Importing aand using sanding maching from USA..or?

[wizer]

So I've had enough of my Charnwood Bobbin Sander and I've pretty much decided to sell it when I've repaired the large spindle. However, I use it a lot, so I do need a replacement.

The obvious choice is the Jet which had been discussed here a lot and without a doubt a top quality machine.

Tho what I would also like is a belt sander. Over in the States they have a machine called theRidgid EB4424 Oscillating Edge Belt/Spindle Sander.

I browse and sometimes take part in US forums and this machine is well regarded. It doesn't have CI tops but otherwise it's a very nice bit of kit.

The 2 problems are getting it here and then using it on our electric system. I don't know if I can just use one of those site transformers to plug it in or if it's more technical.

I've thought about this a lot and in terms of saving space, I think the Ridgid is a good way to go, so I'm prepared to pay the expense. I'm guessing it's going to cost me the same to import and get working as the Jet machine.

What do the members think?

 

[Streepips]

be prepared to at least double the price and forfeit any warranty.
I take it you have checked out Ebay, Scott and Sargent G&M etc? for a more local version?
Far as I know USA is 110volts apart from a mains modification which some US woodworkers etc make so they can run European imports such as tablesaws, so its down to what it takes to sort the machine out to run on 240v

 

[Oryxdesign]

How much is it?
Jet do this one http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Jet- ... 365614.htm

 

[andypo]

Wizer I have one of these RIGID machines bought it at car boot sale. Havent used it yet as it was missing any sanding sleeves and when I contacted RIGID about them they informed me that they dont have a dealer over here so I cant get the parts. Since then I have found a spares supplier who will deliver. Seems ok though have heard that dust extraqcion is rubbish on them

 

[OLD]

Make sure you can get abrasive loads at a fair price i had to get mine from USA for the Delta when the pound was up.
The side mounted belt sander :- i have a aldi one fixed to a wood frame that is held in the vice it works well at low cost.

 

[wizer]

How much is it?
Jet do this one http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Jet- ... 365614.htm

That's nearing £700 if you chuck in some extra belts. Plus it's a little on the large size.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Jet- ... -21290.htm

The standard Bobbin sander is £300ish atm with extra bobbins.

Wizer I have one of these RIGID machines bought it at car boot sale. Havent used it yet as it was missing any sanding sleeves and when I contacted RIGID about them they informed me that they dont have a dealer over here so I cant get the parts. Since then I have found a spares supplier who will deliver. Seems ok though have heard that dust extraqcion is rubbish on them

Well that's interesting. How are you getting round the voltage problem? If I was to buy it, I'd get a whole bunch of belts and bobbins at the same time.


I realise this is an expensive way to do it. The other option is for me to make my own. I know that sounds barmy, the oscillation would be the hard bit to get around. I'm not sure that's the sort of project I'm up to.

:-k :-k

 

[Geno]

Wizer,

I checked out that Rigid machine too, seems to be getting good reviews. As for the 110V - I've bought a couple of routers now on my visits to the states and they're working fine.
As far as life time of these power tools I'm not 100% sure - however at the end of the day u have voltage and frequency and if they suit here then I don't forsee a problem with mine. Ok so I'm still a little sceptical but I was getting some pretty good savings on these and took the chance.

Over here its compulsory to use 110V power tools for site work and I know plenty who have purchased power tools in the states and brought them home for use here - we're all runnin them off transformer boxes and no probs yet.

One fella who resided there for some time and shipped it all home doesn't bother changin the 2 spoke USA plugs to the 110V (yellow) 3 pin sockets for use with the transformer box - instead he just changed the one plug on a USA power strip (4 or five plug one) and it works out well.

If ur going this route and are happy enough to run the whole lot off the transformer box make sure ur box is big enough for what u need it for - mines a 3KVA and sufficient so far for all I have - not running all at the same time.

Hope it helps a little - shame the exchange rate has fallen away as u cud make some great savings!

Good luck!!

 

[andypo]

I work on a USAF air force base so managed to get myself a transformer to power it. You could always chop plug off and put a site plug on it, that would work as well.

 

[Peter T]

Don't forget that the US runs 110V 60Hz whereas we run 240V 50Hz.

You can drop the voltage with a transformer but you will still have the lower frequency, which means that tools will run 16.7% slower.

 

[wizer]

Thanks for the help guys, so it looks like it's got good chance of working on a site transformer. Tho they're not cheap. I'll go and weigh up all the costings and then work out how I'm going to get the thing back to our great country.

 

[Gogsi]

Take a look at Rutlands home page:
http://www.rutlands.co.uk/
and you'll see an exact clone of the Ridgid machine for £170.
I might be in the market for this myself some day as it looks better than chocolate milk: )

 

[blackrodd]

Take a look at Rutlands home page:
http://www.rutlands.co.uk/
and you'll see an exact clone of the Ridgid machine for £170.
I might be in the market for this myself some day as it looks better than chocolate milk: )

The post is 6 1/2 years old Gogsi!
Rodders

 

[mind_the_goat]

Maybe it's time Wizer gave us a review, assuming he got hold of one 6 years ago. Wonder why it took so long before anyone thought to sell it here.