I rec'd the sander a few days ago. It went together easy. It was quite heavy. Unless you've got some muscles, get some help placing the sander body on the stand.
The stand is solid and doesn't take up much floor space. There are pre-drilled carriage-bolt holes in the legs if you want to add your own lower shelf. I plan to do that at a later date but I thought it would be nice if Jet included the horizontal supports for such a shelf with the stand. Not a big negative just a suggestion. The stand comes with rubber-cushioned leveling feet unlike some of the other stands I've purchased in the past. It was a nice touch.
Other than the stand, essentially the only assembly needed is to attach the work tables to the sander body. The instructions are pretty good and they show in some detail how you get the tables lined up square to the sanding surfaces. I had a little trouble getting the belt sander work surface to go on smoothly but after making some adjustments to the 90 degree stops, it seemed to go on more easily.
The unit runs smoothly and with about as much noise as I would expect with a sander, although the graphite belt sander platen seems to make a little more "whooshing" sound when it starts up. The graphite is supposed to make it run cooler. I haven't confirmed that but it makes sense. There aren't any undue vibrations. Not having owned a stationary belt sander before this one (but I have used several) releasing the belt tension was new for me but makes sense. It's recommended so the belt doesn't take on an excessively oval shape or wear out prematurely. It's easy to do but I find that I have to line up the belt on the rollers before I move the tension arm back. Easy to do, just something to remember if you plan to release the tension when the machine is off.
The belt sander will lay flat if you need to do some surface sanding. There's a horizontal stop but no vertical stop. However, eyeball vertical is fine since the work surface moves with the belt assembly and as such stays perpendicular.
The disc sander is great for me. 9 inche diameter is all I need. I've considered 12 inch disc sanders but this machine gets the job done. I build furniture, cabinets and various (larger) craft items and I expect that it will handle my needs.
Adjusting the work surfaces requires some patience but wasn't too difficult. For example, if you want to change the angle on the belt sander work surface, you need to loosen two locking handles and line up the angle that you need while maintaining a gap between the table and the sanding belt. I find that when I tightened the right-side locking handle, it pulls the table toward the belt. I don't use the belt sander at other that 90 degrees too often, so I don't expect this to be a big deal for me. The disc sander work surface on the other hand is a breeze to adjust. There's an angle indicator on the table, so once the index is set to zero for perpendicular, moving to any other angle is a snap....
The 3/4 hp motor has yet to bog down on me. It seems adequately beefy so far.
I think this is a great sander. I've considered spending some money on Jet's larger sander and others in that class and was also considering other brands with lower priced units ... but when Jet re-released this machine, it didn't take long for me to make up my mind. As I use the sander more, I'll add more comments, but I expect to be very happy with my purchase and expect most other woodworkers would be happy as well.
Nice job to Jet on this one. I give it 5 stars for quality and value.
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JET 708596K JSG-96OS 6 Inch/9 Inch 3/4-Horsepower Open Stand Belt/Disc Sander, 115-Volt 1-PhaseProduct Description: Complete with built-in handles for easy portability, the JET 708596K JSG-96OS 6-Inch/9-Inch 3/4 HP Open Stand Belt/Disc Sander, 115-Volt 1-Phase is a combination belt/disc sander that comes complete with 3/4 HP motor for plenty of power to both sanders, a heavy-duty open-style stand, and two work tables. This versatile tool makes sanding tasks easier, more accurate, and less time-intensive for higher-quality results.
The JET JSG-96OS 6-Inch/9-Inch
Open Stand Belt/Disc Sander offers:
A 3/4 HP, 110-volt, TEFC motor for dependability
Exclusive dual thumbscrew belt tracking adjustment locks for precision
A nine-inch diameter disc that spins at 1,725 RPM
A 6 x 48 inch sanding belt that runs at 2,258 SFPM
A full-featured miter gauge and versatile fence
The belt can be positioned flat or fully vertical for improved versatility.
The JSG-96OS is a versatile, stable, and powerful snading unit. View larger.
The cast-iron table tilts to 45-degrees.
The specially designed center point (top) fits the miter slot on the cast iron table and makes sanding perfectly round disks safe and easy.
Finger operated latches open doors to make changing belts fast and tool free.
Powerful Mounted Motor for Robust, Stable PerformanceThe JSG-96OS is powered by a robust 3/4 HP, 110-volt, TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled) motor mounted in a heavy-duty base. The base also supports the nine-inch diameter disc and belt systems (measuring 6 by 48 inches) to create a solid and very stable unit.
Dual Thumbscrew Adjustment for PrecisionThe JSG-96OS boasts Jet's exclusive dual thumbscrew belt tracking adjustment locks--an innovative feature that keeps the belt on track during use, which helps ensure precise results.
Sealed Ball Bearings and Steel Platen for Exceptional DurabilityBuilt to last, the JSG-96OS offers exceptional durability for long-term reliability. Sealed, permanently lubricated ball bearings at all major friction points reduce maintenance and help provide an extended, trouble-free life, while the graphite-covered steel platen runs cooler, thereby preventing heat damage.
Single Dust Port Collects From Both Belt and DiscTo help keep your workspace clean, healthy, and dust-free, this tool features an effective dust collection system. This system has a single four-inch dust port on the back of the base that evacuates debris from both the disc and belt through specially designed shrouds that maximize its effectiveness.
