I purchased this tool 21 years ago under the brand name "WoodTek". It's exactly the same tool. Cast iron with orange peel, up/down switch. It runs as good today as it did when it was new. God bless and Shine ON! Thanks for a great tool review.
The 4x36 disc/belt sander concept has been around for decades. I purchased my unit back in the mid 90's. It was branded by Delta but many companies sold the same design. I still have my machine. I found the 6in disc was not useful so removed the disc. The belt is mostly used these days to sharpen mower blades. My machine being decades old means it looks different. The base is cast. A weakness of my design is the tracking. A lot of adjustment available, but the belt tracking changes with heat so often needs the tracking to be tweaked. My dust control works well - the dust will fall down from the machine to somewhere over the floor beneath the machine.
Thanks for the little nugget about the Bucktool being a cut above the rest. That inspired me to do more research. That's the one for me. A little more money, but like I always say "Buy once, Cry once" 👍
Bought one of the Harbor Freight disk/belt sanders a few years ago. Still in box, never opened!!! Health problems!!! Still have!!! Keep up the great vids!!!
We are already there. Have you seen any of the Hunger Games movies? I am talking primarily about the capital district. The assortment of multi colored hair, bizarre fashions, and insane characters, remind me of today's younger generations.
I recently bought one of these for about $139 on amazon, a brand you didn’t show, but with very good reviews and a color I liked. When I turned it on the first time it just hummed and the belt wouldn’t start turning until I manually started it turning with my hand. And it would then bog down when applying any pressure. So I returned it and, after seeing that most of these sanders in that price range used the same chassis, I bought the Bucktool. There was a $20 coupon at the time so difference was not much. The Bucktool is direct drive, not belt driven, and you can put a lot of pressure on it and it won’t bog down. Not that you should, but I was testing it. Very good piece of kit.
I've been using the Menards Performax version for several years with no problems. I got it because I needed to sand longer board edges (my Masterforce 6x48 sander had a non-removable dust collector that wouldn't work with long boards). The Performax makes it easy to sand long board edges. I like it.
Haha😂 I showed this to some guys at the shop like a year ago. Just got a bunch of screenshots from the web and swiped through them as fast as possible. Funny how most of them use the same camera angle, but it was just watching the colors change blew peoples minds. Well done on calling these companies out.
It's funny you mentioned the Bucktool, as I was watching I was thinking this reminds me of the Bucktool/Porter Cable/Vevor/Rikon etc etc dual bench sander, then you show it! I have the Porter Cable branded one and can concur, it is totally worth the extra money. Very stable, plenty of power. If you have a coarse grit belt on there it will eat wood very fast if you're not careful.
There are so many tools that are produced and rebranded. I was in the in-sinkarator plant in Wisconsin years ago, they had a huge wall that had all the different brands and the only one they didn't make at that time was Kitchen Aid.
I had a sears unit and need a hand full of parts and got them all thru grizzly, they had the best exploded drawing and fast shipping. Al fit just fine.
I have the Bauer belt sander. It isn’t like the belt sanders we had at Boeing! I have stalled this belt sander! However, for the home DIY or hobbyist it’s great! Also if you have patience and take your time it works well. I have a stand I had a bench grinder on. I Converted it and I fit the belt sander on it. I have had mine for five years, and i bought it @ HF for $99.00 It works well for me!
I'm in Canada, and i have the exact same tool as all the ones you showed. It's branded as a King 4 x 36 belt sander. King is a big tool distributor here in Canada. I paid around $100 Canadian about 10 years ago. Still runs as strong as it did when I bought it. Took out the useless 6" disk sander part though. Never used it.
30 yrs ago there was a tool company called Bronco, I brought a 12" metal chop saw and a 2 ton chain fall from them. They were from China. The company was in Long Beach, California. I still use both of them on a regular basis. I have never replaced the brushes in the saw, I have cut at least 2 miles of steel on it.
I have the Bucktool and love it. It's basically impossible to slow it down when you are sanding. Built solid. I bought mine 2 years ago on sale for $150.
Looking at the exploded schematic diagram for parts of each of these does further validate these tools are essentially identical. I've been looking for a new B&D sander to replace a used one I acquired some time ago. HF is having a parking lot sale through October 13 which includes the Bauer model for $89.99, which is $30 off the regular price. For DIYers like me the Bauer is sufficiently good enough. Thanks for the video. Very informative.
