"recommended" stationary belt sanders?

[Jack Camillo]

Never thought I would do it, but I really need to buy a stationary belt sander, at least 6x48. I'm hoping there has been some miracle invention that provides superb dust collection on one. Any recommendations out there? (even without the miracle dust collection) It'll be used to sand the sides of a large production run of custom jewelry-box-like pieces. Not looking to spend the most money possible, but need something that will last and is not compromised as far as quality performance (how difficult can that be with a belt sander?) Thanks, all

[Dave Lehnert]

I'm a big fan of the Shopsmith unit because of the control I have with variable speed.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/Spt06/images/01_BeltSander.jpg

Sounds like you would be more happy with an edge sander.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/category.aspx?key=440000

[Nancy Laird]

Jack, take a look at the Woodtek 6x89 oscillating edge sander - the dust collection on this one is much better than most, and it includes an integrated spindle sander. Specs are here:
http://pro.woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=148-265&CARTID=200810068266393045--1

We have this sander and it gets a workout.

[Jim Becker]

Jack, I'd suggest an edge sander as Nancy did. I wish I would have bought one instead of the combo sander I did buy a few years ago...I never use the disk and would likely get more use out of the longer belt.

[Jack Camillo]

I never did understand the disk for woodworking. Maybe if you were squaring end grain or something. Yeah, it's probably easy to guess I'm not excited about getting a sander... Nothing worse than sanding dust in my book. Tough to do without in certain jobs that need to be profitable, however.

[Brian Kent]

I really like my Grizzly:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combination-Sander-6-x-48-Belt-9-Disc-Z-Series/G1014Z

I do use the disk sander too, including the miter gauge. Love it for boxes and plane-making.

Brian

[Mike Heidrick]

I'm a big fan of the Shopsmith unit because of the control I have with variable speed.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/Spt06/images/01_BeltSander.jpg

Sounds like you would be more happy with an edge sander.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/category.aspx?key=440000

I have the same one and it is great. I do drool over the big Delta oscillating edge sander though!

[Jeffrey Makiel]

I also recommend an edge sander. I've had mine for 20 years when I sold my belt/disc combo sander.

Today, I would buy an oscillating model. They simply were not economically available for the home hobbyist level at that time. However, you can use a non oscillating model with a table fixture that gives a bias (angle) to the sanded board.

There are three common sizes: 6x80 (Grizzly), 6x89 and 6x108. I found that my 6x89 works for my needs. A dust collector is definately required.

I also recommend the little Delta 1x42/8"dia combo. It's cheap ($110) and is a handy little machine for sanding in tight places.

-Jeff :)