Craftsman 3-in x 21-in Electric Belt Sander

The Craftsman 3-in x 21-in Electric Belt Sander (model CMEW213) presents itself as a versatile tool for DIY enthusiasts and light-duty woodworking tasks. Having spent considerable time working with this sander, I have gathered a comprehensive understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the belt sander's design is quite appealing. The angled belt design is a standout feature, allowing for close sanding to adjoining surfaces, which is particularly useful for tasks that require precision. The three-position over-molded handle enhances comfort during prolonged use, making it easier to maneuver.

However, the build quality leaves much to be desired. The body is predominantly plastic, which gives it a lightweight feel but detracts from its durability. Over time, the sander’s plastic housing has shown signs of wear, especially where the belt occasionally grinds against it. This is a significant drawback if you plan on using the sander for more intensive projects.

Performance

The Craftsman belt sander operates at a maximum speed of 800 feet per minute, which is adequate for most light to medium-duty tasks. In my experience, the motor provides consistent power, ensuring efficient material removal. This is particularly noticeable when working on softwoods or removing paint from surfaces.

However, the performance can be inconsistent under heavier loads. Applying even moderate pressure can cause the belt to slow down, accompanied by a noticeable grinding sound from the drive drum. This issue became more apparent when working with harder woods or during extended use, leading to frequent belt adjustments and occasional belt breakage.

Ease of Use

One of the sander’s strong suits is its user-friendly design. The tool-free belt release system makes changing belts straightforward, saving time and effort. The adjustable front handle is another practical feature, offering flexibility and improved control during various sanding tasks.

Despite these user-friendly aspects, the sander requires frequent attention to belt alignment. Improper tracking can lead to the belt drifting off course and potentially damaging the plastic housing. This necessitates constant monitoring and adjustment, which can interrupt workflow and become frustrating over time.

Dust Collection

The sander’s dust collection system is a mixed bag. On the one hand, the onboard dust bag helps to minimize the mess during use, but its small size means it fills up quickly. This requires frequent emptying, which can be inconvenient, especially for larger projects.

Moreover, the dust collection efficiency is subpar. Dust often accumulates around the exterior of the belt drive and motor, rather than being efficiently collected in the dust bag. This not only affects the cleanliness of the workspace but also contributes to the sander overheating during extended use.

Durability and Maintenance

Durability is a critical factor for any power tool, and this is where the Craftsman belt sander falls short. After several hours of use, I noticed issues with the drive drum and belt tracking mechanism. The rear roller began to exhibit uneven wear, leading to further belt alignment problems and increased belt breakage.

Maintenance is also more challenging than expected. The frequent need to adjust the belt and the inefficiency of the dust collection system mean that the sander requires regular attention to keep it functioning optimally. This detracts from its usability and can be a significant inconvenience for users.

Noise Level

On a positive note, the noise level of the Craftsman belt sander is relatively low compared to other models I’ve used. This makes it more pleasant to work with, especially in a home workshop setting. The reduced noise also contributes to a more comfortable user experience during extended use.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The three-position over-molded handle is a notable feature, providing a comfortable grip and reducing fatigue during prolonged use. The sander’s lightweight design also makes it easy to maneuver, which is beneficial for detailed work and getting into tight spaces.

However, the lightweight design also means that the sander lacks the heft needed for more demanding tasks. Applying additional pressure to compensate for this can lead to the aforementioned performance issues, such as belt slippage and motor slowdown.

Final Thoughts

The Craftsman 3-in x 21-in Electric Belt Sander is a tool with potential but is ultimately hampered by several significant flaws. Its design and user-friendly features make it a good option for light-duty tasks and occasional use. The angled belt design, comfortable handle, and relatively low noise level are all commendable aspects.

However, the inconsistent performance under heavier loads, frequent need for belt adjustments, and subpar dust collection system are notable drawbacks. The plastic build quality further detracts from its durability, making it less suitable for more intensive or professional use.

Recommendation

Given these considerations, I recommend the Craftsman belt sander only for those who need a tool for occasional, light-duty tasks. If you’re a DIY enthusiast working on smaller projects or need a sander for occasional use, this model could serve you well. However, for more demanding tasks or professional use, investing in a higher-quality sander with better build quality and performance would be a wiser choice. The Craftsman belt sander has its merits, but its limitations make it less suitable for more intensive applications.