Description
This article is from the Woodworking FAQ
Collection 5, by multiple authors.
34 Re: Opinions Sought....
From: brett@cayman.AMD.COM (Brett Stewart)
Date: Mon, 21 Jan 91 14:31:51 CST
> By now you've probably received your BE321. Any
> thoughts so far?
Well, I did use it briefly this weekend. All in all I liked it.
The belt tracking mechanism is a dream to use - it seemed difficult
to get the belt NOT to track. It is light, and well balanced. The
speed control knob for the six speeds could use a little more
positive-detent feel for the various settings, and is difficult to
change while the belt is running - perhaps an advantage since that
might be unsafe.
Really, though, I didn't use it as much as I planned, since the
sanding frame was back-ordered and I want to use it with the frame
on a piece I've already built. I will leave your message in my
reader, and give you an update when the frame arrives.
--
Brett Stewart
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. +1 512 462 5051 FAX
5900 E. Ben White Blvd MS561 +1 512 462 4336 Telephone
Austin, Texas 78741 USA brett@cayman.amd.com
Date: Tue, 22 Jan 91 10:37:54 mst
Well, Fine Woodworking had a review article on sanders in the last
year or so, the issue with a bunch of shaper bits on the cover. It
sounds like you are talking about the Ryobi BE321. I liked the feel
of it, and integrating a lot of different advice, including the
feeling I got from the FWW writer that he liked the Ryobi more than
he let on, I just bought one. $128 from Tools on Sale. I had
looked at the AEG and Bosch with sanding frames, but as you point
out, there is a big price difference.
I expect to get mine in a day or so - I'll let you know how it works
out if you can wait. Until then, all I can say is after a quite
extensive analysis, I picked the Ryobi.
Brett Stewart
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. +1 512 462 5051 FAX
5900 E. Ben White Blvd MS561 +1 512 462 4336 Telephone
Austin, Texas 78741 USA brett@cayman.amd.com
From jbuffum@apollo.HP.COM Wed Jan 9 12:31:00 1991
I have a Byobi BE321 belt sander with sanding frame. I find that I use the
variable speeds very often. I also use it as a bench sander by simply
flipping it over on my bench. As to durability, I used it to sand a yellow
pine floor 14 hours a day for 2 days and it runs as well now as it did new.
I question whether either the AEG or the Bosch would give me better service.
Also, I think both the Bosch and the AEG need a jig (which costs extra) to
operate as a bench sander.
Jeff Buffum
+---------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Jeffrey Buffum Phone: (508) 256-6600x4424 |
| Apollo Systems Div - HP Internet: jbuffum@apollo.hp.com |
| Chelmsford, MA UUCP: ...mit-eddie!apollo!jbuffum |
From brett@cayman.AMD.COM Mon Jan 28 08:35 MST 1991
> By now you've probably received your BE321. Any
> thoughts so far?
I got the frame, and I love it. I was drawing pencil marks on hard
maple, then sanding about 1/4 the mark off per pass. No gouges, no
trouble managing the sander, well balanced. I dont hesitate to
recommend this for home-craftsman duty quality work.
--
Brett Stewart
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. +1 512 462 5051 FAX
5900 E. Ben White Blvd MS561 +1 512 462 4336 Telephone
Austin, Texas 78741 USA brett@cayman.amd.com
**************** AEG *******************************************
From: wrp@biochsn.acc.Virginia.EDU (William R. Pearson)
I have the AEG 3 X 21, variable speed, about $150 discounted,
and I love it. I cannot say enough good things about it, although I
do not have much experience with other sanders. My father has Craftsman
belt sanders, and keeps telling me that I will not be able to do things
that turn out to be easy with the AEG.
It has a sanding frame available for about $75.00.
Bill Pearson
From: bds@linus.mitre.org (Barry D. Smith)
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 1991 17:39:49 GMT
The AEG HBSE75S is a variable speed 3x21 belt sander. It comes with
legs that screw into the top to make it into a bench sander. Optional
are a first rate sanding frame (there's quite a difference between
brands--the AEG is about the best I've seen), a variable fence, and an
adaptor to replace the dust bag with a vacuum. The AEG has a 7.8A
motor, which is about the largest of any 3x21 belt sander, and more
than adequate for this size belt (remember, the larger the belt, the
more friction, and a larger motor is needed). I've seen some 3x21
belt sanders with motors as small as 5A, and most 4x24 sanders have
motors around 10A. I find variable speeds to be somewhat helpful,
especially with veneers, but I think it's a feature that people make
too much about. If you can afford the AEG (about $180 with the leg
set, about $85 for the sanding frame), I can recommend it.
Barry Smith
***************** BOSCH ******************************
Date: Wed, 9 Jan 91 14:09:44 PST
From: hpdmd48.boi.hp.com!hplabs!hpcc05.corp.hp.com!hplabs!ames!rutgers!adobe.com!bennett (Bennett Leeds)
In article <3050020@hpdmd48.boi.hp.com> you write:
>I am in the market for a belt sander. I'm interested in
>peoples opinions on the subjects of transverse vs. inline
>design, the merits of speed control, weight, and any feedback on
>actual models. I have mostly been looking at the big Bosch
>4"x24" variable speed, and the Ryobi 3"x21" variable speed.
>(big price differential here) I have made the availability
>of a sanding frame a prereq.
I have the Bosch 1273DVS, with sanding frame, inversion
stand, and fence. As a belt sander, its great. I've had trouble
adjusting the frame so that the belt is absolutely parallel to
to the frame, as well as adjusting the amount that the belt
penetrates below the frame (so I can sand veneers). Inverted,
it is great as a mini-stationary sander.
