Need advice on a shop sanding machine

[Jack Gaskins]

I am not a big woodworker but I do have the usuall woodworking power tools and I also have a brand new Delta lathe. I have found on several occasions that a sander would come in handy. I do mostly turning stuff and very little flat work but I do make some projects, nothing to big though. I was wondering if I should be looking for a budget belt/disc sander or a single 12" disc sander or a budget Oscillating Edge Sander machine?????? I find used belt/disc machines for around $500. New ones are around $1200. New Disc sander is $200 and an OES machine is around $1200.............

[Glen Butler]

Sanding equipment is an area that my shop is severely lacking. I have belt sanders and ROS's, but the Ridgid belt/sindle sander from the BORG has been a real life saver until I can afford a larger machine.

[Mike Cruz]

In my opinion, you can't have too many sanding machines. I have a Grizzly 12" disc/ 6" belt sander, a Ryobi oscillating spindle (practically given to me...), a homemade 12" disc/10" long X 3" diameter drum station (made with two spare motors and attaching a disc to one and a foam drum to the other), as well as the standard hand held ROS and belt sander.

[Myk Rian]

I have a Ridgid belt/spindle sander that I use all the time in my hobby shop.

[Larry Schwenk]

I've been using the RIDGID Oscillating sander from Home Depot for about 3 years now. It's small and easily store away. Just remember it's small but at the same time cheap.

And I noticed your AF symbol...so don't forget to ask for the 10% military discount at HD.

[Van Huskey]

Sanders are one of "those" machines. By that I mean they tend to be specific to ones needs. Where one guy may need a shop full of sanders to build his chosen projects another may need no machines for sanding at all and another guy may need one machine but it might be an unusual one that almost nobody else needs. In the end one of the tools I think most everyone can get use out of without breaking the bank is the Rigid sander. For $200 is is very versatile and if nothing else can help you steer yourself in the correct direction for a bigger sander later on.

[Jack Gaskins]

Sanders are one of "those" machines. By that I mean they tend to be specific to ones needs. Where one guy may need a shop full of sanders to build his chosen projects another may need no machines for sanding at all and another guy may need one machine but it might be an unusual one that almost nobody else needs. In the end one of the tools I think most everyone can get use out of without breaking the bank is the Rigid sander. For $200 is is very versatile and if nothing else can help you steer yourself in the correct direction for a bigger sander later on.


Well I was just looking for an all in one sander. But it needs to be precise, not junk. I had the Rigid machine and practically gave it away, I thought it was a POS. I guess I will just get the Jet 1hp disc sander then later I can get an edge sander if the need arrises.

[Tom A Brown]

The Jet 12" disc is indespencible for miter joints and fitting butt joints perfectly. Makes life so much easier. I also have the Jet oscillating sander, which is great for curved surfaces, but not nearly as much used as the 12" disc.

Shop around. I got mine new in box for about $300.00

[Neil Brooks]

Well I was just looking for an all in one sander. But it needs to be precise, not junk. I had the Rigid machine and practically gave it away, I thought it was a POS.

I've heard this before, but am still surprised. I really like mine, as do many others.

That said ... a neighbor is selling his ... well ... this:

http://cdn4.grizzly.com/pics/jpeg288/g/g0529.jpg

and I have thought about making him an offer....

[Van Huskey]

The 529 is on my "list". I would like a larger table for the OSS but the combo unit is cheaper than their larger OSS alone.



I've heard this before, but am still surprised. I really like mine, as do many others.

That said ... a neighbor is selling his ... well ... this:

http://cdn4.grizzly.com/pics/jpeg288/g/g0529.jpg

and I have thought about making him an offer....

[Glen Butler]

I had the Rigid machine and practically gave it away, I thought it was a POS.

Hmm, I rescind my previous comment. I was under the impression you needed something to get you by. How about the Shop Fox W1737.:D

[Callan Campbell]

I think Glen B hit it on the head. We thought you wanted one thing, but maybe it's a sander of a different kind? Let me explain. I have turned a bit myself, I tend to sand on the lathe, and only use one of my medium to larger belt/disc sander units rarely with lathe work, so I wasn't sure of your post either after the Ridgid comment. Sooo, If you're wanting power and belt/disc size, you want a 6 x48" combo machine. One that has solid table mountings, not on a single post that allows the table to flex under a load while you're using it. 1HP or better. I have, and pretty much like, the Grizzly 1276. It requires some thought on set-up since it doesn't come with a base, and you have to add a dust port to the disc side of the machine. There are lots of other machines out there along with this one that were covered in a Wood Magazine review back in '04 I think. You can look up the article if that size/capacity is what you're looking for.
For OSS, do you want a bench model or a floor model?
Edge Sander,? I thought you rarely did flat work from your post, so that really threw me[us?]
I also have a small 4" belt/combo disc machine from Ryobi that supplements my larger Grizzly and my Jet bench top OSS. Not sure if that's too small for you or what. The Ryobi is heavy, stays in place, but will never match the larger machines for power and ability, esp in the disc department.
Dust collection is a must for any of these types, as you probably already know. For what it's worth. I commented to Fine Woodworking in a recent reader survey that they needed to review the current crop of 6" x 48" sanders because we all seem to have them, but no one ever reviews them except that 2004 Wood Magazine issue:mad:. Most of the machines in that article have either changed, gone up in price or have been superceded or even discontinued. At the time, Wood Mag. really like the Delta combo unit, but I'd also look at the Powermatic that's out right now if you're ok with the size and price. I think the combo sander units are underated or not looked at by many magazine editors for some strange reason.:rolleyes:

