I am getting ready to purchase a new belt sander for a couple of projects I
am working on.
For these specific projects, a 4" X 24" sander will be a the best fit.
Given the heft of this sander ~15lbs, I am wondering if a smaller size 3" X
21" might be better. I had a 3" X 18" craftsman which I always felt I had
to add pressure to get it to sand at all. It had to weigh under 5 lbs.
For people that own the 4 X 24 belt sanders, what are your opinions on the
weight and general usability. I assume that it would be fine on horizontal
sanding, but vertical might be tough.
For people that own the 3 X 21 belt sanders, do you feel it would be
productive with the larger size?
Your comments are appreciated
David
DL wrote:
>
> I am getting ready to purchase a new belt sander for a couple of projects I
> am working on.
>
> For these specific projects, a 4" X 24" sander will be a the best fit.
> Given the heft of this sander ~15lbs, I am wondering if a smaller size 3" X
> 21" might be better. I had a 3" X 18" craftsman which I always felt I had
> to add pressure to get it to sand at all. It had to weigh under 5 lbs.
>
> For people that own the 4 X 24 belt sanders, what are your opinions on the
> weight and general usability. I assume that it would be fine on horizontal
> sanding, but vertical might be tough.
>
> For people that own the 3 X 21 belt sanders, do you feel it would be
> productive with the larger size?
>
I personally prefere the 3x24 as a mid-point between the two
alternatives you've mentioned--the 4" guys are, for my purposes, too
heavy and clumsy, and the 21" stroke is too short.
I have had the really _old_ B&D 700-series w/ the motor mid-mount
between the rollers that has by far the best balance of any I've ever
used w/ the disadvantage that the gearing is then the weak link that
wears out. Unfortunately, those parts are now no longer available so
I'm going to have to find a way to make or repair the ones I have or
finally give up on them... :(
I would like to try the new 3-wheel version, but it is only a 3x21 and I
don't want the smaller platen.
I bought a Makita (don't recall the model number--it's the one w/ the
flat top handle design) to replace the B&D's. It's good and solid but
not as well balanced and sufferes from the design flaw of what seems to
be universal w/ the 3" models noww--it's essentially a 4" sander w/ 3"
rollers so it doesn't have flush sanding capability and the body is
oversized for the tool. :(
I can't stand the P C (and several other) model designs w/ the high
handle and bag that makes them so top heavy and clumsy to get around...
There just really isn't a good design out there just now, imo...
On Sat, 5 Nov 2005 14:36:12 -0500, "DL"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I am getting ready to purchase a new belt sander for a couple of projects I
>am working on.
>
>For these specific projects, a 4" X 24" sander will be a the best fit.
>Given the heft of this sander ~15lbs, I am wondering if a smaller size 3" X
>21" might be better. I had a 3" X 18" craftsman which I always felt I had
>to add pressure to get it to sand at all. It had to weigh under 5 lbs.
>
>For people that own the 4 X 24 belt sanders, what are your opinions on the
>weight and general usability. I assume that it would be fine on horizontal
>sanding, but vertical might be tough.
>
>For people that own the 3 X 21 belt sanders, do you feel it would be
>productive with the larger size?
>
>Your comments are appreciated
For the most part I like the 3x21. It is a bit smaller and lighter and
so easier to use. On the other hand, I occasionally find myself
wanting something a bit wider and less prone to tip.
A lot of the time with a belt sander the ability to control it is
going to be the difference between just right and too much.
--
"We need to make a sacrifice to the gods, find me a young virgin... oh, and bring something to kill"
Tim Douglass
http://www.DouglassClan.com