Good Enough For The Beginner???

[lcs37]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=2485


What do you think of this for the beginner?
I dug out my 4" sander (General Machinery Model 54192, 4" Belt Sander & 6" Disc Sander, Mfr 1989, 1/2 HP, uses 36" belt) but the set up is not flexible like the 1". Yvsa once mentioned try using the back, but that doesn't work either. Too much hardware in the way.

Edited to describe my current Belt Sander

 

[LongRifle]

I'll send you a note in a minute.

Matt

 

[Roadrunner]

It'll do the job, but you'll have an easier time finding belts for a 1x42. I'd look for one with a disc sander as well, they can really come in handy sometimes.

 

[hollowdweller]

I've got one of those. It's ok. Like RR said easier to find a wider variety of grits with the larger sanders.

 

[Yvsa]

Good Enough For The Beginner???

My advice is too save your pennies and get the 1" X 42" at Lowe's, Home Depot, or the like. Not only can you get more grades of belts there's more versatility too.
And a half horse motor beats the hell outta a 3rd horse.

Or if Harbor Frieght has a larger one it may be worth looking at. I've heard mixed reviews about HF so I can't say how they are, good, bad, or indifferent.

 

[Daniel Koster]

That'll get the job done. I've recommended it to others....can't beat it if you're on a tight budget.

1 of 2 things will happen:

1 - you'll love it - use it to sharpen everything - be happy with it
2 - you'll expand in experience and soon learn its limitations and want a better model

Those two events are not "in order".....at some point, we all meet our match...that is, the tool that gets the job done at the right price. Not everybody needs a full-out belt grinder.