Need some help here guys! I'm looking at buying a wide belt sander but not sure which one I should buy. My 2 choices are both Grizzly machines, one is the G9983 15" open end for $3300 and the other is the G0527 18" "closed" for $4700.
Other than the obvious differences of 3 inches worth of belt, closed or open and locked into 18" width or the option of 30" width and $1400 in price, what are the differences? Is the closed end 18" sander that much better? Would I kick myself if I didn't spend the extra money or would I kick myself if I did?
Is the dust collection better on the closed end machine? Will it sand "flatter"? Quieter? Safer? Faster? What gives?
I was going to stop into the Grizzly showroom and talk to them on Tuesday but ran out of time.
Any help would be appreciated.
Bryan