Skil 1.2 Amp Multi-Sander

First impressions and setup

I picked up the Skil multi-sander for jobs where a random orbit just can’t reach: window sash corners, cabinet doors with louvered panels, stair spindles, and contoured trim. Out of the box it’s compact and reassuringly light at about 2.6 pounds. The triangular base and the three included detail attachments (finger, louvre, and a flexible pad) snap the tool’s purpose into focus: this is a detail finisher, not a stock removal machine.

Setup is straightforward. The hook-and-loop pad accepts the included abrasive sheets, and swapping grits is quick. The dust box locks on positively, and there’s a 1-1/4 in. port if you prefer a vacuum. With a single dust-sealed on/off switch and no speed selector, there’s nothing fussy about the controls—plug in, press go, and you’re sanding at a steady 13,500 OPM.

Ergonomics and control

Ergonomics are better than I expected for this class. The top grip has a generous rubber overmold, and the counterweight keeps vibration lower than many inexpensive detail sanders. I could run it one-handed for extended sessions on face frames without the pins-and-needles feeling some palm sanders induce. The low profile helps keep your wrist neutral, and the tool’s light weight is a plus for vertical and overhead work, like door casings and built-ins.

Because it’s a single-speed tool with a fine orbit, technique matters. Light pressure works best—let the paper cut, and you’ll get a consistent scratch pattern. Lean on it and you’ll bog down the 1.2 amp motor and shorten paper life.

Attachments and what they’re good for

The “4-in-1” claim makes sense in real use:

• Main triangular pad: General detail sanding, inside corners, and tight edges. It’s the everyday head I used the most for prepping trim and furniture components.
• Finger attachment: A long, narrow toe perfect for slats and tight channels where even a delta tip won’t reach. It excels on louvered doors and shelf standards.
• Louvre attachment: Wider than the finger but still narrow, it bridges those slats and rails without rounding profiles. It’s faster than hand sanding but still controlled.
• Flexible pad: Conforms to convex and slightly concave profiles—think crown molding fillets and chair rails. With finer grits it’s great for blending without flattening.

Swapping attachments is quick, and the fit feels secure—no slop, no chatter. I kept the finger attachment fitted during cabinet installs; it’s the one that turns tedious hand work into minutes at the tool.

Two practical tips:
- Use lighter grits (180–220) on the flexible pad and keep the tool moving. That avoids faceting curves.
- Pre-cut a few finger strips in each grit and keep them in your apron; those narrow pieces get used up faster than the main triangle sheets.

Dust collection

Dust control is better than average. The micro-filtration dust box captures a surprising amount of fines for such a small package, and it’s easy to empty. For real dust reduction, though, the 1-1/4 in. port is the star. My small shop-vac hose friction-fit snugly without an adapter, and with suction on, airborne dust dropped dramatically. The surface stays cleaner too, which helps abrasives cut longer and improves your sight lines for finish sanding.

If you’re tackling a room full of trim, go with the vacuum. The onboard box is handy for quick touch-ups or punch-list work, but it fills quickly and you’ll spend time dumping it.

Performance and surface quality

At 13,500 OPM with a fine orbit, the Skil multi-sander is tuned for finishing. On poplar trim, I went 120→150→180 with the triangular pad and got an even, paint-ready surface without visible swirls. On oak face frames, 150→180→220 delivered a clean scratch pattern that disappeared under stain. The corners are this tool’s strong suit; the pointed nose gets tight without burning or bouncing out of the corner.

Material removal is modest—as expected for a detail sander. If you need to flatten a tabletop or erase heavy planer marks, you’ll be frustrated. But for nib removal, mill mark cleanup, and prepping profiles, it’s efficient. The single speed is the one limitation that occasionally shows: with very delicate veneers or soft pine moldings, I sometimes wish for a slower setting to reduce the chance of scuffing. The workaround is simple—use a finer grit and lighter pressure.

Noise is typical for a small sander; there’s no shriek or rattle, just the usual hum and paper hiss. Vibration remains controlled even under steady load, which keeps the finish more consistent and your hands happier.

Build quality and longevity

The build lands squarely in the “well-made homeowner/prosumer” category. The housing feels solid, the dust-sealed switch has a positive click, and nothing about the attachment interface feels flimsy. The hook-and-loop on the main pad held up better than I expected. Like all velcro bases, it will eventually wear—especially if you pull sheets off hot—but Skil’s backing seems a touch more durable than the average bargain pad.

A few maintenance habits help:
- Let the pad cool between grits, especially after extended sanding, to prolong the hook-and-loop.
- Knock dust out of the paper frequently; a loaded sheet burns pads and wood.
- Keep a soft brush handy for the pad face; compressed dust under the hooks reduces grip.

Consumables are the wild card on any detail sander. The triangular sheets are easy to find, and the included 12-sheet starter pack gets you going. The finger and louvre abrasives are more specialized, so I’d pick up extras when you buy the tool to avoid a mid-project run.

Where it shines—and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Reach: The combination of delta tip, finger, and louvre attachments turns awkward, hand-sanding chores into controlled machine work.
- Finish quality: The fine orbit and steady speed leave a clean, even surface when you use appropriate grits.
- Dust options: A micro-filter box for grab-and-go and a 1-1/4 in. port that plays nicely with common shop-vacs.
- Comfort: Low weight, good balance, and a grippy top handle make long sessions feasible.

Trade-offs:
- Single speed: Limits finesse on ultra-delicate surfaces and eliminates a slower mode for break-in or polishing.
- Not for heavy removal: The 1.2 amp motor is sized for finishing, not hogging.
- Dust box capacity: Handy but small. Plan on frequent emptying or connect a vac.
- Specialty abrasives: Stock up on finger and louvre sheets; they get chewed through on louvers and narrow profiles.

Practical use cases

• Cabinet and built-in installs: Flush up edge banding, ease edges, and clean up inside corners without knocking down profiles.
• Trim carpentry: Pre-finish prep on base, casing, and crown; the flexible pad is great for molding contours.
• Furniture refinishing: Get into chair spindles and frame corners, then switch to the flexible pad for curved aprons.
• Window and door restoration: Clear paint ridges in corners and between mullions; the finger attachment makes short work of sash channels.

The bottom line

The Skil multi-sander checks the right boxes for a detail finisher: compact, comfortable, and genuinely versatile with its three-purpose attachments. The dust management is better than most in its class—especially with a vacuum—and the steady 13,500 OPM orbit delivers tidy, repeatable results when you use a light touch. You give up variable speed and brute force, but those aren’t what this tool is about.

Recommendation: I recommend the Skil multi-sander to DIYers, finish carpenters, and furniture refinishers who need a reliable, easy-to-control detail sander for corners, profiles, and tight spaces. It’s not the right tool for aggressive stock removal, but as a finishing companion to a larger random orbit sander, it earns its keep. The comfortable grip, useful attachments, and solid dust collection make it an efficient, no-drama choice for the kind of sanding most of us dread—until we have the right tool for it.