I like the variable speed. For an additional $15, I wouldn't think twice about spending the dough. It's much easier to control the material you remove without having to switch grits on the pad. FWIW, I've got the Bosch 3725DVS and have been very happy with it.

Ross

: Rob,

: I understand your point about the benefit of fast speed for a large open
: area. That makes a lot of sense. But how does a slow speed help you in a
: confined area? Is a ROS so aggressive that it is too easy to lose control
: of it in small close quarters at high speed? Will it damage work more
: easily?

: So far, the common thread in all responses to my post is the Porter Cable
: ROS. Right now I'm seriously looking at the Porter Cable 333P fixed speed
: at 12,000 rpm versus the Porter Cable 333VS variable speed at 5,000 -
: 12,000. Since both have the same top speed, I would assume that they are
: equally good at sanding large open areas. I guess my question now is how
: much of an improvement there is in sanding smaller areas at slower speeds,
: and is variable speed is worth the extra $15?

: Thank you for all of your insights so far. I really want to avoid buying
: junk.
: -Dan