If I was in the same situation I was when I purchased it,
I'd probably get a random orbit sander instead. The Elu models
have sanding frames available (sometimes they're included in the
mail order pricing) - I'd definitely look at those. The Bosch is
a very good unit, the belt tracks fine and power is more than
sufficient, handling is good too.
But, I don't really take advantage of it. Maybe I should
sell it. What to buy one used?
- Bennett
bennett@adobe.com
********************* PORTER-CABLE ****************************
Date: 10 Jan 91 15:37:13 EST (Thu)
From: avery@attdso.ATT.COM (Bob Avery)
In article <3050020@hpdmd48.boi.hp.com> you wrote:
>I am in the market for a belt sander. I'm interested in
>peoples opinions on the subjects of transverse vs. inline
>design, the merits of speed control, weight, and any feedback on
>actual models. I have mostly been looking at the big Bosch
>4"x24" variable speed, and the Ryobi 3"x21" variable speed.
>(big price differential here) I have made the availability
>of a sanding frame a prereq.
>
>Dave Fujii
>dave%hpdml90.boi.hp.com
Dave,
I just discussed this issue with a "seasoned pro" friend yesterday
as I am considering an upgrade. His recommendation was a 3x24. The
4x units that I've looked at were terribly heavy, and I'm afraid that
they might attack the stock too aggressively. His comment was that the
4x really remove a lot of stock in a hurry. I don't think I can handle that.
We didn't discuss in-line vs. transverse as I have pretty much reduced
my choices to Porter Cable. My major selection criteria was that the unit
is balanced on the lengthwise center of the platten. Although I thought
that this would narrow my choices to transversal units, the PC 3x21 that
I looked at was nicely balanced.
I'm going to look at the PC 3x24 tomorrow. My friend claims that this is
standard equipment in professional cabinet shops. He also claimed that
I'd have a better choice of belts but I don't understand that statement
yet. The price difference between the 3x21 and 3x24 is substantial, so I
need to look at the 3x24 closely, including its weight.
Good Luck. Hope you'll post a summary of responses - it will help me
I'm sure.
Bob Avery
******************** ELU ************************************
From: avery@hp-lsd.cos.hp.com
Date: Mon Jan 21 13:41:40 EST 1991
Bob,
Sound like you are doing a great job of researching
this topic. Did you do the front-to-rear axis balance
test on a lot of machines? If so, did AEG, Bosch,
and Ryobi fail? I have been moderately set on a machine
that has variable speed (prevent burning with a fine-grit
belt), a sanding frame, and a non-klugy way of hard-mounting
the sander to a bench. I'd like your opinions on my
criteria (I have not seen these features with PC -- not that
I have looked that hard.)
Thanks,
Dave
dave%hpdml90.hp.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dave,
After being snowed out the previous weekend, I was able to get to a large
woodworking supplier Saturday. This was my first visit to this place, but I
will be back! Lotsa stuff I've only seen in mailorder catalogs up to now.
Most impressed with the quality table saw rip fences; these things are
expensive (very much so) but are they nice!
I spent some time (not a lot) looking at belt sanders. All seemed to be
balanced front to back as you asked about. I was a bit intimidated by the
3x24 sanders; much heavier than the 3x21 which leads me to believe that
variable speed would be a must (for me at least). I still lean towards the
3x21 as a unit I would feel at home with. Now I was VERY impressed with the
ELU 3x21 variable speed. It just felt good in my hands. Well balanced, more
so (I think) than the PC. I've heard that arrangements can be made to try
equipment at this place which I will follow up on. I didn't see any of the
transverse units on display but they were probably there.
You mention burning with fine grit papers at full speed. I've not heard of
this problem - have you run into it? I have been working cherry (known for
burning) without problems with 120 grit paper. I wonder if this becomes a
concern when using a "real" sander; my present unit is a cheap Craftsman
which is quite lite. You have a good point here however which would be
another reason to choose varible speed.
So, where does all of this leave me? I've ruled out 4x24 as too heavy and
too fast for my woodworking; probably great for refinishing floors however!
3x24 is still a candidate but VS is a must at least until I become
comfortable using it. The 3x24 would also be able to tackle refinishing
floors, etc. but this really shouldn't be a consideration since there are
bigger units designed for this work that can be rented.I still lean towards
3x21 because I am satisfied with the amount of wood removed by the one I
have, I don't feel rushed using it, and the size/weight are the most
comfortable to me. I cannot conclude, as my friend suggests, that better
belts exist only on the larger units. All the catalogs carry 3x21 versions
of the 3x24 and 4x24 belts; 3x18 however is a different story.
BTW, PC does not make a sanding frame nor an attachment for bench mounting.
These are good considerations. I don't know what accessories are available
from ELU but if these accessories do exist then ELU would be my preference.
Would like to hear how you are coming along with your selection.
From: rcbi27@muvms3.bitnet (DBRUM)
Date: 28 Jan 92 19:25:09 GMT
I am *very* pleased with my Ryobi Variable Speed Sander. It's a 3", and
maybe not as heavy duty as the big 4"ers, but it costs a *lot* less, and
IMHO it's more important for a hand-held belt sander to ride flatly and
not dig in by rolling side to side; the Ryoby VS is box-shaped and rides
flat effortlessly; it's also flat on top and you can flip it over and
lay it down in order to use it as a stationary sander for the sanding
of small or irregularly-shaped parts held in the fingers. This last
attribute has been handier than I can say. :-)
Continue to:
Share and Enjoy
Bookmark this story so others can enjoy it:
Tags
crafts, woodworking, bandsaw, biscuit joiners, dust collect, jointer, miter saw, motors, planer, router, sander, shop heat, toy safety, ammonia, antique tool, hide glue, motors, wood bending, workbench