Clever and Efficient Disc Section DesignThe nine-inch diameter disc spins at 1,725 RPM (no load) and accepts adhesive-backed discs. Additionally, the heavy-duty disc plate is machined flat for super-smooth sanding and resists warping or deflection under all normal sanding conditions. To enhance dust collection and safety, a hinged door covers the lower portion of the sanding disc. Opening the door provides easy access to the complete disc for replacement of the abrasive.
Belt Section Offers Maximum VersatilityMeasuring 6 x 48 inches, the sanding belt runs at 2,258 SFPM (surface feet per minute) and offers plenty of surface area to handle the big jobs. Its overall size also allows you to distribute wear over a larger area, which substantially increases the life of the abrasive.
For added convenience, the belt runs on high-quality rollers, mounted in a fully adjustable arm for maximum versatility. A rubber-coated drive drum helps to maintain belt speed.
Cast-Iron Sanding Disc Table for Stability and FlexibilityThe cast-iron sanding disc table measures 10 inches wide and 12 inches in length, and has lots of surface area to help support large work pieces. The table also features a unique curved shape that makes it easy to use in a wide range of sanding operations. It's also fully adjustable and tilts up to 45 degrees. For added convenience, a handy scale under the table shows the current amount of tilt and makes setting specific angles fast and easy.
Disc Table Mount for Increased VersatilityTo make the belt even more versatile, a mount for the disc table can be used at the belt as well (the belt table must be removed). This is particularly useful when using the center point device or sanding an odd-shaped work piece.
Miter Gauge and Pivoting Fence for User-Friendly OperationThe JSG-96OS comes with a full-featured miter gauge, and a fence measuring 5.5 x 2 inches tall to securely hold stock or attach shop-made jigs. This fence also pivots 60 degrees to the right or left and is locked with the twist of the push handle. Finally, the miter gauge has a steel guide bar fitted with a T-slot follower that prevents lifting or rocking during sanding.
The JSG-96OS is backed by a five-year warranty.
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 sander, one sanding belt, one sanding disc, two tables, one center point, three handles (one with brass insert), two 5/16-inch flat washers, one miter gauge, owner's manual, and warranty card.
Buy cheap JET 708596K JSG-96OS 6 Inch/9 Inch 3/4-Horsepower Open Stand Belt/Disc Sander, 115-Volt 1-Phase now Get 14% OFF
The sanding belts arrived on time, and they fit my sander very well (a Ryobi bench top).Their performance is excellent.I recommend this product.
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.
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.
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.
You have read many reviews in the trade sources that say these belts last three times longer.From what I have experienced those writers are not correct.These belts last much longer than 3 times.I have put over 300 board of hard maple and 150 board feet of red oak through on one sheet.It cuts just as new.Prior sheets would have been replaced after 100 board feet of hard maple or red oak.These belts do not heat up as much and they have not cloged yet.
My machine arrived last week.
I have used the Makita Model 9046 1/2 sheet sander for 4 years.It is almost identical to this model.
This tool is designed for extended-use grinding or sanding of large surface areas, i.e. wood floors or weatherboards on a house.
The 6078 grinder/sander with a 9" grinding wheel is a force to be respected!I've used it to clean up welds, cut metal, sand and also to buff out a boat hull.This is a heavy tool, you will feel your arms at the end of the day!Its weight along with the centrifical force generated by the 9" wheel work together to steady the cut.The variable speed comes in handy to match the tool to the job.
I purchased this unit without knowing the horsepower of the motor since it wasn't mentioned in their description of the product.Once I received the unit I understood why, the grinder doesn't have enough horsepower to grind anything.The belt on the sander wouldn't stay on.I returned this item and have been waiting over 60 days for my refund because they claim nothing is wrong with the unit.The product, the company and the customer service leave a lot to be desired.
The buffer really worked great when I finally got to use it.It did not come as advertized with the hook and loop backing pad. After contacting Makita and getting no where, Amazon agreed to send me another buffer. Unfortunately for me, it too came packaged incorrectly. So, after some discussion Amazon agreed to credit my account the amount of money necessary to buy the backing pad.
The item I received in NOT EVEN CLOSE to what is shown in the pictures, and it is broken to boot.The unit I received does NOT have a tilting belt sander - it is fixed in the horizontal position, and cannot be raised vertically, or to any other position in between.Instruction manual does not match unit sent, so many of the assembly steps are trial-and-error.
I have the Bosch 3727 6" sanderand this Makita is as good as that is..it also offers an extra hole for dust collection that is placed in the center of the disc to pick up anything that collects there..I love the Bosch because of the extremely low vibration along with a nice swirl free finish and this Makita delivers the same plus it comes with two sets of six dust collection holes for a total of twelve in the pad with the option of using sanding discs with the dust collection holes either on the extreme outside rim or a little more towards the center which is what the Bosch has. I think the holes which are locatedway out on the rim are for makita sanding discs and the disc that comes with the sander has those holes and works better than my standard discs which I see on all the other sanders out there..short of buying the Festool this and the Bosch are both next in line and cost less too..
these belts wear well but they are not as coarse as a #60 should be, in my opinion.
Great for belt sanding in tight spots. These belts are a little hard to find,not stocked @ the local lumber yard.