On Sat, 19 Jul 2003 09:32:05 +0100, "RzB"
wrote:

Any idea of the Pros/Cons of different mfgrs and
what to consider when purchasing?

Good article in FWW some time ago.

They all seem to work pretty well. The difference is in how easy to
set up they are, how easy to change belts, and how accurate for
horizontal alignment.

Some are cantilevered, some closed frame. The obvious diffference is
that an open-ender can be used to double the width by turning the
board. You need to set the drum slightly upward-pointing to do this,
to avoid a step along the center.

The Performax 16/32 seems well regarded at the cheap end. This machine
pops up under other names too.

For any power sanding, get good abrasives. CSM Abrasives are my
favourite supplier - a huge great catalogue, full of different sorts
of sandpaper. The anti-static coatings are well worth having, to
avoid clogs.