Official Luthiers Forum!

Here's a cheap one on Craigslist. Looks like it might be Pre-war.
http://burlington.craigslist.org/tls/2374417245.html

If you are talking about the 10-20, cost is one thing, foot print is another, weight could be a factor. But the simple fact is, you can build just about any guitar with the 10-20. Even the harp guitar! But, if you engage in other activities (like furniture), the 10-20 can limit you. Plus, I like passing a whole harp top through the sander. No flipping required.

If you are thinking about getting something bigger, wait until you have used the 10-20 for a while to see if it really limits you in any way.

Mike

FWIW, I recommend the Performax (Jet) 10/20. I have one that I bought 6 or 7 years ago and I have been very happy with it, I also have a Delta 18/36. I use the Jet for most of the prep work before the tops and backs are joined then I wind up with the delta for the final surfacing and such things as bringing rosettes down to the top surface.

You can easily avoid snipe with both of these machines if you are careful with your technique. If not, they will give you snipe every time. What I do to avoid snipe is to lift the trailing edge of the wood as I am feeding it in and keep it from drooping until the exit roller has picked up the piece. It is a good practice to keep your hands on the wood, since you often have to help the piece past the second roller or wind up with a divot should it stall.

Also, you should carefully hold the piece on the way out, especially as it leaves the 1st holddown roller, otherwise it can droop and snipe the trailing edge of the piece. If I were to criticize the 10/20, I would like for the holddown rollers be stronger - more like the delta. But that's all. Otherwise it is a great, dependable sander.

All machines of this type work best with small bites as you sand the pieces or they will bog down and.or burn your abrasives and that's not a good thing.

_________________
I spent most of my money on women, guitars and whiskey, the rest I wasted.

Again, thanks for all the comprehensive and helpful replies. I have settled on the Jet 10-20. It's the right machine for me, on all counts. Though I am annoyed at having to order it from the U.S., I did find a decent online dealer that will get it here for $999, all in. That's $699 base price and $300 for delivery, brokerage, taxes, etc., which is not outrageous, especially with a strong Canadian dollar. I'll likely pull the trigger on it within the next week or two.

For a clever and easy(once constructed) set-up tool for the Jet 10-20 check out " "http://www.joewoodworker.com/performax.htm"---for some reason I can't get links inserted, or photos to attach anymore. I know a few others here have made this dandy little item for aligning and it is helpful. I threw one together but haven't needed it since initial setup after purchase maybe 3 years ago. Mine hasn''t gotten a great deal of use since I have been somewhat limited by a totally trashed knee(now also totally replaced by titanium and UHMW as of 3/21/2011-two more PT appointments) and a low back that has ignored surgery and about every needle-based lumbar procedure imaginable. I had a few nasty falls going down the basement steps; I live alone and now darn near wear a cellphone pursuant to orders from daughter. I had been reduced to bumping down on my butt and like many of you stand for most work-getting back up the stairs was the real challenge.

If you are really limited by a knee, I highly recommend replacement-the rehab is pretty painful at the start, but the pain is a worthwhile investment-sorry, wandering again-Medicare in 17 days and STMD.