Replies

1. 
   RickL | Nov 27, 2006 01:15am | #1

   My main recommendation is to get one with a seperate motor versus a direct drive. Reason...if the motor dies it's an easy change over plus you can change the speed by changing the pulley. Been there and done that! You might consider a small edge sander. Some of them can flip the platen for side or top sanding. I never found too much use for the disc sander on that small a disc.

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Nov 27, 2006 01:18am | #2

   Rick,

   Thanks.  Any specific recommendations?  Any examples by brand or manufacturer of belt driven models?

   Alan - planesaw

2. 
   nikkiwood | Nov 27, 2006 01:34am | #3

   I have a Powermatic, like this one:

   http://tinyurl.com/yhzfto

   And I also have a Delta like this:

   http://tinyurl.com/y6xb9d

   Both have been decent machines, but for functionality I would recommend the Powermatic because of the length of its belt. The disc sanding feature on the Delta is great, but the belt is really too short for much of anything.

   If I were doing it again, I would spring for the Powermatic style machine, but one with an oscillating function.

   I would look for a single function disc sander (at least 12") with a solid table that you can use for sanding round shapes (which the Delta above will do).

   However, if you do a lot of curved stuff (like cabriole legs), the pneumatic drum on the Delta can be very useful.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

3. 
   Jimma | Nov 27, 2006 02:58am | #4

   I have a Delta like nikkiwood has. I've been very pleased with it and I'm not a fan of Delta tools. I also have one of Delta's BOSS oscillating spindle sanders which is OK, but I'd prefer one that has a tilting table.