Harbor Freight 12” disc sander YES or NO?

[Shiftless]

I know that the HF belt sander/6 inch disc sander gets rated as a major fail but what about the stand alone 12” disc sander?
My old Craftsman combo belt/disc sander finally died and I’ve been without a bench sander for a year or so. I’m thinking of buying this one for very occasional use.
My intended use is mostly surfacing small bits of metal like vise jaws so they fit better or to remove minor gouges.
This HF model seems to have a decent table so a user can square up his work.
I realize that small bits can’t be safely hand held so I’d use a small machinist vise to hold them securely.

Do any of you guys have one of these or similar ones like Delta or ??? If so, what do you think of it?

Thanks for your honest opinion.

 

[alinc100]

I have the 10" version and have no complaints.

 

[Shiftless]

I have the 10" version and have no complaints.

I didn’t know there was a slightly smaller version. That’s one of my hesitations. The 12” HF one weighs 82 pounds.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I think you will miss not having a belt sander also.

Harbor Freight 6" x 48" Belt and 9" Disc Combination Sander

 

[Shiftless]

I think you will miss not having a belt sander also.

Harbor Freight 6" x 48" Belt and 9" Disc Combination Sander

I have a nice Bosch 4 inch portable belt sander that I have occasionally clamped to a workbench for small jobs. Not OSHA approved.

 

[tarbellb]

Its a good sander for the money.

12" disc is a excellent addition to the shop. A belt is nice too, but skip the combo they sell.


If you are really considering a belt sander, look into converting a bench grinder with the MultiTool attachement - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BNBAQ90/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or

Grizzly sells a pretty nice combo. After that it only gets much more expensive.

 

[dwcon1431]

I know that the HF belt sander/6 inch disc sander gets rated as a major fail but what about the stand alone 12” disc sander?

My old Craftsman combo belt/disc sander finally died and I’ve been without a bench sander for a year or so. I’m thinking of buying this one for very occasional use.

My intended use is mostly surfacing small bits of metal like vise jaws so they fit better or to remove minor gouges.

This HF model seems to have a decent table so a user can square up his work.

I realize that small bits can’t be safely hand held so I’d use a small machinist vise to hold them securely.



Do any of you guys have one of these or similar ones like Delta or ??? If so, what do you think of it?



Thanks for your honest opinion.

Regardless of what size you choose, if you get the extended warranty and have any problems, HF will replace or refund. For a limited use machine, I don't see how you can go wrong.

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[BD1]

Have you checked facebook marketplace or Craiglist for a older 12" disc like Delta ?
There have been quite a few stand alone ones for $75 to $100.
Have you considered just making one?


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[acer66]

Have you considered just making one?


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Is that cost prohibitive?

 

[steel 35]

At that price NA.
Hunt a little, they are very nice to use (necessity) the delta's Iv used bogg a little but I have a Rockwell that doesn't and I am fond of that.
After the 12" then pick a multi-tool with 1 HP

 

[FlaGman]

I picked one up for about $120 on sale a few years ago, I like it a lot. I was originally going to occasionally use it with a hitch receiver on my bench, but it is so heavy I just permanently attached it instead.

 

[Prospecter]

I like mine. Issues usually are related to excessive vibration due to balance. The solution is to unbox and try it out as soon as you get it home so you can return it if necessary. Mine was fine right out of the box.

 

[Gus_Mahn]

I have the 12" HF disc sander. I think it works fine for what it is and costs. I don't think it has the nuts that a higher quality sander would, but it's fine as long as you pay attention and don't bog it down.

 

[DerekV]

I’ve had an “Ironton” (Northern Tool brand) version for about 5-6 years now and it’s awesome. A family member has the HF version and he loves his. If mine died today, I’d get another one in whatever brand is easiest to get. These 12” sanders are a great value, which is unlike most inexpensive stationary sanders/grinders in my experience.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Made my own from an old well pump motor. Pump bearing froze up but the motor was still good.

 

[ItsNemo]

I have the King tools version of it...didn't come balanced well, took the wheel off and they just drill holes in the back to balance it, so I added a few more where it needed it until I got it nice and smooth.

 

[ZRX61]

I have the Grizzly version, can't recall what I paid for it about 15 years ago (maybe longer).

 

[dogdog]

that 12" disc sander is good, the motor is 1.5 HP or something ... I think it went down to $139 sometime back. not sure. There are few youtube videos that have good review of it as well... I think there is a thread here or at least a few post about this particular one as well some time back 1 or 2 years back...

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

It’s good from my experience especially if you are just sanding lighter stuff with it.


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[22george]

I've had one for 30 years. Don't use it that often, but have had no issues with it. It has done what l needed it to do.

 

[david3921]

I have one and like it. As noted, it's pretty heavy. The vacuum port is full size so my 16 gallon Craftsman hooks right up. Most of these come with the right side covered, this one doesn't. This doesn't mean that you can use that side, though. Always use the left side for safety.