This was very surprising. I would have guessed the 30-year old motor had more torque regardless of speed and would have easily beat any consumer, off-the-shelf tool made today. One factor not considered is the wear on the old motor and the impact on the test. Regardless, another great video Doug.
I like this comparison. I wondered what you’ll do for a miter gauge or if you even need one. As far as dust collection goes, if you can’t find a cobra 90° hose to shoot out the side, I would use a hole saw and go through the side of the work be, provided nothing is in the way underneath. If you can slide a piece of hose on the outlet and through the table you could route some pvc pipe back though the side you stand at and attach a vacuum. Just my 2¢ worth. Happy New Years Doug!
Yeah, a camera at the pulley coming right off the motor would have been helpful. He said the motor stalled, but I thought I still heard it spinning, and what I no longer heard was the turning of the belt and the rollers and stuff.
Same Ryobi I have. Just don't buy self-stick discs from the biggest online retailer, the ones I ordered and got were warped and don't stick. They unstick themselves.
I've got a similar, probably older version of the Ryobi, which seems somewhat better enigineered than this one. Mine is a 220V BDS4600. That stop for instance, is located at the backside, so sanding belt change is effortless. The stop also consists of an adjustable metal bolt for fine tuning of the sanding table angle. Mine has been in use for many years and have given me good service. The toothed driving belt only lasts a few years, but replacement is easy. All the parts that really matter are made of metal. All in all an affordable, competent machine for the hobbyist.
Fair overview & informative. I have a LOT of Ryobi tools, outdoor & shop tools, corded,18v & gas, some of 'em I love, some I don't. But I always appreciate an unbiased, honest overview, thanks neighbor Doug.
Some improvements with the new one. The switch location is so much better and safer. What is the comparison of the motors? I'm sure you'll find a way to make the dust situation work better for you. Good comparison. The release lever seemed rather cheap and flimsy.
Interesting comparison. IME, older machines are built for durability, newer are disposable. However, state of the art technological improvements work their way into low-end models pretty quickly. It really depends what’s important for your application/how handy you are. Kind of like new washing machines - all improvements are in features… compromises are in longevity. There are literally no washing machines built like tanks with bare-bone features, i’ve looked far&wide!
That stall test wasn't very fair. The old sander had a worn drive belt with a lot of torn belt fuzz on it's pulley side that slipped but you can hear that the motor kept running. A new belt properly tensioned on the old sander would have been fair.
I would have thought with the size of the older sander’s motor that it would have more power. Go figure. Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year
Welp if i have already have one, I'll fix and upgrade it myself instead of buying a new one, I like doing some side project and stuff on tools. xd I like the old one, it's looks more robust.
I have to say I was surprised at the results. The Reliant looks to be of higher quality, but the test results don't lie. Enjoy your new belt sander! Hope you have a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year!
Id say the test results do lie, as he is obviously replacing the unit for a reason, best guess would be that after 30 years the motor is tired and worn out...The rest of the comparison is great, but who in their right mind would replace an all steel unit thats worked for 30 years with a plastic one made in china...Having the motor rebuilt or buying a replacement motor for the old unti and then redoing the test would be much more accurate...
@@Jaimec1980 The Ryobi is basically what Harbor Freight is selling for $119 right now. The old Reliant one I have found one from 1994 on Craigslist, but came here trying to find out if that was basically a HF version of the day. Unfortunately as you say, this video doesn't totally help me cause if the one I've found on CL has a fairly unused motor, then I might have a pretty decent find. But if it is old and tired, then who knows. I thought I heard the motor still running though and it seemed to be slipping at the motor shaft pulley to belt, but the camera wasn't focused there. IDK. He pointed out a lot things that were just specific to where he wanted to sit it on the bench. That's like saying my bandsaw sucks cause I put it in a spot in my shop where the left-side dust port on it interferes with the outfeed table for my table saw. And it works for now and I can still get my vacuum to it, but I know that when I build a real base for the old kitchen island and don't just use sawhorses, that I'll have to figure some other layout for my big tools. But that's not the tool's fault in any way.
