First, I bought this after comparing it to the Delta ($$$), General International, the Shop Fox and the Grizzly.For the money I don't think you could do better.
It's not a finish sander but if you need to remove stock to make a drawer fit, flush up a veneer, or bevel an edge it works very well.And, it works very, very fast with the supplied 100 grit belt.Stock is removed a little faster than some other machines because of the speed of the belt.That's not a bad thing, just something to be aware of.It comes with a great belt from Klingspore, but you might want to go with a higher grit.
The other review complains that there's only 1/2" oscillation and that makes the machine worthless.First, it's a worthwhile feature because it extends the life of the belt and reduces cleanings.Second, all the machines of this size oscillate 3/4" - I'm not sure what the other reviewer is looking for, but it's a 6" belt - the more it oscillates the less usuable height you have.So, a sander that oscillates 3" would limit you to a 3" drawer or give uneven sanding.
The dust chute isn't designed well because you can't leave the side table with it on.I know one guy who did a little grinding to the chute to make it fit.
The problem I have with the scale is that it's very hard to see when locking the angle.I've never had a machine with perfectly set detents at 0, 45, or 90 degree so what's the point?Good detents are user adjust able and add to the expense.
The storage cabinet is nice, but the door should be wider.Oh well, it's better than not having one.The table is heavier than the others the other reviewer mentioned which makes adjusting it is more of a chore, but the extra weight is a good thing.It dampens the vibrations and makes the machine more heavy duty.If the weight is that much of an issue make a table out of plywood ;>)I'm sticking with the cast iron.
All in all a great machine, and I'd highly recommend it.
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JET 708447 OES-80CS 6 Inch 1-1/2-Horsepower Oscillating Edge Sander, 115/230-Volt 1-PhaseProduct Description: Wide-ranging features and capabilities make the JET 708447 OES-80CS 6-Inch 1-1/2 HP Oscillating Edge Sander, 115/230-Volt 1-Phase a valuable addition to your home shop. This efficient tool offers the accuracy and durability you need in one exceptionally well-designed package. Edge, face, bevel, and contour sand with the OES-80CS, and enjoy both the power for big jobs and the necessary control for fine work.
The JET OES-80CS 6-Inch
Oscillating Edge Sander offers:
A 1 1/2 HP, 115/230-volt TEFC motor for reliable performance
A rubber-coated drum for consistency
A belt speed of 3900 SFPM (surface feet per minute) for versatility
Oscillating action that improves efficiency and protects work surfaces
The four-inch dust port connects to your dust collection system, so it's simple to keep your shop clean and safe.
The OES-80CS is an accurate, durable, and versatile sander. View full diagram.
The contour table makes sanding inside and outside curves easy and accurate.
The idler drum with oscillating action and a reliable belt tensioning mechanism ensure efficient, effective sanding.
Power Motor for Robust PerformanceThe OES-80CS comes equipped with a 1 1/2 HP, 115/230-volt (pre-wired 115-volt) TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled) motor to deliver plenty of power for efficient and consistent performance. Mounted on the front, a simple, industrial style push-button switch controls the sander and is within easy reach even when you're operating the tool.
Sanding Belt Drive for Versatile Sanding SpeedThe motor power is transmitted to the 6 x 89 inch-long abrasive belt via a 4-1/2-inch diameter, rubber-covered aluminum drum. The result is a 3900 SFPM (surface feet per minute) belt speed, optimum for sanding virtually any species of wood with the wide range of grits available. The rubber-coated drum ensures smooth, slip-free transfer of the motor power for highly consistent sanding. At the same time, an equally sized aluminum drum on the other end actually imparts the oscillating motions to the belt while keeping it tracking correctly.
Oscillating Action Prevents Overload and BurningThis sander operates with a 1/2-inch stroke that oscillates 108 times per minute, which utilizes a much larger area of the belt than straight-line belt sanders. The oscillating action also prevents loading of the sandpaper in one area, which has the adverse effect of stretching the life of the sanding belt to its fullest potential. Additionally, oscillation greatly reduces the amount of heat produced, thereby helping to prevent any burning of the work piece or sanding belt.
Quick and Easy AdjustmentsA simple lever-operated tension release makes changing the belt fast, easy, and tool free. Even the belt guard can be removed and installed with a pair of large finger-operated knobs. You can also conveniently adjust the top-mounted belt tracking system with the included wrench, and you can take advantage of the motor mount's tracking adjustment should it be necessary.
Cast-Iron Table for Precise ResultsThe OES-80CS features a cast-iron table measuring 30 x 10 inches front to back that has been precision-ground flat and has a full-length miter slot machined into it. Additionally, the table can be adjusted up and down for precise alignment of the workpiece, and the included miter gauge makes precise end or miter saw sanding much easier.
