Replies

1. 
   ToolDoc | Dec 31, 2002 05:51am | #1

   Buy the Porter-Cable 3x21 Belt sander there built like a tank...

2. 
   Jimma | Dec 31, 2002 06:41am | #2

   Depends. What do you want it for? A 3X21 is much lighter than a 4X24 and there are more options for the smaller one (plus cheaper belts), but it won't hog off as much material. I have a DeWalt 3X21 with an optional frame that fits on the base to keep you from digging into the work, but I also have an old Craftsman 4-inch that can make short work of rough work. Personally, I wouldn't buy a Ryobi anything, nor would I buy any of the current Craftsman power tools. As has been said so many times here, buy the best tool you can and plan to have it forever. You'll forget how much it costs soon enough.

3. 
   RANGERP75R | Dec 31, 2002 09:21am | #3

   MACH

      I have the Ryobi 3 x 21. Had it for two years and run the he-l out of it making work-benches for folks. Excellent feel and very easy to handle. You can easily use it upside down and get close on edges without tipping.

      What do you do most. I also have a 4 x 21 Bosch which will take stock much quicker. It also has a great feel and has proven itself. I have a PC 4 x21 also. It's heavy and beefy and delivers the most aggression with more amp than any. Will run forever.

      If this is your first belt sander, I would probaly get the 3 x 21 for all around, then a 4 x 21 latter. I classify the Ryobi a destroyer, the Bosch 4" a heavy cruiser and the PC a true battle-ship. Depends on your needs, as each of these has it's own characteristics and distinctive uses.

   Luck...

   sarge..jt

4. 
   RANGERP75R | Dec 31, 2002 09:34am | #4

   MACH

      Correction.. 4 x 24 on the Bosch and PC. Also I might add that I have used the Bosch 3 x 21. It has a great fell also. If you use every day for commercial, I would probaly opt for the Bosch or PC. If you need and excellent tool for occassional use, the Ryobi is fine.

      I will add that Ryobi has changed some things recently. I have their old DP 100 bench-top drill press. Excellent.. The new DP 100 has a 3.6 amp motor. The old a 5.6. The machining is not as crisp as the old type. Suspect they have gone to China on this one.

      If I'm by HD, I will compare the current 3 x 21 Ryobi with the old style and get that info to you. Do my best is time is not always on my side. ha....

   sarge..jt

1. 
   hmthomas | Dec 31, 2002 04:40pm | #5

   Here's my 2 cents worth. I own the PC 4x24. Its a workhorse, can plane a log into a board with the 36 grit belts and then work jewelry boxes with the 220 belts.  Plenty of power (hold on tight) and the variable speed is great!

   Now here's he downside, I've had it in the shop twice for repairs and its VERY EXPENSIVE. I've paid more for repairs than it costs new. I love the machine but that void in my wallet leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I have several PC tools and really like them but every time I take out the belt sander I get that bad taste again. It's a nice machine, maybe I got a lemon but considering the reputation and price I feel like I should have gotten more value for my $$$.

   Good luck, Hugh

1. 
   Elcoholic | Dec 31, 2002 11:36pm | #6

   I have the 4 x 24 Bosch VS and the sanding frame - I wouldn't want to use it upside down or on vertical surfaces very long at all.  I use it for flattening large horizontal surfaces.  Works well for taking tools marks off ganged parts too.  I wouldn't go near a jewelry box with it though.  Tracks like a F1 Ferrari - I hate to have to fiddle with poor tracking belt sanders like the 3x21 Crapsman it replaced.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   cheakamus | Jan 01, 2003 06:24am | #7

   I've had the Ryobi 3 X 21 for 4 or 5 years, with never a moment's trouble. It's useful (and not too heavy) for stripping paint from window sills and casings, among other things--you can get quite close in to the corners. I also bought the sanding platform for surfacing tabletops, but found I still get bumps and hollows if I'm not careful. The best thing about it, and what made me decide to get it, is its shape. You can turn it upside down on a bench and sharpen chisels, plane irons, etc., or you can clamp it in a vise and sand freehand, like a stationary machine.

5. 
   jc21 | Jan 01, 2003 07:06am | #8

   Porter Cable 352VS (3x21)........ plenty of power, smooth, built like a tank as someone mentioned previously. Drawbacks- too heavy to use overhead for any length of time.

   
   

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   Edited 12/31/2002 11:07:23 PM ET by jc

1. 
   Mach70 | Jan 01, 2003 07:29am | #10

   Thanks to all who have contributed. I'm not looking for a 'workhorse'. I'm looking for a light, low profile sander mostly for evening up face frames & counter tops. 'Tanks' are too clumsy and tiring for balancing like that.

