Ryobi ROS -- Rigid 3x21 Belt Sander your reviews?

[davidtu]

I've seen good reviews of the Ryobi BE-321 sander, even though it looks sort of plasticy to me. Ryobi has a deal @ HD for $150 in tools you get back $30. Not bad, so I am considering either the Ryobi ROS + Belt Sander or the Rigid 3x21 Belt sander + 1/4 sheet sander combo.

Comments on any of these specific models is appreciated.

-dave

[LarryG]

I have a BE-321 that I bought used off eBay. Haven't really used it much, but it seems solid. David J Marks, the host of WoodWorks on DIY Network, uses one (for what that's worth). I'm told that the very similar Bosch model was actually patterned after the Ryobi design, rather than the other way 'round as you might expect.

Milwaukee is one of the most respected names in power tools are they use plastic for the cases of many of their models, so I wouldn't worry about plastic per se.

Forgive me if this seems presumptuous, but since you've described yourself as a newbie in other threads ... what's your specific need for a belt sander? I ask this because a belt sander is an infrequently used tool in most woodworking shops. Of course it all depends on what you're building, some people wear their belt sanders out, but for most woodworkers there are far higher tool priorities.

[DaveW]

I have the BE321 - awesome belt sander - it's removed everything I've needed it to. If you compare it with the Bosch, it does look very similar. The nice thing about this design is that if you don't have a stationary belt sander, you can clamp the BE321 upside-down. That won't work for the more profiled sanders from PorterCable etc.

[JimD]

I am confused. I did a google search on a Ryobi BE321 and it came up a 1/2 sheet ROS. I went to the Cummins website and the model number of my 3x21 Ryobi came up 6350 or something like that. Rebuilt it is $70. It is a very good buy. Fine Woodworking tested all the 3x21 sanders and said the Ryobi model I have was the best buy. I would go to Cummins and look at it. If it is not what you are thinking about, I would think some more.

I have the Rigid 2500 1/4 sheet ROS. It is fine but I cannot endores it as whole-heartedly as the Ryobi. I do not like the noise it makes (maybe I will get used to it) nor do I like the switch location (I hit it during use). I also have had two pieces of 3M's new super sandpaper tear off during use. I like it but....

Jim

[Ken Weaver]

I have the Ryobi ROS and the BE 3x18 belt. Like them both, but don't use the belt sander but occassionally. I keep the ROS's (have 2 of them) plugged into my workbench all the time.

[drumpriest]

I have a ryobi ROS and it works great. But it's a round 5" disk, not a 1/2 sheet. I also have a 1/4 sheet ryobi sander, and it's fine, but nowhere near as effective at the round ROS.

I also have 3x18 belt sander, and it's done great as well. Sanders arn't horribly complex, I don't think. My usual attitude is buy them inexpensive (not cheap) and burn the up. Interestingly, I've not burned up any of my Ryobi sanders. I also have a bosch 5" ROS, it's quite nice as well.

[Andrew Benedetto]

I have a Ryobi 7A,3x21",built for sears I bought in '78, all plastic outer housing,still going strong. I also have metal/plastic DeWalt 3x21"(new style)and a 4x21"PC beast and the plastic Ryobi 3x18" bought when it was $39.
I would not consider the plastic a problem,just makes the tools heavier on a sander. The PC is good for HD floor sanding since the tool weight is a benefit.
The frame mounts /levers on the old sears one are all metal and it is a heavy tool. That was when most CM power tools were much better quality.
The ryobi look alike to the ridgig has been known to be a very reliable tool,and is less $,both made by the same corp.
If you were buying other tools then you could get the $ off offer with the ryobi's and more tools too.

[davidtu]

If you were buying other tools then you could get the $ off offer with the ryobi's and more tools too.

Just want to clarify what you meant here... are you saying you can combine the Ryobi $30 giftcard w/ the HD $35 giftcard (the former for $150 in Ryobi tools and the latter for $199 in any power tools)? I don't think its possible, but if you have info the contrary, I'd like to know it.

Btw, I may change my plans to be Ryobi 3x21 belt sander + Ryobi hand planer and get the Rigid ROS instead as it sounds like a workhorse and the liftime guarantee has value.

[Rob R]

[QUOTE= get the Rigid ROS instead as it sounds like a workhorse and the liftime guarantee has value.[/QUOTE]


you may be on to something here. i had the ryobi vs ros, it bit the dust (ahem) and i replaced it with the vs ridgid. works much better. i've sanded double what i did with the ryobi and it's still going strong.

as far as the belt sander i have the ryobi 3x18 and it has worked well the few times i have used it.

as far as the planer, i'd buy a good handplane unless you need the handheld for a specific home improvement project. i think you could find plenty else to buy as a noob as mentioned earlier. perhaps even the 18v impact wrench ? i have the 18v bosch planer and i used only once to take a board down to thickness before working it with hand tools--i don't have a surface planer. use my handplane all the time.


fwiw
rob