Hi All,
I need a belt sander NOW!
I’ve narrowed my search to 2 that are available so pleaase don’t mention Makita or Bosch as they just aren’t available here on Sundays.
I see the Tool Guide gives the DeWalt DW433K best overall ranking and it feels like a nice machine. I’ve used Porter-Cable 352VS in the past and been neither impressed or disapointed, they worked fine. Seems to be the same design from 30 years ago.
Thanks for input,
W
EDIT
I just spent a while comparing the 2 visually. The DW is a much better built machine. Metal gears vs. plastic. Machined platin, vs stamped. The coating of the DW is a coating that’s throughout the machine not paint. I was at Lowes and they had a pair of “used looking” demo PCs and DWs and the the PC looked raggged compared. Could be used more, I don’t know. Still no solid feedback on the performance of either but the ToolGuide gives the DW highest marks in tests. How about 5 years from now???
W
Edited 10/23/2004 11:54 pm ET by whatrix
Replies
PC invented the beltsander, (not Greencu,lol) and they are the industry standard in almost all shops. I have my first one from 20+ yrs ago, I replaced the platen a few times, a few assorted bearings, and the front wheel after a 30' drop from scaffolding.
I bought another one 2? yrs. ago, when i felt the old one might just up an die totally in the middle of a BIG job I was doing, the helper used it neck and neck with with me...and niether of them is better than the other, except the new one is variable speed which I have found to be a handy thing.
Bottom line...get the PC.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
Ya know...
Those were thoughts exactly. But reconsidering...I really was suprised to see so much plastic running gears. And the DeWalt has very nicely machined parts, feels quite solid. But it's a DeWalt and I've not had the best of luck with their service and PC has sent me parts and manuals for tools I bought used! 2nd day FedEX!
I'm torn on this one but may give DeWalt one more chance.
Thanks,
W
I've had the 3 X 21 PC for better than 20 years -- so I can tell you it is durable and reliable.
That's the one I would go with, since we're hearing a lot of feedback about Dewalt's declining quality. Will probably be the same story with PC once B&D send their cost cutting engineers to the PC production line.
Thanks All,
But...I went with the DeWalt. It's just a better built machine that works better. I'll let ya know about longevity.
This sander is pretty incredible. It's so well balanced I was abble to sand with it held out at arms length vertically and easily control it. Chews it up too!
Nice tool. Try one.
W