I just went and looked at that at HF yesterday. What did you think of the Central Machine benchtop version? Same $89 price, but it looks like it's less plastic which I find more desirable.
One important difference between brands. Some of them have a cast aluminum table vs a bent steel table with plastic ends. The Performax is cast aluminum as an example.
It seems like it would be worth while for you buy a few of these and do a teardown review to see what the differences are. Maybe the the more expensive has a better motor in it or some high quaility parts. It would interesting to see what is different between the vertical and horizontal switch models.
Mine is a delta that I paid $10 for at a garage sale because the switch was stuck on. Simple fix and it’s been great since. I’ve been watching the price of these for a long time and knew they were all the same and once I found one at a garage sale it was mine. Usually I check the pawn shops
From 6/7 until 6/12 (the half-price in-store father's day sale) they were available in some of the DTFO stores for $89 and change. Saw one myself, dang near bought it.
Just picked up a new B&D sander. My decision went off of the brand who I feel has the best customer service and warranty. In my case that was Rikon. They've always fixed or sent me parts for free on my other Rikon equipment.
Mine is a vintage Craftsman. My dad picked up from a friend. As a woodworker/wood model maker and former machinist, I never thought I'd use it. It's one of my favorite tools now... Who'd of thunk?
One of my first tools ever....I got the Wen probably for 99 bucks 8 years ago. It started getting loud after a few years, so I moved on from it when I found the same tool made by Delta about 30-40 years ago? Same design still....just heavier materials, especially the table for the disc sander. Cast iron rather than tin. Regardless, I also bought a Wen 12" disc sander, which is fantastic, so I took the table off and never use the little 6" disc.
Jeff, the main thing I got from the video is that I am not sure that I even need or want a combo sander. I remember from my working day that I would see the cabinet makers/ Installers using a hand held belt sander to clean up scribed countertops when the install the laminate tops in exam rooms... I think I like my random orbital sander better (but that is for my shop)
There are more than one of these kinds of tools. I think I’ve seen a bunch of oscillating spindle sanders that are all the same. It would be interesting to see a survey of what other tools are like this.
Another small difference is on some you can put the platen in a different position. Or where the mitre tray is, and put the mitre tray on the 4x36 belt instead of the small platen.
I bought the Brauer version the week it came out, and it’s been a trouble free unit mostly. But I gotta say, if you do anything with metal, that 3/4 horsepower one is the way to go. I work with steel a lot and the steel slows the machine down A LOT with an aggressive belt from combat abrasives. That extra $70 is well worth it
Purchased the Clarke brand version of this (blue cast iron case) in Jan 23 for £152 GBP (about 170 Bucks) from Amazon UK….Yes, practically identical, except of course 240v….oh and the ‘side switch’ is actually two separate square buttons on mine, not a toggle. Surprisingly quiet in use (for a power tool) like those induction motor drill presses. Being sold in Britain of course it consumes a lot of tea and cucumber sandwiches.😂
I got my Ryobi (blue) for free because they thought the "belt sander drive" was broken. I told them it was probably that they tried to heavy grind something and wore off the belt teeth. I even offered to change it out for the price of a new belt. No, they were convinced it was broken so they gave it to me just to get rid of it. So, $5 later and a bit of lugging around (jezz those things are heavy) I had a perfectly fine bench sander.
I ordered the Porter Cable 5 Amp 4x36 bench top with the disk that faces the end. I haven't used it a lot, but it works great. Bought 6-23 at $249. Way too expensive!
How do you like it so far? Interested in one for my small home shop later this year, and im quite invested in the Bauer 20v line and have been pleased overall so far.
If they are all the same down to being made in the same factory, then get the cheapest one, and repaint it if you don't like the color. I see the HF one go on sale occasionally for $99. I've been wanting to pick it up, but I've got other bills to pay right now.
Good job...There is a chance that maybe the wiring or the internal electronics may differ a bit...and maybe the materials used on some of the parts but they are all basically the same.I think there may be one that is a bit better...but a lot of detective work would be needed to find that out..
Same with the 6" benchtop jointers. Even though you can see it's the exact same tool as all the new ones from every brand, I supposedly can't get a shelix head for my Circa 1997 Delta. SMH
I hat to go check my sander to see if it was this one, but it is not. There are other tools out there that use this same concept. There is a band saw that is almost exactly the same no matter where you buy it...Menards (Performax), Home Depot (Ryobi), Harbor Freight (Central Machinery).
