4x36 belt sander

[fujimo]

i am looking for advice on which bench top 4x36 combination sander is the best out there.

i need something with a good reliable motor and bearings on the wheels that are tough and reliable.
i need the belt to be able to adjust to a near vertical position- most seem able too though.

 this is for a different project., but i figured folk on here would put their machines to the test!

[Roy from Pa]

Buy the best and only cry once:)

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combination-Sander-6-x-48-Belt-12-Disc-3450-RPM/G1183

[Shredd]

That looks like a Dandy...    But it's gonna be a good, long, hard cry...   

   Whatever you do don't get this one unless you plan on beefing up the motor...

https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/woodworking/4-inch-x-36-inch-belt-6-inch-disc-sander-97181.html

  This is a solid sander if you want to go cheap but I am not sure how accurate the tables are because I never used them...

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-x-9-in-combination-belt-and-disc-sander-61750.html

[fujimo]

i am a firm believer in first expense, cheapest expense.
 but this application is kinda unique- and thats the size thats needed for it.
 i do like those 6x48 though- great for my shop, but just too big for this job.
looked at the reviews on line, but they all seem to be sponsored by amazon, so surprise surprise- the top machines are the ones they have for sale
they recommend the WEN.
 otherwise i may be forced to just build myself one, and use proper bearings!

[fujimo]

thanks fellas!

[Shredd]

Just be wary...  If you need some balls to it or just sanding little stuff...  I think most of those size sanders can be under powered...

[Wolftrail]

i am a firm believer in first expense, cheapest expense.

I agree with that statement to some degree.  Years ago I bought the cheapest 3/8" drill money could buy it was $20.  Its still going after 16 years.,  I have seen name brand drills bag out before then.  I used this drill side ways with a disk sander attachment and even done lathe work with it.
This Drill has literally gone thru the paces and then some. 

[C. Johnson]

I'm ashamed to admit it, but all I have is a little Ryobi 4X36 combo sander.  That's.... Kinda hard to come right out and say. ;-)

Anyway, it's pretty underpowered, but actually works fairly well, all things considered.

Next piece of equipment I upgrade will be my dust collection.  After that I'm going to upgrade to a 6X89 edge sander.

[fujimo]

yea they can be, i have a delta one- and retro mounted a 1/2hp motor now its darn dangerous- cant stall it, and it will skin ya pretty quickly!
but prior to that it was rather feeble.

although this application is a much lighter application

[fujimo]

i hear ya wolf- but 16 years ago i think the general quality was a lot better .

that upgrade was pretty easy to do, now it works pretty well.

[Jack Denbow]

I have a Woodtek, not made any more. I was looking for a replacement two years ago when it froze up. I use mine for tapering wood arrows and need to mount a jig on it. I found there is a difference in the way they are made, where as the belt tensioner is on the left on some and on the right for some. If the release is on the side away from the disc it won't work for me. I found this one and it would work for me  https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/32739062  but I got mine freed up and didn't need to order one. I hope this helps you.
Jack

[Wolftrail]

Yes but a lot of tools we buy now are not manufactured in North America.  I use to service consumer electronics and up until around 1984-1986 most stuff was top quality.  Shortly there after quality went to the way side, and a few years later.   I looked at all the guts inside, OH my we have plastic gears and levers now.......

Is Festooll any good.?

[Exiled_Archer]

Are you dead set on a combo sander? Have you looked at the Ridgid oscillating edge/spindle sander?

Grizzly makes one also, but Ridgid has a lifetime service agreement thingy that seems pretty good. I don't know what kind of warranty grizzly offers.

Either way, I love mine. It gets the work done, and it moves easy. I work with it outside or under the patio then just save it back in the shop after use.

https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/oscillating-edge-belt-spindle-sander


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[arachnid]

I have a Ryobi 1056 hand held belt sander. I built a jig so I can restit on its side and use it as an edge sander. Yes it is small, but it works great. Just need to be carefull when shaping the edges of the bow.

[fujimo]

i actually only need the belt application, and i need it to swivel up, i could always mount it on its end, but a swivel ability would be easier.
just wanted something with good solid gears  and bearings- like wolf said- all the new plastic gears etc....

[Roy from Pa]

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Knife-Belt-Sander-Buffer/G1015

[skeaterbait]

Can't go wrong with Grizzly....

[Roy from Pa]

LOL Lonnie...

[skeaterbait]

???? Roy.....

[Roy from Pa]

Ya was looking for the link before..