Replies

1. 
   rslatm | Nov 26, 2003 08:13pm | #1

   Don't know about the sander but I just picked up a used Woodtek overhead router for $100 and I'm pretty impressed with the quality.  It needs some minor repairs like a new  start capacitor for the motor.  My background is woodworking and machine repair dealing with major big names like Oliver, Wadkin etc.  I'd certainly be willing to consider the sander as a viable unit if it's anything like the router.
2. 
   Elcoholic | Nov 27, 2003 01:07am | #2

   No experience, but what I've heard is that low-end and mid-level wide belts are more trouble than they are worth.  The common complaint is tracking problems. I've talked to several folks that replaced them with Performaxes.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

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

1. 
   JackLindsey | Nov 27, 2003 09:30am | #4

   "No experience, but what I've heard is that low-end and mid-level wide belts are more trouble than they are worth. The common complaint is tracking problems. I've talked to several folks that replaced them with Performaxes."

   It might be prudent to actually have experience with a machine before slamming it.

   I've had the 13" widebelt for about 8 years and it is certainly worth the trouble. Yeah, it's not a 10HP 37" sander, but it's a heck of a lot cheaper and does the job. I'd be lost without it. The tracking does require periodic adjustment, and I've replaced the bearings in the conveyor roller, and the conveyor drive motor, but overall it does an acceptable job. Changing belts is quick and easy so I can go through a progression of grits - 80, 100, 120, 150, 180 in rapid succession, and the parts come out flat and smooth. Can't comment on the time or ease to change grits on drum sanders since I haven't used one.

1. 
   Scrit | Nov 27, 2003 11:48am | #5

   How does it cope with veneered panels?

   Scrit

1. 
   ABenker | Dec 01, 2003 07:51pm | #6

   Thanks for the advice. I only do woodworking on the side for only a few projects a year, so I'm not looking for a huge machine and this maybe the one case where a moderately priced machine may fit the bill.

   I saw the review of the Woodmaster which sells for $2,100 in a FWW review which gave it favorable marks and I just saw the new grizzly which sells for around $2,700 and appears to be a well made industrial grade machine (much heavier than the delta and performax cantilevered drum sanders). I don't have a much experience with grizzly and have seen most of their products reviewed at mid level, but the sander looks like a nice machine and I think that a wide belt sander may have fewer problems than a drum sander.

2. 
   Elcoholic | Dec 01, 2003 08:24pm | #7

   none,

   "It might be prudent to actually have experience with a machine before slamming it."

   1st off it wasn't a slam.  Secondly I was careful to preface my remarks as "hearsay" and all my comments are given on a FWIW's basis.  Thirdly if the all the comments made on this forum were limited to actual hands-on experience the forum would suffer.  By relaying what we've learned from the experience of other's or read or observed the collective intelligence and value of this forum is greatly enhanced.  For instance, I don't own a bench-top portable tablesaw but 9 out 10 that I've seen in field are Makita's.  What possible harm is there in sharing that anecdote?  The bottom line is always caveat emptor anyway.

   BTW changing strips on a drum sander is a pain in the butt.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

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

1. 
   ABenker | Dec 01, 2003 10:12pm | #8

   "Changing strips on a drum sander is a real pain"

   My thoughs or observations as well, thats why the new grizzly intrigues me a little more than the drum sanders.

3. 
   patternmaker | Dec 08, 2003 04:36pm | #10

   I bought one of the early models several years ago and for a time it did a beautiful job.

   However,when the belt suddenly shifts into the side casting and all those sparks go up the dust pipe, to say the least, it is a scary situation.

   Work safely ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬PAT¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬

3. 
   hitai | Nov 27, 2003 07:07am | #3

   If you are talking about the Floor model 15 " Grizzly, I know 3 pro shops that bought them and really like them a lot.  None of them use them for wider than the belt sanding though that is supposed to be OK.  For my money, I went in a little deeper and got the Sunhill 25" machine which is a great unit.  Best advice I got was that whatever you decide, the machine will pay for itself.

4. 
   Andesign | Dec 06, 2003 12:44am | #9

   I tried a Grizzly dual drum sander and after about 5 frustrating days took it back and bought a real machine.....the 15" Sunhill wide belt and use it almost daily.  I believe the Grizzly comes from the same mfg., but may not be built to the same specs. Some of the sanders have a large main drum and some use a smaller main drum w/ platen.  The Sunhill uses the large drum.  Powermatic sells the same sander in the platen version.  I'm not sure which system the Grizzly uses.  I asked Sunhill for references on the machine and made some calls.  These guys were all professional woodworkers and LOVED the machine.  After thousands of feet of sanding my Sunhill has been almost flawless.......and the oscillating wide belt does a far superior job than a drum sander ever will.  If at all possible, go with a wide belt.  You will never regret the decision.

   Rick

5. 
   GHR | Dec 08, 2003 06:42pm | #11

   For what its worth ...

   I have and 18"/36" belt sander and am considering trashing it and getting a 10"/20" sander.

   The smaller one will fit my needs better.