View Full Version : Belt sander, which one to buy?
Philip Florio
10-13-2010, 9:39 PM
I'm looking at the Ridgid R2720 Sander, 3-Inch X 21-Inch Belt Sander, $159.
Any thoughts on this one for general woodshop functions?
Thanks,
Phil
Ben Martin
10-13-2010, 9:59 PM
Function and style wrapped into one...
http://myvintagetools.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/-124101105425934801.jpg
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp325/martbj/Mall%20Belt%20Sander/B0H5GCQ2kKGrHqEOKjkEMkZriyBMYFcU48g_3.jpg
An older worm drive belt sander won't even compare to what is in production today! You might have to search for a bit, but the deals are out there. I just bought a Skil (like the above picture) for $45 including shipping last night on eBay.
Joe Shinall
10-13-2010, 10:03 PM
I've heard the Ridgid is really good. I bought a very lightly used Bosch about a year ago for $40. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. I had a Craftsman and an older Porter Cable (not like the one in the picture). And my Bosch is much better quality and feels better. But it's also a 4x24 so it's bigger than the Ridgid.
Bill Huber
10-13-2010, 10:31 PM
All I can say is that Ridgid 2720 really sand but if you like dust then its the one for you.
I hate the thing, it blows dust everywhere and runs somewhat hot. I have made an adapter for it to put on the shop vac and that helped some but not much. After you have used it for awhile there is a fog on in the room, you have to ware a mask.
It does have slow start and it does track really well but I wish I had never got it.
If I could I think I would look at the Bosch
Mike Harrison
10-13-2010, 10:33 PM
Another vote for Porter Cable. Your grandkids will be passing it on....
Neil Brooks
10-13-2010, 10:36 PM
Odd, Bill.
I got the refurb'd version of the ZRR2720 (http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Reconditioned-RIDGID-ZRR2720-21-Inch-Heavy-Duty/dp/B000W8LE0U), and have NOT had the Dust Bowl of the 1930's, during use.
Mine seems to capture a pretty fair amount, in its little collection bag.
And/but ... I always set the box fan, with the HEPA filter strapped on ... right by the work piece, whenever I'm doing any real sanding.
I think it's a lot of sander for the money.
Paul McGaha
10-13-2010, 10:39 PM
I have a Porter Cable and its been good.
I recently saw a thread about a Makita that the guy really loved.
PHM
Julian Tracy
10-13-2010, 11:15 PM
One cool thing about one of the Makita models is that one side is perfectly flat on it so that you can simply clamp it to a table top to have a portable bench belt sander. I think it's the 9903 model, not sure...
JT
Bill Huber
10-13-2010, 11:36 PM
Odd, Bill.
I got the refurb'd version of the ZRR2720 (http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Reconditioned-RIDGID-ZRR2720-21-Inch-Heavy-Duty/dp/B000W8LE0U), and have NOT had the Dust Bowl of the 1930's, during use.
Mine seems to capture a pretty fair amount, in its little collection bag.
And/but ... I always set the box fan, with the HEPA filter strapped on ... right by the work piece, whenever I'm doing any real sanding.
I think it's a lot of sander for the money.
That is odd, I guess I need to look into that, when I say it dust I mean it really buts out the dust. I have a shop vac on it and it still gets dust everywhere.
When I use the bag I get almost as much dust between the bag and the motor as I get in the bag.
Maybe I have a problem with it, I do agree it is a sanding fool, but the dust.
Kim Gibbens
10-13-2010, 11:52 PM
Function and style wrapped into one...
http://myvintagetools.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/-124101105425934801.jpg
http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp325/martbj/Mall%20Belt%20Sander/B0H5GCQ2kKGrHqEOKjkEMkZriyBMYFcU48g_3.jpg
An older worm drive belt sander won't even compare to what is in production today! You might have to search for a bit, but the deals are out there. I just bought a Skil (like the above picture) for $45 including shipping last night on eBay.
That Take-About is gorgeous, is it yours?
I have one I bought at an auction for $4 that needs cleaned up. I also have my fathers A4 that has less than 30 minutes on it. It will last 3 lifetimes if cared for.
Philip Florio
10-13-2010, 11:54 PM
At Home Depot today the Ridgid is listed with a lifetime warranty, where the Porter Cable has 3 years.
Ben Martin
10-14-2010, 12:19 AM
That Take-About is gorgeous, is it yours?
I have one I bought at an auction for $4 that needs cleaned up. I also have my fathers A4 that has less than 30 minutes on it. It will last 3 lifetimes if cared for.
I wish!
It was listed on eBay recently, might even still be on there, for $450....
I passed on a A2 recently for under $30, it used only 2" belts which I think might be hard to come by.
I keep on dreaming of the day I run through a flea market and grab a sub $10 locomotive sander, I have read of plenty of people that have done it...
Van Huskey
10-14-2010, 1:19 PM
I am a fan of the Dewalt 433K and like it better than the recent vintage PC sanders.
Bill Rogers
10-14-2010, 3:41 PM
Philip,
I asked the same question several months back and I ended up buying a barely used Porter Cable 362 sander on the Bay for under $100. It is a real workhorse.
Bill
Lance Norris
10-14-2010, 7:16 PM
Try the search button. This thread is only a month old...
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=148152
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