Belt Sander Recommendations

[Rolly]

I'm in the market for a belt sander, variable speed - 3x21. I just returned a $99 craftsman because of the extremely poor tracking. I've got a few projects I need to make and find it is easier to buy then rent. I'm a hobbyist and want something reliable. Based on your experience with belt sanders what is a good product to buy? I appreciate your recommendations!

[Pappy]

Porter Cable VS352! The best balanced sander I have ever used. Heavy enough to not need pressure on horizontal surfaces and still light enough that it won't wear you out on verticle areas.

[jseklund]

I am going to second Pappy's recommendation on the Porter Cable, even though I have never owned or really used one. I have picked it up in the store though, and it does seem well balanced.

I have a Dewalt 432- this is a great sander. I think it is even better balanced than the porter cable to be honest. It does a great job, when you are using it. The reason I wouldn't recommend this one is because I got it about a year and a half ago and it died after less than 10 hours of use. It took 5 weeks to get a replacement from Dewalt. No smoke, no noise, just picked it up and it was dead.

I've asked around and read reviews and the Dewalt seems to die a lot. The Porter Cable gets great reviews from people I know, including contractors, and they haven't told me it's died on them unnaturally. They all rave about its balance. Like I said, I think the Dewalt has better balance, but that does no good if it doesn't turn on. Maybe if I used the PC I'd learn that I was wrong. Either way, I'd go with the PC if I had to do it over again.

[steve-u]

Makita has a good reputation for sanders and the 9903 could be a good choice for your needs. Toolking currently has a great deal on factory reconditioned ones [$108 shipped] that usually look like new and have full warranty. I have bought two factory recon Makita tools from Toolking that looked like new. These recon tools are usually ones that customers return for any reason after buying usually within thirty day return policy of the big retailers.

Steve

http://www.toolking.com/category/pro...roductid=20838

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-9903-3-...9?ie=UTF8&s=hi

[germdoc]

My .02: the Bosch is one of the best BS's for cabinetmaking. Its "square" design makes it easy to line up, can clamp to a table for a stationary sander, very precise compared to other BS's. I have used the PC, which I found very good also, but the compact size of the Bosch is a benefit IMO.

I find the Bosch very good for flattening up surfaces, cleaning up dovetails, etc.--really use it almost like a handplane.

The Ryobi "Bosch clone" is also highly rated as a best buy by many WW magazines.

The only downside for the Bosch, other than price, (it's more expensive than many others) is it's not as rapid at stock removal. So, if you want to remove a dozen coats of old paint get a larger and more powerful BS. But, for precision WWing, the Bosch is great.

[cabinetman]

Other than PC, the only belt sander I ever bought was a Makita. The mere shape of it was impressive, being low and flat. But, it didn't last. I think I took her out in a month or so.

I've been using PC 361's and PC 362's for most of my career. I guess my situation might be different than a hobbyist as I might be using one for a few hours on a daily basis. I would probably qualify as a "professional tester". I don't really know what they weigh, but in the beginning of my belt sanding days, swinging that thing around with one hand was no problem. It's heavy as heck. I would also say it added to my carpel tunnel and tendonitis problems as a contributor in the isometric stresses I put myself through.

Back to what I'm supposed to be talking about. I can only rave about the PC. The only real failures are what got worn out due to use. Like the replaceable sheet metal platen that backs up the belt over the cork pad. I have worn those down to almost see through thickness. And the only other worn parts include switches. Now I can't complain much about the switch. There are times that I dress the edges of glass shelves (I cut my own). I use a silicon carbide belt and have to run the sander slow, so the switch is just bumped to keep the belt going. Believe it or not, those switches last a looooooong time.

To end this run on answer I will say that the PC 361 will absolutely beat any Makita in a belt sander drag race.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[wardprobst]

FWIW, FWW has the Ryobi variable speed 3x21 belt sander in their $5000 shop article. I've had a Craftsman for over 20 years but I don't use one much. I generally use a plane or router to trim edges. I worked in a custom furntiture shop for a few years and we used them a lot; might be why I don't anymore.
YMMV,
DP

[LinuxRandal]

FWIW, FWW has the Ryobi variable speed 3x21 belt sander in their $5000 shop article. I've had a Craftsman for over 20 years but I don't use one much. I generally use a plane or router to trim edges. I worked in a custom furntiture shop for a few years and we used them a lot; might be why I don't anymore.
YMMV,
DP

I'd HATE to see the 3"x21" belt sander that was OVERR $5000.00

[Sawatzky]

I have a Craftsman 3x21 inch that I have been quite happy with. The tracking does take a lot of adjusting, but once you get used to usingit, it works quiet well. It is by no means the quality of a PC, but is no where near that price either. For the $60.00 that I got it for on sale, it works well for me.

[Stan]

No one has mentioned the Hitachi SB75, so I'll throw in that I just picked one up. Reasonably good price to performance ratio I feel.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I recommend that you check out the heavydutytool.net tool special Black Friday 8:00 AM.

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=25230

Two Bosch sanders 3" = $50, 4" = $100. Great deals.

[lrr]

I just bought a Ridgid belt sander. I was impressed by its heft, and it is very comfortable. I also liked that it is variable speed, and has a soft start so it does not jump. It came with a free 1/4 sheet pad sander, and a nice tool bag, too. I bought the Ridgid oscillating sander at the same time (has both a spindle and a belt attachment).

I seem to be on a Ridgid kick lately, bought their miter saw a few months ago, along with a 15 ga. air nailer. I've owned a Ridgid jointer for 3 years, and it is a nice machine (same as the 6" Craftsman -- I think they both are from the old Emerson factory that used to make so many of the classic Craftsman power tools).

Tomorrow I'm off to get the Ridged router combo -- its on sale, and HD just sent out 10% off coupons ...

This router has gotten really good reviews, and is Porter-Cable compatible -- same base and apparently same accesories fit.