Hi All; So far I have been making do with handheld sanding machines, but now I am looking to add stationary sanders to my shop. My projects vary quite a bit, but for the most part will include, cabinets, and simple mission, and shaker furniture designs.
I’ve picked out two machines that I think will work for me. The first being a 6×89 edge sander by GI, and second, a benchtop oscillating sander by craftex, with a 7amp motor, and a 1in. oscillation stroke, and a tilting table.
Having not owned any stationary sanders before, I am looking for feedback on my choices, and what sanders you all have in your shops ,and which ones you find most useful.
Thanks Walker1
Replies
if you are a serious woodworker, almost any stationary sander is going to be a good investment. We have five; 6 x 89 edge sander, 6 x 180 stroke sander, delta 18" open end drum sander, 12" disc sander, and a sleeve sander, in order of most often to least often used in my shop. I will eventually pick up a bag sander and a wide belt. In your case the edge sander is a must, and I think you might consider the 18" drum sander. It will make short work of cleaning up all those slats, stiles and rails, legs and other parts before assembly. This machine will not give you a final surface for finishing, but will remove any tearout from rough milling so that a lght sanding after assembly should have you ready for finish. I also don't know how i'd get along without my stroke sander. I flush sand all nosings and doors quickly and perfectly with mine. The more sanding capability you have, the less time time spent in the shop tending to this tedious chore.
Segil; Thank you for your input. I have one more question. GI has a 6x89 edge sander (that's the one I've been considering), for $850.00 can. They also have a 6x89 oscillating edge sander for $1800.00can. (A very big price difference.) But in your opinion would it be a mistake to big mistake to not bite the bullet and buy the oscillating model.
To answer your question, I am still a novice, but I am a serious, long term WWer.
Thanks Walker1
In your situation, I would probably save the grand and pass on the oscillating model at this point. I have been making a living with a fixed cylinder model (powermatic) for fifteen years. I go through a lot of belts, but if you learn to sand at different heights on the belt, they last quite a while. Belts are about $13 american, so you would have to use quite a few to get to a thousand bucks. If you scale up your operation down the road, you can step up to a larger oscillating model at that time. I'm just about there myself, but I have size constraints in my present shop (don't we all). Incidently, I find this machine to be one of the most heavily used machines in my shop. I never would have thought so before I bought it. Cost about $450 new in 1990, paid for itself hundreds of times over. Happy Sanding!
Seguil; Thanks for your advice, now I have to go make some room.
Walker1
a benchtop oscillating sander ...
With a tilting table just about the best tool you can have if you do a lot of curves.. I do ALOT..
Geee... My table does NOT tilt... You want to trade?
Just purchased a 6 by 108 Bridgewood edge sander from Wilke Machinery down in York, PA and it cost $1500 Cdn. Thats with taxes, duty and exchange. Not a big saving but a nice showroom to look around. I live near Woodstock, Ontario. The good thing about the trip is that you can always stop in Williamsport and drewl while walking about the Grizzly store. I believe the 6 by 108 oscillating sander was about $1700 USD. What area do you live in.
Roscoe
Edited 9/9/2005 5:13 pm ET by 2x4
Hi Roscoe; I live in the southcoast of BC. I checked out the machine you bought on Wilkes website, it looks really nice, In my neck of the woods we don't have a lot of choices for WWing machinery. I'd love to see a grizzly showroom sometime.
Can't complain to much though, we do have, General, and Lee Valley. Tomorrow I'm going to pick up my new GI maxi lathe. It's a midi size, with a bed ext., giving you 45in. between centers. I've never turned wood before, but I'm sure it will be a lot of fun, and I got a good deal on it, so what the hell.
I'm going to wait until the WWing show in October to buy the edge sander, hopefully I'll be able to work a better price. Theres always more than one vendor selling General. I think I'm going to get the 6x89, but you never know till the buyings done.
Cheers. Shawn
Hope your purchase goes well.. Wear OLD clothes so they think your Poor....I CANNOT go to a woodworking show... I'd have to sell my house to pay for the stuff I would order!
I know what you mean about those WWing shows, it's pretty easy to break the bank.
And speaking of breaking the bank, someone told me Lee Valley is putting the Bessey K Body clamps on sale again in October. I'm still trying to get over how much I spent on them last year, and I know I'm going to end up buying more.
Cheers. Walker1
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