Grizzly G0644 vs G9983 Wide Belts

[Darrell Bade]

Did some searching on here and it seems that most have the G9983. The G0644 is on clearance right now for a very attractive price.

Seems that the G0644 is more like a drum sander in that it has two drums and no platten. The 3 hp motor is also a concern.

No doubt the G9983 would be the better sander, but I am wondering if the G0644 would serve my needs in my hobby shop since the price is really attractive.

Does anyone have the G0644 that can give me a real world opinion.

[Mike Hollingsworth]

Darrell-

On a dollar per pound basis, the larger unit is the better buy.
I personally don't think there's enough iron in the smaller unit to keep it from flexing.

Both are true Wide Belt sanders. They both oscillate, which is the most important feature. I recently upgrade from a Powermatic open end unit to a 20" ShopFox (Grizzly). I don't miss the platen one bit.

The BEST thing about Grizzly is their parts list and online ordering. Check out how you can determine and order parts online:

Grizzly Open End WideBelt (http://www.grizzly.com/products/15-Wide-Belt-Sander-Open-End-/G9983)

[Emil Ellis]

The G0644 is made in China. I was in the Bellingham showroom recently and was told that this model is being discontinued. I purchased the 1066Z.