Why are most belt sanders not balanced side to side? And why is that feature never mentioned in on-line tool reviews? I would think it ought to be front and center.
My AEG 3 X 21″ belt sander died and I bought a Metabo because it was highly rated and inexpensive. I noticed immediately that it was gouging my work because it is not evenly weighted side to side; it leans to the left, hence does not sit flat on the work. Either I must apply a constant clockwise torque to the grips or mount a jury-rigged weighted arm hanging off the right side – clumsy and impossible during close work. Turns out my AEG was built with the motor centered over the belt. Online search showed the Bosch GBS 75 AE to be centered, but it’s only available in 220v, so not useable in the US without serious rewiring.
My questions:
1. Is there a center-balanced 3 x 21″ belt sander available in 110v?
2. Why on earth do almost all manufacturers offer tools with such a built-in flaw? The side mounted motor is not the only way to make a belt sander – The Bosch and AEG demonstrate that. If they must mount the motor off-center, then why not counter-weight the body so it sits flat?
3. Why is this shortcoming never mentioned in professional reviews?
Honestly, I’m flummoxed.
Replies
It's not like there's a 3HP motor hanging off the side. Can you really not adjust your pressure on the tool to keep it flat? Honestly, the idea of a counterweight to balance a belt sander seems silly.
cebe - Yeah, some sanders have a very awkward balance to them; even though I think they all have the motor over the belt. The thing on the side is the drive belt between the motor and the belt roller. My classic Porter-Cable 3x21 was terrible for balance because it was so top-heavy. I didn't know how bad until I got a Makita 9903; which looks a lot like the Bosch you mentioned. The 9903 is a dream to use and Home Depot has them in stock.
I don't know exactly which model you have, but the Metabos I've seen are specifically designed so that the sanding belt extends fully to one side. Say for instance that you're sanding a floor next to a wall, you can get right up to the wall. If this is the case with your sander, it's not a design flaw, rather a design enhancement.