[Callan Campbell]

Hmm, I rescind my previous comment. I was under the impression you needed something to get you by. How about the Shop Fox W1737.:D
Cute, really cute. I just googled this sucker. 10HP!!!!:D

[Van Huskey]

Hmm, I rescind my previous comment. I was under the impression you needed something to get you by. How about the Shop Fox W1737.:D


What that POS? Why not get a real sander like a PM WB43 true it is a little underpowered at 25hp, but I think you could probably hook a BB chevy up to it. :eek:

[Glen Butler]

I posted the shop fox cause it is the biggest i could find that will run on house current.

[Jack Gaskins]

I think Glen B hit it on the head. We thought you wanted one thing, but maybe it's a sander of a different kind? Let me explain. I have turned a bit myself, I tend to sand on the lathe, and only use one of my medium to larger belt/disc sander units rarely with lathe work, so I wasn't sure of your post either after the Ridgid comment. Sooo, If you're wanting power and belt/disc size, you want a 6 x48" combo machine. One that has solid table mountings, not on a single post that allows the table to flex under a load while you're using it. 1HP or better. I have, and pretty much like, the Grizzly 1276. It requires some thought on set-up since it doesn't come with a base, and you have to add a dust port to the disc side of the machine. There are lots of other machines out there along with this one that were covered in a Wood Magazine review back in '04 I think. You can look up the article if that size/capacity is what you're looking for.
For OSS, do you want a bench model or a floor model
Edge Sander,? I thought you rarely did flat work from your post, so that really threw me[us?]
I also have a small 4" belt/combo disc machine from Ryobi that supplements my larger Grizzly and my Jet bench top OSS. Not sure if that's too small for you or what. The Ryobi is heavy, stays in place, but will never match the larger machines for power and ability, esp in the disc department.
Dust collection is a must for any of these types, as you probably already know. For what it's worth. I commented to Fine Woodworking in a recent reader survey that they needed to review the current crop of 6" x 48" sanders because we all seem to have them, but no one ever reviews them except that 2004 Wood Magazine issue:mad:. Most of the machines in that article have either changed, gone up in price or have been superceded or even discontinued. At the time, Wood Mag. really like the Delta combo unit, but I'd also look at the Powermatic that's out right now if you're ok with the size and price. I think the combo sander units are underated or not looked at by many magazine editors for some strange reason.:rolleyes:


Thanks for the input, sorry for not explaining a little more in what I am looking for. I am just trying to figure out what a good "general" sander would be for me. I was thinking about the combo units but the cheaper ones seem to have tracking issues and the higher quality units are big dollars. With that said I am leaning towards the Jet 12B disc unit. It is heavy duty and would get me along until the need arises for a larger machine, if it ever does :rolleyes:.

[Callan Campbell]

Thanks for the input, sorry for not explaining a little more in what I am looking for. I am just trying to figure out what a good "general" sander would be for me. I was thinking about the combo units but the cheaper ones seem to have tracking issues and the higher quality units are big dollars. With that said I am leaning towards the Jet 12B disc unit. It is heavy duty and would get me along until the need arises for a larger machine, if it ever does :rolleyes:.
Is that Disc machine only[I haven't looked it up yet] We should start a post that polls everyone on what they're using their single disc machine or Combo machines for when it comes to woodworking. Would be interesting to see, esp. since I can't seem to find much reviews about any of them on the Web. I think it would help alot of people.

[Jack Gaskins]

Is that Disc machine only[I haven't looked it up yet] We should start a post that polls everyone on what they're using their single disc machine or Combo machines for when it comes to woodworking. Would be interesting to see, esp. since I can't seem to find much reviews about any of them on the Web. I think it would help alot of people.

A poll would be good. I have asked around on several woodworking forums and no one seems to reply about sanding machines. The Jet 12B is the benchtop 12" disc sander with 1hp motor, they also sell the same sander with a stand and canister filter. From what little information I have read it seems to be the best of the 12" disc sanders currently on the market.

[Darnell Hagen]

I'd take the edge sander, hands down, every time.

A disc sander is really only useable for a quarter of it's face. It doesn't leave straight scratches.

