Floor sanders

[bbiehl]

Don,

I am considering buying a floor sander and was wondering which type would be more useful; a combination 6"x48" belt/12" disk or a 6"x89" belt horizontal/vertical edge sander. Both probably the Jet brand.

-brian

[Don]

Hey, Brian. Between the two I would have to say the 6"x89" belt horizontal/vertical edge sander. Not because of the size of the belt, but the orientation. I have a 6 x 80 http://www.grizzly.com/products/6-x-80-Edge-Sander/G1531 edge sander myself and use the heck out of it. I'm going to assume your other choice is something like this, http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combination-Sander-6-x-48-Belt-12-Disc-3450-RPM/G1183 also a good sander. If I had to differentiate between the two, If I could only have one, I'd say the upright is more suited to metal working and the horizontal more towards woodworking. Combination machines are a not always the best value either. As valuable as a disc sander can be, they are relatively cheap and I'd consider getting a stand alone unit there. On the belt sanders, get one with the longest belt you can afford. High production will benefit from an oscillating belt as well. Most combination machines that have a disc sander are upright belt sanders because of the orientation of the motor. If all of your work is mostly small precision work then then the combo would be a good choice. A typical cabinet shop, separate machines IMHO.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

All the best, Don