Kalamazoo belt sander - any good?

[Stonefish]

I'm looking at a Kalamazoo 1" belt sander for knife making. MSC has it available for $160. It uses 1"x42" belts, has a 1/3HP motor and a tilt table. It appears to have a decent platen. It's definitely not a Burr-King, but for the amateur maker, can anyone comment or recommend a similar tool?

Thanks for the input

 

[indian george]

I have a 2X72 Kalamazoo belt sander wih a 1 1/2 hp motor. i hava had for 6 months and seems to be work'g well so far. I did add the follow'g, 1/4 x 2 flat stock to the platen & step pulleys on the motor & sander to contor the belt speed a little better.

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