I just purchased Makita's model 9902 from ToolKing (www.toolkingl.com)
for $99.00 - brand new. It's a fixed-speed version of their
variable-speed 9903 (3x21) for about half the price. I'm very happy
with it. I cannot imaging ever needing variable speed on a belt
sander, so for me purchasing the 9903 was over-spending.
Also, FWW magazine recently named the 9903 a "best buy" (or something
like that).
rob
On Wed, 06 Oct 2004 17:48:42 -0500, Jim Swank <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I'm in need of a decent sander in this size. Is there any consensus
>which make and model is the best deal?
>
>Remove "nospam" from the email if you want to reply direct.
"Jim Swank" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm in need of a decent sander in this size. Is there any consensus
> which make and model is the best deal?
I have a Porter Cable belt sander that is about 20 years old if that helps.
SH
> Why 3X21?? Go with the 3X24 Makita 9924DB, it can also run a 4" belt when
> needed, low cost (the Volvo of belt sanders) great value for money, they
> have been making it virtually unchanged for years.
I second this choice. I bought one based on the advice of a cabinet shop
owner who has half a dozen of them that have seen daily use for the last 7
years, with zero problems. Dust collection on the Makita is pretty good for
a belt sander, and it's not as noisy as some other brands.
On Wed, 06 Oct 2004 17:48:42 -0500, Jim Swank <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I'm in need of a decent sander in this size. Is there any consensus
>which make and model is the best deal?
>
>Remove "nospam" from the email if you want to reply direct.
I don't know about consensus, but I have the Delta 4" belt/6" disc
combo, and it is a basically ok tool. The price was right when I got
it, and the belt sander works really well. I'm not too impressed by
the disc sander, but you can't have everything for $80! Might be
worth looking into. If I had it to do all over again, I'd probably
get the same one, since it suits my purposes, though your results may
vary.
Jim Swank wrote:
> I'm in need of a decent sander in this size. Is there any consensus
> which make and model is the best deal?
>
> Remove "nospam" from the email if you want to reply direct.
Just one piece of advice. Spend the money to get a quality tool. The
larger size multiples potential problems with design, quality, fit, etc.
--RC
"Jim Swank" writes:
> I'm in need of a decent sander in this size. Is there any consensus
> which make and model is the best deal?
There is only one I have not been able to destroy, the Porter-Cable 50*
series.
I've destroyed at least 6 or 8 units including the low cost Porter Cable
(Henry Homeowner type) crap.
The 50* is a chain drive and totally bullet proof compared to anything else
in the market.
Bring a fat wallet, it is not inexpensive, but you will only buy a belt
sander once.
These days, figure $450 range.
HTH
Lew
BTW, get the graphite pads for it, you won't be sorry.
Jim Swank <[email protected]> writes:
> I'm in need of a decent sander in this size. Is there any consensus
> which make and model is the best deal?
The Makita works well clamped in my wood vise, when I want a
stationary sander.
--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.
"Jim Swank" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
> I'm in need of a decent sander in this size. Is there any consensus which
> make and model is the best deal?
I only own two Ryobi made tools: their oscillating spindle sander and their
BE321 Belt Sander. Both are nice, in my estimation. FWW, IIRC did a recent
review of 3x21 belt sanders. I also own a big PC 4x28 belt sander too. The
Ryobi sees all of the action in my weekend activities.
Jim Swank <[email protected]> wrote in news:ck1scv
[email protected]:
> I'm in need of a decent sander in this size. Is there any consensus
> which make and model is the best deal?
>
> Remove "nospam" from the email if you want to reply direct.
If you are not doing production work, the Ryobi is very good for the price.
I've had mine for 7 or 8 years and have no complaints.
"Jim Swank" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'm in need of a decent sander in this size. Is there any consensus
> which make and model is the best deal?
>
> Remove "nospam" from the email if you want to reply direct.
Why 3X21?? Go with the 3X24 Makita 9924DB, it can also run a 4" belt when
needed, low cost (the Volvo of belt sanders) great value for money, they
have been making it virtually unchanged for years.
--
© Jon Down ®
http://www.stores.ebay.com/jdpowertoolcanada
"You cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in."
A couple months ago someone was selling reconditioned Makitas on Ebay. With
a little patience I was able to get one for almost nothing. He might still
be there; worth a look.
A number of people recommended Ryobi. I have not tried it. I am satisfied
with other Ryobi tools I own; but they are equal to Makitas; I doubt the
belt sander is either.