I am looking for a belt sander for bench top use, one is a Craftsman, that I am leaning toward. Any personal experience of what to look at for practical evaluation is appreciated.

How important is belt speed? I would not want to get stuck on number, higher belt speed, and have an underpowered motor that stalls out as pressure is added to the belt.

1st one:
Adjustable belt sands inside and outside curves. Features a powerful 3/4 horse power motor that prevents stalling.
Cast aluminum table and disc
Table tilts from 0° to 60° and can be repositioned for use with belt or disc
Safety switch and miter gauge
Cast iron motor housing120 volt, 3/4 HP (peak), 1/2 HP (rated), Disc speed: 1780 RPM, Belt speed: 1150 FPM, Sanding belt size: 36'' L x 4'' W, Grit: 80; Overall dimensions: 24-3/4" H X 15" W X 14" D, Weight: 37.5 lbs.

2nd one:
Craftsman
4 x 36-in. belt / 6-in. disc. Belt operates at 1100 fpm. Disc rotates at 2200 rpm. Miter gauge, 45 degree tilting worktable.

Universal cast aluminum worktable works with belt or disc
Single sawdust collection chute with a 2 1/2-in. port
Easy to use belt tension controls for fast belt change
Belt & disc design gives you an extremely versatile sander
Includes miter gauge for precise angle cuts
Belt workstop for horizontal sanding
Removable paddle switch provides added safety and security

3rd one:
Quickly finish a multitude of projects with this compact sander. Great for woodshops, metal fabrication shops, and hobbyist. The 4'' x 36'' belt tilts 0-90°, rigid backstop prevents workpiece from traveling forward. Disc table tilts 45°. Die cast aluminum table with ground surface. Quick-release belt tension lever for easy belt changes. Single knob tracking adjustment helps keep belt aligned. Dust collection port. Heavy duty cast iron housing. Motor is fully enclosed for dust protection.
Horsepower: 1/3
Volts: 120
Amps: 18
Table size: 6-1/4''x 8-7/8''
Sanding belt size: 4''x 36''
Belt speed: 2000 FPM
Sanding disc size: 6''
Disc speed: 3200 RPM
Weight: 37-1/2 lbs.

I used to have a Craftsman belt sander, but the sole plate wore out and started shreding the belts. Unfortunately, Sears didn't support replacement parts so I learned an important lesson about power tools from Sears (just say no.)
Then I bought a Bosch. Really nice. I think I bought it through amazon, but I am hopeful that when it needs repair, I'll be able to get the parts.
Good luck.

I agree with 2fast, most Craftsman tools are made in China, and are junk. Your best bet would to look online for used machinery. Look for something older and american made. Older Deltas were alright.

my experience with craftsman is if it has a moving part dont buy it!!!! porter cable. dewalt hitachi and more are all good I think. regarding belt speed. The grit is just as important if not more, enjoy

I am looking for a belt sander for bench top use, one is a Craftsman, that I am leaning toward. Any personal experience of what to look at for practical evaluation is appreciated.



As was previously said, grit is probably a bigger factor than belt speed. But, belt speed and motor rpm aren't necessarily the same either. Have you looked at the grizzly tools ?http://www.grizzly.com/products/category.aspx?key=550001

I have the model G1276 and like it alot. Use it for wood and metal work.

That's I GREAT Avitar ! ! ! ! ! !!

Lean as far away from anything Craftsman that you can. As the previous poster noted, if it's Craftsman and it has moving parts then avoid it.
I have a 15 yr old C-man belt sander (3") that I've used for only about 5 hours. Was sanding the top rail of my deck and the spring/tracking adjustment screw just broke. No abuse, nothing out of the ordinary. Piece of junk.
Cman is very clever in its advertising, but most all of their ads are lies. Spend the money now and buy Porter-Cable, Bosch, or one of the other real tool suppliers.

Take a look at Grizzlies stuff.

www.grizzly.com

If you want heavy duty go with: grizzly, jet, powermatic, shop fox, or one of those. It will last longer than you will. As for belt speed, you shouldn't need it. Just get different grit belts, and use more or less pressure. That's why variable speed stationary sanders aren't common.

As mentioned above, stay away from craftsman. I know many novice and professional woodworkers and none of them will own craftsman power tools unless they are vintage.