Replies

1. 
   AlanTurner | Sep 05, 2002 03:16pm | #1

   I think WoodTek (Woodworkers Supply) has a 13" one, which is about $1100.  I haven't used it, but I do have their 6 x 89 edge sander, and the 4 knife 20" planer, both of which are good tools.

2. 
   rslatm | Sep 05, 2002 04:41pm | #2

   Nibs

   As far as I can tell the small ones don't have a platen and yes the platen gives a nicer finish sand. I don't know what your needs or space are but you should consider a stoke sander as a viable option. It overlaps with what a wide belt can do but can do somethings a widebelt can't.

   Rick

1. 
   user-329367 | Sep 06, 2002 02:55am | #3

   there are two smallish wide belt sanders that have a platen, they're both 16 inch open one side variety from wilke and powermatic but before I pluk down $3500, I thought I'd look for someone that has one. The goal is to decrease sanding times on solid wood tops ets after jointing multiple boards together.  The stroke sander idea seeme interesting and I ahven't considered them perhaps becaus I have some preconcieved notion that they are for small surfaces and edges>

1. 
   riverr1 | Sep 06, 2002 03:05am | #4

   Rsl had turned me onto the stroke sander also. I've never seen or used one, but from what I've gathered so far, they're not just for small stuff. He also said they can be sensitive enough for veneers. That's what I'd like to see. Not for veneers, I don't use them, but sanding that is that fine from a large machine. I don't much care for drum sanders. Shallow cut planers is really all they are IMO.

   Don

   Edited 9/5/2002 8:06:12 PM ET by Don C.