Industry's Best Belt Sanders



Posted: Monday, January 11, 2010

by Mallory Kramer
M&M Tool and Machinery

Belt sanders provide the most effective, efficient stock removal of any hand sander in the industry, and for the heaviest-duty craftsmen with the highest expectations, one of these sanders is certain to keep a skip in your step. Producing the highest-quality results and boasting tremendous high-performance, these belt sanders from Makita and Porter-Cable are aggressive and precise to yield the finest results from the industry's finest belt sanders.

Makita's 9903 (3" x 21") variable speed belt sander is a truly exceptional tool from an exceptional manufacturer. This sander receives most of its accolades, and rightly so, for its belt tracking which is superior on all counts. The tracking is automatic, so the tool continuously keeps its sanding belts properly aligned without any operator intervention. Its remarkable. The tool's motor is powerful enough (at 8.8 amps) to tackle any rapid stock removal job while still running nearly noiselessly as the quietest sander in its class. The tool also boasts an unique design which allows for flush, to the edge sanding - and the 9903 doesn't stop at sanding wood; this belt sander can work its magic on metal and removes paint and rust with astounding effectiveness. The sander is comfortable to use, and although it must be tethered to a wall, its power cord is a 16ft long providing craftsmen with an extended working range and enhanced maneuverability around projects or other equipment. This also means that its power source in non-dwindling and always reliably powerful. A dust bag provides a cleaner work environment, a more visible workpiece, and leaves less room for any brain-melting operator errors. Altogether, the 9903 is a superb machine taking belt sanding to a smoother, more efficient plane.

Porter-Cable produces some of the finest belt sanders in the industry their 362 and 363 (4" x 24") belt sanders being some of the smartest tools in the business. The 362 has an intensely powerful 12 amp motor positioned directly above the tool's platen. This positioning perfects the tool's balance and performance rendering the tool amazingly simple to use. With a belt speed of 1,500 SPFM, the belt sander produces ultra rapid, nearly effortless stock removal. Its quick-release belt change lever additionally provides fast and simple belt changes so your time is better spent sanding rather than tinkering to get your sanding belts on and off properly. The 362 also touts an acute fingertip belt-tracking knob for fast, yet unfailingly accurate belt adjustments. The tool is surprisingly comfortable to use with ergonomically correct handles and a large capacity dust collection bag that swivels 360 degrees for enhanced maneuverability and superior collection. Altogether the 362 is a wicked and beastly belt sander with all the bulk to rapidly remove stock, and the design and precision to do it right.

Porter-Cable's 363 (4" x 24") belt sander is another aggressive, sanding, stock removing machine with all the same features (sans the dust bag and dust port) of its ruffian counterpart, the 362. This sander lacks a dust port for all those who don't appreciate the dust bag collection system. It's true that on occasion dust bags have a tendency to get in the way, they can be an encumbrance, a distraction, and sometimes an insurmountable frustration. It's also true that sometimes dust bags can plug up only to collect with half their standard gusto. Ultimately, dust bags can be a pain; so here, for you, is a tool that doesn't require one. I absolutely recommend using some form of dust collection outside and especially inside - keeping your work environment clean is a huge factor for all jobsite equipment (including yourself) to perform at its best. Aside from that difference, and even without the dust port, the 363 is an efficient, effective, altogether brilliant belt sander with the perks to ensure your projects are sanded fast and smooth.

Representing the absolute best in the business, these belt sanders take high-quality performance to an entirely new level. If your projects hinge on the utmost professionalism one of these tools will assuredly help you achieve the most brilliant results attainable.

--------

Specializing in tool parts & web communications, Mallory joined M&M Tool 4 yrs ago adding to their over 150 yrs combined experience. For over 70 yrs M&M Tool has provided the best service to the tool industry with replacement parts, sales, & service to woodworking products, machinery & power tools like Makita's 9903 belt sander and Porter-Cable's 362 belt sander. Visit M&M Tool's tool and machinery recommender to find what best suits you.
This Article has been viewed 206 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.