Light Duty Belt Sander Recommendations.....?

[Crow Horse]

I'm looking for a light duty belt sander to compliment my other sanders. I have an old Porter Cable but it's heavy and has always given me fits with the belt tracking. I'd like to use it on cedar fence pickets prior to router carving for signs. The current leaders are the Rigid, Craftsman and Skil belt sanders but their reviews are all over the spectrum. Any experience or recommendations?

Edit - Ideally I would want to stick with Dewalt but that's not an option right now. The DCW220 Belt Sander hasn't been released here in the US and it's beyond my budget, but it's nice to dream.

 

[stonesfan68]

What about Ryobi? They usually offer a pretty good bang for the buck. I‘d put them above a tool made by Skil.

Ryobi belt sander

 

[mike93lx]

I have the ryobi and it's been good enough for light duty stuff

 

[Half-fast eddie]

Seems like a 5” RO sander with 80 grit paper would work well. Or run them through a planer and shave off 1/32.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I have a ryobi cordless, is not bad if you have extra batteries. The old pc is the standard, they'll run forever. If you're having tracking problems try adding some tape to the center of the drum. With pc you could find a replacement drum if the old one list puts crown.

 

[crewchief888]

I have a ridgid it's done everything I've asked it to do.
Wasn't the cheapest, wasn't the most expensive either

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I like the old Bosch that's flat across the back so you can lay it upside down.

 

[Crow Horse]

I never considered Ryobi but now it's a contender.

 

[sparky 1971]

I've had a Ryobi for 10+ years. It's certainly nothing to brag about but it gets the job done.

 

[neophyte]

I like the old Bosch that's flat across the back so you can lay it upside down.

Bosch, Ryobi (the US made version), and HolzHer, all used to make the thin flat backed sanders.
The HolzHer was rebranded by other manufacturers like Metabo and Festool, and eventually Festool or their former parent vompany bought the portable power tool division of HolzHer.
The Festool version may still be sold in Europe, but I think most of these designs are now discontinued.
The Bosch may still be sold in Europe as well?

Makita makes a stand for some of their belt sanders so you can mount the sander upside down for similar use.

 

[Crow Horse]

Thanks for everyone's input. I pulled the trigger on a used Ryobi. It was budget friendly and hopefully it runs well. It was budget friendly and probably a fair bit lighter than my Porter Cable. Fingers are crossed that it operates without any issues.

To augment my sanding arsenal, I have a DW disc sander, a DW random orbital sander, and a DW 1/4 sheet palm sander.

 

[1982fxr]

I have that one. Doesn't track worth a ****. Actually, no belt sander I ever owned did.

 

[Crow Horse]

That was my main issue with my PC. I think the tracking is hit or miss and could be exacerbated by one's choice of belts. Guess I'll find out shortly.

 

[mike93lx]

I have that one. Doesn't track worth a ****. Actually, no belt sander I ever owned did.

Mine has been great. I beat the bag out of if on a laminated plywood project and despite getting hot, it never gave up.

 

[Crow Horse]

Mine has been great. I beat the bag out of if on a laminated plywood project and despite getting hot, it never gave up.

That's encouraging news. Thanks!

 

[Crow Horse]

I ran the Ryobi belt sander a bit. Not bad considering it's price point (used $45). It's light and tracked fine. It could use more power but for my purposes it checks all the boxes. I have the Dewalt 20v belt sander which hasn't been released yet (spring 2023) on my short list depending on good reviews.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

My Makita gave up after 30+ years of use. I was looking at a Makita and a Metabo for replacement. While looking for some other items I came across a Black and Decker new for $40. Likely a B&D refurb but no mention of this fact. Purchased at Princess Auto.
Pluses
Dragster style so besides a larger work surface allows to get into tighter spaces.
Top handle angle adjustable.
Got to use my existing supply of belts as well.

 

[The Cobbler]

I'm sure the ryobi will serve you well,
I have a makita that has tons of hours on it and it keeps on ticking, mind you a few years ago I replaced the bearings, drive belt & graphite pad and it performs like new again
I have a ryobi planer that has been used tons too. a few years ago it got new bearings too .

 

[C lectric]

I have a 3" Makita I bought when I was laying new floors. It saw many hours of heavy work including sanding the cement levelling compound.
It's still goes when I ask it to.