Hey everyone, I’m new to woodworking and I found this used belt sander on Facebook Marketplace. It’s a Sears Craftsman, and the seller’s asking $40 for it. The thing is, it’s been used quite a bit and the owner doesn’t know how old it is. Do you think it’s worth buying to start with, or should I go another route? I’d love to hear what you all think. Thanks!
I’d say $40 is a bit high. You can sometimes find new ones for around $75 on sale, and this one looks a little rough.
Honestly, a belt sander wouldn’t be my go-to tool for starting out. Here’s what I’d recommend for a beginner woodworker:
- Table saw (this tool is essential and can do so much)
- Combination square (you’ll need this to check and square up your cuts)
- Drill/driver (you’ll be using this a lot)
- Shop vac (you’ll want something for all the dust)
- Random orbit sander (perfect for finishing work)
- Router (opens up a lot of new techniques for cutting and joinery)
@Lilyharper
Thanks for the suggestions, I really appreciate it!
@Lilyharper
This is a solid list! A table saw is definitely the first thing you need. I’ve built a lot of jigs for mine, which makes it even more versatile. I’d also recommend adding a miter saw, micrometer, clamps, and a good workbench. Without enough space, it can be tough to handle larger projects.
@Kiran
Totally agree! Clamps are a must, I can’t believe I forgot those.
@Lilyharper
What router would you recommend for someone just starting out?
Shawn said:
@Lilyharper
What router would you recommend for someone just starting out?
The Bosch 1617 is a great option for beginners, especially if you get the combo with the plunge base. Later on, you can mount the fixed base into a router table. As you grow, you might want to add a trim router too—I’ve had good luck with the Dewalt.
@Lilyharper
Any recommendations for a good combination square? Mine from Harbor Freight is just not doing the job.
Ira said:
@Lilyharper
Any recommendations for a good combination square? Mine from Harbor Freight is just not doing the job.
If you can spend the money, get a Starrett. If that’s too pricey, the iGaging combo square has worked well for me.
@Tavis
Thanks for the recommendation!
@Lilyharper
That little disc sander can actually be pretty useful for fixing bad cuts. I wouldn’t pay more than $10 for one in that condition though.
@Lilyharper
I’d recommend getting a jointer, a planer like the DW733, or a bandsaw before a router, just my opinion.
I have one of those sanders, and while it’s handy every now and then, I don’t use it much. It sits in a cabinet until I need it. My essential tools would be: #1 table saw, #2 drill, #3 clamps, and #4 brad nailer. I have a few routers, but I don’t use them as often as I thought I would.
That disc seems pretty small. I wouldn’t spend more than $25 on it.
If you’re into carving spoons or spatulas, it could be useful, but yeah, that 6-inch disc is on the small side.
Dane said:
If you’re into carving spoons or spatulas, it could be useful, but yeah, that 6-inch disc is on the small side.
Haha, I thought you said something else for a second. 
It says ‘Craftsman,’ but it looks just like a Delta model I’ve seen and a few others with random brand names. Harbor Freight has something similar. These tools are pretty decent, but $40 is a bit much for a secondhand one.
I wouldn’t go for it. I have one, and it’s really not that great.
I had one, and it was really underpowered. I found a bigger one for $75, and it was way better. Unless you really need it now, I’d wait for a better deal.