Belt Sander

mpalmer9 · December 30, 2010, 10:05:00 PM

I'm looking to buy a decent belt sander but I am having a hard time finding one under $200 dollars that has decent reviews. I saw Grizzly had one but I was disappointed at the reviews users gave. I guess you could say I have a lack of faith in the Skill, Ryobi, and Ace options but if you have had a good experience with any of these or others let me know.

Thanks

jess stuart · December 30, 2010, 10:11:00 PM

I have a Woodteck 6 x 48 that I got several years ago from Woodworkers Supply. It has held up well and does a good job. I want to turn it up on edge and make a table and use it as a edge sander. I think it would be even more useful.

okie64 · December 30, 2010, 10:56:00 PM

I have a porter cable 3x21 and it works awesome. I built a stand for it so I could turn it upside down and use it like a benchtop sander. I think u can get one for around 150 bucks.

Diamondback59 · December 30, 2010, 11:12:00 PM

was in harbor fright other day they had a 6 wide belt sander with a 10 side disc 138 bucks think it was made by gen tool looked ok but i never used one i use jet brock

vanillabear? · December 30, 2010, 11:34:00 PM

okie64 · December 31, 2010, 09:20:00 AM

Has anyone had any luck with harbor freight power tools. Only thing ive bought there was a heat gun and it worked on two bows and then crapped out on me.

Dave Worden · December 31, 2010, 09:53:00 AM

JMO, but I'd say Harbor Freight is great for tools you don't use much. If it's going to get much use, I'd look elsewhere.

BTW I have a 6x48" Grizzly belt sander with 9" disc and it's just fine. The belt tensioning adjustment is a bit fussy, but the sander's done all I've asked of it.

Diamondback59 · December 31, 2010, 11:03:00 AM

okie ,dave i dunno about tool s from them someone told me a while back that all those general tools they sell are actually grizzly tools with a revised name lol i dounno i never buy any tool s there other thasn maybe a few clamps and their cheap super glue ,sandpaper brock

PEARL DRUMS · December 31, 2010, 11:12:00 AM

I have a 4 x 32 Craftsman combo that I have beat the tar out of, it still works great and costs under $200.00. The belt can be upright, or flat, or anywhere in between. Its good for a guy like me that TRYS to build 5-6 bows a year!

T Folts · December 31, 2010, 11:13:00 AM

I saw a belt sander at sears I would buy if I needed one, it is a 6X48 and on sale right now for $200. I was told about this sander by a bowyer who bought one a few months ago and gave it a good review. I bought a used delta for 200 on craigs list before I heard about this one.

JamesV · January 01, 2011, 09:29:00 AM

I have several Harbor Freight tools and they are all underpowered. If you don't use them much they will work. Made more to sell than to use.

mpalmer9 · January 02, 2011, 08:28:00 PM

Thanks for the feedback. I ended up getting a Porter Cable belt/disk combo sander from Lowes. It seems more solid than the other ones I was looking at and I am impressed by its power. Got it for a little more than what I wanted ($170) but I'm happy with it.

beetlebailey1977 · January 02, 2011, 08:35:00 PM

mpalmer9, I bought the same sander at Lowes several weeks ago. (porter cable 4x36) It is a very good sander for the money.

dnovo · January 02, 2011, 08:57:00 PM

A 48" belt is going to give ,what about a 20" flat area for sanding? Is that right?
I'm interested in getting one but want something bigger, in the range of 96" belt since I want to use it for other custom woodwork also. Any recomendations on a bigger on? I know a grizzly is going to be $500+, but Delta or something like it will be closer to $900.

IdahoCurt · January 02, 2011, 09:01:00 PM

I think once you get to that size you're talking professional and $500 would be cheap.I would look for used on craigslist,by me a lot of cabinet shops are closing due to the economy and deals can be had.

Ricky Wallace · January 03, 2011, 12:25:00 AM

As my cheapo power tools start to die,I am replacing them with quality.That porter cable you bought will last for years,good choice.Also porter cable brand at lowes seem to be coming down in price from a couple years ago.Good excuse to have a lowes card!! [even though my wife hates it,,he he]

Dick in Seattle · January 03, 2011, 12:37:00 AM

I have one of the 6x48 Grizzly's that's virtually new, used to shape one riser. It's a couple of years old and doesn't have the stand any more as I stole it for another tool. They list for $345 but I'd sell it for $250 if someone is close enough to get it. I bought two sanders at once, this one and the big 6x80. That's one's out on the floor and gets all the use. The 6x48 has been on a shelf all this time. It weighs 125# and I can't even get it down any more!