Hi, Which Benchtop Sander is better for general woodworking?
stagger3 asked:
I’m looking to get a bench sander, I see Sears has the belt and disc type, and I see some other brands (Home Depot) have a spindle type with different size spindles.
I’m looking to get a bench sander, I see Sears has the belt and disc type, and I see some other brands (Home Depot) have a spindle type with different size spindles.
Which do you think is better for general woodworking?
Question posted courtesy of: Lillie
You Ask, We Answer
November 25th, 2007 at 7:32 am
My husband says ideally you would want both the belt/disc and the spindle, but if you have to choose he would go with the belt/disc. But if you are doing a lot of curved projects, you would benefit from the spindle type.
November 25th, 2007 at 8:19 am
I like the random orbit 5″ dewalt. I am a carpenter with30 years experience.
November 25th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
I have a Marketa 5″ orbital sander. It cost approx $300. I’ve been using it for 3 years and I find it to be an excellent sander. I am a carpenter shop owner for 20 years and my sanders get lots of use.
Sears bench sander is practically useless. It doesn’t have enough power. Tool manufactures contract to make tools for sears, this results in an inconsistent quality. If you’re lucky, you may strike a good Craftsman tool. (It depends on the company that manufactured it).
My advice to you is: Buy a professional brand name tool. It many appear to be expensive, but it will pay off in the end.
Good Luck!
November 27th, 2007 at 3:14 am
Id choose a combination belt/disc sander. Get as big as you can afford, it might cost you a little more now, but it will save you later on down the line when you will wish you had bigger. Shop Fox has a couple great combination sanders, and I would suggest getting one with a disc size no smaller then 9 inches, and a belt no narrower then 4 inch. If you are on a tight budget, or dont ever forsee yourself needing a bigger sander, the Ridgid oscillating spindle/belt sander is a great tool for the money. What it amounts to mainly is your budget, how much work you plan to put to it, and what exactly types of projects you want to sand.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:20 am
I made my own. I needed a small one for ease in working on small objects, another one for larger objects. I used a fan motor on the small one. The larger one was a sump pump motor. I would like a belt and disc sander now but, it looks like I’ll have to buy that one.
Sears has a good reliable one. I want a six inch disc with a two inch belt.
November 30th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
i have a 6 in. belt and 9 in. disk combo…i also have a 1 in. belt and 5 in. disk for small pieces…any curved surfaces i sand with a sanding drum in my drill press…this will work till i get my oscilating spindle sander…so he will need both eventually…at least thats what i tell my wife…