   I'd still like to hear from someone who has lived with both...

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jan 01, 2003 11:13pm | #11

   Gee if your not looking for a quality belt sander then you should shop for one at Sears/Craftsman,WalMart or K-Mart a cheap B/D or Skil or Craftsman will do you fine.....

1. 
   Mach70 | Jan 02, 2003 06:53am | #12

   Let's try to be helpful, OK?

1. 
   artacoma | Jan 03, 2003 02:22am | #13

   Just had to pipe up for the Makita 3 x 21 it's pretty light and the nose is somewhat clear for getting into corners or for doing curved work. Mine is about 10 yrs old and still works like a charm. Easy tracking control also. The current makitas seem to be the same design. cheers rik

2. 
   Splintie | Jan 03, 2003 06:40am | #14

   If i might suggest something entirely different...

   It takes some skill to make the belt sander perform well on the level, let alone held at any angle. If you are just evening out face frames and similar light duty, i would suggest a random orbit sander which can quickly remove a lot of material with the heavier grits, but doesn't have the digging tendencies of a badly-balanced belt sander. It's easier to control if held vertically (i use a two-handled one), you can get closer to a wall or countertop with it, and you won't have the cross-sanding scratches of a belt sander where pieces intersect to have to sand out later. I think the 3" sanders are harder to keep flat to the work than my 4" ones, for that matter.

   Edited 1/2/2003 10:42:52 PM ET by SPLINTIE

1. 
   Mach70 | Jan 03, 2003 07:45am | #16

   No one tool can do it all, of course. I wanted to add a light & balanced belt sander for this type of work because I have seen it done that way in the past. I had tried previously to use my PC 5" right-angle orbital but found it hard to control & more likely to gouge than even my clumsy old belt sander. I have a Dewalt palm grip orbital that I should try. Mentally I've always considered it only for finishing use but have to admit I've never tried anything heavier than 180 on it. Maybe I should go all the way to a nice Bosch 4 X 24 with frame & let what I already own handle the light stuff...

   Thanks to all for the input :-)

1. 
   jc21 | Jan 03, 2003 09:31pm | #17

   I've used both the Bosch 1274 and the Porter Cable 352VS and in the shop, I much prefer the PC. I think the additional weight of the PC (10.75lbs vrs 7.1lbs of the Bosch) makes it easier to use. If you work outside, the PC becomes a bear to use; the extra weight and the bag setup become a real disadvantage up on a ladder.

   This test from Fine Homebuilding will give you some more info. Hope it helps.

   http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/pages/h00050.asp

   Edited 1/3/2003 1:49:08 PM ET by jc

6. 
   Telemike | Jan 01, 2003 07:20am | #9

   I have a craftsman 3x21 from 1975 ($150 at sears).  It's sanded parking lots of oak and maple (back east) and walnut and fir (here in tomatoland).  Plus odd assorted paint, trim, boats, etc. 

   A new platten twice, the cork cushion three times, brushes twice, bearings once, and the body is epoxied back together where I dropped it onto concrete about 22 years ago.  It needs attention again, but I don't use it as much anymore.  I have a drum sander and a 5" ROS that competes for the cordless drill as the tool of the century (last).  What does this say about modern craftsman?  That's a question, I don't know the answer.

   I'd agree with folks that recommend a 3x21  or a 3 x24 instead of a 4x2?.  I had one of those for a while, a bosch, and it was big and clutzy.

   Use a dust mask even if it comes with a bag.  I just got my second sinus roto rooter and if this one doesn't work I'm in deep sawdust (etc).  Wood dust is BAD for the upper respiratory system!

   
   

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   Edited 1/1/2003 1:02:29 AM ET by TELEMIKE

1. 
   booch | Jan 04, 2003 09:14am | #19

   Hey tele,

   That roto job ...

   Have you considered alergy medications? I've had the same issue for decades but a shot of flonase in each nostril at night keeps everything open, Plus the allegra tends to help. I used to have colds all the time. Haven't had one in 3-5 years now. I know this is the solution.

   Consider getting an alergy test. If one little pill or a shot of something up your nose can cure it, I feel that would be much safer than having the Egyptians digging in your sinus getting ready to pull out your brain. (Been there with a 9" tube of SS up my beak)

   Hope it works for you like it did for me.

1. 
   mitch | Jan 04, 2003 08:06pm | #20

   i've been looking for a replacement for my ancient, poorly balanced, obnoxiously loud craftsman for awhile now and (when i get around to it) i'm going for the bosch 1274dvs.  it's powerful enough for my occasional needs and you can get a levelling frame for large surfaces, and a bracket and fence for using it as a small stationary sander.  the accessories aren't cheap but i could really use those options sometimes.

   my $.02

   m

2. 
   Ecbntmkr | Jan 04, 2003 11:14pm | #21

   Ahhhh! one of those threads that get everyone going. Mach, I haven't used either of the Ryobi or the Bosch, however I will still offer my opinon. I own a PC 4x24 (I love it) at work I use the Makita's 4x24 which also work very well. My input on the discussion.

