Strip Sander

mr.d · Post by **mr.d** » Fri Nov 07, 2014 7:37 pm

SS has $40.00 off retail for the strip sander until Tuesday. I've read numerous threads about the newer style bushings versus old style bearings on the idler pulleys. Seems as if most of the problems encountered originate when using the belt flipped around. True or not? I don't plan on using it in that manner but wanted to see what anyone else might think. Flea-Bay usually get close to 200 bucks when and if they become available. Is it worth just holding off for the older bearing style? Any opinions?

nuhobby · Post by **nuhobby** » Fri Nov 07, 2014 9:07 pm

I think your assessment is correct. I use mine a lot for detail projects and sharpening blades. The plastic rollers are a little rattly-sounding but I've never had them overheat. I use a teflon-based light bicycle grease on their axles periodically. I really enjoy the tool, probably since I work a lot on small-time stuff.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Sat Nov 08, 2014 8:19 pm

mr.d wrote:SS has $40.00 off retail for the strip sander until Tuesday. I've read numerous threads about the newer style bushings versus old style bearings on the idler pulleys. Seems as if most of the problems encountered originate when using the belt flipped around. True or not? I don't plan on using it in that manner but wanted to see what anyone else might think. Flea-Bay usually get close to 200 bucks when and if they become available. Is it worth just holding off for the older bearing style? Any opinions?

Welcome to the forum Mr.d! Glad to answer your question.

In my opinion, NO! It is not worth waiting for an older model.
I am the guy that had all the problems with plastic wheels with brass bushings. I used the strip sander many hours with the standard equipment. It was only when I used it to sand inside closed shapes (belt flipped) or used it in a mass production project that the plastic wheels gave out.

Yes, the new idler wheels perform magnitudes better, but they are costly and only worth the $ if you really need them because of big jobs.

mr.d · Post by **mr.d** » Sat Nov 08, 2014 9:50 pm

charlese wrote:Welcome to the forum Mr.d! Glad to answer your question.

In my opinion, NO! It is not worth waiting for an older model.
I am the guy that had all the problems with plastic wheels with brass bushings. I used the strip sander many hours with the standard equipment. It was only when I used it to sand inside closed shapes (belt flipped) or used it in a mass production project that the plastic wheels gave out.

Yes, the new idler wheels perform magnitudes better, but they are costly and only worth the $ if you really need them because of big jobs.

Thanks for the reply charlese. Think I'll pull the trigger on this current discount. I've been waiting for this deal for a long time. Don't think they have run this discount for about a year. Hard to spend this kind of money on a stupid strip sander but these are one of those items that are almost like buying used Festool at just a touch off retail when buying used.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Sat Nov 08, 2014 11:44 pm

Hey, Mr.d - The Strip sander is a very fine machine. I've found it replaces the Belt Sander in my shop for most sanding jobs. AND, of course, sharpening tools and knives.

After you use it a while, you'll fall in love with it/:D

reible · Post by **reible** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 12:43 pm

Both my sanders are the old style so I have only read about the issues on the newer models. Mine have not had any problems other then an issue that the a previous owner had caused by forgetting to put some spacers back causing the alignment to be off when adding the sharpening system.

I agree with Charlese that these grow on you pretty fast. I don't use my old belt sander very much anymore, for most things I do this version is a better fit for my needs.

I have one set up as a sander and another with the sharpening jig on it.

Trying to find them online is possible, but you never know just what you are getting yourself in for. New from Shopsmith is safe bet.

Ed

ChrisNeilan · Post by **ChrisNeilan** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 7:04 pm

There is one on the bay now for about four dollars less than a new one from the mother ship. I'd go new if for no other reason than a warranty.

mr.d · Post by **mr.d** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 7:44 pm

ChrisNeilan wrote:There is one on the bay now for about four dollars less than a new one from the mother ship. I'd go new if for no other reason than a warranty.

There's another one that must have been listed today for 175 opening bid and buy now for 300. I've bid on a couple over the last year that looked good and still had all the platens but the bid always went higher than I was willing to pay. Thanks for your opinion, think I'll order new unit tomorrow.

mr.d · Post by **mr.d** » Sun Nov 09, 2014 7:46 pm

New from Shopsmith is safe bet.

Ed[/QUOTE]

+1:D

mr.d · Post by **mr.d** » Mon Nov 10, 2014 9:09 pm

I did order a new unit from SS today but in the email confirmation, it was noted that this item is out of stock. I've waited long enough to get one of these I guess I can wait a little longer but hope this doesn't turn out like buying one of those Woodpecker 1 time tools where you pay right now and wait for 4 months or so.