So glad you made this vid.....it is so obvious. But, I thought you had finally solved the mystery WHO makes all these damn things? I thought you found the smoking gun.
Nope. Life changed and we moved up to Montana full-time. we now have 35 foot travel trailer and a cyber truck isn’t gonna pull it. Not to mention, they change the specs. I saw one of those Rivian SUVs the other day that would kind of be nice for a daily driver.
I burnt two of them out in as many years, as usefull as they were, I would never get another one the motors are not sealed and cannot cope with fine dust.
I find that "best warranty" is a trickier question than most people think. HF only comes with 90 days but they never hassle you about it and you can buy an extended warranty. Several of these, like Ryobi have longish warranties with decent customer service but you have to ship it to their service center. Others like Wen have longer warranties as well but you have to send it to their repair shop and they have terrible customer service. And some... well just good luck on that. My take on products like this is that the parts are readily available, cheap, and easy to service yourself. And usually a better choice than shipping a boat anchor like these.
ugh, i had a ryobi, and it sucked lol. I hated the thing. I got myself a rigid table top belt and spindle sander, things a BEAST. Problem is its HUGE. i wish there was somthing like this size, but wasnt a weak pos.
I got my Chicago Electric a few years ago for $70. I would not spend these crazy prices!! Call me cheap, but this tool isnot worth these crazy prices!! Harbor Freight needs to bring back reasonably priced tools!!
I purchased this tool 21 years ago under the brand name "WoodTek".
It's exactly the same tool. Cast iron with orange peel, up/down switch.
It runs as good today as it did when it was new.
God bless and Shine ON! Thanks for a great tool review.
The 4x36 disc/belt sander concept has been around for decades. I purchased my unit back in the mid 90's. It was branded by Delta but many companies sold the same design. I still have my machine. I found the 6in disc was not useful so removed the disc.
The belt is mostly used these days to sharpen mower blades.
My machine being decades old means it looks different. The base is cast.
A weakness of my design is the tracking. A lot of adjustment available, but the belt tracking changes with heat so often needs the tracking to be tweaked.
My dust control works well - the dust will fall down from the machine to somewhere over the floor beneath the machine.
Thanks for the little nugget about the Bucktool being a cut above the rest. That inspired me to do more research. That's the one for me. A little more money, but like I always say "Buy once, Cry once" 👍
Bought one of the Harbor Freight disk/belt sanders a few years ago. Still in box, never opened!!! Health problems!!! Still have!!! Keep up the great vids!!!
Love your Idiocracy quote. We call the movie, 'The documentary'.... just look around, 500 years is coming faster than we expected.
That movie is scarily accurate
We are already there.
Have you seen any of the Hunger Games movies? I am talking primarily about the capital district. The assortment of multi colored hair, bizarre fashions, and insane characters, remind me of today's younger generations.
I recently bought one of these for about $139 on amazon, a brand you didn’t show, but with very good reviews and a color I liked. When I turned it on the first time it just hummed and the belt wouldn’t start turning until I manually started it turning with my hand. And it would then bog down when applying any pressure. So I returned it and, after seeing that most of these sanders in that price range used the same chassis, I bought the Bucktool. There was a $20 coupon at the time so difference was not much. The Bucktool is direct drive, not belt driven, and you can put a lot of pressure on it and it won’t bog down. Not that you should, but I was testing it. Very good piece of kit.
I've been using the Menards Performax version for several years with no problems. I got it because I needed to sand longer board edges (my Masterforce 6x48 sander had a non-removable dust collector that wouldn't work with long boards). The Performax makes it easy to sand long board edges. I like it.
Haha😂 I showed this to some guys at the shop like a year ago. Just got a bunch of screenshots from the web and swiped through them as fast as possible. Funny how most of them use the same camera angle, but it was just watching the colors change blew peoples minds. Well done on calling these companies out.
Mine is the Wen and it is orange peel. Have had it a couple of years and I love it!
That was me, and I appreciate your recommendation. I am not too proud to pay less!!
