belt sander recommendations

[buick215]

I am looking for a good quality belt sander. I was wondering what brand do you people recommend. It doesn't have to be top of the line but I want a quality one that will last for years.

 

[ZRX61]

Bench top or hand held?

 

[buick215]

hand held

 

[TOOL MASTER]

Porter cable......they have a sweet little one if you don't need a full size...but they are all sweet

 

[stephen4785]

ridgid's come with a life time warranty now.

 

[Duker]

There are plenty of choices in handheld belt sanders in weight, belt size and cost options. My favorites and the uses are as follows:

Massive Material Hogging Steel or Wood - Vintage Porter Cable A3 “Locomotive” Sander (can be found on eBay and still easily repaired if need be.)

Flatten a table top - Bosch 4” x 24” Variable Speed

Round Corners, Overhead Work, Tight Spots - Porter Cable 371K

3” x 21” belts can be found in most hardware centers, 4” x 24” belts in different grit choices usually have to be bought online or specialty stores.

 

[premierplayer]

3 x 24 Mikita here, I'm thinkin' I've had it 20+ years, the first 12 -13 regular contractor use, the remainder occasional contractor and home use. Never any issues, still runs strong.

That PC Locomotive is a great machine also, a little bulky sometimes though.

 

[buick215]

Thanks for your replies. I will research your suggestions and go from there.

 

[Kirbot]

Massive Material Hogging Steel or Wood - Vintage Porter Cable A3 “Locomotive” Sander (can be found on eBay and still easily repaired if need be.)
QUOTE]

Skil made some really nice locomotive sanders too.

 

[Monte]

 

[Trucky]

You know, it must be so nice living over there!

 

[Kirbot]

You know, it must be so nice living over there!

I'd still take an old American Locomotive over either of them any day.

Here's one that sold recently.
http://cgi.ebay.com/SKIL-3-BELT-SAN...Sandblasters&hash=item35b1b9d38e#ht_500wt_947

They don't go cheap, but your grand children will still be using it.

 

[Monte]

You know, it must be so nice living over there!

yup Even our Milwaukee is cooler ....Made in Germany....

 

[Keep]

3 x 24 Mikita here, I'm thinkin' I've had it 20+ years, the first 12 -13 regular contractor use, the remainder occasional contractor and home use. Never any issues, still runs strong.

I 2nd the Makita, I have one I use for making end grain cutting boards, its a beast. I picked it up refurbed from the local Makita plant.