Cheap Sanders: 2010

6/30/10

Porter-Cable 762801015 1/4 Sheet 100 Grit Adhesive-Backed Sanding Sheets - 15 Pack

Cheap Porter-Cable 762801015 1/4 Sheet 100 Grit Adhesive-Backed Sanding Sheets - 15 Pack Review

Metabo 623281000 7-Inch Backing Pad

Cheap Metabo 623281000 7-Inch Backing Pad Review

Safety Speed Cut 4375 WBS4375101 10HP Wide-belt Sander

Cheap Safety Speed Cut 4375 WBS4375101 10HP Wide-belt Sander Review

I have replaced my 22" open ended drum sander (with a grand total of 1.5 hp) with this Safety Speed Cut 4375 10 hp single phase sander. I couldn't be happier. The drum sander works, but is vastly underpowered, and unless the sanding passes are minimal the drum sander would bog down and burn paper. The non-oscillating drum sander left linear marks with even the finest grit rolls.

The 43" x 75" oscillating sanding belt on this 10 hp monster cures every weakness of the drum sander. The belt never overheats, and never leaves the linear marks (because it oscillates). 10 hp is plenty for my use, because I don't try to use it as a thickness planer. Mine is attached to a 50 amp service, and I seldom use even half the rated amperage of the motor (41 amps). The variable speed feed, which works by electronically varying the RPM of the DC servo motor that runs the conveyor, allows for real fine tuning of your work. The belt oscillation is controlled by a photoelectric sensor and electrically operated servo pneumatic valves. It is more accurate than the peumatic only belt oscillators found on many imported machines, and uses considerably less compressed air as well.

The conveyor table height adjustment works quite well, with no discernable backlash, but it would be nice to have the motor driven option. Hand cranking does get a bit old, but I can live with it. I've ordered the Accurate Technology digital readout from Safety Speed Cut to add to my machine, which I think will be handy when working with veneers. I keep a digital caliper near the machine, so I can measure the piece for thickness before setting the table. The digital read out for the machine will complement that nicely.

The platen adjustment allows for about 1/8" of travel, and each increment is about .007". You can really fine tune the sanding of veneered panels without worrying about sanding through, and the settings are precisely repeatable by just locking the platen in the same spot. The digital calipers and digital readout should make that very precise.

I've given this machine 5 stars because it meets all my needs, and at an affordable price. It is American made with an American made motor and electrical controls. Support this American company that makes their own machines, instead of importing the chinese ones. The frame is a heavy welded structure, unlike many of the imported machines which use lighter weight steel that is formed into box structures to achieve rigidity. It's like comparing the frame under your one ton pickup truck to the uni-body frame of a minivan. That welded up heavy frame allows for fantastic access to the sanding belt drive because of those huge doors. Look for those doors on the import. Don't strain yourself though, because they aren't there. Those panels all around the import machine are the frame. They don't open. I can clean my sanding belts with a common stick cleaner because I can access the full width of the belt with those doors open. On the imports, you have to pass a sheet of the belt cleaner under the belt on the conveyor. That just doesn't work very well. Of course, Safety Speed Cut doesn't want you to clean the belt with the outfeed door open because they don't want to be sued after some numbskull sticks a body part into the machine. Just use some common sense when doing it, please. I can also access the motor and table elevation mechanism easily by removing the bottom panels. If I ever need to work on it, that will be a real blessing. It beats climbing inside the box frame of the import to get anything done! I can't imagine ever trying to lift a 150# motor out of one of those imports, and with some of those chinese motors, you should plan on doing it someday.

Ace Universal Detail Sander Assorted Refill Sheets

Cheap Ace Universal Detail Sander Assorted Refill Sheets Review

80 grit x 4.5 in. Sanding Sleeve Assortment

Cheap 80 grit x 4.5 in. Sanding Sleeve Assortment Review

SHOP FOX W1773 15 HP 37-Inch Three Phase Drum Sander

Cheap SHOP FOX W1773 15 HP 37-Inch Three Phase Drum Sander Review

Mirka 8A-241-1000RP 2 pieces 6-Inch P1000 grit Abralon discs

Cheap Mirka 8A-241-1000RP 2 pieces 6-Inch P1000 grit Abralon discs Review

Florida Pneumatic FP-866A Super-duty Jitterbug Block Sander

Cheap Florida Pneumatic FP-866A Super-duty Jitterbug Block Sander Review

Cheap 7" Angle Sander 1.7hp Review

MIRKA GOLD 5" - 8 HOLE DUSTLESS HOOK AND LOOP 400 GRIT SANDPAPER

Cheap MIRKA GOLD 5" - 8 HOLE DUSTLESS HOOK AND LOOP 400 GRIT SANDPAPER Review

3M Ceramic Purple Sanding Bands 3/4"OD x 1 1/2"W 120 Grit (Pack of 10)

Cheap 3M Ceramic Purple Sanding Bands 3/4"OD x 1 1/2"W 120 Grit (Pack of 10) Review

Hutchins (HUT4950) VA Super Sander

Cheap Hutchins (HUT4950) VA Super Sander Review

Cheap 3M Aluminum Oxide Sanding Bands 1"OD x 1"W 220 Grit (Pack of 10) Review

Cheap Proxxon 28542 12-Volt Orbital Sander SL 12/E Review

Why mess with booze and drugs when we have Proxxon available?? This great little sander is a part of the 12 volt Micromot system, and is yet another item to cause both my dog and I to wet down the floor when the UPS man comes..... Now, remember when you buy these 12 volt candies that a transformer is required for them, and I suggest the beefier Proxxon unit. Next comes a handpiece, a drillpress which uses the handpiece,a vice for the press and another to hold the tool for hands-free use, and then, an assortment of these little gems..... The beauty of the 12 volt system, in this case, is that one can use wet/dry paper with water, and not fry oneself in the process. Also, as opposed to The Mouse or other small detail sanders with velcro-style paper holders, this baby can use any grade of paper--- I use a lot of 800 and 1200 grit for metal work. In action, it feels very good and fits the hand quite naturally. The speed control lends a lot of versatility,as well.
You will like this tool. The Proxxon system has become a fetish of mine, and I have yet to add any new item that wasn't wonderfully usable and interesting.