Craftsman Belt/disc sander

[R_Holiday]

I have a chance to get the 572.247600 belt/disc sander or the 113 series with the 4” belt and 6” disc. Is one better than the other or it really doesn’t matter?

 

[Shiftless]

Hey...This is GJ… Each one has its strengths and weaknesses. If it’s a good deal and you have room, get both.

 

[R_Holiday]

Hey...This is GJ… Each one has its strengths and weaknesses. If it’s a good deal and you have room, get both.

I don’t have room unfortunately. Because of this great site I’ve already amassed mad vises, drill presses, c-clamps, and a couple bandsaws. I love this site but it causes an addiction that is space limited by my garage.

what are the strengths and weaknesses of each?

 

[Shiftless]

The narrow belt one is better for doing things like shaping custom knives that you make and similar tasks. The 4 inch wide belt is probably better for woodworking and sanding flat surfaces. The disk grinder is good for flattening surfaces and squaring up corners.
I used to have a Craftsman 4 inch belt and 6 inch disk grinder machine but it wore out so I recycled it. That was a couple of years ago and once in a while I miss it.
Like you, storage and work space is severely limited in my 20x20 garage.

 

[driftpin]

Craftsman 4 inch belt and 6 inch disc sander machine

I have one, I store it when I'm not using it. OK, for homeowner use. I have a Craftsman benchtop scrolling saw and a Craftsman floor model wood bandsaw. My machinist friend has one he made a belt-drive reduction gearing for it to use it to cut metal.

 

[R_Holiday]

Sounds like the 113 is the best for what I’ll be doing. It’s wood working, some metal working, and some exhaust fab work.

 

[exmaxima1]

I have a chance to get the 572.247600 belt/disc sander or the 113 series with the 4” belt and 6” disc. Is one better than the other or it really doesn’t matter?

That tiny motor hanging on the side makes it look like a toy. 1-inch wide belts generally like at least 1/3 honest horsepower (especially with coarse grits), and 1/2hp is even better. BTW, the "113 series" is the manufacturer's code---Emerson Electric.