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Callmakers Corner => Callmakers Workbench => Topic started by: fargobox on January 19, 2011, 07:37:05 AM

Title: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: fargobox on January 19, 2011, 07:37:05 AM
Fella's

What brand and size of belt & disc sander combos do you all have and why do you like it?  I am making some upgrades to my shop and I want to enhance my efforts with one of these handy tools.  At the moment I am between a Jet (little pricey perhaps, but usually worth the investment) and Grizzly (also a good product)  I am thinking a 4-6" X 36" belt and a min of 9" disc.  I am open to suggestions/recommendations.

Thanks for the input,  Scott
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: Bulldogmikey on January 19, 2011, 10:21:39 AM
Grizzly has one ...model G0547... for $117 that is a very good sander at a good price!
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: fargobox on January 19, 2011, 12:05:55 PM
To an extent I would agree, but I am looking further out and not sure it will hold up over several years, might be worth a step up in size to acquire better parts and quality within the Grizzly line--again I think Grizzly are decent machines.  While I do make box calls I would like it to work for other small furniture items and hobbies.  Thanks for your note
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: Dawg on January 19, 2011, 12:23:07 PM
Craftsman 4", Rigid 4" oscillating and a Delta 4"
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: Shadetree Callers on January 19, 2011, 12:34:35 PM
 I use a Craftsman 4x 36 " and it works great . I get them with a 2 yr service plan so it can be replaced for free if you have problems !
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: hunter62 on January 19, 2011, 12:45:11 PM
don't buy a delta they have small belt and you will be replacing it get one with real drive belt
 
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: fargobox on January 19, 2011, 03:16:07 PM
Thanks for the continued input guys!
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: Dragonfly on January 19, 2011, 04:43:34 PM
I have researched these a lot and too am looking at the jet or powermatic as they seem to review best.  One source i find interesting is amazon.com  Type in the tool you are considering and read throug all the reviews. ;)  I will advise staying away from current day craftsman tools. 
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: rocfish13 on January 19, 2011, 06:20:42 PM
I use a Craftsman 4x 36 " and it works great . I get them with a 2 yr service plan so it can be replaced for free if you have problems !
  Nice sanders for sure!! I have had no problem with mine!! Roc  *up* *up*
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: fargobox on January 20, 2011, 07:29:48 AM
Dragonfly, I have done the same on many items--handy for sure.  Powermatic would be my dream--they are probably one of the best, but their price tag shows it too.
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: SS Custom Calls on January 20, 2011, 10:38:51 AM
 I would recommend a 6x48 size sander.. Most of the smaller one's have bushings in the front roller instead of bearings and won't hold up to continual use. Believe me, I've been through it with delta, and Task force.. Dang things kept me busy tearin' 'em down and working on 'em!!  >!! Bought a 6x48 Craftsman on sale for less than $200 a couple of years ago and couldn't be happier so far!! It has sealed bearing on the front and rear and is much better than the smaller sanders I owned..
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: HelsbysCustomCalls on January 20, 2011, 11:13:29 AM
http://www.kingcanada.com/Products.htm?CD=106&ID=19900

This machine is the best I've ever used!  6x48 with a 9 inch disk. 1hp motor. you can probably pick it up for a few hundred dollars.
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: fargobox on January 21, 2011, 08:20:39 AM
Al & Richard,  Thanks fellas for the tips--this is what I needed! ;)
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: SS Custom Calls on January 21, 2011, 09:40:43 AM
No problem. Good luck with your purchase.  *cheers*
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: Frozen Crow on January 21, 2011, 11:00:18 AM
I have the same craftsman sander that Al has and it also has served well.  The only problem I have with it is that the dust collection is horrible.  It doesn't help that I made a few unintentional "modifications" to the front belt cover....

Richard, how is the dust collection on that machine you posted?  It looks like a good piece of equipment.

Lee
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: Shadetree Callers on January 21, 2011, 11:24:15 AM
I have the same craftsman sander that Al has and it also has served well.  The only problem I have with it is that the dust collection is horrible.  It doesn't help that I made a few unintentional "modifications" to the front belt cover....

