Hitachi SB8V2 3 in. x 21 in. Variable Speed Belt Sander (Renewed)

Runs great, but the sander is weighted too much to one side. When letting it set on a flat surface, the weight of the motor makes it tilt to the left. This happens when you're trying to sand, causing the belt to dig into the surface being sanded. Would NOT buy again.

Description says 'tested and certified to work and look like new'. Probably an overstatement. Mine looks like it has seen a good deal of use. Some 'refurbished' areas consist of black marker pen used to refinish the bare metal. Not used on a project yet, but it seems to run OK - the speed adjustment and belt alignment adjustment work OK. Did not get this because it would look pretty, so I don't mind the few cosmetic issues. If it is durable and runs for years to come I will be happy. Feels heavy and well built, so hopefully that translates into durability and long life. At about 60% the price of new I am OK - though the warranty slips from 5yrs to 3 months.

Detailed review. I have now purchased 2 of these- one new from Menards, & one refurbished from Amazon. I liked what I saw from the new one, aside from the dust collection bag. Like other customers, I loved how much dust it trapped! But I'm pretty sure Hitachi hired a 10 year old with worn out fingers to stitch the clamp of the dust bags. The first stitch had a gap and started to unravel after just 2 months of moderate use (3-4 hours each month)! I hoped it was just a flaw, called Hitachi and got NO real help aside from being transferred around the company & saying they couldn't help since it was "just an accessory". Annoying, but I have had great results with their circular & miter saws as well as angle grinder. So I returned that and bought CERTIFIED refurb... the stitch on this is a joke. 1 thread loosely wrapped around a couple times all willy-nilly.The machine itself is decent- not super loud but pretty heavy. I was used to cheapo Skil ones that I could steady the piece with one hand & use the sander on its side with the other (tabletop edges etc.) I do feel the flat plate between wheels could be longer to help give more of a "planing" ability to knock out high spots easier. It seemed the smaller 18" Skil had a longer flat, straight strip to level out my work better after the rough planing.Maybe some don't care about the dust bag, but I don't feel like lugging around my shop vac & hose just to keep the extra 1" layer of dust off my garage walls & out of my lungs....

Static shocks when using so severe that I almost dropped the tool. I’ve used many different belt sanders and have never been subjected to shocks like this. Sharp edge under belt (belt plate) cut my finger when changing belt. Would not keep belt in line for long kept having to adjust. Reconditioned unit came with cord having damage. Looks like previous purchaser ran sander over cord. Did not go all the way through as I was concerned initially that this was the cause of the shocks. One wonders if this design was tested in the real world beforehand. DO NOT BUY THIS BELT SANDER. I should have read other reviews that report similar experience. I sent it back...

This thing is so out of balance, it doesnt sit flat, it always leans to the left causing very uneven sanding. Will be returning and spending the extra money for a Makita.

Powerful and well built. Its in a different league from the cheaper models. Rips right through wood without slowing down. I think it'll last a long time. I'm glad I spent a little extra and got the sander I really wanted, instead of compromising on a cheaper quality tool. Highly recommended!

I have only one complaint about this sander. It's loud. Okay, that's to be expected, so it's not a negative. I love the way it operates. Very strong motor, easy to adjust the belt, will run all day if I need it to. I like Hitachi tools in general, and this is a great sander. I bought a refurbished model, and honestly, it looked and runs like a brand new machine. So i feel pretty smart for saving a pile by not springing for a new one.

i have many tools that were refurbished over the years and never had a problem with any of them. they are all worth the savings you get when buying. All are still working fine too.!!!