I have been shopping around, on the Web, for an edge sander. Am in Hawaii, so choices are limited on island, so shipping is a big factor. started with the 6×89 inch variety, looking at Jet, and the Powermatic model 13. Tending toward the 13, which looks from the pictures, very much like the Jet, but I know it was built before Jet bought Powermatic and the model 13 was discontinued. I assume it is better, therefore, than the Powermatic (though also made in Taiwan), since PM is usually more robust, and since it weighs 240 vs. the Jet’s 210 lbs.

I also ran into the Seco brand 3000 SD but pretty much ruled it out because of the small table, and it seems you can’t run a long board past the dust guard without modification–though it does have ocillation and an added spindle sanding setup above the motor spindle.

Then there is the Vega, which looks lovely but is beyond my price range and a bit large for our shop (6-x130 belt).

Primarily I’m wondering if there are any new features on the Jet that would make it superior to the older Powermatic. Found a model 13 at Circle Saw in Houston at a fair price and the shipping is not bad. Or if there are other possibilities or insights that might help us make the best purchase.