Doug: It's worked fine for me, I mean files are fine but this makes it a lot easier when you know the kinks.
Of course working with the machine is easier than filing; that's why we have them. But working with files is simply a reminder that the machines do not always perform as expected.
I think what Doug is trying to say is that using files is a viable alternative until you sort out the problems with your machine, if they can be sorted out.
I'm trying to get help from some site, I think i'll have it fixed by the end of this week hopefully. It's been about 2 years or so since I got it so I don't think I can return it any longer the warranty is for 1 year.
Best of luck with it. So you're in the dilemma of having your sander down trying to sort out the kinks. Just remember that many products still cause problems due to design. So if you cannot figure out a way to correct the tracking/tension problem with your particular machine, you are faced with two choices:
1. Modify the current machine.
2. Switch to a design which easier accommodates your purposes.
Which is better, making one or buying one?
This depends on your time, budget, and skills.
See below.
I have both purchased and built many types of sanders over the years. Some of these machines could easily accommodate an entire household door. So bear with me, because I have to sort of "think backwards" here.
Buying
If you have immediate needs (probably not, considering this is not how you're earning your living) and have the money available, purchasing a proven design is a viable option. It's then only a plug-and-play matter of getting right to work.
Building
For those with budget concerns (and who doesn't have those?!), building is a way to get a quality tool, provided you're using a good design and are resourceful enough.
For knifemaking, the most popular designs are based on a 2x72 belt for various good reasons.
There are many "levels of completion" in the kits offered, and the level you need will depend on your abilities to finish the project.
For plans, I highly recommend checking with BossDog (Tracey Mickley).
http://www.usaknifemaker.com/plans-for-the-no-weld-grinder-sander-nearly-50-pages-p-723.html
Following these plans will allow you to build a quality grinder at your own pace. No special fabrication skills (such as welding) are needed.
You can even source the materials a little at a time.
If you want an approach that is less "from the ground up", Wayne Coe offers various levels of kits. Wayne is a member of this forum and is also a great person to do business with.
There are many other sources as well.
Check out this thread and
study the different designs in the photos:
http://knifedogs.com/showthread.php?7390-World-s-best-thread-about-grinders...
In the meantime, I would learn how to get the most out of what you currently have, and supplement any shortcomings with handwork while building the better machine (or building up funds to purchase one). You need the experience with handwork- this is what teaches you the basics of the material with which you're working, and the experience also teaches you what features/abilities
you need in a machine before plunking down cash/time on something that may or may not be suitable for your needs.
There are many people out there who do truly awesome work with very little.
Whatever you decide, you'll get plenty of help.
Good Luck,
Rob