I find old threads useful so might as well add to this.
If I had never used a top quality die grinder, I'd never know what I was missing. Cheap air tools work and can be treated as disposable. I can't justify paying retail price on high end tools but I can shop around on eBay to find what I...
I am also looking at the Baldor belt sander, although a different model: 248-181TD. Belt on one side and stone on the other. I'd have a wire brush mounted up most of the time though. Too bad no variable speed.