Got another question for you,Tru-Grit sells two disc sanders. One is a fixed speed @ 1140 RPM and the other is variable speed. Is it worth the extra couple a hundred dollars to get variable speed ?

Just my opinion, and I know that there are others who disagree- I think the variable speed is a tremendous asset on a belt grinder, but not needed on a disk grinder. Reversability, on the other hand, is very important on the disk.

I just recently bought a reversible/variable speed control for a horizontal disc sander I'm putting together and believe it will help greatly steadiness. So much so that I'm considering the addition of a treadle, so I can slow the disc to a stop while still being able to control the blade with both hands. Although no hands on experience yet, just another opinion.

Steve

I agree with Don on this one. For a disc sander, being reversable is tops! Variable speed is nice, and if you can afford it..........why not? I'm nosing around right now, considering a new belt grinder myslef, and variable is a "must have" for me in the next machine. I love my square wheel, but after comparing mine (14 years old), with the new ones (they are not built nearly as heavy duty as mine), I'm likely to go in another direction. Right now I'm think hard on the Bader B-III, with a 2hp variable.

I have a disc sander I built 1725 rpm dual shaft motor disc on eathier end, no need toreverse. I use a foot switch on mine, I can hold the work on square to the disc and then hit the power, likewise shutting the power down. Trick from Wayne Goddard. The only trouble I have is forgetting to shove the foot switch out of the way and then stepping on it when I'm walking by. still scares the bejeebers out of me.

Life is what it is