The best belt sander?

Any opinions on the best belt sander? I hear a lot about Porter Cable and Makita on this! Also, what is the way to go… 3×21 or 3×24?

Thanks,

FB82

bigger is better…..

what you wanna do with it? belt sander take off lots of material in a short time, really have to watch out while using it

I just build a lot of furniture when I am messing around a night. Little bit of log stripping, pallets, countertops, etc. I have one currently, but it is a piece of junk. An upgrade is much needed at this point.

Fb82

if you are good with a belt sander like I said bigger is better…..

I’ve heard great things about the ridgid sander but i have a 30 year old craftsman that still works for me

your on track with both the porter cable and the makita.. i had done some serious research at one point on belt sanders and those were the two brands i landed on..   im pretty sure i was leaning towards the makita in the end..    i didnt end up with either, put it on hold for a while and eventually i went with the Festool Rotex sanders.. now i dont even keep a belt sander in my trailer.. but for your uses (other than furniture) it sounds like a belt is a better choice for you..

the 3×21 is a much more common belt size, the bigger 3×24 belts should only last a little bit longer.   with the 3×21 you are at a 8amp motor for PC and a 8.8amp for Makita, makitas 3×24 is also 8.8amp.. which is probably more than enough for all these units.. if you want to stay in the 3x belt size but get more power im pretty sure PC has a 3×24 with 12amp.. thats most likly overkill for anything other than heavy duty use.. 

Thanks! They are both similar prices… and I am leaning towards the Makita to be honest. However, the trim carpenters that I know swear by the Porter Cable (and of their wood working tools actually). I’m sure I won’t go wrong with either, just need to fork over the dough and buy one!

FB82