Dust Collection for a Cleaner ShopTo help keep your workspace clean, the OES-80CS includes a dust port with four-inch diameter that's built into the hinged end of the belt guard. The belt guard system also helps direct the dust towards the port as well as focus the vacuum power of your dust collector on the belt to maximize efficiency.
The OES-80CS is covered by a five-year warranty and includes an all-steel enclosed base cabinet, which offers support and valuable storage space for abrasive belts and related tools or supplies.
About JET: A History of Sharing New, Feature-Rich ProductsOpened in 1958 after the founder of the company, Leslie P. Sussman, took the first Boeing Jet Airplane trip from Seattle, Washington to Japan, JET began as a small dealer that sold air hoists and trolleys out of a single hardware store in Seattle. Over the years, JET has carried everything from snowmobiles, transmitter radios, and forklifts to nylon stockings, but by the early 1970s, metalworking had become the base of their business line. And by the 1980s, JET had expanded into the realm of woodworking. Today, you'll find that JET offers a wide range of popular woodworking tools that are backed with best-in-class features and excellent service.
What's in the BoxOne front panel with door (stand), one rear panel (stand), two side panels (stand), one shelf, two M5x10 screws, two M5 flat washers two, M5 lock washers, one extension table assembly, one drum guard and dust port, owner's manual, warranty card, one table and motor unit, one miter gauge assembly, one sanding belt, and cabinet hardware.
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Sometime a job needs to be quicker than sandpaper and is smaller than a tabletop.The big sander needs two hands to be safe.This unit gives a smooth, uniform surface - ready for finish sanding with an orbital or sanding block.Good product.
Great sander, couldn't find one better at any price. Looked long and hard, and have tried a few others. This is one of the best. Already finish sanding and buffing 2 cars.
if you need these yesterday go to your local hardware store, buy the common 3x21 belts and rip them into strips, they are cheaper and work fine.
This is the only place I will buy it.Best price.Great lasting paper.
The sanding belts were just the item my husband had been looking for. The supplier was able to fill this order for a product that we had been told was not being manufactured anymore. Thanks.
These were purchased to be used in studio construction. They are excellent for everything we use them for. On a TV Show we don't know from day to what is going to be needed, so we have to make sure our supplies can handle anything. Mirka is the way to go. Everyone who uses them makes a positive comment about how good they are.
I've been using the Mouse for a few years now and it has been one of the tools I reach for most. 
I recently recieved this sander. The enclosed base is nice- good storage for the tables and extra discs/betls. Its very nice- lots of power, the spring loaded belt tension arm is a nice touch, although the tracking adjustment requires attention more often than other sanders I've used - it does the job though. The dust collection works pretty well, the miter gauge isn't very accurate, but for normal wood-working it should suffice. Nice machine, my second Jet tool.
I just got the Grizzly G1014ZX after reviewing several different brands.For the price, this is the best combination disc and belt sander on the market.
I was immediately intrigued when this belt sander came on the market - I always felt there needed to be a more diminutive belt sander for certain operations, things that a quarter-sheet palm sander or a oscilating disk sander just are not right for (for one example, our companyoften has to taper the end of a baluster - this is the tool for the job). Also keep in mind that many people find a larger belt sander hard to control without gouging the workpiece. So I ordered one. As soon as it arrived, it had celebrity status - there are one-hand and detail operations that the other four trim capenters I work with immediately took to this tool to perform, and I am adding a second one to our inventory soon.
I was not sure if I could get belts for my sander with this dimension any more.The belts are inexpensive and work great.They were at my house a few days after I ordered them.
This finishing sander is a pleasure to use.I usually use a Dewalt 5" random orbit sander for finishing the face of my work pieces as it is very "error proof".However, I find a random orbit sander difficult to use on the edge of boards and in corners.
$6 per belt w/ shipping!That's four times what I now pay, and these do not last any longer than any other aluminum oxide belt.They do track very well on my Bosch sander.
The belts are as adertised and do the job for which I bought them--sanding ship model parts.
Sanding belt is of very high quality, and the vendor provided fast delivery and excellent packaging.
I replaced the standard "V" belts on my Powermatic model 66 (3HP) table saw with the Fenner link belts. The saw uses a pair of belts 3/8" wide by about 20" in length. [The belts run side by side, on double groove pulleys.] Fitting the belts was very easy. First by making the 2 belts from the 5' length, then installing them on the saw. I was pleasantly suprised to see how 'equal' in length both belts ended up, as both had near equal tension after adjusting. Better than the previous "V" belts, which one was tight and the other one loose. [Typical]
Very pleased with the service and really surprised with the size of the belt cleaner I bought from Peachtree through Amazon.My only hassle with Amazon is that I cannot pay for articles with PayPal.
I've owned this wide belt sander for about three years now and have had zero problems with it. I hate sanding as most woodworkers do so I bit the bullet for this one and it has filled the bill. Now I have consistently flat and smooth surfaces with no snipe or tear out often associated with planning. The digital readout is super accurate and a joy to use.