It's funny you mentioned the Bucktool, as I was watching I was thinking this reminds me of the Bucktool/Porter Cable/Vevor/Rikon etc etc dual bench sander, then you show it! I have the Porter Cable branded one and can concur, it is totally worth the extra money. Very stable, plenty of power. If you have a coarse grit belt on there it will eat wood very fast if you're not careful.
There are so many tools that are produced and rebranded. I was in the in-sinkarator plant in Wisconsin years ago, they had a huge wall that had all the different brands and the only one they didn't make at that time was Kitchen Aid.
I had a sears unit and need a hand full of parts and got them all thru grizzly, they had the best exploded drawing and fast shipping. Al fit just fine.
I have the Bauer belt sander. It isn’t like the belt sanders we had at Boeing! I have stalled this belt sander! However, for the home DIY or hobbyist it’s great! Also if you have patience and take your time it works well.
I have a stand I had a bench grinder on. I Converted it and I fit the belt sander on it.
I have had mine for five years, and i bought it @ HF for $99.00
It works well for me!
I'm in Canada, and i have the exact same tool as all the ones you showed. It's branded as a King 4 x 36 belt sander. King is a big tool distributor here in Canada. I paid around $100 Canadian about 10 years ago. Still runs as strong as it did when I bought it. Took out the useless 6" disk sander part though. Never used it.
30 yrs ago there was a tool company called Bronco, I brought a 12" metal chop saw and a 2 ton chain fall from them. They were from China. The company was in Long Beach, California. I still use both of them on a regular basis. I have never replaced the brushes in the saw, I have cut at least 2 miles of steel on it.
I have the Bucktool and love it. It's basically impossible to slow it down when you are sanding. Built solid. I bought mine 2 years ago on sale for $150.
Does yours have the 6 or 8” disk?
@@ChuckisOutside 6 inch.
Looking at the exploded schematic diagram for parts of each of these does further validate these tools are essentially identical. I've been looking for a new B&D sander to replace a used one I acquired some time ago. HF is having a parking lot sale through October 13 which includes the Bauer model for $89.99, which is $30 off the regular price. For DIYers like me the Bauer is sufficiently good enough. Thanks for the video. Very informative.
I just went and looked at that at HF yesterday. What did you think of the Central Machine benchtop version? Same $89 price, but it looks like it's less plastic which I find more desirable.
@@GettingNegative My local HF yesterday did have the CM belt/disc sander for $89.99 as well. Looks good to me. Just haven't pulled the trigger yet.
I have an old delta model I got second hand at a yardsale for $20 and it's still running great.
One important difference between brands. Some of them have a cast aluminum table vs a bent steel table with plastic ends. The Performax is cast aluminum as an example.
It seems like it would be worth while for you buy a few of these and do a teardown review to see what the differences are. Maybe the the more expensive has a better motor in it or some high quaility parts. It would interesting to see what is different between the vertical and horizontal switch models.
I bought the Performax from Menards a couple months ago. It does have the orange peel finish. So far I'm very happy with it.
Mine is a delta that I paid $10 for at a garage sale because the switch was stuck on. Simple fix and it’s been great since. I’ve been watching the price of these for a long time and knew they were all the same and once I found one at a garage sale it was mine. Usually I check the pawn shops
I have my grandfather's Craftsman. Works like a champ.
i bought a i250 welder and cut 50 plasma cutter from east wood free shipping and customer service is awesome.they do sell good quality products.
6:45 "Belt has been predictably placed" 😂 Eastwood FTW
Don't forget Direct Tools Factory Outlet for Ryobi stuff! Ive seen the sander around $100 there.
From 6/7 until 6/12 (the half-price in-store father's day sale) they were available in some of the DTFO stores for $89 and change. Saw one myself, dang near bought it.
Great oveeview. I'd be interested in your thoughts for the next step up once you've out grown the 4x36 setup.
Just picked up a new B&D sander. My decision went off of the brand who I feel has the best customer service and warranty. In my case that was Rikon. They've always fixed or sent me parts for free on my other Rikon equipment.
Good comparison, seeing them all at once.
I have the Wen and it is smooth, I also have the Wen benchtop spindle sander with cast iron top
Mine is a vintage Craftsman. My dad picked up from a friend. As a woodworker/wood model maker and former machinist, I never thought I'd use it. It's one of my favorite tools now... Who'd of thunk?
Need one for metal prep-hobby welding… like the 3/4 hp option.
