Replies

1. 
   RickL | Apr 18, 2004 02:37pm | #1

   Not everything is on the web but searching google can take a bit of rewording searches. Not sure of the Canadian dollar compared to US dollar but I've seen stroke sanders priced around that. Pic is one I picked up for $500. The guy I got it from got it for free but he had no takers on it as it was dis-assembled and in a pile. Since I knew the machine very well I was glad to pay $500 for it. It's a Mattison and the pedestals can be set up any distance apart so it's more flexible than most. Stroke sanders are sort of misunderstood as being outdated but certainly have a place and usually available for pretty cheap. They take up a lot of space and can do some things wide belts can't. In most of the shops I've worked in we always had both. You can even find them in metal and casting shops. There's also special tricks on setting up handblocks and graphite sources. Not familiar with the Doucet brand exactly but have worked on many types such as handblock, fulcrum pad, pneumatic pad and double belted auto feed through. Great machines and the learning curve isn't too bad.

   OK...did some more checking. The unit is actually made by Progress not Doucet. http://www.realbrightinc.com/DoucetFolder/PMC2026.html

   It has the fulcrum type pad so that adds value. Did find a used one listed at $4,000 but it was at a brokered site so value is dubious. You might check in at http://www.exfactory.com for some comparisons. Again they are brokers so they just tack on a percentage. They don't even see the machines in person but it's a useful site. I'd check with Doucet or these guys at Realbright on new prices. You should also look a http://www.woodworker.com, Grizzly and a few others for comparable machines. The Woodtech is around $2500 for a 32" x 98" machine.

   Best source for abrasives is http://www.industrialabrasives.com

   Theu will custom make belts in batches of 2 versus the 10 minumum most others require.

   Best graphite source is http://www.proengcorp.com/default.htm

   
   

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   Edited 4/18/2004 9:36 am ET by rick3ddd

   
1. 
   arkie | Apr 18, 2004 04:16pm | #2

   I have been searching for a source for graphite cloth for rub blocks. Would you please share your source.

   Thanks

1. 
   RickL | Apr 19, 2004 12:19am | #3

   I added to my first post so the source is listed for you.

2. 
   roscoe | Apr 19, 2004 05:03am | #4

   Thanks for taking the time to help me out. I was aware of Progress but was not aware that they were taken over by Doucet. I bought it sight unseen today for $1200.CDN. (Thats about $850 in  real dollars) I figured I couldn't go wrong. I would have preferred an 8ft bed but this is a good start. That is quite the sander that you have and gives you a lot of credibility, a real conversation piece. Have a good week.