The economy has imploded, and I need a belt sander. So...

[AllenMcB]

The economy is upside down, my bride has issued the dictum that all spending, except for necessaries, shall stop, and the business barometer is bleak.

Sounds like a great time to finally go ahead and get a belt sander.

I've done some horse trading, and come up with a couple of hundred dollars in unencumbered cash.

Here's the question:

If you had one shot at obtaining a stationary belt sander specifically for knife work, and had two hundred somolians with which to make it happen, what approach would you take?

Approach 1: Buy the newest, shiniest thing on the shelf at Lowe's. (Immediate gratification, about $150)

Approach 2: Shop long and hard for a quality used one on the secondary market, which may or may not produce results. (Delayed gratification, price and availability unknown)

Approach 3: Get some plans and build one. (Economical, takes more time, don't have the requisite pile of used electrical motors and pulleys about)

Approach 4: Get the Chinese $45 unit from Harbor Freight. (Quick gratification, maybe not such good quality)

Approach 5: Some other method as identified by the AAPK readers. (Waiting with baited breath)

Suggestions/experiences heartily solicited. ??

[muskrat man]

for $200 you aren't going to get a nice 2x72" so go with a 1x42" delta or the like for about $100 and use the rest either for belts of different grits or a buffer

[AllenMcB]

for $200 you aren't going to get a nice 2x72" so go with a 1x42" delta or the like for about $100 and use the rest either for belts of different grits or a buffer

Found a Delta SA180 1 x 42 at Home Depot for $99. That may just be the ticket!

Thanks for the help.

[orvet]

I have a Delta from Lowe's. Paid about $99 three years ago.
It has held up well, I just am not confident enough to grind blades on it.

Dale

[AllenMcB]

I have a Delta from Lowe's. Paid about $99 three years ago.
It has held up well, I just am not confident enough to grind blades on it.
Dale

Bought a new Delta SA180 over the weekend. The local hardware store had one in stock, and it was $115 plus tax.

Got it assembled, set the belt tracking, and it runs like a charm. It turns wood into dust in no time flat. Now all I've got to do is put a finer belt on it and get some experience using it.

One interesting thing. The local hardware store only carries 80 grit 1 x 42 belts, and 80 grit 8" discs. The big box hardware store has a similar sander in stock, with the saem size belt and disc, but only carries 1 x 30 belts and 7" discs, nothing that will fit the house brand 1 x 42 and 8" disc sander.

[justacowboy]

I've bought a lot of belts from this ebayer , she's fast and friendly . If she doesn't have what you need ,contact her through "ask seller a question. She most likely will get them for you.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrp ... FSQ3aMESOI

[Ringmaster]

For cheap belts, I've ordered from Industrial Abrasives Co. They're AO, and they don't last like the name-brands, but they are cheap. If you're gonna do mostly handle work to start, they'll last real well. They have grits as high as 600 available.

https://commerce.riverweb.com:8003/index.html

Take Care,
JR