I am very familar with WW'ing machines but.. not these sanders. I have actually used both but briefly which means I really don't know the pro's and con's of each. I'm familar with the size panels that can be run which is obvious so.. I suppose I am looking for feed-back from any that have owned both or used both as to which they would chose.
A few of my questions are.. does the open end models stay stable to avoid deflection.. etc? Which has the edge on conveniece of setting up.. changing paper.. adjusting.. and how much HP do you feel is enough in both scenarios. I realize that not all will be able to respond from an experience point of view but.... hopefully I might pick up something that is significant in which to pursue.
BTW.. I have a 20" planer and this would be used for light sanding of re-sawn and wide panels that may or may not have been veneered.. I am wired for 5 HP so that is not an issue if indeed someone thinks that much HP is necessary. And this is not for production as I am simple a 6 day a week home wood-worker averaging 6-8 hours a day in the shop with absolutely no dead-lines.
Thanks to any that might lead to someone catching something I failed to already consider with a decision..
Off to the shop to operate machines in lieu of consider a new one.. :>)
Sarge..