I was sanding some red oak with some nasty tearout last night and found that
I had to break down and get out the belt sander. It was really a job for a
drum sander, but I don't have one and have neither the space nor budget for
one.

The old crapsman that keeps going, but it is completely unrefined and lacks
any form of dust collection (it was a freak'n mess).

That mess was enough to get me thinking about upgrading to something better.
I'm inclined to stick with the 3x21 size as I have a modest inventory of
belts and it seems like a good tradeoff for size/weight/price

These look like pretty good optons to me:

Bosch 1274DVS

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1274DVS-...4036901&sr=1-2

Makita 9903

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-9903-3-...4036901&sr=1-4


The Bosch is a little cheaper and lighter and a little less power. Two
things about it concern me, however: The low rear handle position does not
look the most ergonomic to me. I once had a Bosch D-Handle ROS that I gave
away because I just hated the ergonomics. My other concern is the
side-facing dust port. I think that might be a problem with a hose
connected.

Is is reasonable to expect dust collection to be 95% effective when mated
to a shop-vac?

Comments on these two models, or suggestions of what else I should be
looking at/for would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve








--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

StephenM wrote:
I was sanding some red oak with some nasty tearout last night and found that
I had to break down and get out the belt sander. It was really a job for a
drum sander, but I don't have one and have neither the space nor budget for
one.

The old crapsman that keeps going, but it is completely unrefined and lacks
any form of dust collection (it was a freak'n mess).

That mess was enough to get me thinking about upgrading to something better.
I'm inclined to stick with the 3x21 size as I have a modest inventory of
belts and it seems like a good tradeoff for size/weight/price

These look like pretty good optons to me:

Bosch 1274DVS

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1274DVS-...4036901&sr=1-2

Makita 9903

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-9903-3-...4036901&sr=1-4


The Bosch is a little cheaper and lighter and a little less power. Two
things about it concern me, however: The low rear handle position does not
look the most ergonomic to me. I once had a Bosch D-Handle ROS that I gave
away because I just hated the ergonomics. My other concern is the
side-facing dust port. I think that might be a problem with a hose
connected.

Is is reasonable to expect dust collection to be 95% effective when mated
to a shop-vac?

Comments on these two models, or suggestions of what else I should be
looking at/for would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

I have the PC 3 x 21. It is like sanding with a tank, especially walls
or doors. I like it.

http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-3...045199&sr=1-15

--
Gerald Ross
Cochran, GA

How's your wife and my kids?

On Tue, 26 Feb 2008 09:59:51 -0500, "StephenM"
wrote:

Just a general observation, Steve...
I don't see how dust collection can be effective with a belt sander....

Certainly not for a bench mounted one, (mine was banished to the carport), and
none of the hand held belt sanders that I've used seem designed for collection..
Seems that the dust is thrown out the ends of the belt, so maybe a shroud like
the air dams of race cars might work?

I was sanding some red oak with some nasty tearout last night and found that
I had to break down and get out the belt sander. It was really a job for a
drum sander, but I don't have one and have neither the space nor budget for
one.

The old crapsman that keeps going, but it is completely unrefined and lacks
any form of dust collection (it was a freak'n mess).

That mess was enough to get me thinking about upgrading to something better.
I'm inclined to stick with the 3x21 size as I have a modest inventory of
belts and it seems like a good tradeoff for size/weight/price

These look like pretty good optons to me:

Bosch 1274DVS

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1274DVS-...4036901&sr=1-2

Makita 9903

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-9903-3-...4036901&sr=1-4


The Bosch is a little cheaper and lighter and a little less power. Two
things about it concern me, however: The low rear handle position does not
look the most ergonomic to me. I once had a Bosch D-Handle ROS that I gave
away because I just hated the ergonomics. My other concern is the
side-facing dust port. I think that might be a problem with a hose
connected.

Is is reasonable to expect dust collection to be 95% effective when mated
to a shop-vac?

Comments on these two models, or suggestions of what else I should be
looking at/for would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve







mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

StephenM wrote:
....

Comments on these two models, or suggestions of what else I should be
looking at/for would be appreciated.


Within the last few months at the outside there was a previous
discussion on the subject to which I responded at fair length about some
of my considerations on the subject. ISTR there being some other
discussion engendered in that thread. A google groups search would
probably uncover it relatively easily.

I don't know either of those two models specifically -- I have a Makita
that replaced the old B&D that is reasonably satisfactory to my
particular whims but to me mind there's nothing on the current market
that is as good ergonomically as the old B&D w/ the between-roller motor
drive that gave excellent balance...

--

I also have a 3X21 PC and it works great plus the dust collection port ain't
all that bad. At least I can see across the shop when I'm done.

On Feb 26, 9:59*am, "StephenM" wrote:


Comments on these two models, or suggestions of what else I should be
looking at/for would be appreciated.


