SHOP FOX W1712 1.5-Horsepower 6/12-Inch Combination Disc and Belt Sander Review

This machine has been a disappointment, the only reason I give it a second star is that it hasn't blown up (yet)

1. The enclosed cabinet is a waste of space. I am used to having a door or something to place spare belts, adjustment tools etc. in this space. This cabinet has no such access.

2. The tracking adjustment is not user friendly and is manufactured with very loose tolerances that throw off the adjustment by simply locking it into position.

3. Due to the poor tracking, the sanding belt has walked to the side and cut up the plactic guards and duct collection cowl which have subsequently been thrown away.

4. The table adjustments lock downs are made from plastic which I feel is inadequate to allow the clamping force necessary to ensure the table stays true and square. One of the locking levers has broken on me.

5. The on/off switch is unreliable. Sometimes it needs a little exercising to get it to function and recently it has stayed in the run position requiring me to shut it down by unplugging it.

6. The drive drum on the belt sander portion worked loose once and I took it apart to get it working again. The attachment was a set screw on the pulley locking it to a flat ground onto the drive shaft. I feel that to tranfer the torque of a 1-1/2 HP motor, a more substantial connection is appropriate (keyed, splines, etc.)

I consider myself a midlevel hobbyist and bought this to replace my Delta that was lost in the Katrina flood. I have used this sander approximately 80 hours making a complete set of kitchen cabinets and various other smaller projects.

I currently would not consider Shop Fox for future purchases based on my experience with this sander.

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Product Description:
This Heavy-Duty Combination Sander uses a 6" x 48" belt, a 12" disc, and a 1-1/2 HP motor to tackle your toughest sanding operations. Unlike many belt-driven sanders that require adjustments, the Shop Fox W1712 uses a direct ball-bearing drive from the motor to the sanding disc and belt to deliver a maintenance and vibration-free positive torque flow. For increased sanding versatility and control, both cast-iron tables accept the miter gauge.

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