Handheld belt sander recommendations?

[myxpykalix]

I had a big bulky Crapsman belt sander that the belt kept slipping off because the springs were sprung so i want to get a better one. Something that isn't heavy. The reviews i've read say that
Porter Cable 362V is the best but i'm not sure i want to spend $250.00 for an occassional use sander. But i'd like to hear your opinions.

[bleeth]

I have the PC and also a couple Makita 3 x 24's. I like the balance of the Makita better.
Not really light weight but a workhorse.
Bosch did make a nice lightweight one but discontinued the model.

[Tim Lucas]

You mighty want to check the pawn shops, I found a little sander similar to this one and paid $20.00 for it. Like you I don't need it much but is nice to have when I need it.
26985
I have a Ryobi belt sander, works good not that lite though

[scottp55]

Jack,
Not exactly a lightweight but almost a pound less than that PC and a real workhorse for the past 15 years.
http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1276DVS-4-Inch-24-Inch-Variable/dp/B0000223H9/ref=cm_cr_pr_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

[Brian Harnett]

I have a PC when they were US made it is great though I have used a few newer outsourced PC tools and they were not as well built (Quicksand orbital and a few drills as an example) I would look at the Makita or Bosh if I was to buy a new one.

[maverickx50]

Every shop must have a 5" orbital palm sander. A belt sander, Oscillating Spindle Sander. the palm sander does great work, easy to use easy to change paper fast. Also leaves few if any sanding lines. I have a DeWalt. cost about $65. What ever you get be sure it has a round dust port. The bags are not worth a darn and with a "Round" port you can attach a shop vac to collect the dust.

One more thing. Dust kills get yourself a Down Draft Table or build yourself one. I got this one from Grizzly and it works beautifully. I set my belt sander and spindle sander on it and they run virtually dust free. I even use it to blow off my finished cuttings off the ShopBot. If the room gets too dusty I turn it on and it clears the dust in minutes. Plus it doesn't exhaust outdoors so it's not blowing my heat away.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/28-x-39-Downdraft-Table/H2936

[jerry_stanek]

Jack,
Not exactly a lightweight but almost a pound less than that PC and a real workhorse for the past 15 years.
http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1276DVS-4-Inch-24-Inch-Variable/dp/B0000223H9/ref=cm_cr_pr_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

Unavailable at this time

[kyeakel]

I have the Porter Cable 362V. It's a very reliable tool, I've had it for years and it has been used to sand porch and deck floors as well as railings. The darn thing is heavy and powerful so I get arm weary when using it for long periods. I don't know what I'd use it for with regards to the shopbot though. What will you use it for?

Kipp

[coryatjohn]

I have the PC 362 also. I've done everything from floor sanding (in tight areas) to stairs and even occasionally mount it in the vice and use it as a fixed sander (I need a real table model). Very easy to use and the belts stay put. The only problem I've had with it is once it ate the cord. That was a royal pain to fix. My fault of course.

[bleeth]

Don't feel bad John. All handheld belt sanders eat a cord once in a while. It's designed into them to do so.:o

[jTr]

Makita 9910. It's a 3x18, which keeps it agile but still has enough to do table tops. Festool vac connects easily, so dust is well under control. Mine's been running for at least 6 years now in professional setting. Sorry- don't recall price, but I think it's well south of $250.

jeff