Need some sander advice/suggestions

[Chris Pasko]

In setting up my new shop, I have everything I need but a sander (big stationary type). I am not sure if i should get a combo disc/belt or just a belt edge sander. I have been looking at both made by MAX here:

http://www.max-ind.com/m_catalog5.asp

and here:

http://www.max-ind.com/m_catalog3.asp

I don't know what would be more useful, though I know I prefer the belt int he horizontal position. If the disc is equally useful however, I don't want to omit it.

[Bobby Hatfield]

In setting up my new shop, I have everything I need but a sander (big stationary type). I am not sure if i should get a combo disc/belt or just a belt edge sander. I have been looking at both made by MAX here:

http://www.max-ind.com/m_catalog5.asp

and here:

http://www.max-ind.com/m_catalog3.asp

I don't know what would be more useful, though I know I prefer the belt int he horizontal position. If the disc is equally useful however, I don't want to omit it.

Chris, I love my Wilke "108", use it for edges of doors and panels most but radius work is just as easy. It doesn't clog the belt as bad as a disc. I angled the table to use more of the belt to prevent clogging.

[Mike Evertsen]

a sander is not a machine I put out alot of money buying,,,grizzly.com has edge sanders ,,,,I just bought a 9" disk 6x48" belt combo sander from harbor freight today on sale 149.00 it looked like a decent machine at the store and it's got to be better than the crapsman bench model I'm using now,,,,

[Mark Singer]

Chris,
I had the Grizzly Z series 9" disc and 6x48 combo...I just got the`Jet Combo...same size but bid improvement. It was only $299 with free shipping from Amazon. Very accurite and very handy...I use it a lot for all kinds of things. The` tables on the Jet are very solid and accurite . There is no need to spend $700 on the bigger guys

Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/hi/B000063INV/qid=1075679930/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/103-2958571-6494204

[John Miliunas]

Chris, I've used the same Jet sander Mark refers to for a while now. Nice unit, though I didn't have a different flavor one to compare it to. Relatively good dust collection, simple to flip from vertical belt to horizontal and, like Mark indicates, accurate. I must admit, though, I sure do like that neat innovation Bobby came up with for his long belt unit! Makes a LOT of sense. :cool:

[John Weber]

Chris,

Since you are into high end machines, I would recommend the Delta combo, made in the US, heavy duty, excellent track record, and I've seen some decent pricing lately. Max makes excellent equipment, however the machine you linked to looks very much like an import. If you are looking for an edge sander, Delta makes some nice machines, as does Vega, but the big guns are Ritter/Crouch. I have an import 6"x89" that works great for me, but I still kick myself for passing a great deal on a used Crouch several years ago.

Have Fun - John

http://media.ptg-online.com/media/dm/Products/Tools/Large/20030224200000_31-731A_72dpi_200.jpg

[Jim Becker]

I bought a nice combo sander last year and it works great. (Grizzly G1276) Nice machine at a very good price. But in retrospect, I wish I would have opted for an edge sander as I pretty much only use the belt. The one time I used the disk was merely because it happened to be convenient without repositioning the tool for a "quickie". For what I use the sander for, an edge sander would be more versatile and easier to use than the vertical belt on the combo unit. On the downside, the edge sander would take up more shop space...something I'm running out of. Again.

[John Miliunas]

...the edge sander would take up more shop space...something I'm running out of. Again.

Yeah? And who's fault is THAT?! Sheeesh...The guy keeps buying all these land yachts and then moans & groans about not having enough room! Give it a rest, Jim! "Hmmmm.....Now, I forget what LOML said. Will I be able to expand the North end of the shop or can I take over the adjacent garage????" :D :cool:

[Kirk (KC) Constable]

I'll use the edge sander first. Very (very!) rarely I'll need to do something that's either just too small or shaped wrong and I'll use the disc. But for sanding doors and straight edges, the edge sander is absolutely the right choice.

KC

[Terry Hatfield]

Chris,

I'm in the edge sander bunch too...

I bought the Griz 0512. I really like it. The edge sander just has more applications than a belt/disk combo...IMHO, of course.

Terry

[Jim Becker]

.....Now, I forget what LOML said...

You have the problem, too? :eek:

[John Miliunas]

You have the problem, too? :eek:

Uh...*What* problem?! :rolleyes: :cool:

[Alan Turner]

Count one more vote for the edge sander. I have the WoodTek 6 x 89, and the belt can be set at any angle fro 90 to zero, so you have a flat sander as well. I always have mine at 90; rarely move it. With the edge sander, you can hold a good accurate 90 on a door or leg edge.
If you do go this way, you8 might want to think abaout running the blue, alumina zirconia belts. They last about 10 time longer thna the regular a/o ones.

[Chris Pasko]

Thanks a lot for the pointers fellows. I am planning on doing mainly furniture, however I also plan on doing my share of cabinets. One of my first projects is my new kitchen =).

It looks like I will be going the edge sander route, since I do have a cheapy vertical belt/disc combo (though I don't like it much) that I can use to roughly shape wood if need be.

Now I just have to select a brand. You guys think the max is an import? I like the Ritter but sheesh that think is twice the price of the others that I know have decent reps, is it worth it?

-Chris

[John Weber]

Chris,

As for an import, I'm not sure, but the smaller 2 MAX models look an awful lot alike several other machines. Plus the magnetic switch on the ES model is something you usually don't find on North American built machines. My Dad has a MAX OSS and it is awesome, built like a tank, smooth, and a wonderful machine. Is the Ritter worth twice the price, tough call. I know the Crouch (I think Ritter bought them) I almost bought was a thing of beauty. Adjustment was a breeze, beautiful tables, super smooth, good dust collection, and in mint condition. I believe it had a 3 hp motor. Compared to the 6"x89" imported units that mostly use a 1-1/2 hp motor. They are a lot smaller and not nearly refined, but they are sanders afterall and do the job just fine.

John

P.S. Go for the Ritter...

[John Weber]

Here are a couple US built machines:

One of the Vega models:

http://www.vegawoodworking.com/ebs-6.jpg

one of the Ritter/Crouch models:

http://www.rittermfg.com/images/cr205503-new.jpg

John

[Chris Pasko]

one of the Ritter/Crouch models:

http://www.rittermfg.com/images/cr205503-new.jpg

John


AHHHHH yes, thats the beaut I want! That thing is sexy!