$119 as of Dec 2023, not sure what the Ryobi going for right now, seems $185 on Amazon. His old one basically still for sale at HF for $80. Of course, high-end ones of that design are going for $800.... LOL
How many amps is your old Reliance motor? I am so curious. Because it's a HUGE motor, and a beautiful motor. I am surprised that it stalled so easily. I'm guessing it's only about 2.5 to 3.5 amps. Can you check? I bet if you put a clamp meter (ohms meter amp tester) across one of the 120 volt wires, you'd only see about 2.5 amps when it's running, based on my wild speculation with how easy it stopped. I tested one of my 16 amp 1.5 horsepower ball bearing motors, and it measured 10 amps without a load. I tested a 1 horsepower 14 amp motor "sleeve bearing" motor, and it had 11 amps no load.
You have no idea if the belt on the Ryobi has kevlar in it or something. I feel like the quiet garage door openers now have them and they do fine. My table saw has a newer rubber belt link kind of thing, and it's plenty tough and reduces vibes which is always a good thing. I have to believe there is something in that which is more than just the typical older style belt material.
Boy, it sure didn't sound like the motor stopped on the reliant. Did you watch the pulley on the motor and see it stop? That motor has a centrifugal switch in it. I heard it engage and disengage when you turned the belt sander on and off but I didn't hear it when you claim it stalled. Just my two cents worth.
You could install a larger pulley to get more speed on the older unit. On the older did motor stop or did the drive belt slip? Is there a adjustment to tighten up the belt? I have a blue Ryobi version of yours and it’s held up for limited use it gets.
@@OneEyeCustoms Nope you are wrong Sir. . . . Go back and watch you video and you will hear the motor running and the belt is slipping. It was the belt slipping that stopped the sanding belt. Now if it had a toothed belt it would have walked the test and smoked the new one !! Believe me I have both types too.
Sorry, no disrespect but you are Not being factual on the stall test, on your old sander it 100% was the belt slipping, it is very easy to hear that it is the pulley slipping on the cracked, glazed worn out junk belt . It did not stall the motor, not even close, the belt was slipping on the motor Drive pulley. I would love to have your old sander, a few simple changes and it will way outperform the much cheaper build Ryobi . 1) install a Cog style automotive alternator belt to replace that totally worn dead noodle you currently have. 2) for more belt speed increase the motor pulley up one size larger, make sure to measure the amperage draw of the motor while under heavy load to make sure you are within motors rating plate . Regarding the disk plate grooves simply add a thin piece of aluminum or Teflon to the surface held on with a few counter sunk screws. That old unit is a much better sander if I had the choice between the two I would put the Ryobi back in the store you got it from.
Great side by side comparison! Nice swap out on the bracket. For the dust port hookup, if you know FOR SURE the sander will remain in that spot for its lifetime, you can drill a hole in the table adjacent to the port opening and slide a vacuum hose under the work bench and out of view. I was shocked the Ryobi was running twice the speed of the Reliant!
Don't get a Craftsman. I bought a Craftsman for $100 used, because it looked brand new, and it is basically brand new. But it's so shitty that it barely starts. I mean, it just BARELY starts, and that's only if you plug it directly into the wall, with no extension cord. I think the motor is somewhere around 2.5 amps. It has no starting torque at all. Once it's going, it seems to work well. But you almost have to push the belt a little, to nudge it to start. Also, I noticed a horrible design, the big aluminum rollers have no ball bearings, and no sleeve bearings, it's just aluminum on a shaft. Unbelievable. I bought a larger Harbor Freight 1 horsepower 9" disc with 6" x 48" belt sander, and it has TONS of power, and has large ball bearings on the pulleys. The problem with the Harbor Freight is the power switch is so small, and it's covered with a waterproof rubber cover, and you can BARELY turn it on and off, which isn't ideal.
Doug just starting the video.. so a little off topic: thoughts on the Black & Decker Workmate collapsible bench? I was just given one from the early 70’s. It needs some TLC.. figured you had one and customized it! Thanks and happy new year
@@OneEyeCustoms Amazing thank you. I believe mine is model 625. It’s cast aluminum from 1975. Looking forward to your video! On topic: my arsenal is Ryobi so glad to see this video. Thanks again
@@OneEyeCustoms Should've known you'd have a fix, just needed to keep watching. As soon as you mentioned it all I could think is why is that not on the backside.
