I have a chance to buy a Big Boy D-80 edge sander for a great price. I have never heard of them. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on the machine. It is a 6x89 so plenty big enough and a 1.5 hp motor.
Whoa, thats a biggy, you sure you can't get by with a smaller unit. Used one in a Cabinet shop. You have a belt sander..?
if you have the space--and the price is right get it!!
belt sanders are stone age simple-so brand is usually not much of an issue-
that looks to be fairly industrial unit--make sure the motor and all bearings are sound--listening will tell a lot
start it up-put a belt on it -put a piece of hardwood against the belt and lean right into it --does it slow down?? do the bearings howl?
you get it!
for truing limbs I believe the bigger the platten the better--and you will never regret more horsepower!!good luck if you get it!!
Bigger is better if you can fit it! And yes, there's not much that can go wrong if the belt spins. Go for it. I'm slowly building my own 6 x 89 right now.
I built one, (not quite THAT big) and I'll tell you, I use that thing ALL the time, for lots of projects. They are a worthwhile tool to have in your shop.
ChuckC
I have 6 stationary belt sanders in my shop and always looking for more. Some are big and some small, but each have a specific chore that i use them for.
My biggest is a 8 x 144 5hp crouch. WOW! I would shoot someone if they tried to take that from me. It is fantastic for profiling limbs among other things.
It replaced a 6 x 108 delta as the work horse, but I found another job for it so I kept it too. Infact, every belt sander I have sold I regret selling.
Remember this, the longer the belt, the cooler it will stay as you sand. It is important that you have enough horse to handle it though.
Bigjim
If it fits in your shop and it runs good, you will cuss yourself for not getting one sooner.
If you have space, do it! Most used tool in my shop.
Thanks for the thoughts. I had already made up my mind to order a Grizzly, then this one came along. I had just never heard of that particular brand. Have a call in to go and check it out.
Hey Jess, give Bro Kirk a holler I think he has a Big Boy.
Hey Jess, sent you a Pm...BLM
I picked up today. Looks like a good one ran nice and quite. I did break the on off switch getting it unloaded but no biggie. Thanks for all the advise.