The belt size can be very handy, but I've found that with a disc, bigger is always better unless you really are just doing model sized stuff.
FIL gave me an old Delta combo, wider belt but same 6" disc. I really kinda hate it, universal motor screaming away. The Rikon looks to have an induction motor which would be a big plus as far as noise. DC is always a +.
Another thing I think is a "must" is to have extra disc platens. Swapping grits is something that is handy. PSA discs are nice in that you get a very flat surface, but H&L solves the grit swapping issues.
Tools of this size class are the mainstay of several manufactures (Wen, HF, Grizzly, Skill, etc.) so you might find some magazine reviews that cover a range of brands.
Just my opinion, but what do you want it for? If it’s the belt portion, consider focusing on that…and the specifics of what you want from it (belt width, easy size to find, variety of grits and materials, platen options, etc etc). If it’s the disc, focus on that (size, PSA vs H@L, ease of swapping, quality of the stand and tilt options).
My problem with the combo is they don’t seem to do anything particularly well…or at least there are significant trade offs. Defining what you actually want the machine to do is maybe a best first step to getting what you want.
As for brands within that combo setup, I don’t think Rikon makes anything bad. Grizzly is also great.
FWIW, I kinda went down this rabbet hole and ended up building 12” discs for my lathe, and a stand to go with them. Works phenomenally well and waaay cheaper than a stand alone 12” disc machine. I also ended up with a 2x72 belt grinder, but that’s because I wanted more options than what a 1x30 machine would give. Yeah, I spent more money, but I really wanted some specific things…if it’s a ‘once in a while’ tool, the combo machine probably works just fine…but then I’d question spending the money on a Rikon or Grizz. Maybe a HF unit would get it done in that case? I dunno. Just make sure you’ve thought out both sides and uses (and storage!!) before you buy…
Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".
ive also got a big delta combo machine, 6" belt with 12" disc that i use a lot. and a 2x 48 jet with a 8" grinding wheel combo machine. i like the combo machine because of the space savings. they work great for me, but ymmv !
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
I also was looking for a 1" being a lot less than any of the 2" belts I was seeing. I find for knives I can do a great job of sharpening. It also gives some good finishing, and shaping for smaller curves, and inside diameters on both wood, and softer metals. I use the variable speed a lot, so for me it was worth it to spend the additional. Probably a lot of peeps could use the set speed model, and save some cash though. And I do find a 6" disc kind of puny, but I also got a Rikon 6 x48 belt with a 10" disc, and have a HF 12" disc, plus an oscillating drum sander. As well as a 19/38 wide belt. I don't think you can buy enough sanding machines. Looking at making, or buying a horizontal belt sander if I can find room to stuff it into SAND CITY.
I am happy to have the entire flock, as all of them have strong points, and weak ones too, but I would be lost and having to wave my arms around like a crazy man without them. IOW all of them beat hand sanding by a HUGE margin. :-)
When I got my narrow belt/disc sander I looked at them all, and the winner for me was that Rikon VS unit.
I used a lower quality Craftsman (likely from the early 80's) in my Grandpa's shop many years ago, I remember being unimpressed by not only the quality of the machine but the capacity too, particularly the small disc. I have a 2x48 sander I use a little for wood and a lot for metal. For bigger projects, I also have a 6x48 belt/12" disc sander unit and I use that 12" disc quite a bit. I'm certain the quality of that Rikon is better than the old Craftsman but the capacity would still be a problem for me. FWIW, I'm actively looking for a 24" disc sander as I use mine enough to know that more capacity is always a good thing.
I have one with just the 1" belt....I use it for my toys...it is great for that...beyond that not really very useful. You have to be careful, mine is from HF and is vastly underpowered.
