Looks like it's time to get a new belt sander for my race shop.

I mostly re-surface intake and exhaust flanges and do some misc. shaping here and there. I have a small 4x36 for tungsten sharpening and smaller projects.

I'd just like to see what belt sanders you guys would purchase and/or avoid?

 

still lookin!

 

Kalamazoo 6x48.

 

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=PC163-6089

 

How long have you used that machine?? That's an awesome price for that much power.

 

About 3 years now

 

I have had very good luck using the 200 or less dollar 6x48 sanders. First thing I do is chuck the oem motor and replace it with 1- 1.5hp motor and a larger pulley to speed it up. Once these couple of mods are done the sander kicks *** and lasts. The kalamazoo and deltas are nice but they have more guarding and covers that make it harder to use the maximum belt surface. You can also build at least 2 of these for the price of a used delta. I also like the cast iron housing as some of the deltas use a formed steel bed behind the belt In the past I usually just buy the motor from northern Hyd

 

Any preference on which machine u prefer to mod? Any preference on the make of the motor?

 

I bought 2 from a place that went out. They were tagged "reliant" but I have seen
others that look identical. here is an enco on ebay Item number: 190564353164 and the same basic sander is also sold by harbor freight. The 2 I bought about 5 years ago I paid 140 each for with the stands. Before that I used a couple of older craftsman 6x48's. I also remove the round disc since I never use it. Use zirconia alumina belts.

Bob Kasper
609-851-2810