RustySocket
Member
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2016
- Messages
- 51
I'm slowly acquiring equipment for my penmaking and other small woodworking projects.
I now have my lathe and a small bandsaw. Up to this point Ive been using trimmers in a drill to square my blanks and it works well for the most part.
I have had a couple of incidents where I got too aggressive and the trimmer ripped wood rather than cut. Also I am starting to want to try some resin / acrylic blanks.
I think Im at the point where I'd like to get a disk/belt sander combo. I do realize I could get a PSI plate and jig for my lathe but I'd like to be able to have a dedicated piece of equipment for other projects like small boxes.
I am comfortable with a budget around 150$
I can get one from Harbor Freight for around 60$ and I do have a local store to inspect it at as I know quality can be hit/miss.
I have a coupon for this one 4 x 36"
I also am looking at a WEN 6502 from Amazon which runs about 110$. Both Rikon and Rockwell make ones that are nearly identical but I like the belt guard on the WEN better.
I know I also need to make or buy a jig to mount on the sander to square the blank.
I'm not brand loyal so I'm interested in what others are using and if I should be looking at anything else feature wise. It wont be put to hard use but I don't want junk. I'm leaning towards the WEN at this point due to the more powerful motor, higher rpm, and safer looking belt guard.
Let me know your thoughts and opinions.
I now have my lathe and a small bandsaw. Up to this point Ive been using trimmers in a drill to square my blanks and it works well for the most part.
I have had a couple of incidents where I got too aggressive and the trimmer ripped wood rather than cut. Also I am starting to want to try some resin / acrylic blanks.
I think Im at the point where I'd like to get a disk/belt sander combo. I do realize I could get a PSI plate and jig for my lathe but I'd like to be able to have a dedicated piece of equipment for other projects like small boxes.
I am comfortable with a budget around 150$
I can get one from Harbor Freight for around 60$ and I do have a local store to inspect it at as I know quality can be hit/miss.
I have a coupon for this one 4 x 36"
I also am looking at a WEN 6502 from Amazon which runs about 110$. Both Rikon and Rockwell make ones that are nearly identical but I like the belt guard on the WEN better.
I know I also need to make or buy a jig to mount on the sander to square the blank.
I'm not brand loyal so I'm interested in what others are using and if I should be looking at anything else feature wise. It wont be put to hard use but I don't want junk. I'm leaning towards the WEN at this point due to the more powerful motor, higher rpm, and safer looking belt guard.
Let me know your thoughts and opinions.
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