Nope you are wrong Sir. . . . Go back and watch you video and you will hear the motor running and the belt is slipping on the power comparison test. It was the belt slipping that stopped the sanding belt. Now if it had a toothed belt it would have walked the test and smoked the new one !! Believe me I have both types too.
Well sir, please watch it again. The disc stops moving as well. The sound you hear is the motor stalled out but still energized. I have owned this for thirty years, I am 💯 certain you telling me I am wrong is incorrect. I can stall the motor out as well on the disc side also. The pulley bolted directly to the motor stops turning, therefore will not turn the belt therefore not turn the disc or sanding belt.
@@OneEyeCustoms The disc is on the same shaft as the driving roller of the bench. He's talking about the shaft/pulley at the motor end of belt. Christ, bunch a morons commenting on how great your test is and you proved absolutely nothing!
I have the Fox Shop brand I bet made on same production line. Mine is 2 years old what little I've used it no complaints :) Belts I buy on Amazon BTW 😀
My old reliable workhorse 80's belt/disc grinder is a similar design to yours, down to the awkwardly placed pull-on power switch. I wouldn't swap it for anything though, maybe! 🤔😉
I'm nitpicking, but I'm sorry, you are pointing out really dumb things. The belt is supposed to be able to adjust to sit at some angle. So unless you always use it at the horizontal position, what you are describing about it taking tools to change the belt is just not true. And so what? How often do you change the belt? Or couldn't you get use to working with the belt table at a slight incline? I hope this video gets better or I'll have wasted my time.
I was surprised that the old one didn't have more power. I'm also surprised you didn't take that old one and throw it in the trash years ago with how poor it's performance is 😲 Have a Jesus filled day everyone Greg in Michigan
They don't make them like they used to, they make them better. Way more powerful motors and the tooth belt is far superior. It is however unfortunate that the Ryobi engineers are not as smart as you Doug .
I would LOVE to have something like the old Reliant.
Regarding RPMs, the faster it runs, the hotter the belt gets and the quicker it wears out.
This was very surprising. I would have guessed the 30-year old motor had more torque regardless of speed and would have easily beat any consumer, off-the-shelf tool made today. One factor not considered is the wear on the old motor and the impact on the test. Regardless, another great video Doug.
I like this comparison. I wondered what you’ll do for a miter gauge or if you even need one. As far as dust collection goes, if you can’t find a cobra 90° hose to shoot out the side, I would use a hole saw and go through the side of the work be, provided nothing is in the way underneath. If you can slide a piece of hose on the outlet and through the table you could route some pvc pipe back though the side you stand at and attach a vacuum. Just my 2¢ worth. Happy New Years Doug!
Having owned the ryobi unit, ill have the reliant any day. in 30 years you will buy 25 ryobi units. they are unrepairable.
Looked like a review to me. 😊 Weld a wing nut onto the Allen screw ~ no tool needed. Happy New Year.
I bet that old Reliant has more power. It sounded like the belt was just slipping when it stalled. Id take that Reliant any day over the ryobi.
Yeah, a camera at the pulley coming right off the motor would have been helpful. He said the motor stalled, but I thought I still heard it spinning, and what I no longer heard was the turning of the belt and the rollers and stuff.
I believe the 30 year old motor needs a TLC and check the voltage. Vintage tools ALWAYS last forever 💪🏻
Same Ryobi I have. Just don't buy self-stick discs from the biggest online retailer, the ones I ordered and got were warped and don't stick. They unstick themselves.
Doug keep the old 1 there is a reason that 1 lasted 30 years
I've got a similar, probably older version of the Ryobi, which seems somewhat better enigineered than this one. Mine is a 220V BDS4600. That stop for instance, is located at the backside, so sanding belt change is effortless. The stop also consists of an adjustable metal bolt for fine tuning of the sanding table angle. Mine has been in use for many years and have given me good service. The toothed driving belt only lasts a few years, but replacement is easy. All the parts that really matter are made of metal. All in all an affordable, competent machine for the hobbyist.
Good comparison. I think the old one was less noisy compared to the new one which might be a plus.
Good video. I just replaced an even older version of the Taiwan-made combo sander with the Rikon (same as Ryobi), I certainly prefer the newer one.
