes for a 9Ah battery sounds great, but is anyone going to use this with a larger and heavier battery like that? Ryobi shows off their new polisher with 2Ah and 4Ah batteries, and so let’s make extrapolative guesses as to the approximate runtime with those batteries.
If we assume a linear relationship between battery charge capacity to runtime, “up to 60 minutes with a 9ah battery” could mean that users should expect up to 13.3 minutes of runtime with a 2Ah battery, and 26.7 minutes with a 4Ah battery.
The new Ryobi polisher and sander looks decent for what it is, but users would be wise to keep in mind the runtime considerations. The same will be true for pretty much all cordless polishers. I wouldn’t consider this a major concern, as this is the type of tool that’s typically used in a garage or workshop-type setting where users might have spare batteries and a charger at the ready.
Milwaukee and Makita, for example, also show off their sanders paired with compact batteries. Like those offerings, the new Ryobi 18V One+ polisher should be convenient for smaller polishing and sanding tasks.
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