Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Robert John Spotti on October 27, 2010 at 4:18am

Dave,I use a combo disc/belt sander 4x36 Craftsman.It looks a lot like the harborfrieght one your looking at.I really like mine it is very versatile.Its easy to work with,belt changes are easy and its very suitable for working on CBGs.I use the belt portion to shape and flatten my necks.The disc side is nice for shaping nuts and bridges.Its nice to have options with the combo.

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Permalink Reply by Dave Onastik on October 27, 2010 at 5:22am

Thanks for the info Robert. You are making my decision easier.

When you use the belt to flatten your necks, do you swipe them lengthwise with the belt, or do you run them perpendicular across the belt using the guide?

Robert John Spotti said:

Dave,I use a combo disc/belt sander 4x36 Craftsman.It looks a lot like the harborfrieght one your looking at.I really like mine it is very versatile.Its easy to work with,belt changes are easy and its very suitable for working on CBGs.I use the belt portion to shape and flatten my necks.The disc side is nice for shaping nuts and bridges.Its nice to have options with the combo.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Bliss on October 27, 2010 at 6:06am

I think you will find the combo more useful, but I have to warn again about the HF stuff.
I have looked at these very units at HF and it is typical that the display models have already fallen apart. The table, tilt mechanism, miter guide and belt alignment mechanisms tend to be fairly flimsy and unstable.
If you look around a little, there are similar units in the $100 to $125 range that are quite a bit better in that regard. Also you may need replacement parts at some point, and that can be an issue too.
HF is good for some basic hand tool stuff at throw away prices, but for power tools and stuff you expect to last a while, invest in better quality and you will never regret it.
(One caveat, I have been known to buy the under $20 4" angle grinders...... two at a time so when one wears out/dies......)

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Permalink Reply by Dave Onastik on October 27, 2010 at 6:11am

Thanks for the warning. I've read good and bad reviews about the Harbor Freight. I will probably get the additional warranty.

The demo in the store near me looks pretty solid. I saw another namebrand in Lowes that looked really flimsy.

Mark Bliss said:

I think you will find the combo more useful, but I have to warn again about the HF stuff.
I have looked at these very units at HF and it is typical that the display models have already fallen apart. The table, tilt mechanism, miter guide and belt alignment mechanisms tend to be fairly flimsy and unstable.
If you look around a little, there are similar units in the $100 to $125 range that are quite a bit better in that regard. Also you may need replacement parts at some point, and that can be an issue too.

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Permalink Reply by Randy Webb on October 27, 2010 at 8:39am

Ive heard plenty of people complain about HF stuff, but my small belt sander came from there and I've used and abused it for almost a year. I got it at some big sale they had for 30 something dollars, and despite the abuse, its still going strong.

I guess it's hit or miss.

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Permalink Reply by Skeesix on October 27, 2010 at 11:51am

I have a Delta combo sander. The disc portion is wobbly and not square. I can sort of get things square if I compensate with an angle, but it's pretty much maddening. I've tried to take it apart and fix it, but can't get down to the axle part where the wobble is.

I bought it many years ago, so I don't know what their quality is now, but it's disappointing for a name brand like that.

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Permalink Reply by Robert John Spotti on October 28, 2010 at 1:17am

I run them lengthwise with the belt.I'd practice with some scrap lumber you have lying around it does take a bit of getting used too.Good Luck!
Dave Onastik said:

Thanks for the info Robert. You are making my decision easier.

When you use the belt to flatten your necks, do you swipe them lengthwise with the belt, or do you run them perpendicular across the belt using the guide?

Robert John Spotti said:

Dave,I use a combo disc/belt sander 4x36 Craftsman.It looks a lot like the harborfrieght one your looking at.I really like mine it is very versatile.Its easy to work with,belt changes are easy and its very suitable for working on CBGs.I use the belt portion to shape and flatten my necks.The disc side is nice for shaping nuts and bridges.Its nice to have options with the combo.

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Permalink Reply by Johnny Debit on October 28, 2010 at 5:58am

Thanks for the warning. I've been trying to find a quick and reliable way to square end grain, but have been afraid of buying a disk sander only to find it too wobbly or hard to keep it set to square. I think I'll just keep using my old sanding block on a shooting board until I can afford a quality low angle jack plane like the old-timers use. One can only dream!

Skeesix said:

I have a Delta combo sander. The disc portion is wobbly and not square. I can sort of get things square if I compensate with an angle, but it's pretty much maddening. I've tried to take it apart and fix it, but can't get down to the axle part where the wobble is.

I bought it many years ago, so I don't know what their quality is now, but it's disappointing for a name brand like that.

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