Richard, how is the dust collection on that machine you posted?  It looks like a good piece of equipment.

Lee
The new Craftsman sander has a central dust collection port and it actually works 10 times better than the older style. One hose hokked up and it puts out very little dust in the air now .
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: charlieparrish on January 21, 2011, 05:45:44 PM
I also have worn out five or six  4" x 36" sanders...get a 6"x48" to start with and save yourself some time and money in the long run..I have one with a 1.5 HP motor and it has cut my sanding time by at least 50 per cent
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: Frozen Crow on January 21, 2011, 06:09:57 PM
I have the same craftsman sander that Al has and it also has served well.  The only problem I have with it is that the dust collection is horrible.  It doesn't help that I made a few unintentional "modifications" to the front belt cover....

Richard, how is the dust collection on that machine you posted?  It looks like a good piece of equipment.

Lee
The new Craftsman sander has a central dust collection port and it actually works 10 times better than the older style. One hose hokked up and it puts out very little dust in the air now .

I think that mine used to be better.  I accidently burned throught the belt cover one time after I changed belts and the tracking was way off.  Now it sprays dust all over the shop....
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: HelsbysCustomCalls on January 21, 2011, 06:11:08 PM
I have the same craftsman sander that Al has and it also has served well.  The only problem I have with it is that the dust collection is horrible.  It doesn't help that I made a few unintentional "modifications" to the front belt cover....

Richard, how is the dust collection on that machine you posted?  It looks like a good piece of equipment.

Lee

It has no dust problems at all with a collector hooked up. I use mine in my basement, and have zero issues with it!!  *up*
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: Ghost Maker Calls on January 24, 2011, 06:57:15 AM
I have a 6x48 Delta with a 1 hp motor, dust port works great.  This one will run flat or you can raise the belt sander vertical.
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: fargobox on February 03, 2011, 07:56:51 AM
Fellas,  I took Richard Helsby's recommendation (don't worry Richard I won't hold you responsible for anything! ROTFLMBO) and bought the King Canada belt/disc sander.  While I did look for a couple months on Craistlist and some other sites for a used one none surfaced of the size, quality or price I was looking for and I just couldn't wait any longer.  The King seems to be solid in all respects and the 6" x 498" belt was a good decision.  Plenty of flexibility in rasing and lowering the belt--like all machines they have their own little quirks and it is up to the operator to work them out--that's part of woodworking.  I do wish the disc was larger, say a 12" but it'll due.  The dust collection is super and my shop is also in the basement and my wife even noted that it was very clean ;D
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: JLCcalls on February 05, 2011, 08:07:31 AM
I've got a craftsman 4x36 and it's pure junk.  Had to have one in a hurry and bought a Ryobi 4x36 from HD.   I thought this one was junk too until I got a GOOD drive belt for it and now it is an awesome little sander.   
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: Redbeard on February 10, 2011, 09:04:54 PM
I have this one too and all but for the switch going out it's been a champ. Bought another Skil brand, less rpm for near finish sanding, wouldn't recommend the Skil because of the hassle of changing sheets. I like the delta.

I have a 6x48 Delta with a 1 hp motor, dust port works great.  This one will run flat or you can raise the belt sander vertical.
Title: Re: Belt & Disc Sanders?
Post by: longbeard48 on June 03, 2011, 09:29:51 PM
After going through a couple of Craftsman 4 X 36 sanders (bushings in the front roller kept failing) I recently purchased a 6 X 48 from Harbor Freight.  Since it had no dust collection, I made a collector and mounted an old vacuum cleaner underneath and wired it up to come on when the sander was turned on.  I've used it for several months now and have had zero problems.  Total cost was about $180 and that 6 X 48 is great! I still am using one of the little Craftsmans for the final grit.  I reworked the front roller, replacing the bushings with sealed bearings set in JB Weld.  Laugh if you want to, but she's a sweet little sander, now!