Benchtop Sanders

[John Mark Lane]

When I was a kid, we had a benchtop belt/disc sander and I used it constantly. I look around now, and I see a surprising range of prices on these things. Jet has one for $1,100 and another for $600. Griz has several, and the cheapest one is $99. What the heck is going on here? It's a fairly simple tool. Why for example would someone spend $1,100 or more, as opposed to getting a $99 Grizzly?

It's a serious question. I honestly have no idea why there is such a range of prices for these basic machines...

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Mark

[Van Huskey]

Not to be a smart "butt" but you can buy cars from 12,000 to over a million... I think you get the picture.


Size, quality, durability and power all play a significant role in price, for a hobby user the 300-400 dollar price range seems to be the sweet spot.

[John Mark Lane]

Thanks, and I'm not bothered by the "smart butt" comment. I do know cars. I'm just a little baffled at the range of prices for a simple machine that does the same thing.

[Van Huskey]

Look at the belt size, the disc size, the motor rating, the weight and take into account the brand name and you will pretty quickly see that they fall out in a similar manner to say table saws, which are also a pretty simple machine (save the SS) just larger. On a smaller scale look at drill you can spend $15 to well over $200 also a simple tool.

[glenn bradley]

Thanks, and I'm not bothered by the "smart butt" comment. I do know cars. I'm just a little baffled at the range of prices for a simple machine that does the same thing.

I am pretty sure a pro shop would kill a $99 sander in pretty short order. If they are a production shop, downtime costs money; a 2HP, 3phase continuous-duty beast would make sense for them, not so much for me.

[Paul Wunder]

John,

Take a look at the Ridgid oscillating belt/spindle sander. it is available at Home Depot for $200.00 Excellent magazine reviews, good feedback from Creekers and a lifetime service warranty from Ridgid. I have one and I am pleased although I have only used it a few times.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xlb/R-100061671/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

[Prashun Patel]

Same reason you can get a $99 bandsaw or tablesaw or $3000 ones.

Motor power, weight, size and capacity all factor into it.