Replies

1. 
   jc21 | Nov 13, 2003 08:37pm | #1

   Don't know about the DW433. My 2 cents........I own a Porter Cable 352VS and like it. Good choice for a shop setting. It's mostly metal construction makes it heavy- not a bad thing imho when sanding on horizontal surfaces- the weight of the sander seems to do the work. The belt tracks well and adjusts easily. The dust bag has a larger capacity than some other brands and swivels out of the way. The 352VS isn't a good choice if you do a lot of sanding overhead; it's added weight and the swiveling bag work against you. The 352 has been around for a long time and is well proven. My other choice would be the Bosch 1274DVS. It's a good choice especially if you have lot of overhead sanding to do, it's noticebly lighter than the PC 352VS and there's no bag flopping around. One downside is the small dust collection bag that has to be emptied more often. FWIW, here's a link to a Tools of the Trade belt sander test.  http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/articles/showarticle.asp?articleid=1866&qu=belt+sanders&ct=TOTT

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/13/2003 12:52:17 PM ET by jc

2. 
   mlbfreestyle | Nov 13, 2003 10:24pm | #2

   I have owned a Bosch 1273DVS since early 1990's.  I have used it to refinish several hundred square feet of hardwood flooring.  I am amazed at the ability of this machine to stand up to hours of hard use without a whimper.  The base and platen would get so hot so as to make it difficult to change belts without getting burned.  I have since switched over to a graphite platen pad and hope this will improve things when on these marathon sanding sessions.

   I have now been using it as I sand the new hardwood floors in my home.  The biggest problem I have with it is that when sanding with coarse grits (60), the sawdust will often plug the intake part of the collector.  I have seen the newer version of this machine and I think they have opened up the port size.  The drive wheel of the newer machine does not look as beefy as mine but might not be a problem as long as the bearings are up to snuff.

   I have had virtually no tracking problems with it.  I think more weight is better.  I don't expect to run a belt sander in any position other than on-the-level.  I have occasionally used it on its' side but had no problem with weight.

3. 
   hammer1 | Nov 16, 2003 10:24am | #3

   I have some PC belt sanders. A 4"x24" for flat work and a 3"x21" for small things and installations. Both have been on the job for many years with only replacing the plattens when worn. Make sure you get one with dust collection. I toss the bags and hook up the vac when possible. The only time I have tracking problems is with cheap belts or running way beyond their usefull life. Whatever happened with all those sanding frames we used to see on beltsanders? I haven't seen them in all the catalogs lately.

1. 
   LEIFBENDEKE | Nov 16, 2003 04:07pm | #4

   TO ALL

   Thanks much for all the info .  you have given me something to think about.

   Leif

2. 
   Elcoholic | Nov 17, 2003 11:55pm | #5

   When I upgraded from an old 3 x 21 Crapsman a couple of years back only the Euro brands seemed to offer sanding frames.  Which is why I bought the Bosch 4x24 and the frame.  I don't recall the model number but it's the old style variable speed model not the low profile style.  I've never had a problem with the dust port since I've never used the bag.  I always hook it up to my Fein Vac.  It tracks great and altough it's pricey, the frame is worth it.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne