New Belt Sander Needed...

Howdy all.

Looking for a recommendation on a 3x21 belt sander.

I had the drag-racer B&D they came out with not long ago, and it was ****e. Must have been made by HF and relabled/recolored.

Prior, I'd had a craftsman that ran for years...

Looks like Porter Cable makes a decent one? I have a porter-cable palm sander that's bullet proof and might be 20 yrs old, needs a new pad but runs like a champ...

I'm trying to keep the cost under $200, and cross fingers it will last more than 5 belts.

 

The porter cable 3x21 is sorta the industry standard. Parts are readily available and they take a beating. I’ve had mine for 15 years. I’m still on my first set of brushes, but I think I’m on my 4th shoe assembly. And under $200!

Porter-Cable 8 Amp 3 in. x 21 in. Belt Sander-352VS - The Home Depot

 

I would second ITLKSEZ. I still have a Rockwell version of the 3x21 PC (40 years old?). Still works as new but it has had two sets of bearings and numerous pattens. We also have two of the 4x24 versions which were used to sand all the timbers in my house. Never did need brushes or bearings but probably went though a dozen pattens between the two. Tough as nails!

 

really can't date this . but it's all metal
one of things I picked up when dad passed
only have used it a few times . not really a wood worker

as to buying new . no clue

 

Have the same model , from my Grand Dad. Still use it from time to time.

 

That's an awesome Sherman Tank of a sander. Does it dim the lights and let a scream out of the basement when you run it? Seriously, it looks bullet proof. "Old Iron" hand tools.

 

I have a 4x21 craftsman belt sander sitting collecting dust I can’t find new belts for it .