need a new hand held belt sander

[retired wrench]

Loring.......sev months ago, I had to replace the old WEN I`ve been using, which was my Dad`s....I checked em all, and decided on the BOSCH 1274DVS. Its a 3X21, variable speed, frt handle removes for tite places, and it has a GRAPHITE PLATEN PROTECTOR PAD..... Yeah, it may cost a little more, but the quality shines thru.............(and, its not made in china)

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Adding to my $99 Makita recommendation, it does a TERIFFIC job with dust collection. Don't know if that is typical of belt sanders or not, but I have always been amazed at the lack of dust, versus my ROS's.

[steve-u]

If you do Ebay you will see lots of Makita 9910 belt sanders [like the one at Lowes or HD] going for $49 or less for reconditioned from Toolking, etc. I plan on getting one there myself. Reconditioned usually means that it looks almost like new if not new and was returned by the customer within the thirty day trial period and then reinspected by the factory. I have bought some Bosch reconditioned power tools from CPOBOSCH and they looked like brand new except for the RC stamp on them. Note that Toolking is selling them will full warranty and thirty day return if you don't like the way it looks though you would be out shipping charges. --- Steve

http://cgi.ebay.com/Makita-3-x-18-Be...QQcmdZViewItem

[JimD]

The Ryobi is kind of a clone of the Bosch. The Bosch is undoubtely better but it's also about $100 more.

Jim

[LarryG]

The Ryobi is kind of a clone of the Bosch. The Bosch is undoubtely better but it's also about $100 more.

When I was shopping, I was told that it's actually the other way 'round ... that the Bosch is a clone of the Ryobi. An improved clone, maybe, but apparently Ryobi had that basic design first.

[uglystick]

Decision time?

So Loring, Have you made a purchase decision on which belt sander? It looks like the big 4 recommendations are:

Ryobi BE321VS
Makita 9910X or 9911
Bosch 1274DVS
PC 352VS

I don't have one myself, so this thread has been very helpful. It looks like the top features to look for are 3x21" belt, efficient dust collection, flat top for stationary use, variable speed, weight. Oh yeah, cost is a factor for some of us too! Personally, I think I would go with the Ryobi based on the recommendations here.

-Kendall

[davidtu]

And, if anyone's still watching this thread... there is a $30 rebate on Ryobi purchases of $150 or more... so if you throw in an additional $50 on a 2nd Ryobi tool (or accessory, I believe) you get $30 of it back... not bad.