POLE SANDER

A handheld pole sander for performing different surface machining treatments including but not limited to sanding, polishing, grinding or rubbing a work surface comprising:an elongate body (102) having two ends; a sanding head (100) attached via a pivot mechanism (110) to a first end of the elongate body (102); an electric motor (114) mounted on the sander, the electric motor (114) being electrically controlled by control electronics (144) which provides electronic control signals to activate the motor (114); wherein the sanding head (100) comprises: a hood (112); and an output spindle (118) which projects from the hood (112); wherein the electric motor (114), when activated, rotatingly drives the output spindle (118); wherein the elongate body comprises a first pole (196) and a second pole (198) which are capable of sliding in and out of each other in a telescopic manner; wherein the first pole (196) and second pole (198) are made from electrically conductive material; wherein at least one seal (204, 210, 212) is located between the overlapping parts of the first pole and second pole (198); characterised in that at least part of the at least one seal is manufactured from an electrically conductive material and provides an electrical connection between the first pole and second pole.