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.
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.
The belts are as adertised and do the job for which I bought them--sanding ship model parts.
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...
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.
Slow delivery and expensive price for what these are.
I have used the Makita Model 9046 1/2 sheet sander for 4 years.It is almost identical to this model.
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 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..
Purchased this a few years ago for about 50 bucks at home depot. Use it occasionaly, no problems. 
The leather belt arrived within a few days and has worked better than expected.I now have the sharpest carving tools.I expect to be using this sharpening tool for many years to come.
I purchased a Makita belt sander model 9910 from CPO Makita. Amazon went through fine and CPO shipped item on time and it arrived right on time. Thats all I can say good about this transaction. First the beltsander was totally filled with saw dust, it was like it was just taken off a job and placed in the box. I took the time to blow the unit off and get it cleaned up. Then I attached the sandpaper belt and plugged it in. It sounded nice, quiet opperation and it ran well, the problem was the belt was NOT moving. Thinking the belt wasnt tight I looked around for an adjustment and noticed that the geared side of the belt roller was stuck and wouldnt move. So I took apart the gear belt cover and saw that the whole belt was incased in gunk, and the actual gear belt totally shreaded and broken. So the motor was working fine but the gear belt was torn up. So this was Not reconditioned, someone just pulled the tigger said hmm works fine, not noticing the belt wasnt moving and packaged it up and said SUCKER. OK I can understand maybe the unit got overlooked and wasnt cleaned, or the belt broke when I tested it, or the ton of caked on gunk inside the belt casing just got missed,even the reconditioned tag was worn and torn off, but to miss ALL of these things CPO dropped the ball. I dont fault Amazon on this and im sure if I complained they would fix the problem. Normally I would not put up such a stink but i was counting on having this beltsander for a weekend project, not to be. The beltsander itself looks like it will be a good one built very nice, makita did a good job on the design. I have ordered the replacement belt via another company. I will eat this purchase because its not worth shipping back only to get another piece of junk at least I know what I got with this one. CPO dosent have to worry about bad reviews from me again, Because im never using CPO Makita again. Bottom line is Beware reconditioned items.
I have been a wood worker for 30 years and decided to try out the new 1/4 Sheet Sander that Milwaukee recently added to their line.I am amazed by how good this sander feels in your hand, Milwaukee obviously put a lot of thought in the grip. It has everything that you would like in a 1/4 sheet sander --- soft start, plenty of power, vacuum ports, pad cushioning and break.Do yourself a favor and try one of these sanders out, you will not be disappointed!
This is a solid, smooth running machine with heavy duty castings and ample power.This unit runs smoother, and with less noise and vibration compared to the Delta 31-280.The 1725 RPM speed produces less burning on sensitive woods like cherry.
these belt stand up well to a lot of sanding.great product.will buy again
I used one of these sanders to remove heavy textured paint from the plaster walls of my 1890's Victorian in Maryland.This involved sanding every inch of a 3000 square foot house with heavy grit (60 grit) paper over a three month period.I estimate that I ran this unit for over 30 hours a week for the entire three months without a break.I still have it and it works fine.
This machine has been a disappointment, the only reason I give it a second star is that it hasn't blown up (yet)
This tool is very impressive and not a toy as some others may be.If Jet keeps this type of quality in workmanship going and the costs down, the competition will be blown away.The first thing that impressed me was the weight.You will need two adults to get it out of the box and without a mobile base this unit will stay parked in the shop. The fininh was well done and it looks like a tool that will last a life time. Assembly was a snap and the instructions were well written.I could not believe how quiet this unit runs and without vibration !I also like the idea of one dust port for both ends of the tool. I have another Jet product and I noticed if there is anything I could say in the negative sense is the 90/45 deg. stops could be better. This would not change my mind about the unit ,it's just an observation that needs a mention.I really don't think anyone would be dissapointed with the purchase of this one ! Good Job Jet!