Rikon is a couple steps up in general from Ryobi.
This model is sold under many name brands. Just differentcolors. Grizzly Industrial, WEN, Harbor Freight, Performax (Menards).
Thanks, good info to know. As I am looking at getting a sander like that. You read my mind LOL
Maybe you could teach Adam to use one of those....LMAO
Great job! Love how you think things thru! Impressive and easy to understand!
Fair overview & informative. I have a LOT of Ryobi tools, outdoor & shop tools, corded,18v & gas, some of 'em I love, some I don't. But I always appreciate an unbiased, honest overview, thanks neighbor Doug.
Some improvements with the new one. The switch location is so much better and safer. What is the comparison of the motors? I'm sure you'll find a way to make the dust situation work better for you. Good comparison. The release lever seemed rather cheap and flimsy.
13:27 Don't trust the angle gauge for the table. Use a square on the table against the wheel to get the 90° correct. Or any other angle gauge.
I am impressed and surprised by the results of your tests. Thanks
Thanks for the review. Merry Christmas to you and your entire family.
Interesting comparison.
IME, older machines are built for durability, newer are disposable. However, state of the art technological improvements work their way into low-end models pretty quickly. It really depends what’s important for your application/how handy you are.
Kind of like new washing machines - all improvements are in features… compromises are in longevity. There are literally no washing machines built like tanks with bare-bone features, i’ve looked far&wide!
Great testing idea! I was predicting that the old school sander would be way better!
That stall test wasn't very fair. The old sander had a worn drive belt with a lot of torn belt fuzz on it's pulley side that slipped but you can hear that the motor kept running. A new belt properly tensioned on the old sander would have been fair.
Agree. There was a lot of walking of the belt on that old one as well.
I would have thought with the size of the older sander’s motor that it would have more power. Go figure. Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year
Welp if i have already have one, I'll fix and upgrade it myself instead of buying a new one, I like doing some side project and stuff on tools. xd
I like the old one, it's looks more robust.
Heck man, two rocks and a stick are leaps and bounds better than ryobi
I wouldn't have changed out the old one until.... the stall test. Another great video Doug. Thank you
It's the only real test that he tried to do. The rest of the video was just his preferences based upon how his shop is laid out.
This was really useful as I’m looking at a UK-version of this Ryobi sander made by Clarke. Thanks Doug
I have to say I was surprised at the results. The Reliant looks to be of higher quality, but the test results don't lie. Enjoy your new belt sander! Hope you have a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year!
It is, but technology has come a long way. Put a modern motor on that old reliant and I bet this would've been a very different story.
Id say the test results do lie, as he is obviously replacing the unit for a reason, best guess would be that after 30 years the motor is tired and worn out...The rest of the comparison is great, but who in their right mind would replace an all steel unit thats worked for 30 years with a plastic one made in china...Having the motor rebuilt or buying a replacement motor for the old unti and then redoing the test would be much more accurate...
@@Jaimec1980 The Ryobi is basically what Harbor Freight is selling for $119 right now. The old Reliant one I have found one from 1994 on Craigslist, but came here trying to find out if that was basically a HF version of the day. Unfortunately as you say, this video doesn't totally help me cause if the one I've found on CL has a fairly unused motor, then I might have a pretty decent find. But if it is old and tired, then who knows. I thought I heard the motor still running though and it seemed to be slipping at the motor shaft pulley to belt, but the camera wasn't focused there. IDK. He pointed out a lot things that were just specific to where he wanted to sit it on the bench. That's like saying my bandsaw sucks cause I put it in a spot in my shop where the left-side dust port on it interferes with the outfeed table for my table saw. And it works for now and I can still get my vacuum to it, but I know that when I build a real base for the old kitchen island and don't just use sawhorses, that I'll have to figure some other layout for my big tools. But that's not the tool's fault in any way.
The unit from Harbor Freight is made in the same chinese factory as ryobi and 50 bucks cheaper. Also way easier to get warranty replacement.