We use the 3 x 24 Makita extensively. I have 'done' a lot of belt
sanders over the years.
I bought the first Makita some years back because I was sick and tired
of replacing motor bearings on the Porter Cables. I bought the Makita
as a 'cheap/disposable' alternative. Turns out, the things are
seemingly indestructible. All I have had to replace has been the
graphite skidpads.
Great sander, can't speak for the 3 x 21. That extra 1.5" on the 3x24
does help keeps things flat(ter).

r

On Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:07:29 GMT, "Lee" wrote:


I also have a 3X21 PC and it works great plus the dust collection port ain't
all that bad. At least I can see across the shop when I'm done.



I have a (cheap) Ryobi 3x21". Surprisingly, this tool has been used
over 16 years and still runs great. I like the fact it has a flat top
so I can lay it upsidedown on the bench to sand small parts. Has
variable speed, easy belt change, long cord, easy to handle, dust bag.

Is is reasonable to expect dust collection to be 95% effective when mated
to a shop-vac?

Comments on these two models, or suggestions of what else I should be
looking at/for would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

I bought a Ryobi belt sander from the BORG which had a defective motor
from the get go. Returned it and bought the Bosch which ran for two
days
until the switch went bad. Bought the PC 3x21 and after fiddling got
my PC
6" ROS hose hooked up to it & the Fein Vac which leaves little dust in
the shop.
My old $30 Craftsman lasted for 35 years before cracking up.

"Robatoy" wrote in message
...
On Feb 26, 9:59 am, "StephenM" wrote:


Comments on these two models, or suggestions of what else I should be
looking at/for would be appreciated.


We use the 3 x 24 Makita extensively. I have 'done' a lot of belt
sanders over the years.
I bought the first Makita some years back because I was sick and tired
of replacing motor bearings on the Porter Cables. I bought the Makita
as a 'cheap/disposable' alternative. Turns out, the things are
seemingly indestructible. All I have had to replace has been the
graphite skidpads.
Great sander, can't speak for the 3 x 21. That extra 1.5" on the 3x24
does help keeps things flat(ter).

r

I'll second what Robatoy says, the 3x24 Makita can't be beat. I too have
found it indestructible. I'll bet that the 3x21 you're looking at will
serve you
well.

Jeff

I love this group!

Hmmm need a new belt sander. Wonder which one I should get. Oh well,
I'll just read some rec first and decide later.

First message... belt sanders.

Thx, Makita 3 x24 it is.

On Feb 26, 6:42*pm, "Jeff Heyen" wrote:
"Robatoy" wrote in message

...
On Feb 26, 9:59 am, "StephenM" wrote:



Comments on these two models, or suggestions of what else I should be
looking at/for would be appreciated.

We use the 3 x 24 Makita extensively. I have 'done' a lot of belt
sanders over the years.
I bought the first Makita some years back because I was sick and tired
of replacing motor bearings on the Porter Cables. I bought the Makita
as a 'cheap/disposable' alternative. Turns out, the things are
seemingly indestructible. All I have had to replace has been the
graphite skidpads.
Great sander, can't speak for the 3 x 21. That extra 1.5" on the 3x24
does help keeps things flat(ter).

r

I'll second what Robatoy says, the 3x24 Makita can't be beat. *I too have
found it indestructible. *I'll bet that the 3x21 you're looking at will
serve you
well.

Jeff

I had a 4x24 Craftsman for about 25 years and when the bearings packed it in
I bought the Porter Cable 4x24 'cuz I had quite a collection of sanding belts.
It's quite heavy, which is good when leveling plywood seams of a floor or
flattening a large surface, like a bench top, but makes it a monster for edge
sanding, such as scribing a counter top to an uneven wall.

http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-3..._img_8_rsrssi0


For more portability I bought a 3x21 Ryobi "in-line" sander and it's great
for scribing and general use in a non-flat position. It's very similar to the
Bosch sander you referred to. Being a Bosch fan I doubt that the Ryobi is
built as well as the Bosch but I found many great reviews for the Ryobi
before I bought it and it was less expensive than the Bosch. The "side
saddle" drive mechanism of the PC, Makita, Dewalt and others of this ilk
prevent sanding up to a wall with both sides of the machine... and sometimes
it's impractical to turn it around. The "in-line" style of sanders works well
in that application. But the 'in-lines" tend to be lighter and less powerful.
The Ryobi has performed very well so far and I'd recommend it (or the Porter
Cables, too).

http://www.amazon.com/Ryobi-Variable...4092526&sr=1-2


After acquiring a collection of 3x21 belts, I had the chance to score the
3x21 Porter Cable (baby brother to the 4x24) for a ridiculously low price, so
I grabbed it. It performs every bit as well as the bigger one but, as I said,
it's a bit heavier than the "in-line" design.

http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-3...045199&sr=1-15


I've never been concerned with dust collection 'cuz I seldom use a belt
sander in a pristine environment. I'd say that the dust bags on the PC models
and the Ryobi are about 50% efficient and I think a shop vac would kick that
up to 95%.

