Is this disk / belt sander worth getting

[scott kozub]

I found this king industrial 12 by 48 disk / belt grinder right around the corner from me for 475. They seem to go for about 1300 after tax here new. I may be able to get it for less.

My only concern is lack of speed control and the 12" disk as I know 9" is prefered so regular sheets can be used. I'm thinking I can always get a 9" disk and mount it.

I mainly want it for flattening and squaring blades, bolsters and scales. I have a 2x72. Will I regret this purchase?

 

[HSC ///]

I wouldn't regret it, it's always nice to have an extra grinder setup with the desired grit paper.
and personally I would leave the 12" disc on there... what is the rpm of the 12" disc?
you could also later swap the motor for a 3 phase and use a VFD to control it

 

[scott kozub]

I wouldn't regret it, it's always nice to have an extra grinder setup with the desired grit paper.
and personally I would leave the 12" disc on there... what is the rpm of the 12" disc?
you could also later swap the motor for a 3 phase and use a VFD to control it

That's kind of what I was thinking. It looks like a good sturdy unit that will still work well for flattening and truing. Plus for that price it's really not much of a risk.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I think y-that is a King Industrial 6X48 with 12" disc unit. That is a great sander. The one shown is missing several parts and the dust collector plate that goes under the belt ( where the gaping hole is). It has lots of uses for handles and flattening blocks. I would love to have that sander in my shop.
https://www.tegstools.com/King-Industrial-KC-788FX-Sander-Belt-Disc-6-x-48-x-12_p_752.html

The motor is belt drive to the sanding parts, so you might be able to lower the speed by half with a pulley change ... or switch to VS with a 3Ph motor and VFD.

 

[scott kozub]

I think y-that is a King Industrial 6X48 with 12" disc unit. That is a great sander. The one shown is missing several parts and the dust collector plate that goes under the belt ( where the gaping hole is). It has lots of uses for handles and flattening blocks. I would love to have that sander in my shop.
https://www.tegstools.com/King-Industrial-KC-788FX-Sander-Belt-Disc-6-x-48-x-12_p_752.html

The motor is belt drive to the sanding parts, so you might be able to lower the speed by half with a pulley change ... or switch to VS with a 3Ph motor and VFD.

Thanks for the info Stacy. Going to pick it up tomorrow for $400.00. Kind of figure it'd be hard to loose at that price. Plus it's only 5 minutes away.

Funny part is, just last week I told the wide I wasn't buying any more tools for a while. Oops. I must have been feeling weak when I made that promise.