Thank you!!
Subbed
One of my first tools ever....I got the Wen probably for 99 bucks 8 years ago. It started getting loud after a few years, so I moved on from it when I found the same tool made by Delta about 30-40 years ago? Same design still....just heavier materials, especially the table for the disc sander. Cast iron rather than tin. Regardless, I also bought a Wen 12" disc sander, which is fantastic, so I took the table off and never use the little 6" disc.
My old work had the grizzley model, I was surprised how similar the unit from harbor freight was.
I looked them all over & bought the Vevor 8"
disc & belt sander. I got mine for $155 from AMZ.
!
“About the same across the board”
Guess Bauer was the move after all. Sweet.
I have the Wen and it has worked great. Bought it because it was all I could afford.
Good info. I hope you update this category. RIDGID 5 Amp Corded Oscillating Edge Belt/Spindle Sander
Was able to pick the bauer one up during the HF parking lot sale for $90 plus a 2 year warrenty which was worth it for my small shop
Brawndo, it's what plants crave!
yum
Slap down paddle after a while will break off like my Hitachi 10" saw switch paddle did!
Jeff, the main thing I got from the video is that I am not sure that I even need or want a combo sander. I remember from my working day that I would see the cabinet makers/ Installers using a hand held belt sander to clean up scribed countertops when the install the laminate tops in exam rooms... I think I like my random orbital sander better (but that is for my shop)
I doubt if anyone who has the budget for something better wants any of these sanders. I use the Oscillating Belt and Spindle Sander myself.
There are more than one of these kinds of tools. I think I’ve seen a bunch of oscillating spindle sanders that are all the same. It would be interesting to see a survey of what other tools are like this.
Another small difference is on some you can put the platen in a different position. Or where the mitre tray is, and put the mitre tray on the 4x36 belt instead of the small platen.
I bought the Brauer version the week it came out, and it’s been a trouble free unit mostly. But I gotta say, if you do anything with metal, that 3/4 horsepower one is the way to go. I work with steel a lot and the steel slows the machine down A LOT with an aggressive belt from combat abrasives. That extra $70 is well worth it
Bucktool is the way to go
Purchased the Clarke brand version of this (blue cast iron case) in Jan 23 for £152 GBP (about 170 Bucks) from Amazon UK….Yes, practically identical, except of course 240v….oh and the ‘side switch’ is actually two separate square buttons on mine, not a toggle. Surprisingly quiet in use (for a power tool) like those induction motor drill presses. Being sold in Britain of course it consumes a lot of tea and cucumber sandwiches.😂
check Buck Tool. It is direct drive on the disc and the belt. Mine is 8 inch disc but I think a 6 inch is available too.
I got my Ryobi (blue) for free because they thought the "belt sander drive" was broken. I told them it was probably that they tried to heavy grind something and wore off the belt teeth. I even offered to change it out for the price of a new belt. No, they were convinced it was broken so they gave it to me just to get rid of it. So, $5 later and a bit of lugging around (jezz those things are heavy) I had a perfectly fine bench sander.
I ordered the Porter Cable 5 Amp 4x36 bench top with the disk that faces the end. I haven't used it a lot, but it works great. Bought 6-23 at $249. Way too expensive!
Got the Bauer last month, goes on sale often for $99 with inside track and bigger sales.
How do you like it so far? Interested in one for my small home shop later this year, and im quite invested in the Bauer 20v line and have been pleased overall so far.
There is a difference with the Wen at the stop for the belt sander. It has a larger plate 90 deg to the top. If it makes a difference.
I have the previous gen green HF model. Seeing the Bucktool makes me wonder if the belt portion could be slapped on the spindle of a bench grinder.
Hammer tone paint ???
Very interesting! Thanks!
If you get fortunate enough to find one at a yard sale, like I did, you could get a green Rikon for $50.
I have an older ryobi that has the similar plate for the belt part as the Wen.
Thanks bro, I'm going for the Wen
I think the ryobi cover is to help with dust collection, not sure but that would be my guess.
Jointers are notorious for OEM branding
Are we factoring in warranty and whos easier to deal with when it comes to warranty
If they are all the same down to being made in the same factory, then get the cheapest one, and repaint it if you don't like the color. I see the HF one go on sale occasionally for $99. I've been wanting to pick it up, but I've got other bills to pay right now.
