Need a new belt sander

[Dave Lehnert]

My 1980's Skill 3x18 belt sander is on its last leg.

I do not use one much at all. To round off corners and such. Almost never use one to flatten a table top, Use hand planes for that and a Porter Cable 6" random orbit sander. For that reason it puts me in the "Cheap" category.

My first choice is the Ryobi from Home Depot.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-3-in-x-18-in-Portable-Belt-Sander-BE319/205216313?cm_mmc=Shopping|THD|google|&mid=szSxb6Mcl|dc_mtid_8903tb925190_pcrid_195274179 091_pkw__pmt__product_205216313_slid_&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI29ju2tSo1wIVEJFpCh3n2QIUEAQYASAB EgL8oPD_BwE

For about the same money (With 20% off coupon) This variable speed from Harbor Freight. It gets ok reviews but seems to have problems with the variable speed.
https://www.harborfreight.com/10-amp-4-in-x-24-in-variable-speed-belt-sander-69820.html

Any experience with the two above or any other recondition for a low cost sander?

[mike sato]

My 1980's Skill 3x18 belt sander is on its last leg.

I do not use one much at all. To round off corners and such. Almost never use one to flatten a table top, Use hand planes for that and a Porter Cable 6" random orbit sander. For that reason it puts me in the "Cheap" category.

My first choice is the Ryobi from Home Depot.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-3-in-x-18-in-Portable-Belt-Sander-BE319/205216313?cm_mmc=Shopping|THD|google|&mid=szSxb6Mcl|dc_mtid_8903tb925190_pcrid_195274179 091_pkw__pmt__product_205216313_slid_&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI29ju2tSo1wIVEJFpCh3n2QIUEAQYASAB EgL8oPD_BwE

For about the same money (With 20% off coupon) This variable speed from Harbor Freight. It gets ok reviews but seems to have problems with the variable speed.
https://www.harborfreight.com/10-amp-4-in-x-24-in-variable-speed-belt-sander-69820.html

Any experience with the two above or any other recondition for a low cost sander?

I would look for a hand held belt sander that can either:

... 1. Be flipped up side down and rest on a table due to the form factor of the sander.
or
... 2. Be conducive to building a jig to hold the belt sander up side down.

I find it so handy to flip my belt sander up side down, rest it on the table, and run it with the button pressed to adjust belt tracking or to sand small parts.
371152
Also, I prefer a 3x21 inch belt sander over a 3x18 inch like the home depot one you linked to.
This Harbor Freight one might fit the bill for budget, 3x21 and upside down use:
371153
https://www.harborfreight.com/65-Amp-3-in-x-21-in-Heavy-Duty-Belt-Sander-69859.html

Mike

[John Sanford]

CPO Tools has the 3x21 Hitachi for $100, reconditioned. Well regarded, but renders your existing belt investment moot.