Replies

1. 
   KelsoChris | Oct 24, 2007 04:01am | #1

   I have a Dewalt 3x21 that I can't really recommend.  It's a newer model with all the bells and whistles but I just am not pleased with the performance.  The tracking is not that great and the dust collection doesn't suck, which is actually a problem.

1. 
   BrianDerr | Oct 29, 2007 08:35am | #21

   I consider the tracking on my Dewalt 3x21 to be excellent and perhaps the one thing to separate it from other machines I have used. It really takes no adjustment at all. Mine, too, is a newer model. I would like to try the PC mini, though.

2. 
   jc21 | Oct 24, 2007 07:33pm | #2

   I'm assuming you want one all around belt sander. If so a 3"x21" is a probrably a good choice. I've got Porter Cable's 352VS and have been pleased with it. It's a well proven design that's been around for a long time. It's a heavy machine which is good; no need to bear down on the sander- just let the weight of the sander do the work. It's dust bag has a larger capacity than most and it will swivel out of the way though I'd note the latest versions don't have the metal tube going to the bag and I'm not sure if the bag still swivels. Hooking it up to a shop vac greatly improves dust collection. The weight and swivel bag that help the 352 on horizontal surfaces work against it on vertical and overhead work- if you plan on doing much vertical and overhead work a lighter sander with a fixed bag like the Bosch 1274DVS would be a better choice. Ocassionally you can find recon versions w/ factory warranty at considerable savings.

1. 
   wink | Oct 25, 2007 04:12am | #3

   Thanks for the input.  Most work will be on the horizontal.

3. 
   Jfrostjr | Oct 25, 2007 03:37pm | #4

   I have the Bosch 3 x 21 (don't know the model #) I chose because of the shape. The flat top is great. It is much easier to change belts and with a simple knock-together jig you've got a flat, table sander. Or, on its side an edge sander. All other features work perfectly and with a switch-controlled shop vac attached there is no dust!

   Frosty

   "I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922

1. 
   wink | Oct 26, 2007 02:42pm | #5

   thanks for the input.

4. 
   BruceS | Oct 26, 2007 04:34pm | #6

   I have a PC 3X21 and dust collection is poor unless assisted with shop vac.   I am saving for a Festool Rotex 6" orbital.  I have had hands on with the Rotex and it is a sanding dream.  Dust is a thing of the past with it.  From what I've seen so far the 6" discs out last the belts as far as "pilling" and "scorch pills"  and the discs are far less expensive than belts.  I could not get the discs to "pill up" even when trying.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   wink | Oct 26, 2007 09:32pm | #7

   thanks for the input.

2. 
   wink | Oct 27, 2007 02:13pm | #12

   thanks for the imput. 

5. 
   frenchy | Oct 27, 2007 02:15am | #8

   wink,

    I had a Mikita that had worked like a slave for 6 years and then I dropped it and bent it too badly to be repaired.  I went to 7 Corners Hardware and they talked me into the new Bosch.. I was not happy with it.  It didn't have the power my Mikita did it was noisier and it bent really easy when I dropped it.  back I went and bought the Mikita again..

       I use the heck out of my belt sanders.. I'm building a big timberframe house and all the timbers get sanded from 36  grit right thru 220 grit..  That means in a typical day I do more belt sanding than most people will do in their lifetime!

     Those people in Georga  (I think they are made in Atlanta)  know how to make great tools..

1. 
   wink | Oct 27, 2007 02:03pm | #10

   thanks for the info.  Seems you are on a looong project.  Good luck 

6. 
   drewcboggs | Oct 27, 2007 02:49am | #9

   I'm still using a 1950's Porter Cable "Stream Liner" 3x24 sander.... one thing I like about it is that I can clamp it, upside down, in my shop vise so that instead of passing the sander over the wood, it is the opposite. If my ancient PC ever dies, I'll be looking for a sander that I can put between the two faces of my shop vice to camp upside down... good luck on your search.

1. 
   wink | Oct 27, 2007 02:05pm | #11

   Thats the one I'm replacing.  Wish it hadn't died.

1. 
   oldusty | Oct 28, 2007 02:03am | #15

   wink ,

           Your old Rockwell #504 3 X 24 died ? Have you considered having it rebuilt ? I had mine done at one time and it is still strong , what a dilemma .

