Hi All, I am sure this is a tried and true conversation topic, but I don't seem to able to find good info in the arcives and was looking for some help.
I am thinking about purchasing a belt sander for some home renovation needs, and am wondering about their application in the woodshop. I have never had access to one, even in the best outfitted shops which I assume has something to do with either their lack of suitability or that those shops had edge sanders. Basically I am wondering what if anything people use their belt sanders for in terms of furniture fabrication and the like. I am trying to decide if one of the cheaper Porter Cable models will suffice, which it should for my occasional home repair needs, or if I should save and spring for the 504 which I understand to be a clear winner.
I know the cry once or cry twice mentality, and while I fully understand it there are sometimes and some tools that I have used so infrequently that it seems silly to have the absolute best simply sit on the shelf.
As always any thoughts advice or off the wall commentary is appreciated
Andrew