I'm tried of doing recoil pads on the old belt sander clamped in a vise, time to bite it and get a real sander.

Although right now I want it for recoil pads I want it to be versatile enough for other small projects.

I'm looking at machines that have at least a 9" disc and a 6x48 belt.

I can get the Delta for $280, the Jet for $360. The Delta allows attachments to the power spindle, the Jet doesn't. Are Jets actually better or is it just the name?

Rob

Delta vs Jet kind of depends on the tool. I have both Jet and Delta woodworking tools. In the case of the Sander I would be hardpressed to go $80 extra.

I just bought the craftsman 6x48 9in disc combo. Better than the delta we have at the shop.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill Soverns:
I just bought the craftsman 6x48 9in disc combo. Better than the delta we have at the shop.

My craftsman works well for me as well.

didn't use to be, but these days, delta makes alot of the craftsman tools, and are more or less in lockstep with jet tools. I had a delta 6"disk, 4" belt ... the gears where plastic, and, well, after 2 replacements, HD gave me store credit to buy something else.

but, you can get one of the few decent tools from HF, the 6x48belt+12" disk combo.. wait for it to go on sale and it's $229 delivered. I life mine.

jeffe

we have a new Jet in the shop, works like a charm/easy belt replacement- as opposed to an old Delta we also have.

quote:

Originally posted by tin can:
we have a new Jet in the shop, works like a charm/easy belt replacement- as opposed to an old Delta we also have.

Interesting, two of the reviews I have read say exactly the opposite, the belt replacement is tough on a Jet but easy on a Delta. Perhaps your Delta is very old and they're talking about newer ones.

the delta came over on the mayflower- but the belt change on the jet was very easy; pull a lever and slide in the new belt.

Is the 6" disc large enough?

I see a 12" dedicated disc model listed.

LD

take a look at the Grizzly brand of tools. They are just as good, cost less, and most brands are made by the same manufacturing companies anyway. I have Delta, Jet, Craftsman and Grizzly power tools in my shop and they are pretty much all well built and reliable tools. Every tool, regardless of brand, has its good points and bad points. It really comes down to personal preferences and cost. Again, don't underestimate the Grizzly brand. Unlike others, they have their own technicians right at the place of manufacturer to oversee the operation of their equipment being built to their quality standards and stand behind their warranties. If the Grizzly CEO ever made gunstocks, there would be no equal. He is an accomplished woodworker like no other, certainly one of the best in the world. Guess what equipment he has in his shop? Yep, all Grizzly!

Woody

I have to agree with checking out the Grizzly line of power tools.

Over 2/3 of my power tools are Grizzly tools because they were independently rated as best buys. My Table saw, Band saw, Jointer, Jig saw, & Lathe are all Grizzly tools.

Good customer service too!!!