This machine is a beast. My favorite feature is the digital height positioning system. The feed adjustment has good range. The motor is plenty powerful. It holds tolerances from one side to the other. I have run hundreds of Custom interior and exterior doors through this machine. My only gripe is the belt alighnment mechanism. When you are changing from different grits of belts, if you not right on top of the adjuster, it can get away from you and shred a expensive sanding belt.
This open ended wide belt sander is a real gem of a machine.It's a tremendous upgrade from any drum sander. You can easily change sanding belts/grits quicker than 48" wide belt machine or any drum sander. The sanding belt guide system works well and acts as an oscillator to minimize scratch patterns. The 5 HP belt drive powers through just about anything but it's not a planer.
This is the best in the biz. The missus and I used to run a little taxidermy shop down in Coos Bay. When customers couldn't pay, which happens more often than you'd think even when a loved pet is involved, we'd fashion lamps or tables or knick knacks out of them. The problem is no one wants a curio table that's a gonna shed all over the place. So we'd fine sand the hair down to bristle length. Took us FOREVER to fine a sander with variable speed that went low enough so as not to pull the hairs out by the follicle. But this little beauty here did the trick. First attracted to it by its name, we've come to find it irreplaceable. Whether it's a barking dog umbrella holder or moose knuckle pendulum klick klack balls, this is definitely the sander of choice for the artisan who works in organics.
I have replaced my 22" open ended drum sander (with a grand total of 1.5 hp) with this Safety Speed Cut 4375 10 hp single phase sander. I couldn't be happier. The drum sander works, but is vastly underpowered, and unless the sanding passes are minimal the drum sander would bog down and burn paper. The non-oscillating drum sander left linear marks with even the finest grit rolls. 
This purchase was a good value for the money. No problems with the order or product
The Jet 708599 belt sander is a well built machine that any shop would be proud to own. It is a big unit and heavy so call up the boys to help get it out of the box. I use mine for mostly metal working although the manual says it isn't intended to be used for metal.I wired mine for 240 volt, easy to do and the manual is good at showing how it's done.Plenty of power and smooth.I built my own stand from 4x4s and 3/4" plywood as the metal one looked a bit flimsy for me.The tables are machined cast, heavy duty along with everything else for sure.If you're looking for a belt sander this IS the unit you seek...
From AW #79 (April 2000), which can also be viewed online at the American Woodworker website.
used 8 mo now. seam is smooth and does not produce bump when sanding. strongly recommend!
I purchased this sander about two months ago from Tool Crib to replace a Sears's stationary sander that is 20 years old. Compared to my old sander this is one heck of a machine. Very heavy and solid. Much more powerful than the Sears sander it replaced.
Initially, I was dubious about the quality of these sanding belts because of their low price. But after buying them, inspecting them, and using them...I'm no longer doubtful, I'm impressed.
i can use this for grinding 7 inch or 9 inch sanding 7 inch wire brush 7 inch diamond blade it has the amps to do the job plenty power i am a brickmason pipefitter welder i use this for many different things it comes in real handy and it has the power to get the job done outside or in
I bought this sander at Lowes because it was inexpensive, 
I've had the good fortune of using this grinder in the past in a welding/fab shop and I've finally gotten one of my own...lucky me! This is a heavy duty, serious work horse. Not really for the weekend warrier of the home shop doer. It's got balls and it's heavy! A high quality piece of equipment. I'd recommend it.
Purchased a DeWalt DW432 belt sander as a "factory" reconditioned model.
I recentlypurchased this sander. I wasvery impressed by the power. It does have a problem keepingthe belt inline, but, overall,it is very light, and works quite well. I would recommend this sanderif you are lookingfor one and don't have too much cash.
I use these with my Porter Cable 317K. The belts are sturdy, do an excellent job and I definitely recommend them.I note that the belt's backing seems sturdier than most.I have read that some people experienced tracking problems with other brand belts on the 317K. I have had no tracking problems at all; just a few tweaks when first using a new belt.
The product came to me on time, and in good shape. The sanding discs fit the sander perfectly. With the hardness of the grit, I can even sand some metals. I could not find these sanding belts locally to purchase.
I purchased this sander about 7 months ago and had problems with the belt tracking from the start. I could adjust it okay until I placed it on the sanding surface. Then the belt would start to come off. As soon as I picked it back up again, the belt would re-align itself. I took it to the Sears repair place and they replaced the yoke assembly but it made little difference when I got back home with it. In my opinion, the design is flawed. The tracking adjustment is on one side of the roller, thus creating a "hard spot" there. The other side of the roller is free to flex and that, I think, is the problem. When it is placed on a hard surface, one side flexes and permits the belt to move off. My previous belt sander was a Sears Craftsman 4x24 as well which I purchased in 1975 and used extensively for well over 30 years without a problem.
Slow delivery and expensive price for what these are.
For the money you can't bet these belts.The lady runs a good business.
My machine arrived last week.