   1. I wouldn't own a Ryobi if it was given to me. I worked for 3 years for an industrial tool supplier selling all the major brands. Ryobi made up probably half of all service repairs that we did.

   2. Look for where the cord is placed on whatever sander you do buy. The new Makita's place it up on the top which seems to be a terrible place to put it. It is always in the way. The new one at the shop has had the cord sucked into the belt twice now. Partially operator error (not me) partially bad design. However eating the cord is better than a finger.

   Thanks Eric

3. 
   Telemike | Jan 05, 2003 10:58am | #22

   I use flovent everyday plus one or two saline rinses with a bulb syringe.

   I also take asthma medicines because the sinus infection really became evident when it sent me to the ER with acute asthma.  Folks should really pay attention to the dust issues because the health cost can be surprisingly high.  See the thread a few weeks ago about wood dust joining a handful of other baddies as a "known human carcinogen".

   Update:  The roto rooter is done, the drill hole in my eye socket has healed, I'm having some asthma issues with the cold weather (50 degrees and foggy, central CA cold) and and the anesthesia.

   On the positive:  The dust collection and air compressor are now in a closet outside outside the garage.  I got an extra benefit from all the work:  The siding I removed covered old diagonal sheathing with some rot and lots of concrete (it was used to form up the foundation before it became sheathing.  It was ugly so I dry walled the wall between the garage and the closet.  The sound level from the DC an the air comp is dramatically reduced!  Worth the work in itself!

   Replacing the old ADS (ribbed) drain pipe with Coextruded 4" with sweeps instead of 90 degree bends has greatly increased air flow and effectiveness.

   Now, to finally get a new table saw...

1. 
   booch | Jan 05, 2003 09:53pm | #23

   The flonase is the (flovent) spray up the nose stuff. Everyone is different in their alergic reaction but that stuff really dialates the sinus cavity. Spooky good.

   I suppose you already did a patch test for the 60 odd alergic things they put on your skin. Take the list to heart. In avoiding the alergins you'll probably find the best results.

   Someday I'll go the route of the dust collection system. Til then box fans blowing out the windows seems to work. 200 for the system doesn't come easy.

7. 
   OLDWING | Jan 03, 2003 07:30am | #15

   I've had a Makita 3 X 24 for many years, and I wish it would break.  I'd get the Bosch.  The Makita's motor is not centered over the belt and consequently it has a tendency to gouge on the left side. 

   Bruce

8. 
   booch | Jan 04, 2003 09:05am | #18

   Well,

   These aren't for facial surgery. The belt sander is limited to 120 grit in my house. After that I go to the ROS. Belt sanders are pretty tough in the work they do and there is merit in a high quality device... But what is quality? A big price or is it function.

   I've got 2 - 3x21's I got the second from my dad when he passed on.

   These are Craftsman plastic housing traditional products. I've used mine since 1978 I "bought" it by trading an alpine tape player and speakers to a woman who worked at sears part time. It was 35 bucks new at the time.

   It still works, and will until I die. Another buddy knocked it off the bench and broke a chunk of plastic from the shroud over the front roller.

   Since I got my fathers I can't imagine looking for another.

   I'm thinking you are just wasting your money buying more. Stick with Sears on this unless the other option:

    1. It is quieter  (you need some tangible facts here) don't believe anyone's prattle. All are noisy and a days running is tough on the ears.

   2. It has some really functional (not cumbersome ) dust collection system. The dust a belt sander makes is great and troublesome.

   Save your money for edge tools.

   Oh yes, your next step could be a random orbital sander for finish work with the self vacuuming holes. I own a ryobi 5-1/2 incher and cannot believe how well it works. It is a weak sister, but it works so much better than any vibrating sheet sander I've ever owned (5 so far). Some day I'll buy a bigger version but all that wears out now is the hook sheet on the bottom of the sanding pad.

   Edit a last thought... The only thing I did do to my 3x21 craftsman, was to soup it up by replacing the platen with a carbon slip sheet. You'll find them in tool catalogs. It beats the snot out of the cork. It runs cooler and it keeps the pad flatter cause it doesn't wear out. Oh yes and I replaced the cord with a 35 foot piece of SO. I used it to sand some installed Timber strand beams and got irked my third trip down the ladder to replug.

   
   

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   Edited 1/4/2003 1:25:48 AM ET by Booch