A spindle sander is good for inside curves, but I've never been able to get a fair, non scalloped surface from one.

A belt sander on stand is tough to get a perpendicular face from, and you are fighting gravity with big parts.

I'd look at the line of sanders described as a "Baby 80" or "Big Boy 80". The belt tilts to a belt sander position. The table is a good size, and a piece of MDF can be clamped to it for edge sanding large parts like occasional table tops. Fairing outside curves is a breeze, and inside curves can be done with some practise and the right technique. The clamp on mitre gauge is helpful for sanding end grain. The table can be fixed at an angle, as you move your part the belt is in use across it's whole width, avoiding burning and making oscillation unneeded.

[Glen Butler]

A poll would be good. I have asked around on several woodworking forums and no one seems to reply about sanding machines. The Jet 12B is the benchtop 12" disc sander with 1hp motor, they also sell the same sander with a stand and canister filter. From what little information I have read it seems to be the best of the 12" disc sanders currently on the market.

I think the problem here is most people don't have need for a disc sander, and as said before, sanding machines are very specific to ones needs. I think the majority out there is like me and uses a belt sander if necessary but mostly an ROS and hand sanding.

[Callan Campbell]

I'd take the edge sander, hands down, every time.

A disc sander is really only useable for a quarter of it's face. It doesn't leave straight scratches.

A spindle sander is good for inside curves, but I've never been able to get a fair, non scalloped surface from one.

A belt sander on stand is tough to get a perpendicular face from, and you are fighting gravity with big parts.

I'd look at the line of sanders described as a "Baby 80" or "Big Boy 80". The belt tilts to a belt sander position. The table is a good size, and a piece of MDF can be clamped to it for edge sanding large parts like occasional table tops. Fairing outside curves is a breeze, and inside curves can be done with some practise and the right technique. The clamp on mitre gauge is helpful for sanding end grain. The table can be fixed at an angle, as you move your part the belt is in use across it's whole width, avoiding burning and making oscillation unneeded.
Great post, this is why I think we need a poll, and posts on why you the poster choose your machine and method. Of course, I have no idea how to get a poll started,:o so maybe a more experienced "creeker" can get the ball rolling. I agree that the OSS can be tricky to get a feel for, it helps to have a decent machine to work with. The learning curve is probably shorter for people with a machine that delivers even/consistent results, less frustration to overcome. I went from years of sanding drums in a drill press to a bench top Jet OSS, having a true stroke along with decent DC to remove your dust helps alot. And I'm still wondering how much better a larger floor machine OSS is compared to my benchtop model, which in a way is like me comparing my 1x42" belt sander to my 4" belt sander to my Grizzly 6 x 48". They all have their strengths and weaknesses, each better suited to a range of work and size.
I've never used a small edger, just see lots of them in peoples "shop shots". I can see how having one with Oscillation though might be helpful if you can't provide an angled fence/ table like in your post.

[Callan Campbell]

I think the problem here is most people don't have need for a disc sander, and as said before, sanding machines are very specific to ones needs. I think the majority out there is like me and uses a belt sander if necessary but mostly an ROS and hand sanding.
That describes exactly how I was for years, all hand and ROS sanding, no belt machines of any kind. Then, bamm,I bought 3 over a period of 4-5 yrs and wondered why I put them off. I probably had more of a need for an edge sander with all the cabinet/case work I was doing for myself and others about 10 to 15 years ago, but didn't know the machines or what they were really about until the past few months reading here and there[mostly here:D]
I'd still like to see a stroke sander in operation, trying to understand why it's still sold when wide belt machines seem the norm[price?] The stroke sander seems like it would be harder for dust control compared to a wide belt sander as well.

[Darnell Hagen]

Great post

Thanks! :D


the OSS can be tricky to get a feel for, it helps to have a decent machine to work with. The learning curve is probably shorter for people with a machine that delivers even/consistent results,

Very good point. I'm fighting with a worn out Ryobi, I'd love to try an Ekstrom Carson or an Oliver.




a stroke sander .. why it's still sold when wide belt machines seem the norm[price?] The stroke sander seems like it would be harder for dust control compared to a wide belt sander as well.


Strokes are more like what you'd hope a belt sander would be. Wide belts are more like thickness planers.

If you can collect dust from a widebelt, you can collect from a stroke.

I loves my stroke sander, it's paid for itself several times over. I can take an old tabletop, strip off the old finish, and sand 120, 150, 180, and 220 in twenty minutes. I barely hand sand because of my stroke. It's an absolute snipe killer, too.

http://thewayiwood.blogspot.com/2010/02/table-making-top-sizing.html

[Jack Gaskins]

Well, for me, I just want a general purpose sander. Something to round and edge her and there and use for sneaking up on segmented pieces for glue ups. Currently I do not make to many "flatwork" projects but I do make some from time to time and have always found my self thinking that if I just had a sanding machine I could make this fit better or something like that.