Orbital sander Metabo SM 18 LTX BL, brushless, 18 V battery, 800–20,000 RPM, 100×150 mm plate, 2 mm orbit

Metabo SM 18 LTX BL is a compact cordless orbital sander with a brushless motor, designed for sanding and finishing wood, composites and painted surfaces. The tool runs on an 18 V battery and uses a 100×150 mm rectangular sanding plate plus a triangular pad for corners and tight areas. A 2.0 mm orbit combines good material removal with high surface quality, while the low overall height and soft-grip area make it easy to guide close to the workpiece.

Advantages

The brushless Metabo motor provides high efficiency and durable performance, including under continuous load. Infinitely variable speed control and an orbit diameter of 2.0 mm let you adapt sanding aggressiveness and finish to different materials. Low vibration and a smooth-running mechanism improve handling and reduce user fatigue. Dust is collected in an easy-to-empty textile bag, and the tool can also be connected to a workshop vacuum with the appropriate coupling. A removable protector shields adjacent surfaces and prolongs sanding plate life, and an attachment point accepts safety straps for work at height.

Suitable for

• Sanding and finishing solid wood and joinery
• Preparing painted or varnished surfaces for repainting
• Working on composite panels and furniture surfaces
• Sanding corners, edges and small or irregular areas using triangular and rectangular pads

When it may not be suitable

This compact orbital sander is intended for surface sanding and finishing rather than heavy stock removal on large flat areas; for aggressive material removal on large panels a larger belt or disc sander may be more efficient. It is battery-powered, so runtime and continuous heavy use depend on the capacity of the chosen 18 V battery pack (battery and charger are not included).

Key specifications

• Power source: 18 V battery (brushless motor)
• Speed range: 800–20,000 RPM (infinitely variable)
• Orbit diameter: 2.0 mm
• Sanding plate size: 100 × 150 mm; includes triangular pad for corners
• Sound power level: 79 dB; sound pressure level: 71 dB
• Low overall height for close-to-surface guidance; soft-grip handle; removable protector
• Dust collection: textile dust bag; compatible with workshop vacuum via coupling

How to use

Fit the appropriate abrasive sheet to the 100×150 mm plate or the triangular pad for detailed areas. Select a battery of the CAS 18 V system and insert it into the tool. Set the speed to match the material and desired finish, starting at lower RPM on delicate or painted surfaces and increasing for faster material removal. Work with even, overlapping passes without applying excessive pressure—let the sander and its 2 mm orbit do the cutting. Empty the textile dust bag regularly or connect a shop vacuum using the coupling for continuous dust extraction. Use the protector to avoid damage to adjacent surfaces and attach a safety strap when working at heights.

What to consider before purchase

• Battery and charger are not included; compatible with 18 V CAS battery packs
• Choose battery capacity according to expected runtime and intensity of use
• Ensure availability of 100×150 mm and triangular abrasive sheets
• For heavy stock removal on large surfaces, consider a larger sander type

Usage recommendations

Use progressive grit steps for best surface quality: begin with a coarser abrasive to remove material, then move to finer grits for finishing. Maintain steady speed settings and avoid excessive downward pressure to prevent gouging and extend pad life.