Skip to content
BuyOnceRight: buy once, buy right
Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander

Makita

Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander

  • 1/4 sheet
  • Palm grip
  • Straight orbital action
  • Standard sandpaper
Check price on Amazon

Sponsored link · confirm price and availability on Amazon · updated

On this page

Is the Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander ranks #5 in our Best Detail Sander 2026 list (best sheet sander). Its biggest strength: 1/4 sheet sander uses cut standard sandpaper -- no proprietary pads to purchase. The main caveat: straight orbital leaves a pattern in the surface -- less clean than random orbital.

Overview

What the Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander does well

And straight orbital action for corners and edges of flat panels. The tradeoff: straight orbital leaves a pattern in the surface -- less clean than random orbital.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • 1/4 sheet
  • Palm grip
  • Straight orbital action
  • Standard sandpaper
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • 1/4 sheet sander uses cut standard sandpaper -- no proprietary pads to purchase
  • Straight orbital action for corners and edges of flat panels
  • Palm grip for comfortable hand positioning during extended use
  • Makita quality at a lower price than their random orbital sanders

Cons

  • Straight orbital leaves a pattern in the surface -- less clean than random orbital
  • Not as pointed as Mouse-style sanders for tight inside corners
Fit check

Should you buy the Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander?

Think twice if this matters to you

  • Straight orbital leaves a pattern in the surface -- less clean than random orbital
  • Not as pointed as Mouse-style sanders for tight inside corners
Where it ranks

Featured in 1 best-of list

ListRank
Best Detail Sander 2026· Best Sheet Sander#5 / 8
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Buying advice: woodworking

  1. Clamps, a combination square, a good saw and a drill cover most beginner projects.
  2. You can never have too many. Bar clamps handle wide glue-ups; quick-grip clamps are fast for smaller work.
  3. Standard wood glue suits indoor projects. Water-resistant glue suits outdoor work and cutting boards.
  4. Oils are easy to apply and repair. Polyurethane and varnish protect tabletops and floors better.
  5. Eye and hearing protection and dust collection matter from the first project. Lay oily rags flat to dry to prevent fires.

Read the full guides

Answers

Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander: common questions

Is the Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander ranks #5 in our Best Detail Sander 2026 list (best sheet sander). Its biggest strength: 1/4 sheet sander uses cut standard sandpaper -- no proprietary pads to purchase. The main caveat: straight orbital leaves a pattern in the surface -- less clean than random orbital.

What are the downsides of the Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: straight orbital leaves a pattern in the surface -- less clean than random orbital; not as pointed as Mouse-style sanders for tight inside corners.

What are the key features of the Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander?

1/4 sheet, Palm grip, Straight orbital action and Standard sandpaper.

What are the best alternatives to the Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander?

Worth comparing: Festool DTS 400 EQ Delta Sander, DEWALT DWE6411K 1/4 Sheet Palm Grip Sander and Bosch GOP40-30C StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the Makita BO4556 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

More woodworking shortlists

More like this

Other woodworking we recommend

All woodworking

Browse all research