Belt/Disk sander search

[Gleneil]

I am new to this, so be patient.
I am looking for a benchtop Belt/Disk Sander.
I've seen a Sherwood BDS-46 and a Sherwood BDS-46H in a catalogue from Timbercon in WA, but would prefer to buy in Brisbane.
Can anyone help with the name of a Sherwood outlet in Brisbane or recommend a different brand. Looking to pay between $150 to $200.

[Wayne Davy]

Sherwood is Timbecon's brand and they dont have a shop/outlet in Bris (only Perth). They do mail order though.

For Bris tools, try:

Carba-Tec Pty Ltd
40 Harries Rd
Coorparoo, QLD 4151
Australia
ph: 61-7-3397-2577
fax: 61-7-3397-2785
www.carbatec.com.au

They don't have one in that price on their web site but I am pretty sure they do in the new Catalogue.

Good luck.

[Gleneil]

Thanks for that. Wasn't aware Sherwood was Timbercon brand. Was trying to get away from the $33 P&H. Sherwood is $149 & $169 plus delivery.
The Carba-tec catalogue starts at $279.
Any thoughts on quality, Carba-tec vs Sherwood???

[Dean]

Your local Bunnings or Mitre 10 probably carry a GMC or Ryobi model that is exactly the same as the Sherwood model and around the $150 price tag.

My guess is they come from the same production line and are the same quality. They have similar model numbers too which often gives it away. The Ryobi is a BDS-4600 and the GMC is a BD1500.

I have the GMC one which is still working fine after 2 years.

GMC Belt/Disc Sander

If I had extra money at the time I probably would have gone for a 6x9 model, but that's another story. The small sanders are fine for occassional/hobby use.

[Rowan]

Not sure about price or where or what to buy but a small warning...................

When I started woodworking I rushed out and purchased a 4"x6" belt/disk sander and thought it was my best investment ever. Now I consider it my biggest mistake. I find that the size of the item is so limiting that next week I am going out to spend an additional $350 or so to upgrade to the 6"x9" unit.

So think about what u will be using it for (both now and in the future) and if the extra 2" of belt will be worth up saving the extra money in the first place for. It is a great tool but, for example I am making boxes that are about 5" wide and that extra width of belt will make life sooooooooo much easier.

[Gleneil]

Thanks gents.
You've convinced me. I'm gunna go for a Carba-tec 6 x9. About double the price, but as you say, with a view to the future I'll be better off with a more robust machine to start with. Comes with a stand also & 3/4 hp motor.
And I'm a bit wary of GMC & Ryobi these days. I've had to return one of each, a GMC Router and a Ryobi electric drill. both ran well for about 20 minutes, then died. I didn't have any problem exchanging them at Bunnings, but it is an inconvenience. If Sherwood is a similar quality, I might leave them alone.

Again thanks.

[sailingamerican]

I just read what you said about Ryobi. Here in the states we have so many brands. Ryobi is a low end home line. Good for the home owner but not good for every day work. Great prices here. It is tempting but cheap tools come back to bite you.
Happy sanding.
Richard

[JupiterCreek]

I've been using a cheap ($99) GMC for a few months now. It does ok on my guitar and mandolin necks and bodies, but for the last month the motor's been starting off slow and only getting into second gear after a few seconds. I'll keep using it until it dies and then claim the 2 yr warranty and get another one... I'm only a hobbyist so I'm covered by warranty. Nothing to lose!

[GregLee]

Hare and Forbes have some 12" Disc sanders for $159 as a Sydney WW Show deal. They seemed great when I had a look at them on Thursday last week.