Official Luthiers Forum!

Next purchase I make will more than likely be a belt/disc combo sander. I'm looking for something pretty lightweight and sub $200 range. Any good recommendations for such an item? Or at least what to look for? It would be nice to have the 6" wide, but 4" would probably be enough for me. I know Harbor Freight has pretty junky tools, but for a belt sander I can't see really what could go wrong. Under power maybe? Thanks!

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Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils - Louis Hector Berlioz

Chansen / C hansen / C. Hansen / Christian Hansen - not a handle.

Christian

Have you checked out grizzly.com? I've used their tools for years and on a pretty heavy schedule during the furniture building days...and if something goes amok, they have great customer service...

Larry

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http://www.presnallguitars.com

I needed a decent belt sander, and didnt have enough $ to get the ones I wanted. However, I am happy with what I purchased: A Rikon from Woodcraft (6 in belt, 10 in Disc). It's a little above your budget ($279), but what I liked was it has a cast iron table that I have set-up to be dead square to the disk - which I think is really important.

Glenn

You must have caught that Rikon on sale because it is $350 online right now. Maybe if I wait around a bit. That would be kind of nice to have the 10" disc over 6" or 8" too.

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Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils - Louis Hector Berlioz

Chansen / C hansen / C. Hansen / Christian Hansen - not a handle.

Christian

Try Menard's if you have one in your area. I just bought a 6" X 48" with a 9" disc on a stand for a buck sixty nine. It is a Menard's brand "Tool Shop"

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"After forty-nine years of violin building, I have decided that the search for a varnish is similar to the fox hunt. The fun is in the hunt."
Jack Batts Maker and Repairer of Fine Violins

Yow, that Rikon has really gone up. You I bought one a year ago from WC on sale for 219. Nice feature is the disc doesn't stick up above the belt part. Belt tracking is good.

Woodcraft usually isn't known for low prices. Bet you could do better shopping around.

The dust port sucks, I mean it doesn't suck. Actually, what I mean to say is it doesn't work. Happy with it otherwise.

Good luck, Christian!

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now known around here as Pat Foster
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Sears Craftsman has a 6x48 belt x 9 disc Cast iron table and platen I belive built by Rikon or at least looks to be, but I don't know that for a fact. It is a 3/4 hp 80amp sells for $229 on sale this week for $219. I have looked it over pretty good. the only one they have I would consider. Full 0-90 belt tilt.

I wouldn't buy a HF sander, unless they guarantee parts are (and will be) available. Pulley and belt tend to wear and need regular replacement, at least on my 4x36 Delta.

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Laurent Brondel
West Paris, Maine - USA
http://www.laurentbrondel.com/

Christian, keep an eye out on Craig's list.

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Aoibeann

As usual... Thanks for all the tips everyone!! I will keep my eye on a couple that were mentioned here and on craigslist as well. The craftsman one doesn't look half bad, since it's the closest place to me I might go check it out first hand this weekend.

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Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils - Louis Hector Berlioz

Chansen / C hansen / C. Hansen / Christian Hansen - not a handle.

Christian