$119 as of Dec 2023, not sure what the Ryobi going for right now, seems $185 on Amazon. His old one basically still for sale at HF for $80. Of course, high-end ones of that design are going for $800.... LOL
How many amps is your old Reliance motor? I am so curious. Because it's a HUGE motor, and a beautiful motor. I am surprised that it stalled so easily. I'm guessing it's only about 2.5 to 3.5 amps. Can you check? I bet if you put a clamp meter (ohms meter amp tester) across one of the 120 volt wires, you'd only see about 2.5 amps when it's running, based on my wild speculation with how easy it stopped. I tested one of my 16 amp 1.5 horsepower ball bearing motors, and it measured 10 amps without a load. I tested a 1 horsepower 14 amp motor "sleeve bearing" motor, and it had 11 amps no load.
I can check it out.
You have no idea if the belt on the Ryobi has kevlar in it or something. I feel like the quiet garage door openers now have them and they do fine. My table saw has a newer rubber belt link kind of thing, and it's plenty tough and reduces vibes which is always a good thing. I have to believe there is something in that which is more than just the typical older style belt material.
Boy, it sure didn't sound like the motor stopped on the reliant. Did you watch the pulley on the motor and see it stop? That motor has a centrifugal switch in it. I heard it engage and disengage when you turned the belt sander on and off but I didn't hear it when you claim it stalled. Just my two cents worth.
Pretty cool video! I was surprised with the power difference for the ryobi being as inexpensive as it is
Hey Doug very informative and entertaining, very clever idea on new sander . Thanks keep bringing awesome videos. Craig Pa
You could install a larger pulley to get more speed on the older unit. On the older did motor stop or did the drive belt slip? Is there a adjustment to tighten up the belt? I have a blue Ryobi version of yours and it’s held up for limited use it gets.
The motor stopped. More speed would make it stall even easier I do believe.
@@OneEyeCustoms Nope you are wrong Sir. . . . Go back and watch you video and you will hear the motor running and the belt is slipping. It was the belt slipping that stopped the sanding belt. Now if it had a toothed belt it would have walked the test and smoked the new one !! Believe me I have both types too.
Well, it's a Ryobi. Not the best, not the worst but it also doesn't make sense to spend big money on a cadillac brand when it wont see heavy use.
The details of where features are and how it messes with your quite oddly set up workbench are of no consequence to us viewing this.
I suspect that old motor is worn out. What is the HP rating for each? The new one definitely has some better designs, but sure looks cheap.
Who's gonna use such a heavy piece on a belt sander? Interesting demonstration though!
I wound if that bracelet was put on that side as a safety. So if the belt came off it wouldn’t hit you.
Sorry, no disrespect but you are Not being factual on the stall test, on your old sander it 100% was the belt slipping, it is very easy to hear that it is the pulley slipping on the cracked, glazed worn out junk belt . It did not stall the motor, not even close, the belt was slipping on the motor Drive pulley. I would love to have your old sander, a few simple changes and it will way outperform the much cheaper build Ryobi . 1) install a Cog style automotive alternator belt to replace that totally worn dead noodle you currently have. 2) for more belt speed increase the motor pulley up one size larger, make sure to measure the amperage draw of the motor while under heavy load to make sure you are within motors rating plate . Regarding the disk plate grooves simply add a thin piece of aluminum or Teflon to the surface held on with a few counter sunk screws.
That old unit is a much better sander if I had the choice between the two I would put the Ryobi back in the store you got it from.
Just bought this sander, looks like I made a good decision. Thanks for the comparison.
Great side by side comparison! Nice swap out on the bracket. For the dust port hookup, if you know FOR SURE the sander will remain in that spot for its lifetime, you can drill a hole in the table adjacent to the port opening and slide a vacuum hose under the work bench and out of view. I was shocked the Ryobi was running twice the speed of the Reliant!
I was shocked also, but happy it was was! I wanted one that ran faster!
Don't get a Craftsman. I bought a Craftsman for $100 used, because it looked brand new, and it is basically brand new. But it's so shitty that it barely starts. I mean, it just BARELY starts, and that's only if you plug it directly into the wall, with no extension cord. I think the motor is somewhere around 2.5 amps. It has no starting torque at all. Once it's going, it seems to work well. But you almost have to push the belt a little, to nudge it to start. Also, I noticed a horrible design, the big aluminum rollers have no ball bearings, and no sleeve bearings, it's just aluminum on a shaft. Unbelievable. I bought a larger Harbor Freight 1 horsepower 9" disc with 6" x 48" belt sander, and it has TONS of power, and has large ball bearings on the pulleys. The problem with the Harbor Freight is the power switch is so small, and it's covered with a waterproof rubber cover, and you can BARELY turn it on and off, which isn't ideal.