In my humble opinion, variable speed is a must on this type of tool.

Hope this helps...

Cheers

--
Message posted via CraftKB.com
http://www.craftkb.com/Uwe/Forums.as...rking/200802/1

No one mentioned one of those newer ones with the small roller in
front.

Curious, anyone use one of those?

On Feb 27, 1:07*am, "SonomaProducts.com" wrote:
I love this group!

Hmmm need a new belt sander. Wonder which one I should get. Oh well,
I'll just read some rec first and decide later.

First message... belt sanders.

Thx, Makita 3 x24 it is.

Grab an extra graphite pad if you can. They do wear, but that is the
whole point. I only pay $5.00 for them from a Makita depot.

On Feb 27, 9:52*am, Hoosierpopi wrote:
No one mentioned one of those newer *ones with the small roller in
front.

Curious, anyone use one of those?

Yup, returned it the same day...once a DeWalt once the B&D, both
sucked...IMHO.

On Feb 27, 1:07*am, "SonomaProducts.com" wrote:
I love this group!

Hmmm need a new belt sander. Wonder which one I should get. Oh well,
I'll just read some rec first and decide later.

First message... belt sanders.

Thx, Makita 3 x24 it is.

The 9920 is VERY different from the 9924DB.
My comments are based on extensive use of the 9924DB.

The 9920 has auto-tracking and I just don't have a lot of faith in
that feature.

Robatoy wrote:
On Feb 27, 1:07 am, "SonomaProducts.com" wrote:
I love this group!

Hmmm need a new belt sander. Wonder which one I should get. Oh well,
I'll just read some rec first and decide later.

First message... belt sanders.

Thx, Makita 3 x24 it is.

The 9920 is VERY different from the 9924DB.
My comments are based on extensive use of the 9924DB.

The 9920 has auto-tracking and I just don't have a lot of faith in
that feature.

I don't recall the model I have -- what I don't like (but I was unable
to find any at the time that didn't suffer the same problem) is that the
3x24 is actually a 4x24 body w/ cut down rollers. Hence balance isn't
what it should be and the flush-sanding on the side comes at the price
of offsetting the roller/paper in the body.

Other reviews mentioned this; I was unable to find this out before
purchasing the Makita. Functionally otherwise it's solid although the
power cord for some reason is _always_ in the way more than on any other
tool I've ever owned. It is long, which is a nice feature, but it is
"floppy" and the angle at which it leaves the handle seems to make it
always want to lay just where you're ready to run it over...

--

I much prefer this model if you are looking at Bosch and 3x21:
http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=1274DVS
It is easy to turn upside down and use as a stationary tool - I
built a spot on the end of the router table. This little one
seems much more finger friendly than my 6x48 for some stuff.
--
______________________________
Keep the whole world singing . . . .
DanG (remove the sevens)




"StephenM" wrote in message
.. .
I was sanding some red oak with some nasty tearout last night and
found that I had to break down and get out the belt sander. It
was really a job for a drum sander, but I don't have one and have
neither the space nor budget for one.

The old crapsman that keeps going, but it is completely
unrefined and lacks any form of dust collection (it was a
freak'n mess).

That mess was enough to get me thinking about upgrading to
something better. I'm inclined to stick with the 3x21 size as I
have a modest inventory of belts and it seems like a good
tradeoff for size/weight/price

These look like pretty good optons to me:

Bosch 1274DVS

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1274DVS-...4036901&sr=1-2

Makita 9903

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-9903-3-...4036901&sr=1-4


The Bosch is a little cheaper and lighter and a little less
power. Two things about it concern me, however: The low rear
handle position does not look the most ergonomic to me. I once
had a Bosch D-Handle ROS that I gave away because I just hated
the ergonomics. My other concern is the side-facing dust port. I
think that might be a problem with a hose connected.

Is is reasonable to expect dust collection to be 95% effective
when mated to a shop-vac?

Comments on these two models, or suggestions of what else I
should be looking at/for would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve








--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Thanks all for your input.

I decided to go with the Makita 9320 ( 3x24, autotracking). $185 w/ free
shipping from Tools for Less.

I eliminated the Bosch inline unit as most people seem to categorize it as
"finesse" belt sander. Agile, good for non-horizontal applications, but
light on power.

The Makita 9902/03/20 are all almost the same unit; the same motor and
design, the 02 leaves out variable speed, the 20 is the next size up belt
size (3x24). Consequently, I considered all on-line reviews of this family
of Makita sanders. The reviews were *universally* positive, not a lemon or a
so-so in the bunch. According to those accounts the autotracking seems to
work as advertized.

The weight and price differences from the 03 to the 20 were minimal, so I
decided to to for the slightly larger unit.

It should arive on Monday I'll post a review.

-Steve




--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com