Official Luthiers Forum!

I was wondering if any of you have an opinion or personal experience with the Steel City 15 inch wide belt sander model # 55225. I'm thinking of getting one but thought I'd see if anyone has any feedback. Thanks for any help you might be able to lend.

Steve H.

Hi Steve,

I have no experience with this model, but, I too am in the market for a wide belt sander. I researched the available models extensively, and came to the conclusion that the best all-round performer and value for money for lutherie is the 18" Grizzly G0527.

With an open-ended 15" wide belt sander like the Steel City 55225, you will need to sand twice, turning the work around the second time. No matter how well you think you have the thing set up, you will get witness marks where the sanding overlaps, and have to spend time and effort to remove them and flatten the soundboard/back by hand sanding or using a random orbital sander afterwards.....which pretty much defeats the object of having a nice wide belt sander in the first place IMO.

Of course, the G0527 is about twice the price of the 55225, which makes it harder to justify, but I have it on good authority that you will not regret buying the larger 18" wide belt model. YMMV.

Cheers,
Dave F.

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