Belt Sander Recomendation

[AldeanFan]

I want to buy a belt sander.
It's not a tool I use often, usually I find if you need a belt sander you either cut something too big or you'd be better off with a planer, but I'm going to be shaping a surf board and need a sander.
I don't want to drop a ton of money, some I've seen cost more than my table saw! But I want a quality one and don't want to buy another in my lifetime. Made that mistake with an orbital sander, black and decker lasted 3 years, replaced with a dewalt that is now 10 years old and still going strong.
I know this may be opening a can of worms but can any one recommend a quality belt sander that won't break the bank?
Thanks !

 

[dnschmidt]

Porter-Cable. Standard of the industry. Bosch is good too but I prefer Porter-Cable

 

[nickelTwin]

I was told that the current porter cable stuff is targeted for homeowner grade. Not like the older stuff like I have bought in the past. I've used some of the new tools from porter cable and I was very disappointed.

 

[nickelTwin]

Bosch also has there tools made in different places depending on the quality level and price. There top level tools seem as good as anything in the past.

 

[jakemac]

Porter-Cable. Standard of the industry. Bosch is good too but I prefer Porter-Cable

I was told that the current porter cable stuff is targeted for homeowner grade. Not like the older stuff like I have bought in the past. I've used some of the new tools from porter cable and I was very disappointed.

+1 on Porter Cable
But, I'd look for one of the older ones that haven't been abused.

 

[Coach James]

In 2012, I picked up the Porter Cable 352vsr 8 reconditioned for $139. Out of the box it looked brand new.

http://www.portercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11062

It has worked fine, no problems.

Coach

 

[peteco]

I don't comment too much on this forum as I am a basic DIY guy. When I do comment about power or cordless tools I recommend Ridgid because of the warranty, which I have never had a problem with the few times I have needed it. The tools are a bit bulkier compared to higher end Milwaukee or some others. I got the Ridgid 3x18 belt sander last year. Got it for $80 using a Harbor Freight coupon at Home Depot, which usually doesn't work but I always try. I used it sanding the solid stain off a 1000 square foot deck. Did the steps and edges and areas the drum sander could not get. I worked the heck out of it and it worked great.

 

[Ross]

Makita makes some nice belt sanders I have both a 3x21 and 4x24 from them that have worked very well. I would recommend either of them depending on size you need. 4x24 starts to be fairly large so might be overkill on a surf board sized project.

 

[AldeanFan]

Thanks for the recommendations.
The makita is the most expensive sander I can find so its out on price alone, I love makita tools but for something I'm not planning to use much I can't justify the added cost.
I'll go look at the porter cable at lowes, it's much less than the makita.

I'm really interested in the rigid because of the warranty and price but is the warranty any good? I've never bought a rigid tool but have had difficulties with other warranties in the past.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Back in the day I ran a formica shop, using my Porter Cable 352 every day. It's now over 30 years old and going strong

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[AldeanFan]

The porter cable is $250 here in Canada

 

[Mccool]

I have the rigid and have no complaints. Never needed the warranty so can't comment on that. It's not a tool I use frequently, but it seems well built.

 

[dnschmidt]

The problem with the Rigid is the weird belt size. 3X21 and 4X24 are industry standards and can be bought anywhere. 3X18 is an odd Home Depot only kind of size.

 

[Mccool]

The problem with the Rigid is the weird belt size. 3X21 and 4X24 are industry standards and can be bought anywhere. 3X18 is an odd Home Depot only kind of size.

That's a good point. I don't go through enough belts for it to be a concern, but it certainly might be for others.

 

[WoodsTruck]

I bought a Bosch 1274DVS since it is compact and has a flat top. I can flip it over on the bench and use it as a stationary belt to sharpen tools easier. It also has mounting options to clamp it to the bench in the inverted position and also some guides or bases can be attached to it to make it rather universal. It is also rather compact for the drawer I store it in.

I have big hands and can palm the back for one-handed operation at times.

 

[ryanhelton2000]

Been a while since I've been on here but thought I'd throw my 2 cents in on this one. Porter Cable is Sander standard. But Ive had Ridgids without complaints and Makitas that were also the 3-18 odd belt. My latest add on was a Wen 3-18 that I bought used and failed quick but I got it second hand. Of all Ive owned the little Makita 3-18 "even my tiny neighborhood hardware store has belts in stock" was the most powerful and although all plastic most durable. Back then I used them in trade and I replaced the cord 3 times, not from damage but from using the hell out of it. It's only gone because I had to sell it to move to Germany. Its one downfall was that it was flat out dangerous tool ****! Overpowered and light if you thought about something else for an instant it could buck, lost my palm the only time I used it one handed.

 

[Desertskyy]

Currently just recently picked up and using the Makita 3x21 belt sander. It works well with no issues. It does have a flat top so it can be flipped upside down and used as a bench sander once it is clamped down. I was looking at the Porter Cable as my choice but went instead with the Makita because of the flat top. Comes with a long cord also

Just my .02

 

[four.cycle]

Porter Cable is Sander standard.

Porter Cable B10 Dustless Take-About Sander 1938 01 by four.cycle, on Flickr

Porter Cable B10 Dustless Take-About Sander 1938 02 by four.cycle, on Flickr

Porter Cable B10 Dustless Take-About Sander 1938 03 by four.cycle, on Flickr

Porter Cable B10 Dustless Take-About Sander 1938 04 by four.cycle, on Flickr

My experience with their customer service has been more than satisfactory:

Porter Cable letter 050592 by four.cycle, on Flickr

I'm going to post this in the "vintage" forum as well.

==

The 3" x 27" belts come from "Econ-Abrasives" in Frisco, Texas 800 367 4101 econabrasives dot com - nice people - any size your little heart desires.
they make them up for me. any grit. had some #24 grit belts made a couple orders back; made quick work of 2 x 4 end grain.

 

[anndel]

Rigid or Bosch

 

[Fender1325]

Spend the extra sheckles and get a Makita. Will easily last you a very long time, if not lifetime.

 

[JonnyMac]

Ive got a makita. Ive beaten the **** out of it and its been awesome. An added bonus is itsade in japan not china..

 

[chainspor]

Porter Cable B10 Dustless Take-About Sander 1938 01 by four.cycle, on Flickr

Porter Cable B10 Dustless Take-About Sander 1938 02 by four.cycle, on Flickr

Porter Cable B10 Dustless Take-About Sander 1938 03 by four.cycle, on Flickr

Porter Cable B10 Dustless Take-About Sander 1938 04 by four.cycle, on Flickr

My experience with their customer service has been more than satisfactory:

Porter Cable letter 050592 by four.cycle, on Flickr

I'm going to post this in the "vintage" forum as well.

==

The 3" x 27" belts come from "Econ-Abrasives" in Frisco, Texas 800 367 4101 econabrasives dot com - nice people - any size your little heart desires.
they make them up for me. any grit. had some #24 grit belts made a couple orders back; made quick work of 2 x 4 end grain.

These pictures look great. I'm fascinated

 

[foghorn1966]

Makita 9924DB - used & budget aprox $25-30 for replacement cork pad & steel platen to replace the worn out cork pad & composite platen on said used sander.