[TheForge] belt grinder advice?

[Paul Novorolsky]

My cheapo 1x30" HF belt sander gave up its ghost last week. I had been 
using it for about 3 years. I certainly got my money's worth out of it.

I had been looking to upgrade, so I guess now is the time. I'm on a 
tight budget, so I'd like to keep it under $300.

I'm a little skeptical of the grizzly unit (last listed below). Although 
quite cheap, I'm afraid it isn't really any better than the HF unit. The 
units that attach to the grinder look to be the best deal without going 
to a full-blown knife grinder.

Aside from the increase in working surface area, what might I consider 
in choosing between a 2x36 and a 2x48, or a 4x48 size belt?

Has anyone tried more than one of these, or have them and can give 
pros/cons of them? Or comments about the mfr?


I've been looking at attachments like:
http://www.vansantdistributing.com/Multitool_2x48_Belt_Grinder_Attachment_p/mt482.htm

and some of the lower cost all-in-ones like:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/DAYTON-BeltDisc-Sander-6Y945?cm_sp=IO-_-Home-_-VTV70300505&cm_vc=HPPVZ3

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/DAYTON-Belt-Grinders-2RYN6?cm_sp=IO-_-Home-_-VTV70300505&cm_vc=HPPVZ3

or
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combo-2-Belt-Sander-6-Disc-Sander/H7761

Thanks,
**paul