       I'll buy it if you aren't going to fix it

                  dusty,,, from the freight train belt sander , with a long enough extension cord I could ride it down to my shop

2. 
   jc21 | Oct 29, 2007 01:05am | #18

   If I had a 503/504- I'd rebuild it........ parts are still available. Used them years ago in shops I've worked at. imho they're better than what's out there now- price has kept me away. Fwiw there's a new in box 504 on ebay ......... auction ends tomorrow. if I had the $ I'd jump on it.

2. 
   tinkerer2 | Oct 28, 2007 07:48am | #16

   Oh wow, I thought my 3x24 was old.  I bought it, I think in 1970 or possibly 1971.  It is a Rockwell-PC, and if I remember, it had a lifetime guarantee.  I need to take a look at that as it has a broken piece that releases the belt and I notice the brushes are getting bad.  I opened the oil plug the other day and couldn't find any oil.  I don't know what that means.  I think I paid some $125 for it but I watched the price go up to about $400 and then didn't see it listed anymore.  Mine doesn't have the dust collector.

   Edited 10/28/2007 12:50 am ET by tinkerer2

1. 
   drewcboggs | Oct 28, 2007 06:54pm | #17

   Go to e-bay.... you can get parts for that Rockwell..... fortunately, I've oiled my "Streamliner" several times in the past 50 years and have changed the brushes which is easy to do on that model.... Again, I like the ability to clamp a belt sander upside down in a shop vice and many models don't have sides that permit you to do this with damaging the unit. Good luck.

1. 
   tinkerer2 | Oct 29, 2007 03:33am | #19

   I'm just getting the shop done so I should have more time to woodwork.  I shall be fixing up some of these older machines.

   Paul

   Edited 10/28/2007 8:46 pm ET by tinkerer2

1. 
   Drew1house | Oct 29, 2007 07:39am | #20

   I have a big porter cable 4x24 that I love... when I need a big belt sander I like the extra weight and power as well as the wider platen. When I dont... I use my festool rotex 150. With the no orbit setting on it can hang with a belt sander for removal and with a flip of a switch... back to RO... it is just about as impressive as the domino that got me into festool 5 months ago. I have a pc detail sander and a pc random orbit as well.Drew

7. 
   GRW | Oct 27, 2007 02:55pm | #13

   Wink,

   I have a PC 4X24, and love it. I've owned the 3X21 units and find the heavier 4X24 cuts faster, and flatter with the wider belt.   It's powerfull. I think my right arm is longer than my left arm now. The weight makes it hard to do edges on the vertical. But for horizontal work this would be my pick.  The dust bag collects 90% of visible dust.

8. 
   Jer | Oct 27, 2007 08:52pm | #14

   I have had the big Makita 4x24 for almost 20 years now and I just put the third slip plate on it. It's really a great tool, but just this morning I went out and bought the Makita 3x18 to carry with me to jobs. I'm doing a lot of kitchen & bath cabinet installs lately and a belt sander works great for scribing to lines and the big guy was too heavy. I just got out of my shop a minute ago and used the new sander on some MDF and it runs very nicely and seems to carry more than enough power.

   I think of all the tool brands I have owned Makita has been the most consistent. I have never owned a bad or even mediocre tool by them.

1. 
   cicero | Oct 29, 2007 08:46pm | #22

   Ditto Jer, a good unit indeed.

9. 
   forrestb | Oct 30, 2007 05:34am | #23

   If you are looking for a compact unit, I have the Porter Cable 2 1/2 x 14 Model 371k and am very pleased with it so far.  It is small, but very controllable with one hand and has a nice feature of sanding right up to an edge.  The belts are not too readily available locally but the web does have sources.  If your dealer does not carry it and you buy from the web I reccomend that you also get several belts at the same time.

   forrestb

1. 
   wink | Oct 30, 2007 02:37pm | #24

   thanks for the input.

2. 
   Drew1house | Oct 30, 2007 05:11pm | #25

   It is my understanding that http://www.timberlinetools.com will be having their yearly show the week before thanksgiving and the armadillo will be for sale for $89! I am getting one then...Drew

1. 
   forrestb | Oct 30, 2007 06:45pm | #26

   $89??!!!!  Aaarrrrgghhhhhhh!  And I just thought I had found a bargin!

   forrestb