Brain Pain Over Disc/Belt Sander Purchase. Help Me

At the risk of adding to your dilemma, I’ll suggest that you look at the Ridgid Oscillating Spindle Sander. I’ve never had a Jet combo sander, but I’ve had a couple of similar machines and wasn’t that fond of any of them.

You should be able to get the Ridgid for about half the cost of the Jet and with it’s belt sander attachment, it should do everything you could do with the Jet.

-- Adversity doesn't build character...................it reveals it.

I have the HF rendition I got for $45. Going on three years now and no complaints. But I agree with Sawkerf on the Ridgid. The Jet is over priced by about $400. in my opinion.

I vote for the Rigid spindle/belt sander combo. I bought mine for $199 at Home Depot. I was a little leary. I too was wanting a belt/disk combo and my dissappointing experience with a spindle sander was from the drill press mounted type. The Rigid has completely changed my mind. I no longer even wish for a belt/disk combo. If my Rigid burned up tomorrow, I buy another one in a heartbeat. No, wait. Since Rigid stands behind their tools, I’d get another one free since mine is still under warranty.
I don’t do reviews, but I’d give the Rigid Oscillating Spindle/Belt sander combo ten stars if that was possible.

-- http://wddsrfinewoodworks.blogspot.com/

Sawkerf, welding rod and william… no risk for more drama, actually, after taking your triple-threat suggestion, I did some cyber-searching and was pleased with the results. I see a trip to HD in the near future to check this puppy out. The price tag is right and I like a lot of features already and it sounds like William’s experience with Ridgid is solid. Thanks guys, I’ll post my findings for sure. Ain’t this place great?

-- Olivia's Papa, Newbie Woodworker, Old Tool Fan

I paid $169 for a SIX inch by 48 inch statioary belt sander from harbor freight and it serves me well. I use it a LOT. I do not use it’s disc sander at all. I had a 4” Riobi before that. I liked it also.

-- In God We Trust

I have had the Rikon 6×48 belt sander for about 6 months now and it has performed like a trooper. With the 2 yr warranty it runs around $399. You can find them on sale for less at Woodcraft fairly often if you keep your eyes open.

-- Behind the Bark is a lot of Heartwood----Charles, Centennial, CO

I’ve got the Rigid osc. spindle/belt sander and have used the heck out of it. I sand some really small pieces. I have not been disappointed. It comes with the belt sander and 5 different size spindles.

-- Terri, Rocky Mountain High Colorado!

Have you looked at Grizzly?
They have good tools, at a decent price, but for some reason, are not big in most woodworker communities.
They have been around for a long time, and do everything from small to BIG.
Check out this, for a starting point.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combo-Sander-4-x-36-Belt-6-Disc/G0547

As noted by others, Ridgid also makes good tools at a decent price.

Good luck.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combination-Sander-with-Cabinet-Stand/G1014ZX $499.00

-- shdesign3.com

the guys/gals at ridgid need to make one more oss unit ‘cause i just bought one! haven’t had a chance to spool it up yet, but it looks and feels right. i did of course look at the grizzly, but it seems like their entry machine that KDO mentioned is the same sander that a bunch of companies sell, just painted in various corporate colors. that particular style seemed to have more than its share of either great reviews or bad reviews. thanks guys, when i get some belts from klingspor and give my new palm box attempts a try, i’ll post for sure.

-- Olivia's Papa, Newbie Woodworker, Old Tool Fan