This AEG 3in belt sander is the prettiest tool I've ever used - but a key part of its operation is either daft or completely beyond me.

It's a heavy, satisfying lump. The 1,000W motor is potent, with a neat thumb-wheel to change its speed. The handling surfaces are made from a grippy and comfortable plastic and a curvaceous lever loosens a drive wheel for a quick change of belts. Above all, the aluminium castings are as handsome as anything by Henry Moore, with the added benefit of being able to sand your kitchen floor.

But then I used it. My first job was a window sill at shoulder height. I turned on the sander - and got a face full of dust. Had I connected it up correctly, I wondered? The sander has a dustbag attached to a stub of pipe, but clearly not all the dust was sucked through this route. After I'd stopped coughing, I cleaned my glasses and tried again - but with the same result. I checked the manual but I'm blowed if I can make it out.

There is an alternative. Instead of the dustbag, you can connect the little pipe to your vacuum cleaner. It worked better this way, but meant extra noise and awkwardness. This device is beautiful, but one of us is as thick as two short planks. The choice is yours...

Hero's verdict:

AEG HBS1000E 3-inch Belt Sander

1,010W: £128

www.aeg-pt.co.uk

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