Combined spindle & belt sanders

[Jona]

I'd been waiting for the Rutlands oscillating belt & bobbin sander to come back into stock:

http://www.rutlands.co.uk/sp+woodworkin ... nds+dk7010

However now it seems that they've raised the price so I can get the identical Sealey version elsewhere for the same price + free shipping.

There is however a larger and more expensive alternative available from Excalibur:

http://woodfordwm.co.uk/acatalog/info_262.html

Clearly a more professional machine but very little information available online. Does anyone have experience with the Excalibur, and is it worth the money (£399 + VAT + shipping)?

 

[MikeJhn]

Are you comparing like for like, the Excalibur does not look as though it oscillates, I could be wrong, but its worth checking, I have the Sealey version bought from Carsmetic: https://www.bodyshop-tools-supplies.co. ... GwodJgoDXA don't know how I got on without it, seems to be used every day I am in the workshop.

Mike

 

[transatlantic]

The rutlands one isn't very good (from what I have seen, haven't tested one).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4GiJM-gRng

 

[MikeJhn]

Just watched the video and can't agree with what is said, he must have had a bad one, the table on my version is at right angles to the belt and bobbins, I don't get any crowning on the workpiece at the belt either.

Mike

 

[transatlantic]

Just watched the video and can't agree with what is said, he must have had a bad one, the table on my version is at right angles to the belt and bobbins, I don't get any crowning on the workpiece at the belt either.

Mike

That could have been the case, yeah.

 

[Jona]

I've seen that video too, which did put me off a bit. To be honest given the looks and the price, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a bit shonky, but if it does the job then it's a bargain. It would also be handy to be able to tuck it away when not in use, whereas the Excalibur is floor standing and looks to have quite a large footprint.

Leaning back towards the little'un, but would still be interested if anyone has used the Excalibur.

 

[MikeJhn]

I am a bit surprised by that chap's video, the table can be taken off the chassis and shimmed if absolutely necessary, not a difficult exercise especially as the rear deck is what you need to check/shim to see if it is level with the front movable deck and then at right angles to the sanding belt/bobbin.

Mike