Bench sander advise/opinions

[afbrian13]

I'm planning to buy an occasional use benchtop belt sander. Years ago I had a craftsman, but its long gone. I used it enough to know I want a new sander, but looking for opinions. I cant spend the money, or have need for a full up shop sander.

I planned to just get another craftsman, but it seems there are some other options for less. I looked at the ryobi, but it seems a little too plastic-y to me. I like the skill. $120 at lowes, heaviest base, normal knobs instead of touchy feely stuff.

What do you guys have? Any other reccomendations to check ou?

Thanks,

Brian

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Look on craigslist, you might find a nice used one.

 

[rsanter]

What line of sander?
For sanding what?
I have the rigid belt/spindle sander for wood. It's a great tool

Or are you wanting a belt/disc sander. Het an older used one. Bigger the better

Bob

 

[Voi]

Rigid used to make a bench top sander that got decent reviews on wood working forums. I think it had more than one sanding function, maybe belt and an oscillating spindle like the current model, but somehow I don't think it's the same one.

I'd check and see if their current model fits your needs and then check reviews on that specific model. I like to go directly to wood working forums to get real world reviews. Or I search their sites with Google.

 

[afbrian13]

Sorry about the info shortage. I'm looking for a belt/disk sander. The 36in belt models are fine. I don't want to take up much more space than that, plus they would be the easiest to come by supplies. I've been keeping an eye on craigslist as usual.

I plan to use it for mild woodwork and smaller hobby things. Occasional metal, but mainly making small brackets and mounts for auto work, aluminum or mild steel, nothing crazy hard.

I saw the ridgid on the HD site. Does the entire belt move up and down or does it have a seperate drum?

Hope this helps.

Brian

 

[PT Doc]

http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/shop/

 

[whyNick?]

For a decent belt/disc sander on a budget it's tough to beat those Craftsmans and used ones turn up pretty cheap around here, I think I paid $25 for my 36" model last year and it's in great shape. The new ones I've seen lately seem to be all pot metal and plastic and they still aren't what I'd call "cheap".

 

[nmk_61802]

I have this one: Harbor Freight

Basic and all metal. Seems to work well, but fences do need alignment if try to do precision work.