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Sheet metal plate underneath was easily pounded back into shape. Assuming they won't, the cost of all that (return shipping, forwarding replacement, etc) combined will nearly equal the purchase price of this sander. Not successful at leveling the warped belt sander assembly and not able to trace the source of a loud noise while sander is running. But, not only must I pay to return this sander, must also pay (postage & fees) to have the replacement forwarded by a third-party company to my location overseas (company selling sander will not ship to a military APO address). The "factory-reconditioned" Skil benchtop belt/disc sander I received is a piece of junk.
In addition to being filthy upon arrival, there are scuffs and scratches, damage to the power cord (as if rubbed against rough sandpaper), plate underneath bent upwards against motor, adjustments loose from apparent wear & tear, a wobbly belt sander assembly, a warped frame on that belt sander assembly (one side of one end not level with other side), and someone sloppily applied paint over several areas where belt sander scuffed main housing underneath.After cleaning the sander as best I could, set out to fix the assorted problems. Bent the disk guard outwards to stop it from rubbing against the sanding disk (faceplate holding guard somehow pushed inwards). Company said they might refund return shipping, but at their discretion only after my money is already spent. So, instead of risking more money on a replacement which might be just as bad, will try to fix this one to work well enough. It looks and performs as if used for several years.
Placed a rubber foot underneath belt sander assembly to reduce (not eliminate) the wobble. If that proves impossible (a growing likelihood at this point), I'll just purchase another sander outright - new this time. The power cord is still waiting to be replaced.To be honest, if shipping were not so expensive, would have returned this belt/disc sander without hesitation.
Because I am desparate I reluctantlyelected to keep it. I do not recommend Skil under any circumstances. In addition, the table will stay put so that I start sanding at a 90 angle to the disc and finish at another angle resulting in wasted wood and time. The factory reconditioned 4 inch belt/disc sander that I bought is a cheesy product not worth the money. Its extremely noisy and the table is unstable allowing it to impinge on the sanding disc. I give this one star becasuse at least it runs.Phil RandUmatilla, Oregon It was covered in sawdust when I received it.
It required some very minor assembly and after trying out I found it VERY easy to use and adjust as needed. I am an avid craft and model hobbyist and this item was just what I needed for my ongoing projects without a high cost.Normally I stay away from factory reconditioned pieces but with things as they are these days with finances I decided to go with this and save some decent money. After receiving it and testing it out I am VERY happy with the results and condition of this item. If you're "sitting on the fence" about getting one, give it a go as you may be as pleasantly surprised as I was as to the quality and condition of this item. It had a few visible "dings" but what do I care as I'm sure I'll be adding more through regular usage, that's what happens to tools when you use them.
Belts were sold at Home Depot. It arrived in good condition, and works as expected. Mediocre assembly instructions - no mention of how to install the bevel scale. Works as advertised. Was missing one washer from the tool bag.
Hard to find fine grit disks. Belts seems to track OK - no wandering while you are using. Has a standard shop vac sized opening on the back - no adapter was needed to attach a vacuum. Sold new at Lowes for a $20 more.
The only fault I could find with the unit is that there is a slight wobble to the wheel that I could not get rid of. This is a pretty good benchtop sander. It arrived in good condition without any damage or missing parts. Overall, I am happy with the purchase and would recommend to others. Assembled and adjusted in about 15 minutes.
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