Thread: GMC Belt/Disc Sander

I've had the GMC unit for some time, never had a belt problem. I have found the table on the disc sander is a design disaster, and I will be fitting one of my own design, when I get time to design it. You get what you pay for, of course, but for the amount I use it I could not justify spending more.

I've got the GMC model and find it does the job for light work. It can bog down a bit easily when sanding using the top belt, but nothing that cannot be overcome by sanding with lighter pressure.

I haven't had any problems with it, and have found that for 90 bucks, its not too bad.

Although, on my wish list is a dedicated disc sander, something with a bit more 'ooomph'.

I've had one for a couple of years and it's good for the money. The top plate is Ok but as the others have said, the disk needs a much better table attachment. That doesn't worry me too much though because i use a Triton sanding disk on my TS when i want good face plate sanding. The GMC is fine for rough stuff.

It has done a bit of work and now makes a 'clacking' noise whn it goes around. It's not the belt, it's inside. If it dies, I'll look at it. Otherwise, I just put up with it.

I've got a Ryobi, which was all I could get after the insurance company "depreciated" my stolen Makita.

Trust me, they aren't worth $200 more than a GMC.. in fact I'd buy the GMC any day and pocket the change (given the amount of use mine gets).

Having said that, I am hopefull that all the metal bits that can wear in contact with the belt have now fallen off, and I'll get a few more years out of it.

I have three GMC products which have just gone out of warranty: Pressure Blaster, Drop Saw and Biscuit Jointer. All have given me many times their purchase cost in value so far... where have I gone wrong??

P

Hi Skew,

I've had the el cheapo GMC 1/3HP belt/ faceplate sander for about 18 months, and have used it a fair bit for rough sanding, and even contouring using the belt's curved end.

Apart from a woefully inadequate faceplate workpiece rest (never 90deg to the faceplate, other than in passing through that angle as it twists, droops or whatever ), it hasn't missed a beat - and I must admit to abusing the poor little sod by overloading it. For $99, it's about the only GMC tool that I haven't regretted buying.

One annoyance, though, is the odd sized belts.

Cheers!

Thanks, people. I don't feel so bad now.

I already have a few GMC items and I have to admit they've lasted well, although the knobs and other minor external trim aren't the best. This is why I was surprised at the sander dying so quickly. Should the need arise again, I'll probably give the GMC another go.

Gumby, I'd looked at the Triton sanding disk but wasn't too sure how my cheap CS's bearings would handle lateral pressure. I upgraded to the Triton circ some time ago, so I imagine this is a non-issue now. Thanks for reminding me of it!

Hmmm... I wonder how hard it'd be to fit to a lathe?

Originally Posted by Auld Bassoon

One annoyance, though, is the odd sized belts.

Oh... that's one thing I didn't give a moment's thought to. You'd think I'd have learned better by now.

yes, i bought one for 100 bucks form bunnings, lasted about 1 year with moderate to solid use...the plastic belt bizzo busted...probably got 70-80 hrs from it..good buy all told as i got some good work done with it.

i now own a carbatec one for 285 thats bigger and sturdier...

if u just want a weekend machine for low cost, go the GMC...
if u wnat one that lasts then go the better brands

cheeeeeers
john

Skew if u are ever in the Geelong area I have a "Clarke" 4x6 disc/belt sander I will sell u for $50. It is in good working order, probably only done aobut 5 hours of work, I upsized and it has sat for about a year gathering dust of the non wood variety.

Yeah Skew,

I guess that most people don't look at that sort of detail - a variation on the old razor game - make 'em pay for the disposables... However, I seem to recall that Derek (from Perth) had found a supplier willing to make belts to the length required...

As I said, I should've known better.

I have 3 different belt sanders and not one of 'em takes an off-the-shelf belt. Either they're std lengths but non-standard widths, or vice-versa. If I buy another it'll mainly be for contouring the insides of curves so the belt will see as much, if not more, use as the disk. Between the cost savings and the fact I don't foresee constant use, I think it may be worth the hassle.

A big, dedicated faceplate sander is still on my wish-list though.

Rowan, I appreciate the offer! Unfortunately I've a distinct aversion to travelling any closer to the big smoke than I already am, so Geelong's a rare sight for me. I wasn't aware that Clarke made sanders, but I'm not surprised: I've a Clarke bench-grinder and one of their drill-presses, albeit rebadged.

Rowan, if you're interested, I'd be keen to buy your sander.

PM sent.


Cheers.................Sean

Shew,

I posted something on this some time ago. I bought the GMC, it lasted 5 minutes and ceased up totally. Took it back to the store and got another one, this time I did not even get to plug it in because on inspection the thing was mangled. Took it back and paid the extra for the Ryobi, not had any further problems.

Skew,

have you considered a W.A.S.P. sander instead ? Great for internal curves etc.

I have a friend with a GMC and his seems to work OK. But I have a multitool attachment to my Abbott and Ashby bench grinder.

This is a beautiful tool.

It runs beautifully, it cuts metal (and wood) like you wouldn't believe. It has a disc sander and a belt sander part.

Both will run perfectly well without the other part.

I use this for nearly all of my sanding needs.

I can also get belts from 40 grit to 600 grit for it (as well as a 3M scothbrite belt).

Nice!

Cam