JET - JDS-12B 12" Bench Disc Sander (Rating: 5)

I received this disk sander about 9 months ago. I really didn't think it was a necessary addition to my small hobbyist shop, but it was a gift. The buyer thought it would be a necessity for my hobby and I didn't have the heart to exchange it. It has come in handy many times since I got it.

The sander was nicely packaged in a square box which was very difficult to get my hands around, coupled with the fact that this thing is very heavy. This sander weighs in at about 100lbs. It took practically no time to attach the table and remove the grease on the cast iron tabletop. This is my first and only tool by Jet and it is the quality I expected. The fit and finish are outstanding and this thing feels solid. Its cast iron construction does a lot to reduce the noise and vibration, while its 1hp motor seems difficult to bog down. The unit has a built in dust impeller, which helps push the fine particles out of the machine and through the 4 inch dust port on the right-hand side. I currently use a reducer and hook the unit to my Ridgid shop vac, which leaves very little dust accumulation. I'm sure a more powerful dust collector would result in very few particles escaping.

The unit has handled everything I have thrown at it with ease - did I mention this thing is powerful? It removes stock very quickly and efficiently. I have found it very useful for smoothing slight curves and squaring up small parts. I have yet to change the sanding disk that came on the unit, which I think is about 60 or 80 grit. The unit also has a manual brake for the disk, which is a nice safety feature to slow the wheel down when you are finished sanding. The miter gauge included is acceptable and the removable pivot point for sanding circles is a nice addition.

So far I am completely satisfied with this unit and don't think I will ever need to replace it.