HELP! Delta Combination Disc - Belt Sander Purchase Decision

[Jeff Carmi]

I've got my eyes on a delta combo sander - 6" belt, 12" disc. Problems are: no tags, no belt table, and 3/4hp motor. There's also significant rust (enough that the handle for the table tilt is jammed) and some damage to the side belt cover. I got the guy to go down to $250 but I'm still not sure it's a worthy investment. I will use this thing heavily, so it really matters.


I'm most concerned with: having trouble identifying the model, not sure that I can get the table for the belt portion of the machine, and lastly, that the damage may be a warning sign of major trauma.


Other than all the above the machine runs very smooth! It may just need a part or two and some elbow grease, but I'm just not too confident deciding.


PLEASE: any help would be greatly appreciated!


Having trouble with the uploads so pics can be seen here: http://imgur.com/a/pTqhC#0a

[Jeff Carmi]

Correction! After too much time perusing the Delta catalogues I've discovered this is actually a Model 30 Powermatic!

[Jay Jolliffe]

Looks like a lot of work to get that back in shape....Good for scrap in my eyes....

[Rich Riddle]

Pass. You can get one in good shape for $400 to $600. There is no way you could invest the amount of money and time in that one to get it into the same shape for that amount of capital.

[Keith Outten]

Purchase an edge sander, you will be much more satisfied.
.

[Steve Kohn]

I'd also pass for the price quoted. However, if you can get it much cheaper it might be worth parting it out. I've just finished the restoration of the same sander and can tell you that the table showing on the disc side alone is worth about $100. The way the machine was designed that table can be moved over to the belt side and bolted on there. I'm no expert but it also seems the motor is not original to the machine.

[eugene thomas]

Looks like boat ankor to me.

[Cary Falk]

I would pass also. As Keith said, buy an edge sander.

[Jeff Duncan]

Did you add the zero by accident? I'm not a huge fan of those type of sanders anyway, but that's barely worth $25 for scrap value IMHO!

What are you using now for this heavy sanding? There are different sanders that work well for different things, though as mentioned a good edge sander can do a LOT of work. Of course they're also pretty expensive compared to the combo sanders. Combo sanders aren't really the best at anything but are more of a good all around general purpose tool. I'm not the biggest fan of cheap tools but if you need something for short money that's ready to work I'd have to mention Grizzly:o I had one of their combo sanders many years ago and it was far from a great tool, not to mention it needed a bit of work to get running correctly. But it got the job done for a little while at least for short money:rolleyes:

good luck,
JeffD

[Mike Hollingsworth]

Purchase an edge sander, you will be much more satisfied.
.
+1
true dat

[mreza Salav]

+1
true dat

+2 had a good old Rockwell version but sold it as I really didn't use it. An edge sander is MUCH more useful.

[Rick Fisher]

I got rid of my belt / disc sander quite a few years ago, replaced it with an edge sander. An edge sander and a spindle sander is the perfect team IMO.. I wouldn't pay $250 for that machine..

[Sal Kurban]

I just purchased and rehabbed a PM 30 combination sander last month. I paid $45 for it. It came with everything to function except wiring and cord. It lacked a dust port, motor cover, and the belt cover. I use it and it is a solid machine.
Sal.

[Jeff Carmi]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I gave him a significantly lower offer after considering the cost of not only getting this this useable, let alone working really well, and the potential for problems under that rust, but also getting it to look good. He apparently thinks it's worth more than I'm willing to spend now.

[Bruce Page]

I think you made a good decision to pass on it. Everything else aside, it would be woefully under powered with only ¾ hp IMO. I can slow down my 1½ hp Delta if I push a big piece too hard.

[David C. Roseman]

Jeff, agree on the decision to pass. But my experience has been different from some of the other posters. I do think a combo belt and disc sander is a great addition to the shop. I have a 6" x 80" edge sander as well, and a large oscillating spindle sander, yet find myself using the combo belt/disc more for various odd sanding projects. I guess if I had to choose only one for a general-purpose shop, it would be the combo belt/disc, although the tears would no doubt be falling. :) If I could have only two, I'd add the spindle sander.

David