Chris,

Nice review. I assume you are referring to the sander pictured below. I'm considering this sander even though I recently purchased the small Festool ROS. A friend of mine has the Rigid and highly recommends it. I understand it comes with a lifetime warantee if purchased by the end of the year. Discussions on the woodworking message boards conclude that the sander is the same as the Metabo. If you look on the sander it says that it is made in Germany. The smaller Rigid sanders are made in China. Chris, bad news is that my local Home Depots have been selling the sander for $129. If anyone is considering the sander, it may pay to check around.

Kurt