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Belt/Disc Sander

1K views 14 replies 7 participants last post by  Finn 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Is the HF 4" x 6" Belt and 6" Disc Sander for $79.00 worth it for a novice who "knows enough to be dangerous" or, is it wiser to hold out for a used Craftsmen, or better? What is 'better' on a low budget?
 
#5 · (Edited by Moderator)
I use one for just one thing. Feathering the rim bands for Shaker boxes. My 6×48 belt sander just eats them, this underpowered wonder is just right for them. Back to the underpowered thing most of the low priced sanders are. When gently applying wood so it will start sanding brings the belt to a complete stop, it's underpowered, and NO, 80 bux sux for that tool. If you can get it down to sub 50 bux, you could use it for smallish jobs.
 
#7 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'd say if it's showing 1HP it should work for anything. Usually that unfortunately is a mark where price goes up with performance. If you are looking at 80 bux, and want to get something, I think you may want to start saving.

Even their $139 Bauer is only 4.3 amp, the cheapie is 3.5, which they call 3/4 HP, it's funny they don't call the more expensive one 1 hp.

Their "bigger 6×48 with 9 disc they just say 1 HP @ 8amps, which sounds believable. That looks like my old Sears Roebuck, which has a 1 HP motor and will chew ya up if you fall in. The thing at that 280 price it's as low as a real belt sander goes for, and I guarantee keeping belts tracked will be an adventure, but when the belt gets to the good spot, you will be sanding. The alternative is look at Wen. A lot of folks are saying they are building better tools, they may come in lower than HF. I'm not scared of HF like many are. They absolutely will give you your $$$$$ back within 30 days for ANY reason, just keep your receipt. Hint there is give them a throw away email addy, and they send you a print of the receipt, so if you keep it, you can print it out.

I don't know who sells Wen, so I'd stick with who I know. Try it out, if it sux, bring it back. 30 days no questions.
 
#8 ·
I've chewed up several of the 4×24's. That's how I learned about sleeve bearings. My old shop mate had a HF 4×24 that he swore by that outlasted two of mine.

20 years ago old shop had griz 6×48 and THAT was nice. Been lusting after another 6×48 but got nowhere to put it-quick! Send out for a bigger shop!

Stalling depends on platen material, lube, pressure, & tension. Waxed stainless is great. Carbonated (?) surfaces not so much. Higher tension cuts faster & slips less. Less pressure should be used. If it's stalling/burning lighten up. Let the tool do the work. Most belt sanders are too aggressive for delicate work. I used to keep a 120 belt on the old 6×48.
 
#9 ·
Is the HF 4" x 6" Belt and 6" Disc Sander for $79.00 worth it for a novice who "knows enough to be dangerous" or, is it wiser to hold out for a used Craftsmen, or better? What is better on a low budget?

- MSquared
No, I have this sander and the issue is that in order to change a sanding belt you have to remove and replace two guards, or leave them off and….
The new Bauer model fixes this, but it's more money.
 
#10 ·
I've been poking around the local Craigslist. There have been some. Some big boys from commercial shops. I'm not in a hurry though. Coming back from illness and surgeries. Gettin' there! What would be a good choice?
Is newer (past 15 or so years or so) Craftsman considered to be 'Crapsmen'? I have a few old, 60 y.o., items from my Dad. They're till going strong. I've been amassing their mechanics tools for 45 years. Now, I see they've gone way down in quality.
 
#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
?

No, I have this sander and the issue is that in order to change a sanding belt you have to remove and replace two guards, or leave them off and….
The new Bauer model fixes this, but it is more money.

I was looking at these two sanders at Harbor Freight today and came to the conclusion that needing tools to change a sanding belt was a deal killer, on the cheaper one.
 
#14 · (Edited by Moderator)
i cant help you specifically with that, just in general to buy quality brands.

last week i needed a laser plumb bob. couldnt find one in stock nearby, except harbor freight. it was only 20 bucks cheaper than a bosch. I didnt want to do it, but i needed it and they had it. I decided to check it against an actual plumb bob just incase, well it was out 1/2 an inch over 10 feet. This is pretty typical for my few purchases from them. Id be willing to bet the sander wont be any better.
 
#15 ·
I bought a Harbor Freight 6"x48" sander in 2010 and liked it so much I bought another in 2014. I use them both still. they have 1 HP motors.I have two different grits on them. They track well but there is no dust collection with them. Before I bought them I had a Ryobi 4" stationary belt sander and it worked very well. It was just not wide enough for me.
 
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