edge sander

[jess stuart]

I have a chance to buy a Big Boy D-80 edge sander for a great price.  I have never heard of them.  Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on the machine. It is a 6x89 so plenty big enough and a 1.5 hp motor.

[Wolftrail]

Whoa, thats a biggy, you sure you can't get by with a smaller unit. Used one in a Cabinet shop. You have a belt sander..?

[bamboo]

if you have the space--and the price is right get it!!
belt sanders are stone age simple-so brand is usually not much of an issue-
that looks to be fairly industrial unit--make sure the motor and all bearings are sound--listening will tell a lot
start it up-put a belt on it -put a piece of hardwood against the belt and lean right into it --does it slow down?? do the bearings howl?
you get it!
for truing limbs I believe the bigger the platten the better--and you will never regret more horsepower!!good luck if you get it!!

[canopyboy]

Bigger is better if you can fit it! And yes, there's not much that can go wrong if the belt spins. Go for it. I'm slowly building my own 6 x 89 right now.

[ChuckC]

I built one, (not quite THAT big) and I'll tell you, I use that thing ALL the time, for lots of projects.  They are a worthwhile tool to have in your shop.
ChuckC

[BigJim]

I have 6 stationary belt sanders in my shop and always looking for more. Some are big and some small, but each have a specific chore that i use them for.

My biggest is a 8 x 144 5hp crouch. WOW! I would shoot someone if they tried to take that from me. It is fantastic for profiling limbs among other things.

It replaced a 6 x 108 delta as the work horse, but I found another job for it so I kept it too. Infact, every belt sander I have sold I regret selling.

Remember this, the longer the belt, the cooler it will stay as you sand. It is important that you have enough horse to handle it though.

Bigjim

[Walt Francis]

If it fits in your shop and it runs good, you will cuss yourself for not getting one sooner.

[bornofmud]

If you have space, do it!  Most used tool in my shop.

[jess stuart]

Thanks for the thoughts.  I had already made up my mind to order a Grizzly, then this one came along. I had just never heard of that particular brand.  Have a call in to go and check it out.

[Bobmeister]

Hey Jess, give Bro Kirk a holler I think he has a Big Boy.

[bow loving man]

Hey Jess, sent you a Pm...BLM

[jess stuart]

I picked up today.  Looks like a good one ran nice and quite.  I did break the on off switch getting it unloaded but no biggie.  Thanks for all the advise.