Ryobi Belt/Disc Sander Opinions?

[JoeyGee]

I have a chance to pick up a used Ryobi belt/disc sander for a decent price. I was in the market for one, and came across it. I know it's not a big floor powered model, but for sanding small parts, I figure it should do the trick.

I went back and forth btw a bt OSS and bt belt/disc sander. I figre the combo has more uses, and I suppose I can sand curves on the end of the belt. I still want an OSS, but I can hold off if I get this.

Anyone have one? Do you like it? How is the dust collection on it?

[Sawatzky]

I bought one but returned it because the disc was so usnstable. In looking at the bottom the motor was not seucre, which is what the disd is attached to. I could see no way to fix it. Others have reported good results, so I may have just gotten a lemon.

[LCHIEN]

I have both, if i had to keep only one the B/D would be more useful of the two.

I have had no problems with the B/D sander. A useful size, actually pretty hefty.

standard belt an disk sizes.

[SARGE..g-47]

I had one for 5 years before I finally heard a bearing roar. I made it work and it did fine. The table is crap (as most low priced B/S) but you can wing a way to make that work. With that said the disc is not all that great but the belt in the vertical position worked like a charm.

BTW.. I have the Ryobi Spindle sander also and have had for 6 years now. Good value for $99 as I work it hard also and it has survived well. I suspect it will be around for a lot longer as it shows no signs of early retirement.

[Whaler]

I had the Ryobi B/D sander in my old shop but when I set up the new shop I bought a Rikon. I wouldn't rate either one as a heavy duty machine but as I primarily use it for squaring pen blanks both work well.

[cwsmith]

I've had my Ryobi BD4600 (I think that's the model number anyway) for about four years now. I don't use it a lot, but for those small trim parts, it's the perfect tool for me.

I looked at three different brands available in my area and went with the Ryobi. It definitely was built better than the Tradesman and Craftsman models that I looked at, and it was the only unit with a disc plate that didn't wobble.

After I got the Ryobi, I did a quick check to see how true the disc surface was and was very happily surprised.

The BD4600 is small, but heavy with it's cast-iron base. I've had no problems with mine at all. While I believe most people would prefer a much bigger unit, the cost of belts and discs for the Ryobi are relatively cheap and readily available.

I hope this helps,

CWS

[dbhost]

If it's in your budget, you might want to look at the Ridgid Oscillating belt / spindle sander instead. Maybe someone that owns the Ryobi can correct me, But I can see no way to keep a right angle while sanding curves with it....

The Ridgid also has the advantage of oscillating which helps with dust removal, and belt / sleeve longevity.

Of course if you can get a deal on the Ryobi, for say $50.00 or so, it might just be worth adding to the tool collection!

[phrog]

I've had mine over 3 1/2 years and have used it a lot. I love it. I borrowed a friend's Delta and realized this is a tool I would use a lot. When I went to buy one I found that the Ryobi weighs about twice as much as the equivalent Delta which is why I went with the Ryobi. No problems with the disc or the belt. If you plan to do a lot of sanding on curves keep in mind that the end of the belt can only be used on larger curves (and be very careful so it doesn't jerk the workpiece out of your hand). It would be very difficult to use on "tight" curves.
Richard

[Tom Slick]

I use my Ryobi for sanding/grinding steel, which it is completely not designed for. it works ok for what I do with it. the disc is not very useful and the table isn't very good either but the belt portion works good. It is a good value for its cost.

Tip:
spray the platen with graphite or moly spray. it will reduce friction and improve performance greatly!

[LCHIEN]

... Maybe someone that owns the Ryobi can correct me, But I can see no way to keep a right angle while sanding curves with it....

...

The table top is perpendicular to the spinde and oscillating direction so its always at right angles to something flat on the tabletop. Any curves, you'll be square to the edges of the workpiece on the table; the edges will be straight up and down...

Or maybe i don't understand your question?

[drumpriest]

I'm with dbhost on this one, depending upon your sanding needs, the Ridgid OSS is excellent, and gives you belt sander functionality as well as spindle. I have one and it has been a work horse for me for years.

[Pappy]

Can't comment on the Ryobi but will back all the comments on the Delta. Too light, table hard to adjust, disc is little more than decorative. Had to take the disc off to tighten up the brackets holding the belt several times. When they worked loose, the belt would pivot front to rear in the verticle position.

Finally replaced it with the new Hitachi unit. Only drawback I have run across is the disc is 8" and couldn't find a local source for paper. I ran a fairly large order of belts and discs recently and got a box of 50 to solve that problem for a while.

[dbhost]

The table top is perpendicular to the spinde and oscillating direction so its always at right angles to something flat on the tabletop. Any curves, you'll be square to the edges of the workpiece on the table; the edges will be straight up and down...

Or maybe i don't understand your question?

Can you post pics of the table mounted in relation to the belt?

I think you have it right, but I want to make sure.