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Easy change of sanding paper, works well, have not had a problem since I have owned it. ultrawoodcarving.com
I found it here and after a bit of research I decided to go ahead and get it from Amazon. In all fairness though not everyone is mechanically inclined. Here is the Amazon link to the Grizzly model.http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-H8192-1%2522-8%2522-Sander/dp/B0017K8W3E/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_tI was very disappointed when the local hardware store called to order this sander for me and Delta told them it has been discontinued and that there is no replacement planned. The only difference appears to the color and the name stamped on it.
It is a smooth operating tool. Of course it is quite a bit larger than the ones I have used. It is a spot on match for the now discontinued SA180. I got it today and I must say it is awesome. So maybe I am just lucky.
I had no issues with belt tracking or wobble of any kind. I am very much hoping that the Delta Rep was mistaken. First, I have heard many say that there is no way that the 1-2 hour assembly time is accurate. This unit has a 1x42 inch belt and an 8 inch disc.
UPDATE: Those that like the design of this sander can check out the Grizzly H8192 1" X 8" Belt/Disc Sander. The performance of this unit is incredible. Both sanders work like a charm. It is heavy compared to other sanders like this that I have used. From opening the box to sanding wood with the completed unit took no more than 30 minutes. I am really not sure what to say other than this thing is a solid performer. Which is great, I like this model sander alot and now that Grizzly has it that means I can easily get a replacement if my SA180 goes belly up.
Delta has a great reputation and everything of theres I own is fantastic. Most are saying that there is no way it can be done in that amount of time. Had I been able to find my long flat head screwdriver right away that time would have been probably 20 minutes. Typically they would be something like a 1x30 inch belt and maybe a 6" (possibly even a 4") disc. This tool is no exception.
Once again Amazon delivery on time. This is not the tool to use on 2x4`s or any other heavy lumber, so for those grading and giving bad reviews on this tool obviously is not a craftsman. The Delta SA180 is a work horse, exactly the right tool that I was looking for my custom knife hobby. Made right and solid, all of the main parts are cast iron and well made. People have to understand that this as well as many tools that we all use at our home shop are not industrial grade so be realistic. For those looking for a good shop tool (Just Do It).
The criticisms are mainly little nagging things.Overall, this sander seems to be very sturdily built. This will do a fabulous job of final honing of the edge as well as putting a nice polished surface on it.Again, don't let my minor grievances turn you off to this sander. I didn't expect that this machine would weigh so much. I received it as a Christmas gift, and the weight of the wrapped box actually threw me off. This machine would be so more useful as a sharpener if you could get it down to 75-80 degrees so you can put a 10-15 degree edge on a tool.
I think many of these improvements could have been made without adding much to the overall manufacturing cost of the machine.First, changing the disk sandpaper involves more disassembly of the machine than I would like, and requires fishing around in a hole with a provided hex wrench trying to engage a mostly hidden screw to loosen the shaft of the disk platen. It cannot be lowered much below 45 degrees. I am glad that I have long, handled hex wrenches to do the job. As an example, I have a Dewalt miter saw which holds the wrench required for frequent adjustments and changing the blade.I have one recommendation if you wish to use this to maintain the edge on tools. For example, I wish I had this to clean up the edges of my cross-section forms when working on a strip-built kayak a few months ago.
I wanted this sander for a couple of purposes. Wet sanders were just too expensive, and a slow speed grinder would always leave a concave surface on your tool since the stone is round.I will list a lot of improvements I'd like to see. I am looking for an aftermarket replacement guide that allows a more acute angle, but haven't found on yet. My only suggestion here is to make them a quick-release mechanism to reduce the time spent spinning them on or off (or just leave off the cover while using the machine).My biggest complaint, however, is with the tool guide on the belt sander. I expect this tool to be quite inflexible and to last a long time. As for the belt sander, belts are swapped easily enough.
The provided L-shaped wrench is not long enough to engage that set screw and turn 360 degrees. Most of the weight is in the motor and the cast upright. Second, after reading The Complete Guide to Sharpening by Leonard Lee, I was convinced that the 1" belt sander was the best, affordable, way to sharpen various tools around the house. This means I have to push a belt pretty far back to press against the platen. Once you get that screw adjusted, it prevents the table from being lowered down to, and beyond, the 45 degree mark. In the table, there is a set screw that adjusts the angle of the table to the belt sander platen behind the belt to make it square. I also thought that this sander was well priced, and is easily found in many retailers.Now for the nitpicking things. I had to pull it out a little.
After a couple minutes of use, this caused a tool I was sharpening to slice through a new, relatively expensive belt. First, from time to time, I want to shape something. Also, my belt sander platen does not stand straight up parallel to the belt. So it's kind of a pain if you want to change angles, but have to readjust the set screw every time. Two plastic "wingnuts" are removed to remove the left side cover. Also, it gives a lot of opportunity of the belt to ride around the item being sharpened before contacting the platen, grinding where you did not want to. Get a leather belt and honing compound (available from woodworking specialty retailers). Please don't let them detract from the fact that this seems to a be a sturdy, high-value piece of equipment.
I wish a place to keep the tools were installed on the machine. Also, when installing the disk on the motor shaft, if I tried to seat it all the way in, the disk rubbed against the frame. This is important if you're sharpening a tool, and are working your way up through grades of sandpaper. I've been reluctant to bend it to straighten it, but I think I will have to try.One last complaint is that you regularly need the 2.5mm and 7mm hex wrenches to make adjustments to the machine or to change sandpaper. It seems to be a well-built machine at a good price that I expect to be with me for many years to come.
The mouldline on the plastic wheels stands out and is uneven, making the belt jump about quite a bit. The shopmaster was easy to assemble and works quite well for what I wanted it for. I would have rated it at 5 stars except, out-of-the-box, the belt sander portion is practaclly unusable. I followed the advice of a previous reviewer and used a file to smooth the wheels, so now the belt is good and steady.The only other thing I noticed was that neither of the dust collector outlets will fit a vacuum cleaner hose or a small dust collector hose. I had to use a rubber plumbing connector to adapt the outlets to my vacuum.I have noticed that many small tools that have dust collection outlets have the same problem.
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