Shopsmith Forums

============================

judaspre1982 wrote:Ben
I agree and would also like to hear reviews from people who've owned their products long enough to give a more accurate rating.

I will post my opinions when I've put enough time on the belts.

AS for the Shopsmith belt sander's performance, I couldn't be more happy with my purchase. I'll be making some keepsake boxes come Spring and I'm looking forward to some variable speed in-line sanding with my new ceramic belts:D

Dave

Okay I know I have posted my opinions on these belts in the past yet am happy to do so again. They seem to last about three times longer than prior belts. However this is only if properly cared for. A guest in my shop tried sand an oak section of a project. It had a protrusion that turned out to be a rusted bolt head. He managed to rip a hole in that brand new belt. No he hasn't offered to pay for the belt and is not invited back. As I have offered before, clean the belts frequently and they last for longer. I also start sanding any item I make with the most aggressive grit, use ever grit available to the finest grit in my inventory and find this new generation of belt to work for better than others I have tried. I am totally impressed by these belts and given my appreciation for high quality will continue to buy them. One point that confuses me with current discussion. If one is unclear about availability why not pick up phone during normal business hours (earlier in day is best) and use the toll free number to ask about availability. Having said this one size of belt I ordered awhile back took several weeks to arrive, but arrive it did. I may be nuts but I tend to keep an inventory on things like abrasives. When I need them I need them and do not like to have a project held up. So I check my personal inventory well ahead and keep extras on hand. I also try to keep enough so I can order when items are on special. Hey I am cheap and on a fixed income but still try to be a wise buyer. Jim

=============================

Hi Dave - sorry I didn't notice your question earlier... I have not noticed any difference in tracking with the new belts. Cheers - alec

Belt tracking has been unchanged with all Shop smith belts. Once tracking is set -it stays.

About Green belt longevity - Haven't kept track of the hours of sanding use (and never will) but so far my first green belt has lasted longer than several aluminum oxide (red) belts.

The way I tell when a belt needs replaced is; it quits sanding.

==========================

If I order and receive the new belts, I may never use the old ones so I think I'll just wait until I "need" replacements. This is the pickle you get in when you capitalize on an email special.

The (old) belts that I have seem to work great and last a long time. I can't imagine the new design lasting three times longer while still being at least as good.

beeg wrote:Well the store didn't have em, but the web site shows em. BUT when ya add to cart. It's ship only. So I'll wait till SS has em on sale and get it then.[/color]

This may be the only way to get some items. The shipping option usually includes in store pick up. It may be faster to do the shipping thing or in store pick-up than actually waiting for them to stock certain items. Anymore the Big Box stores limit their inventories to what turns over.