Good job...There is a chance that maybe the wiring or the internal electronics may differ a bit...and maybe the materials used on some of the parts but they are all basically the same.I think there may be one that is a bit better...but a lot of detective work would be needed to find that out..
I got my Ryobi for $80 from Direct tools. Works great.
Yes, mine has a smooth texture, it doesn’t have the orange peel texture BTW it’s a Built Hard brand.
i noticed some of these castings are pretty rough. ill role the dice at hf tomorrow and grab one for 89
Dude bro I just wanted to see how one of them worked that's all.🎉
One advantage to Rikon, is their five year warranty on their tools.
True. Most of my tools are Rikon for that exact reason.
Same with the 6" benchtop jointers. Even though you can see it's the exact same tool as all the new ones from every brand, I supposedly can't get a shelix head for my Circa 1997 Delta. SMH
It's all about HORSE POWER. I wouldn't own any bench sander less than 1 hp. Priced according to hp. I've seen up to 1 1/2 hp
I got mine for $5 in a garage sale. Craftsman
How does these plastics compare to my *Delta 31-460?* (which still runs like a champ after +25 yrs with on and off use)
I’m team foot power pedal.
Always a great choice with most of those benchtop power equipment
I hat to go check my sander to see if it was this one, but it is not. There are other tools out there that use this same concept. There is a band saw that is almost exactly the same no matter where you buy it...Menards (Performax), Home Depot (Ryobi), Harbor Freight (Central Machinery).
Bauer was $90 during the parking lot sale... last week😅
i believe $99 as it is right now during the extended parking lot sale, which it still is. It was $89 for ITC in April and I got it.
The difference in the top speed could be load (how much?) and no load speed.
So glad you made this vid.....it is so obvious. But, I thought you had finally solved the mystery WHO makes all these damn things? I thought you found the smoking gun.
I want a table for each sander. I dont have time to
be swapping 1 table back & forth Back & forth.
!
I have an Eastwood store 15 miles from me and I've never been there.
I'll be honest, I didn't even know they had stores.
Hey my Dude, did you ever get that CyberTruck you are always talking so much about?
Nope. Life changed and we moved up to Montana full-time. we now have 35 foot travel trailer and a cyber truck isn’t gonna pull it. Not to mention, they change the specs. I saw one of those Rivian SUVs the other day that would kind of be nice for a daily driver.
I think I will stick with my vintage craftsman.
Rikon even has one and their proud of there’s it’s 229.00
I burnt two of them out in as many years, as usefull as they were, I would never get another one the motors are not sealed and cannot cope with fine dust.
Brawndo it’s got what plants need
Garage sale dewalt belt Sander mounted in a vise for $5
“I don’t want to reach around underneath and flick it”
What kind of video IS this?!
Skil send to be very aggressive with pricing. I've been seeing a lot of stuff on sale on Amazon and at Lowe's.
7:10 I didn’t know you could move the work table to the other belt
I did not know that either...THANK YOU for pointing that out (with the time stamp, too)!
Which one has the best warranty?
I find that "best warranty" is a trickier question than most people think. HF only comes with 90 days but they never hassle you about it and you can buy an extended warranty. Several of these, like Ryobi have longish warranties with decent customer service but you have to ship it to their service center. Others like Wen have longer warranties as well but you have to send it to their repair shop and they have terrible customer service. And some... well just good luck on that. My take on products like this is that the parts are readily available, cheap, and easy to service yourself. And usually a better choice than shipping a boat anchor like these.
ugh, i had a ryobi, and it sucked lol. I hated the thing. I got myself a rigid table top belt and spindle sander, things a BEAST. Problem is its HUGE. i wish there was somthing like this size, but wasnt a weak pos.
I got my Chicago Electric a few years ago for $70. I would not spend these crazy prices!! Call me cheap, but this tool isnot worth these crazy prices!! Harbor Freight needs to bring back reasonably priced tools!!
I never use my belt sander. I find my planer always does a better job and easier to use.
In short, they are all under-powered. Great.
Most power tools are the same thing, made in the same factory, with different paint. Where you been dude?
Never buy Performax hook and loop sand paper. It delaminate and is about impossible to get off.
Always get a direct drive model. The belt drive models are weak.
In fact, I am watching the video right now...and typing this comment.
This is nothing new, companies have been rebranding forever.