Shopsmith Forums

As we all know things don't last forever. The old belt sander took one to many falls and the plastic housing where the dust collector attaches and where the fan is was damaged beyond repair. Since it is a double insulated product you can't buy half a housing..... for safety sake??

So I removed the broken bits and the fan and wrap around dust hood and it still works but the resulting dust storm results are not pleasant to work with.

So maybe it is time to look at a replacement.

I think I have enough funds for something in the range of $150. I have 3 x 21 belts so that would be good size to stay with. The one I have is variable speed and I like that so I think I'd like to go that way as well. Good dust collection is a must.

I haven't been looking at belt sander, not expecting to need a new one but now that things have changed I have arrange my budget and skip a few things I was planning on getting this year. And adding something like this late in the year is painful to my planning.

So how can you help? I'd like to here some suggestions and features you have found that you like. The old one was from the later 1970's so I expect there may have been some improvements, or at least I hope there have. Brands that I might have trusted years ago can now be cheap junk so hands on users will help steer my thinking.

Thanks in advance,

Ed

BTW My old weed wacker bit the dust last week, something inside let go and it spit various parts out with a bang. At 10,000 rpm things go pretty quickly, one tube that did the feeding must have been launched somewhere over the rainbow. Now that is replaced the sander gets added to the list....

Ed

My little 3X16 Skil SandCat has been superseded by this one: SANDCAT
I don't own one but if you can get by the color and if it's as good as it's little predecessor, it might fit your needs.

reible wrote:BTW My old weed wacker bit the dust last week, something inside let go and it spit various parts out with a bang. At 10,000 rpm things go pretty quickly, one tube that did the feeding must have been launched somewhere over the rainbow. Now that is replaced the sander gets added to the list....

Ed

My inability to constantly pull on the starter cords on my string trimmer and blower caused me to look at other methods to accomplish thes functions. Lowes had a Troy-Bilt electric starter assembly model 49M2027P966 3.5 amp 60 hz unit on display. I find that Sears and other lawn equipment manufacturies have 4 stroke string trimmers and blowers made for this starter. I believe it is call Easy Start for some equipment. I got a Craftsman 4 stroke blower and string trimmer that uses this starter. Just prime the carb and apply power to start. I have a stand outside my shop door with a near by outlet for using this electric starter. I do not how you can get any easlier than this. Instantaneous starting every time with no sore arm afterwards. It is great not to have the smell of oil and gas on my clothes and me that I got after using the 2 stroke equipment. I recommend finding a non ethanol gas station (try goggle for locations) to buy gas for any lawn and water sport equipment. Really saves on carb repairs and down time.

reible wrote:As we all know things don't last forever. The old belt sander took one to many falls and the plastic housing where the dust collector attaches and where the fan is was damaged beyond repair. Since it is a double insulated product you can't buy half a housing..... for safety sake??

So I removed the broken bits and the fan and wrap around dust hood and it still works but the resulting dust storm results are not pleasant to work with.

So maybe it is time to look at a replacement.

I think I have enough funds for something in the range of $150. I have 3 x 21 belts so that would be good size to stay with. The one I have is variable speed and I like that so I think I'd like to go that way as well. Good dust collection is a must.

I haven't been looking at belt sander, not expecting to need a new one but now that things have changed I have arrange my budget and skip a few things I was planning on getting this year. And adding something like this late in the year is painful to my planning.

So how can you help? I'd like to here some suggestions and features you have found that you like. The old one was from the later 1970's so I expect there may have been some improvements, or at least I hope there have. Brands that I might have trusted years ago can now be cheap junk so hands on users will help steer my thinking.

Thanks in advance,

Ed

BTW My old weed wacker bit the dust last week, something inside let go and it spit various parts out with a bang. At 10,000 rpm things go pretty quickly, one tube that did the feeding must have been launched somewhere over the rainbow. Now that is replaced the sander gets added to the list....

Ed

I have an older version of this belt sander. It has provided me good service.

A friend just bought the new Triton sander. He got some sort of gift certificate when he bought their router and his youngest somehow demolished his antique Bosch sander so he used the certificate to buy this sander. Sorry don't know the number.

Personally I think it looks weird with a nose like wheel in front, but he says it is MUCH lighter and easier to use on light sanding. He also said he likes the grippy surfaces.

Cannot say I have used it nor watched it in action, but if I went to a smaller size it might be one that I would consider.

Reible;
I have been partial to DeWalt for the past few years. They also seem to be preferred by most professionals. I have a 12" chop saw about ten years old and plunge router, fixed router, RO sander and a 1/2"capacity cordless drill.
Even they only get home use for the most part they still perform good.
Bill V

To Bill and Ed, and anyone else who wants to preserve their 2 cycle engines.....
If you cannot find a non-ethanol station close by, aviation gasoline is great.

I've found that my weedeater leaves an uneven finish, especially on Poplar... And the fumes in my shop are annoying ... Go with the belt sander.

Thanks for all the reply's.

First I have already replaced the trimmer with another corded model. The wife is not into noisy gas models but she will put up with the electric so that is the story here. This actually helped when we went to the new powerpro demo and listening to the "quiet", any yes even helps when I buying the better saw blades which are also "quiet".

So I did take a look at some of the mentioned models.... do not go and read the one about the guy who got is finger stuck in the porter cable sander (Amazon.com). OUCH! Turns out one of my sons has this sander so I can have a go at it to see how I like it. I may also be able to test out the Hitachi model.

So the search is active, want to hit the local Lowes and Home Depot for a idea of what they carry.

Ed

Billdit wrote:I've found that my weedeater leaves an uneven finish, especially on Poplar... And the fumes in my shop are annoying ... Go with the belt sander.

I had not thought about this but you may have something here.

No, really.

For some odd reason some folks like distressed wood projects, a weed wacker might be just the solution to this, better then hitting them with a length of chain or other of the other commonly used methods. I'm going to give it a try the next time I get the chance.

Ed