Nice video neighbor Doug ❤
Doug just starting the video.. so a little off topic: thoughts on the Black & Decker Workmate collapsible bench? I was just given one from the early 70’s. It needs some TLC.. figured you had one and customized it! Thanks and happy new year
I have one, but I’m not sure if it is the same as what you have. I will be doing a video on it and other types of portable work areas here soon.
@@OneEyeCustoms Amazing thank you. I believe mine is model 625. It’s cast aluminum from 1975. Looking forward to your video! On topic: my arsenal is Ryobi so glad to see this video. Thanks again
Is the reliant for sale? Interested..
No sir, keeping it for now. Thanks for watching!
Waiting to see what you do with the old belt sander. You seem to be like me, you'll make something out of it.
DOUG, Ryobi, or any other company should put you on the payroll !!! R &D.... Cause, You always got a better way!
Thanks,and Have a great New Year .
"unloosen" actually means "tighten"
You mean "loosen it"
the old one is all metal and the new one is all plastic it looks like haha.. that's the problem nowadays
You are 100% correct on all levels!
@@OneEyeCustoms still looks like it did a good job overall. Like you said though, how long will it last.
Don't sell the old one keep it!!! new stuff are throw aways now and cheap made!!!
Why didn't they just put the stop on the backside?
@Nick F I have no idea, it just didn’t make sense to me the way it was made.
@@OneEyeCustoms Should've known you'd have a fix, just needed to keep watching. As soon as you mentioned it all I could think is why is that not on the backside.
Nope you are wrong Sir. . . . Go back and watch you video and you will hear the motor running and the belt is slipping on the power comparison test. It was the belt slipping that stopped the sanding belt. Now if it had a toothed belt it would have walked the test and smoked the new one !! Believe me I have both types too.
Well sir, please watch it again. The disc stops moving as well. The sound you hear is the motor stalled out but still energized. I have owned this for thirty years, I am 💯 certain you telling me I am wrong is incorrect. I can stall the motor out as well on the disc side also. The pulley bolted directly to the motor stops turning, therefore will not turn the belt therefore not turn the disc or sanding belt.
@@OneEyeCustoms The disc is on the same shaft as the driving roller of the bench. He's talking about the shaft/pulley at the motor end of belt. Christ, bunch a morons commenting on how great your test is and you proved absolutely nothing!
@@OneEyeCustoms Why didn't you show the motor shaft on the video?!
I have the Fox Shop brand I bet made on same production line. Mine is 2 years old what little I've used it no complaints :) Belts I buy on Amazon BTW 😀
Did you poke a hole in the US flag to hang your sign over the front of it?
I used to eyelets
The 30 year old sander has already proven itself.
My old reliable workhorse 80's belt/disc grinder is a similar design to yours, down to the awkwardly placed pull-on power switch. I wouldn't swap it for anything though, maybe! 🤔😉
How does the machine work?
An electric motor spins a sanding belt to remove stock from many types of materials.
A simple 1½"-2" PVC Elbow (and hole in the mounting base) should take care of your HVAC!
I'm nitpicking, but I'm sorry, you are pointing out really dumb things. The belt is supposed to be able to adjust to sit at some angle. So unless you always use it at the horizontal position, what you are describing about it taking tools to change the belt is just not true. And so what? How often do you change the belt? Or couldn't you get use to working with the belt table at a slight incline? I hope this video gets better or I'll have wasted my time.
I was surprised that the old one didn't have more power.
I'm also surprised you didn't take that old one and throw it in the trash years ago with how poor it's performance is 😲
Have a Jesus filled day everyone
Greg in Michigan
👍
They don't make them like they used to, they make them better. Way more powerful motors and the tooth belt is far superior. It is however unfortunate that the Ryobi engineers are not as smart as you Doug .
Well, it appears that the Ryobi belt is shorter. Not necessarily faster.