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I was impressed by how fast I recieved the sander, the service was great and very easy.
I was on the fence about getting either a random orbital rotary sander or a belt sander. I have used it numerous times after that project too. I haven't shredded one belt yet so I am extremely happy with this machine. I had been using a 1/4 sheet palm sander on a finger joint box for my girlfriend. I bought gator belts for it so maybe those are of higher quality than what others have purchased.
It would take forever to get through any material so I decided it was time to pick up a new sander. I first looked at the porter cable random orbital that came with a case but decided I needed a bit more heavy duty sander for going through a lot of material. I saw the skil and the quality seemed pretty damn good for only $49 (the porter cable random orbital I was going to get was $79).Anyway, the ergonomics are great and it has a heavy duty housing and handle. The sander worked flawlessly going through a lot of material.
I was able to get one belt to last a bit longer by swapping it end for end before it shreded. Given my estimate of the design flaw, I do not see how a refurbished unit would fare any better. If you do even a rudimentary amount of sanding, the attractive price will be overwhelmed by a gluttony of sanding belts. I figured surely it couldn't be that bad, but I went thru five belts taking two layers of paint of an area about 24' sq feet. The drive wheel is shorter than the front wheel and there is a spot where the belt goes around a metal surface.seems to get real hot and degrade the belt until it fails. I'll take my sander back to Ace and order somethine else. Otherwise seemed like a nice device with great ergonomics, but this belt shredding flaw completely obliviates any positives.
Like others have said it shreds up the belts like crazy.After about a half hour of use the filter systen does not work anymore, something obviously plugged on the inside somewhere.Now I have to waste my time taking it back tomorrow to get my money back.Wasting my time and my money by all the belts it ruined.I have other Skil brand tools that work great but do not waste your time and money on this one.
It's truly the main downfall to this sander.well besides the dust port seeming inadequate. Now, to be fair what more would you really need besides MAYBE speed control, but again it is rather simple and lacks any amenities. It got me through the job, but I did lose a few belts to shredding. The thing is, sometimes it shreds just enough of the belt to make it work fine from then on.until the belt finally wears on its own(i know, weird). I'd have to say it is a decent machine.
I too have had this problem. However, the ergonomics are fine, it is very comfortable to hold and seems well constructed after a year's use. Well, I subtracted one star for the belt issue and another for dust port clogging and lack of features. However, it's a year old and still looks almost brand new. The thing is.I have to agree with the other reveiws that mention belt shredding.
It also has plenty of power(it will actually get away from you if you don't have firm grip).I purchased this sander from a Big Box Store about a year ago to help complete a job. I've had no other issues with it so I give three stars. I've had the same issue pop up at least once in every project since then.
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